[House Report 110-920]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]



110th Congress                                                   Report
                        HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
 2d Session                                                     110-920

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



 
  FINANCIAL SERVICES AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS BILL, 2009

                                _______
                                

 December 10, 2008.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on 
            the State of the Union and ordered to be printed

                                _______
                                

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

                              R E P O R T

                             together with

                            ADDITIONAL VIEWS

                        [To accompany H.R. 7323]

    The Committee on Appropriations submits the following 
report in explanation of the accompanying bill making 
appropriations for financial services and general government 
for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2009.

                        INDEX TO BILL AND REPORT

_______________________________________________________________________


                                                            Page number

                                                            Bill Report
Introduction to the Financial Services and General 
    Government Appropriations Bill.........................
                                                                      2
Operating plan and reprogramming procedures................
                                                                     10
Relationship with budget offices...........................
                                                                     11
Quality of budget justification documents..................
                                                                     11
Committee hearings.........................................
                                                                     12
Program, project, and activity.............................
                                                                     12
Title I--Department of the Treasury........................     2
                                                                     12
Title II--Executive Office of the President and Funds 
    Appropriated to the President..........................    18
                                                                     36
Title III--The Judiciary...................................    33
                                                                     47
Title IV--District of Columbia.............................    44
                                                                     53
Title V--Independent Agencies:.............................    58
                                                                     59
        Consumer Product Safety Commission.................    58
                                                                     59
        Election Assistance Commission.....................    58
                                                                     60
        Federal Communications Commission..................    59
                                                                     63
        Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation..............    61
                                                                     65
        Federal Election Commission........................    61
                                                                     65
        Federal Labor Relations Authority..................    61
                                                                     66
        Federal Trade Commission...........................    62
                                                                     66
        General Services Administration....................    64
                                                                     68
        Merit Systems Protection Board.....................    77
                                                                     79
        Morris K. Udall Foundation.........................    78
                                                                     79
        National Archives and Records Administration.......    79
                                                                     80
        National Credit Union Administration...............    81
                                                                     84
        Office of Government Ethics........................    81
                                                                     85
        Office of Personnel Management.....................    82
                                                                     85
        Office of Special Counsel..........................    85
                                                                     89
        Postal Regulatory Commission.......................    86
                                                                     90
        Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board........    86
                                                                     90
        Securities and Exchange Commission.................    87
                                                                     91
        Selective Service System...........................    88
                                                                     93
        Small Business Administration......................    89
                                                                     93
        United States Postal Service.......................    94
                                                                    102
        United States Tax Court............................    95
                                                                    103
Title VI--General Provisions--This Act.....................    95
                                                                    104
Title VII--General Provisions--Government-wide: 
    Departments, Agencies, and Corporations................   104
                                                                    106
Title VIII--General Provisions, District of Columbia.......   140
                                                                    110
House of Representatives Report Requirements:
        Constitutional authority...........................
                                                                    111
        Statement of general performance goals and 
            objectives.....................................
                                                                    111
        Appropriations not authorized by law...............
                                                                    111
        Transfers of funds.................................
                                                                    113
        Compliance with rule XIII, clause 3(e) (Ramseyer 
            rule)..........................................
                                                                    115
        Rescissions........................................
                                                                    126
        Changes in the application of existing law.........
                                                                    126
        Comparison with the budget resolution..............
                                                                    137
        Five-year outlay projections.......................
                                                                    137
        Financial assistance to state and local governments
                                                                    138
        Earmarks...........................................
                                                                    138
        Full Committee votes...............................
                                                                    151
        Tabular summary of the bill........................
                                                                    152
Additional Views...........................................
                                                                    168

     Introduction to the Financial Services and General Government 
                          Appropriations Bill

    The programs funded within the Financial Services and 
General Government Appropriations Bill touch the lives of 
nearly every American.
           Anyone who completes a Federal income tax 
        form relies on the Internal Revenue Service programs in 
        this bill.
           Small business owners and their customers 
        benefit from the Small Business Administration's 
        activities to promote entrepreneurship and the growth 
        of small enterprises.
           Consumers who are worried about dangerous 
        toys and other products can turn to the Consumer 
        Product Safety Commission for help in removing these 
        products from the shelves.
           A citizen voting in a Federal election is 
        more confident that his or her vote will be counted 
        accurately because of the funding provided for Help 
        America Vote Act programs.
           If an American walks into a Federal office 
        building or courthouse, the chances are good that the 
        building is there because of capital investments made 
        by the General Services Administration.
           Federal civilian employees of the Executive 
        and Judicial branches of government--roughly two 
        million people--are directly affected by this bill in 
        terms of their pay and work environment.
    The list of examples goes on. Every agency funded by this 
bill has an important role in the basic operation of the United 
States Government. This bill can be referred to as the ``good 
government bill'' since the funding it provides is essential to 
meeting the high standards the American public should demand 
from its government.
    Unfortunately, over the past several years, government 
services have become deficient in many respects. There is a lot 
of work to be done to correct the penurious fiscal policies 
that have hamstrung the government's ability to fulfill 
important missions and serve the public. The American people 
deserve better. The fiscal year 2008 version of this bill began 
an effort to reverse this trend, and the fiscal year 2009 bill 
will continue with that effort. This bill will focus on 
supporting several programs and activities that are important 
to serving the American people, including programs relating to 
consumer protection, financial education and assistance, small 
business development, and the basics of good government 
services.

Consumer protection:

    Consumer protection is one of the key areas of emphasis for 
this bill. Several agencies receive appropriations to support 
activities that safeguard consumers.
    The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is charged 
with reducing the unreasonable risk of injury associated with 
more than 15,000 consumer products. The CPSC announced 472 
product recalls during fiscal year 2007, which included a 
number of well-publicized recalls of unsafe children's 
products. However, the Commission's effectiveness in recent 
years was hampered by the loss of staff and the lack of 
resources to support innovative information technology and 
product testing infrastructure. This severely limited the 
Commission's capacity for early identification of product 
hazards, vigorous compliance activities, and dissemination of 
consumer information.
    The fiscal year 2008 Financial Services appropriations bill 
provided a substantial (27.7 percent) increase in the CPSC's 
budget to bring the Commission back on track. The Commission is 
expected to staff up to 444 positions by the end of fiscal year 
2008, which will, among other things, substantially improve its 
ability to inspect imported products at our nation's ports of 
entry. The upgrade of the Commission's product testing 
laboratory will also be well underway. For fiscal year 2009, 
this bill continues the progress toward restoring the strength 
of the CPSC by providing an appropriation of $100,000,000.
    The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is another agency with 
significant consumer protection responsibilities. The 
Commission actively fights and prosecutes financial fraud, 
including deceptive and unfair practices relating to subprime 
mortgage lending. The FTC also takes actions to enhance 
corporate data security, guard against identity theft, and 
ensure privacy. Consumer privacy has become a major issue with 
the growth of Internet commerce, and the FTC should be working 
to increase consumer confidence that personal information 
transmitted over the Internet will not be used in illegal, 
intrusive, or inappropriate ways. In addition to its consumer 
protection mission, the FTC maintains a vigorous antitrust 
program. This program also benefits consumers by keeping prices 
low through the promotion of competition. Included in this bill 
is a fiscal year 2009 appropriation for the FTC of 
$259,200,000.
    Another regulatory agency with a consumer protection role 
is the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The FCC 
oversees a rapidly changing and expanding telecommunications 
environment that determines how we use television, radio, the 
Internet, and telephones. Perhaps the most prominent example of 
how consumers are affected by the FCC relates to the upcoming 
switch from analog to digital signals for television 
broadcasting. The FCC has adopted rules and conducted consumer 
education programs to prepare the nation for the digital 
television transition. This effort must be expanded to ensure 
that all consumers are aware of their options leading up to the 
February 17, 2009 transition date. The FCC also acts to protect 
consumers from privacy violations such as the unauthorized use 
of phone records. To help expand all of these consumer-related 
activities, this bill includes a funding increase of 
$25,875,000 over the current fiscal year.
    Investor protection needs to be strengthened along with 
other forms of consumer protection. The Securities and Exchange 
Commission (SEC) oversees over 10,000 publicly traded 
companies, about 10,800 investment advisers, and roughly 6,000 
broker dealers. A major function of this oversight is the 
promotion of confidence in the nation's capital markets. If 
investors lose confidence in these markets, they will not 
function successfully. The SEC's investigation and enforcement 
activities are essential to assuring investors that the markets 
are fair. This bill includes $928,000,000 for the SEC.

Financial education and assistance:

    This bill works to promote financial education and 
assistance in a number of ways. Programs supporting financial 
literacy and education, assistance to taxpayers, and financial 
services to disadvantaged communities are among the efforts 
funded within this bill.
    Financial literacy: Funding is provided for the Office of 
Financial Education at the Department of the Treasury, which 
works to promote nationwide access to financial education tools 
related to saving, credit management, home ownership and 
retirement planning. It also coordinates the activities of the 
Financial Literacy and Education Commission, chaired by the 
Secretary of the Treasury and comprised of representatives from 
20 Federal departments, agencies, and commissions. The 
Financial Literacy and Education Commission is involved in 
developing the Federal Government's National Strategy for 
Financial Literacy.
    The bill also funds the SEC's investor education programs, 
which are implemented through the Commission's Office of 
Investor Education and Outreach. This Office distributes 
information, participates in educational events, and performs 
related tasks designed to increase investors' ability to make 
informed investment decisions. A specific focus of the Office 
is education for senior citizens, who, unfortunately, are 
frequent targets of investment fraud.
    Taxpayer Assistance: The Commissioner of Internal Revenue 
noted in testimony before the subcommittee that ``the Internal 
Revenue Service and its employees represent the face of U.S. 
government to more American citizens than any other government 
agency.'' This bill places a strong emphasis on the taxpayer 
service function of the IRS by providing $2,210,000,000 for 
Taxpayer Services. The IRS provides a variety of services to 
taxpayers to help them comply with their tax obligations, 
through the IRS web site, 1-800 help line, IRS Taxpayer 
Assistance Centers, the IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service, 
partnerships with non-profit organizations, and other efforts. 
Currently, the IRS is working with the National Taxpayer 
Advocate and the IRS Oversight Board to develop and implement 
the congressionally mandated Taxpayer Assistance Blueprint, 
aimed at crafting long-term taxpayer services strategies that 
address the needs and preferences of taxpayers.
    As the IRS has frequently noted, both taxpayer service and 
tax law enforcement are important components in ensuring tax 
compliance; it is not an either/or proposition. As is also the 
case with IRS enforcement, IRS taxpayer services require a 
significant funding commitment from the Federal Government 
every year. However, the Committee believes it is important to 
note that while taxpayer services cost money, they ultimately 
save far more money, for two reasons.
    First, taxpayer services help honest taxpayers navigate the 
complexities of the tax system, making it more likely that 
taxpayers will file correct returns. This allows the IRS to 
minimize the number of enforcement actions taken after the fact 
against honest taxpayers, allowing the IRS to allocate its 
enforcement resources more fairly and efficiently, toward cases 
of truly criminal tax fraud.
    Second, taxpayer services help bring additional revenue to 
the U.S. Treasury by ensuring that taxpayers ultimately 
understand their tax obligations and pay what they owe. The IRS 
has estimated that the ``tax gap,'' the difference between what 
is owed annually and what is paid on time, is $345 billion. A 
sustained commitment to funding taxpayer services will help 
reduce the tax gap by bringing in more revenue to help pay for 
important government services.
    The Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) 
Fund: The CDFI Fund helps enhance the ability of community 
development financial institutions to provide credit, capital, 
and financial services--including financial education--to 
underserved populations and economically distressed 
communities. In support of these efforts, the bill provides 
$105,000,000 for the CDFI Fund, which is $76,380,000 over the 
President's request. The appropriation for the CDFI Fund is a 
wise and cost-effective investment that will help expand both 
low-cost financial services and economic development in 
distressed communities throughout the country.
    The CDFI Fund has played an important and helpful role in 
communities suffering the most from the housing crisis. An 
estimated 60 percent of community development financial 
institutions engage in mortgage-related activities, such as 
offering affordable mortgage products, mortgage counseling, 
financial education and homebuyer education courses, and 
downpayment assistance. Of the financial and technical 
assistance grants awarded by the CDFI Fund in fiscal year 2007, 
35 percent were awarded to entities that are involved in 
addressing the problems of predatory lending and housing 
foreclosures. Increased appropriations for the CDFI Fund will 
allow for more of these efforts by community development 
financial institutions across the country.
    In addition, CDFI Fund investments are used by community 
development banks and credit unions to expand financial 
services to unbanked customers who too often must rely on 
expensive payday lenders and other high cost financial 
services. The funding provided in this bill will allow tens of 
thousands of low-income individuals to open bank accounts and 
obtain alternatives to payday loans.

Small business development:

    Small businesses are facing difficult challenges as the 
economy weakens and turmoil continues in the credit markets. 
Tighter and more expensive credit makes it more difficult for 
small enterprises to invest in improvements, hire more 
employees (or keep the ones they have), and expand into new 
markets. This is especially true for the smallest of these 
enterprises--those with 20 or fewer employees. The smaller the 
company, the more difficult it is to find adequate sources of 
financing. Smaller enterprises rely on credit cards more than 
any other type of financing and pay high rates of interest on 
their credit card balances.
    The success of small businesses is crucial to the health of 
the nation's economy. According to the Small Business 
Administration (SBA), small businesses employ about half of all 
nonfarm private sector workers and pay more than 45 percent of 
the nation's total private payroll. They create 60 to 80 
percent of net new jobs entering the economy.
    The SBA operates many programs, such as its flagship 7(a) 
loan guarantee program, that make it easier for small companies 
to find financing. Another helpful credit program to the 
smallest businesses is the SBA Microloan program. This program 
supports loans that assist businesses with financing needs of 
$35,000 or less. The Committee is concerned about how the 
turmoil in the credit markets is affecting the availability of 
capital for small businesses. SBA programs should be helping 
during this time to increase access to capital, but loans under 
the 7(a) program have declined substantially during the first 
half of 2008. The Committee notes that borrowers participating 
in the 7(a) program have faced increases in fees and interest 
rates over the past few years, which make such financing more 
expensive. Similarly, the Administration's proposals for the 
Microloan program would increase the cost of capital for 
participating small businesses. This, in turn, hurts the 
ability of these businesses to invest, expand, and create jobs. 
This bill supports small businesses by appropriating funds for 
both the 7(a) and Microloan programs.
    The Administration has also proposed reduced funding for 
grants to Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs). The 
fiscal year 2008 Financial Services bill provided $97,120,000, 
an increase of about $10,000,000 from the prior year, for SBDCs 
so that they may grow in their mission of providing a wide 
array of counseling services and training to entrepreneurs in 
their communities. This bill continues the commitment to this 
program by providing $110,000,000. SBDCs have demonstrated 
track records of helping businesses succeed and grow, which in 
turn generates increased local, state, and Federal tax 
revenues. Based on a study of the economic impact of SBDCs, a 
$10 million reduction in funding for SBDCs (which is called for 
in the Administration's budget) translates into an estimated 
loss of $24.9 million in tax revenues. Clearly, proposals for 
cuts to this program are penny wise and pound foolish.
    These cuts to small business programs fall hardest on 
entrepreneurs who are struggling to lift themselves and their 
families out of poverty. Small businesses in disadvantaged, 
low-income, and underserved communities must overcome 
tremendous challenges to be successful, and they can least cope 
with cutbacks in assistance. This bill promotes efforts to help 
these businesses, including increased funding for the Program 
for Investment in Microentrepreneurs (PRIME), which is targeted 
toward low- and very low-income small business owners. Funding 
for PRIME increases from $3,000,000 to $6,000,000 in this bill.
    In addition to the SBA, Treasury's CDFI Fund is an 
important factor in the success of small businesses in 
underserved and distressed communities. By providing grants, 
loans, capital investments, and technical assistance to 
community development banks, community development credit 
unions, microenterprise loan funds, and similar financial 
institutions, the CDFI Fund spurs small business growth and 
economic development. As noted previously, this bill includes 
$105,000,000 for the CDFI Fund.

Supporting the basics of good government:

    The Federal Government must have adequate resources to 
deliver effective services to the nation. These resources 
include both well-trained and responsive human capital and up-
to-date physical capital. Unfortunately, the needs of both the 
Federal workforce and Federal facilities have been neglected 
for too long. The current Administration has cut back on 
resources for basic government services, relied more on 
contractors and less on career civil servants, and allowed the 
physical infrastructure of government to deteriorate. There has 
been too little emphasis on strengthening the Federal workforce 
so that it has the best skills to accomplish the missions of 
its agencies. These ill-advised policies result in a government 
that is distant from the people it should serve; government 
needs to return to being accessible and helpful to all 
Americans.
    Government contracting oversight: In fiscal year 2007, the 
U.S. Government spent $430 billion in contracts, which is over 
three percent of the nation's entire Gross Domestic Product. It 
is also a 96 percent increase over the contracting level when 
the current Administration entered office. The sheer volume of 
Federal contracting, and the little oversight that seems to 
accompany many major procurements at the agency level is of 
concern to the Committee, and this concern is shared by others. 
The Government Accountability Office continues to rank 
government contracting as a high-risk area, and independent 
reports have confirmed that contracting is a key challenge for 
the government. There has been little cross agency strategy and 
a general lack of oversight once contracts have been awarded. 
Unfortunately, the Iraq war has demonstrated the problems that 
arise when contractors are granted free reign to pursue their 
own tactics with little guidance from the contracting officers 
and agency leaders. The BlackwaterUSA debacle, the Halliburton 
no-bid contracts and overcharges, and revelations about 
improper influence relating to a $50 million Air Force contract 
are just a few examples. The government must gain control over 
its contracts. It must do a better job of recognizing problems 
before they become untenable, setting clear objectives and 
controls in the contracts, and not allowing contracting firms 
to gain monopoly status over agency objectives. This bill 
provides funding for the General Services Administration (GSA), 
which manages an annual business volume of nearly $50 billion 
in contracts, roughly 11 percent of total Federal procurements. 
The Committee expects GSA and its Inspector General to exercise 
vigorous oversight over these contracts. The bill also provides 
funding for the Office of Management and Budget, which, through 
its Office of Federal Procurement Policy, should play an 
essential role in government-wide contracting oversight.
    The Committee is also concerned about the potential 
vulnerabilities in the Federal workplace stemming from the 
increasing number of Federal contract employees present at 
agency offices. Contractor employees are increasingly working 
side-by-side with Federal career employees, and in many cases 
these contractors are the face that the public sees when they 
are interacting with an agency. An important difference between 
a Federal employee and a contractor employee is that the 
contractor is ultimately responsible to the company that 
employees him or her, not the Government and the American 
taxpayer. Contract employees are also not always subject to the 
same ethical safeguards as Federal employees; safeguards that 
are designed to ensure the integrity of the Federal workplace. 
This is disconcerting because contract employees may be exposed 
to a variety of ethically questionable situations resulting 
from their serving in the capacity of Federal employees. These 
include financial conflicts of interest, impartiality, misuse 
of information, misuse of authority, and misuse of government 
property. The Committee is encouraged that the Administration 
has taken steps through its Federal Acquisition Council to 
promote contract employee ethics, but would like to see further 
action taken to strengthen contractor ethics requirements. 
Included in this bill is funding for the Office of Government 
Ethics, an agency which can help address this important issue.
    Federal workforce: The Federal workforce performs essential 
work to deliver services to Americans. Federal workers do 
everything from protecting our public airports to administering 
programs that ensure our seniors have an adequate standard of 
living. The continuity of their work is essential. It has been 
well-publicized that a retirement ``tsunami'' is forthcoming, 
and the resulting loss of experience and institutional 
knowledge could cripple the Federal Government's ability to 
fulfill its basic responsibilities. Therefore, the Committee 
recommends that all Federal agencies, through guidance from the 
Office of Personnel Management (OPM), take further steps to 
ensure that the Federal workforce will be adequately staffed 
for years to come and that adequate succession plans are in 
place.
    The Committee is also concerned that strategic human 
capital management has been on the Government Accountability 
Office's high-risk list since 2001. While improvements have 
been made since 2001, agencies still struggle with how to best 
recruit, compensate, train, and motivate employees. OPM plays a 
critical role in guiding Federal human capital management. The 
Committee strongly encourages OPM to use the resources provided 
in this bill to strengthen strategic human capital management 
throughout the Federal Government.
    As part of this effort, the Committee believes that Federal 
agencies should take further steps toward workforce recruiting 
within the United States territories. The territories are home 
to thousands of U.S. citizens who may not be fully aware of the 
opportunities that exist within the Federal Government. Some 
agencies have taken steps to recruit from the territories, but 
others have not yet. The Committee recommends that OPM 
spearhead the effort to encourage individual agency human 
resource offices to take advantage of the talent pool that 
exists in these territories.
    Finally, laws that ensure that Federal workers are 
adequately protected against prohibited personnel practices 
need to be more vigorously enforced. These practices include, 
but are not limited to: discrimination of any nature, 
whistleblower retaliation, and political coercion. All of these 
practices are unacceptable. Federal agencies need to be on the 
offensive to prevent these prohibited personnel practices. The 
Committee recommends that each agency create the necessary 
policies or review their existing policies to educate employees 
and to prevent such activities, and that plans are in place to 
remedy such a situation should it ever occur.
    Election administration: Citizens need to be confident that 
when they cast a vote in an election, their votes are private 
and secure, the votes will be accurately counted, their polling 
places are accessible, and the way in which they cast their 
votes is clear and understandable. Unfortunately, the nation's 
experience in recent elections has raised more questions than 
answers and more concerns than assurances regarding these 
issues. Following the disputed 2000 election, Congress passed 
the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA) and established the 
Election Assistance Commission to help States and local units 
of government with election administration matters.
    This bill includes a total of $134,559,000 for the Election 
Assistance Commission. This amount includes funds to help 
States meet requirements under HAVA, research new technology to 
help make voting systems more accessible for the disabled, 
improve the testing and verification of voting systems, recruit 
and train badly needed poll workers, and give students a firm 
foundation in the electoral process through mock elections. 
These efforts will further demonstrate Congress's commitment to 
improve the way our election process works.
    Physical infrastructure investment: Across the nation, GSA 
owns or leases over 340 million square feet of space comprising 
8,920 buildings. In addition to office buildings where people 
perform the business of the Federal Government, GSA constructs 
other types of public buildings, such as border stations and 
courthouses. In the last two years, this Committee has invested 
nearly $16 billion in the infrastructure of the country's 
Federal assets, including funding for six Federal courthouses, 
and reconstruction of one of the most congested border 
crossings in the world.
    These infrastructure investments are guided by policies 
that strive to achieve excellence in many areas including 
energy efficiency, sensitivity to historical preservation, and 
urban development requirements. Infrastructure investments 
serve the nation as a whole by supporting facilities the 
government uses to carry out its business, but these 
investments also contribute to the strength and growth of the 
surrounding local communities.

              Operating Plan and Reprogramming Procedures

    The Committee will continue to evaluate reprogrammings 
proposed by agencies. Although reprogrammings may not change 
either the total amount available in an account or any of the 
purposes for which the appropriation is legally available, they 
represent a significant departure from budget plans presented 
to the Committee in an agency's budget justifications and 
supporting documents, which are the basis of this 
appropriations Act. The Committee expects agencies' 
reprogramming requests to thoroughly explain the reasons for 
the reprogramming and to include an assessment of whether the 
reprogramming will affect budget requirements for the 
subsequent fiscal year.
    Section 608 of this Act requires that agencies or entities 
funded by the Act notify the Committee and obtain prior 
approval from the Committee for any reprogramming of funds 
that: (1) creates a new program; (2) eliminates a program, 
project, or activity; (3) increases funds or personnel for any 
program, project, or activity for which funds have been denied 
or restricted by the Congress; (4) proposes to use funds 
directed for a specific activity by either the House or Senate 
Committees on Appropriations for a different purpose; (5) 
augments existing programs, projects, or activities in excess 
of $5,000,000 or 10 percent, whichever is less; (6) reduces 
existing programs, projects, or activities by $5,000,000 or 10 
percent, whichever is less; or (7) creates or reorganizes 
offices, programs, or activities.
    Additionally, the Committee expects to be promptly notified 
of all reprogramming actions which involve less than the above-
mentioned amounts if such actions would have the effect of 
significantly changing an agency's funding requirements in 
future years, or if programs or projects specifically cited in 
the Committee's reports are affected by the reprogramming. 
Reprogrammings meeting these criteria must be approved by the 
Committee regardless of the amount proposed to be moved.
    Section 608 also requires agencies to consult with the 
Committees on Appropriations prior to any significant 
reorganization or restructuring of offices, programs, or 
activities. This provision applies regardless of whether the 
reorganization or restructuring involves a reprogramming of 
funds. Agencies are encouraged to consult with the Committees 
early in the process so that any questions or concerns the 
Committees may have can be addressed in a timely manner.
    Agencies are directed under section 608 to submit operating 
plans for the Committee's review within 60 days of the bill's 
enactment. Each operating plan should include: (1) a table for 
each appropriation with a separate column to display the 
President's budget request, adjustments made by Congress, 
adjustments due to enacted rescissions, if appropriate, and the 
fiscal year enacted level; (2) a delineation in the table for 
each appropriation both by object class and program, project, 
and activity as detailed in the budget appendix for the 
respective appropriation; and (3) an identification of items of 
special congressional interest.

                    Relationship With Budget Offices

    Through the years, the Committee has channeled most of its 
inquiries and requests for information and assistance through 
the budget offices of the various departments, agencies, and 
commissions. There is a natural relationship between the work 
of the budget offices and the work of the Committee. Some 
agencies, however, direct that all congressional 
communications, both formal and informal, flow through their 
congressional liaison offices. While the Committee appreciates 
the work done by these offices and will continue to maintain 
strong working relationships with them, the Committee must 
insist on direct lines of communication with the budget 
offices. The nature of the Committee's work requires 
responsiveness from agencies that should not be hindered by 
layers of bureaucracy or filtered through third parties. This 
is particularly true with respect to technical budget 
assistance that the Committee relies upon the budget offices to 
provide. The Committee also reserves the right to call upon 
program and other offices as necessary.

               Quality of Budget Justification Documents

    Agencies are urged to work with the Committee to improve 
budget justification documents' quality and presentation by 
including relevant and specific budget and program information. 
The Committee recognizes and appreciates those agencies that 
have done so for the fiscal year 2009 budget. However, the 
Committee continues to be concerned about incomplete and 
inadequate budget justifications. The Committee believes that 
all budget justifications should include an explanation of each 
program, project, and activity's mission and purpose, along 
with a specific explanation of the proposed increases or 
decreases in funding from the current year. The Committee is 
concerned that there is an overemphasis in many budget 
justifications on subjective and misleading performance 
evaluation measures, specifically the Office of Management and 
Budget's Program Assessment Rating Tool (PART).
    Agencies should not consider PART evaluations to be a 
substitute for meaningful programmatic and budget data that the 
Committee relies on to prepare its bills. Further, the 
Committee strongly encourages the Administration to use a 
meaningful system of evaluation to justify proposed program 
funding levels, with such a system using factors that are 
objective, relevant, and developed in a collaborative manner 
with Congress. The Committee finds little use for a budget 
justification that does not reveal specific details of the 
measurable indicators and standards used to evaluate a 
program's performance, relevance, or adherence to underlying 
authorization statute. Further, the Committee has little 
patience for agency heads who cannot explain the rationale 
behind a program's funding level other than ``the PART score,'' 
``getting to green,'' or ``this is what OMB directed.'' The 
Committee welcomes the input from the agencies regarding 
program evaluation measures.
    Additionally, the Committee is extremely concerned about 
agencies that are late in submitting their budget justification 
documents. While the vast majority of agencies submitted their 
fiscal year 2009 budget documents on time, some agencies did 
not submit them until well after the President's budget was 
presented to Congress. That is inexcusable and will not be 
tolerated by the Committee.

                           Committee Hearings

    The Committee has conducted extensive hearings on the 
programs and projects provided for in this bill. Pursuant to 
House rules, each of these hearings was open to the public. The 
Committee received testimony from agency heads and other 
officials of the executive branch in areas under the bill's 
jurisdiction, as well as from certain non-government 
organizations that participated in these hearings. In addition, 
the Committee has considered written material submitted for the 
hearing record by private citizens and organizations. The bill 
recommendations for fiscal year 2009 have been developed after 
careful consideration of all the information available to the 
Committee.

                     Program, Project, and Activity

    During fiscal year 2009, for the purposes of the Balanced 
Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Public Law 
99-177), as amended, with respect to appropriations contained 
in the accompanying bill, the terms ``program, project, and 
activity'' shall mean any item for which a dollar amount is 
contained in an appropriations Act (including joint resolutions 
providing continuing appropriations) or accompanying reports of 
the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations, or 
accompanying conference reports and joint explanatory 
statements of the committee of conference. This definition 
shall apply to all programs for which new budget (obligational) 
authority is provided.

                  TITLE I--DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY


                          Departmental Offices


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................      $248,360,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................       273,895,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       275,395,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.....................       +27,035,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2009....................        +1,500,000


    The Departmental Offices' function in the Treasury 
Department is to provide basic support to the Secretary of the 
Treasury, the chief operating executive of the Department. The 
Secretary also has a primary role in formulating and managing 
the domestic and international tax and financial policies of 
the Federal Government. The Secretary's responsibilities funded 
by the Salaries and Expenses appropriation include: 
recommending and implementing United States domestic and 
international economic and tax policy; providing 
recommendations regarding fiscal policy; governing the fiscal 
operations of the Government; maintaining foreign assets 
control; managing the public debt; managing development of 
financial policy; representing the United States on 
international monetary, trade and investment issues; overseeing 
Treasury Department overseas operations; directing the 
administrative operations of the Treasury Department; and 
providing executive oversight of the bureaus within the 
Treasury Department.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $275,395,000 for Departmental 
Offices, Salaries and Expenses, $1,500,000 above the budget 
request and $27,035,000 above the amounts provided in fiscal 
year 2008. The funding recommendations are made based on 
information included in the budget justification. Language is 
included allowing the Department to transfer up to 4 percent 
between activities upon notification. Transfers may be made in 
excess of 4 percent upon approval of the House and Senate 
Appropriations Committees. Funds are to be allocated as 
follows:

Executive Direction.....................................     $21,592,000
Economic Policies and Programs..........................      45,853,000
Financial Policies and Programs.........................      35,435,000
Terrorism and Financial Intelligence....................      62,012,000
Treasury-wide Management Policies and Programs..........      19,009,000
Administration Programs.................................      91,494,000

    The Committee includes in its recommendation $258,000 for 
unforeseen emergencies; $5,232,443 for the Treasury-wide 
Financial Statement Audit and Internal Control program, which 
is available until September 30, 2010; $3,000,000 for 
information technology modernization requirements, which is 
available until September 30, 2010; $500,000 for secure space 
requirements, which is available until September 30, 2010; 
$1,100,000 available until September 30, 2010, for hiring of 
personnel whose work will require a security clearance 
investigation in order to perform highly classified work; 
$3,400,000 for development and implementation of programs 
within the Office of Critical Infrastructure Protection and 
Compliance Policy, which is available until September 30, 2011; 
$3,000,000 for modernization of the Office of Debt Management's 
information technology, which is available until September 30, 
2011; and $150,000 for official reception and representation 
expenses.

                             OPERATING PLAN

    The Committee directs the Department, upon enactment of the 
fiscal year 2009 Appropriations Act, to submit an operating 
plan for the fiscal year 2009 resources provided to the 
Department, including all offices and bureaus, not more than 60 
days after enactment. This requirement is further addressed by 
section 608 of this Act. The plan must include information on 
program increases and major procurements at the Department. The 
operating plan should incorporate input from all senior level 
managers of the Department, and once submitted, the final plan 
should be made available to those managers.

                          FINANCIAL EDUCATION

    Within the Financial Policies and Programs budget activity, 
the Committee provides an increase of $700,000 above the amount 
assumed in the President's request for the Department's Office 
of Financial Education. The Committee directs that this 
increase be specifically targeted toward financial education 
efforts aimed at elementary schools and high schools, as well 
as efforts aimed at combating predatory lending.

                           FORECLOSURE CRISIS

    The Committee notes that there continues to be a sharp rise 
in foreclosures associated with subprime and other alternative 
mortgages. The rise in foreclosures has led to multiple 
problems. Not only have hundreds of thousands of families lost 
their homes, but millions more homeowners have seen a decline 
in their home values as a result of being located near 
foreclosed homes. In 2007, the Department of the Treasury 
announced it had helped broker an alliance of mortgage lenders, 
servicers, counselors, and investors, known as the HOPE NOW 
alliance, to help homeowners stay in their homes, through loan 
repayment plans, loan modifications, and other potential 
remedies.
    However, a great many mortgages are not included in this 
voluntary initiative, including mortgages whose interest rate 
resets began prior to 2008, mortgages in which the homeowner 
has been more than 60 days delinquent on more than one payment 
over the past year, and others. A large number of these 
homeowners have entered, or soon will enter, foreclosure. In 
March 2008, nearly 3 percent of homes that were once owner-
occupied were vacant, up from less than 2 percent in 2005 and 
the highest level since the Census Bureau began publishing the 
number in 1956. In addition, the State Foreclosure Prevention 
Working Group, composed of state attorneys general and state 
banking regulators, reported in April 2008 that seven out of 
every ten seriously delinquent borrowers were not on track for 
any loss mitigation outcome.
    The Committee is greatly concerned that the total number of 
loan modifications has been, and continues to be, far exceeded 
by the number of foreclosures. During the first two months of 
2008, for example, more than three times as many borrowers 
entered foreclosure as received loan modifications. 
Furthermore, the Secretary of the Treasury himself has noted 
that the worst of the foreclosure crisis is still to come. The 
Committee is aware that Congress has been working to address 
this issue. At the same time, however, the Committee strongly 
urges the Department to step up its efforts to prevent 
foreclosures by all available means, including stepping up 
efforts to encourage HOPE NOW participants and others to make 
necessary mortgage modifications.

           THE OFFICE OF TERRORISM AND FINANCIAL INTELLIGENCE

    The Committee recommends $62,012,000 for the Office of 
Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, an increase of $300,000 
above the President's request and $5,237,000 above amounts 
provided in fiscal year 2008. Within the funds for the Office 
of Foreign Assets Control, not less than $300,000 is provided 
to increase, above fiscal year 2008 levels, efforts to reduce 
the backlog of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests.

                             OFAC AND CUBA

    The Committee is greatly concerned by the resource 
allocation decisions being made by OFAC, as noted in a November 
2007 report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO). 
The Committee wishes to emphasize that OFAC's resource 
allocation decisions should be made on the basis of the most 
pressing national security threats facing the United States. 
OFAC is responsible for administering and enforcing more than 
20 economic and trade sanctions programs, based on U.S. foreign 
policy and national security goals, against targeted foreign 
countries, terrorists, international narcotics traffickers, and 
proliferators of weapons of mass destruction. Yet, as the GAO 
report points out, Cuba embargo-related cases comprised 61 
percent of OFAC's investigatory caseload from 2000 through 
2006. In contrast, Cuba embargo-related cases comprise a minor 
part of the investigation caseloads of the Commerce 
Department's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)/Office of 
Export Enforcement and the Department of Homeland Security's 
Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (3 percent and 
0.2 percent, respectively).
    In addition, OFAC penalties for Cuba embargo violations 
represented more than 70 percent of OFAC's total penalties 
between 2000 and 2005. The report notes that most of these 
penalties were for infractions such as purchasing Cuban cigars. 
By contrast, Cuba embargo penalties comprised just 0.16 percent 
of the total penalties of BIS during the period of 2002-2006. 
The Commerce Department, the Department of Homeland Security's 
Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Justice 
Department reported undertaking relatively few investigations, 
penalties, and prosecutions of Cuba embargo violations.
    The Committee strongly concurs with GAO's recommendation 
that the Secretary of the Treasury direct OFAC to assess its 
allocation of resources for investigating and penalizing 
violations of the Cuba embargo with respect to the numerous 
other sanctions programs OFAC administers. The Committee 
directs the Department to report to the Committee within 60 
days of enactment of this Act as to the steps it is taking to 
assess OFAC's allocation of resources, along with any plans to 
reallocate OFAC resources. The Committee additionally directs 
the Department to provide, as part of its fiscal year 2009 
operating plan, the following information:
    (1) for each fiscal year from 2001 to 2008, the following 
information related to OFAC's Cuba-related licensing:
           the number of family travel licenses issued, 
        as well as the number denied;
           the number of religious travel licenses 
        issued; as well as the number denied;
           the number of academic travel licenses 
        issued; as well as the number denied;
           the number of licenses issued for the 
        various categories of permissible travel;
           the number of licenses denied for the 
        various categories of permissible travel;
           the number of fines issued;
           the average amount of fines;
           the total amount (in dollars) of fines 
        issued per violation category;
           the number of Cuba travel service providers 
        receiving licenses;
           the names of Cuba travel service providers 
        receiving licenses;
           the number of Full-time Equivalents (FTE) 
        used for issuing Cuba licenses; and
           the number of FTE used for issuing licenses 
        for Cuba travel service providers;
    (2) for each fiscal year from 2001 to 2008, the following 
information related to OFAC enforcement of the Cuba embargo:
           the number of FTE used for Cuba embargo 
        enforcement;
           the number of fines issued;
           the average amount of fines;
           the total amount (in dollars) of fines 
        issued, per violation category;
           the number of cases heard by OFAC 
        Administrative Law Judges, along with information on 
        whether these judges were OFAC's own, or whether they 
        were borrowed from other Government agencies;
           the average fine in these cases; and
           the total amount (in dollars) of fines 
        issued by these judges;
    (3) for each fiscal year from 1990 to 2008, the following 
information related to OFAC enforcement of the Cuba embargo:
           the total amount of fines collected in each 
        year;
           the number of travelers engaged in illegal 
        travel to Cuba and apprehended, as reported to OFAC, 
        along with statistics as to the points-of-entry where 
        travelers were apprehended;
           the number of cases against travelers that 
        were/are disputed by the traveler;
           the number of these cases that are settled;
           the average settlement amount; and
           the average time from the first notice sent 
        to the traveler until final settlement was reached;
    (4) for fiscal years 2007 and 2008, the number of FTE 
devoted to OFAC enforcement in the area of Foreign Terrorist 
Organizations.

      TREASURY'S MANAGEMENT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INVESTMENTS

    The Committee is concerned about the findings of a July 
2007 GAO report that found that while the Department has 
established many of the capabilities needed to select, control, 
and evaluate its information technology (IT) investments, the 
Department has significant weaknesses that hamper its ability 
to effectively manage its investments. Specifically, the report 
noted that Treasury did not have an executive investment review 
board--a group of executives from IT and business units that is 
intended to be the final decision-making authority--that is 
actively engaged in the IT investment management process. In 
addition, the Department did not have any policies and 
procedures for managing its nonmajor IT investments, although 
they represent almost 70 percent of the total number of 
investments. The Department plans to spend more than 
$2,900,000,000 on information technology in fiscal year 2008.
    The Committee is encouraged that the Department has since 
initiated efforts to improve its IT investment management 
process and recognizes the need to take proactive steps to 
strengthen its investment board operations and oversight of IT 
resources and programs. The Committee directs the Department to 
report to the Committee, within 90 days of enactment of this 
Act, on improvements that have been implemented or planned in 
this area, including progress in addressing GAO's 
recommendations.

                               TRAVEL CAP

    For the second year in a row, the Committee has not 
included a travel limitation, which was $3,000,000 in fiscal 
years 2006 and 2007. The Committee remains concerned about 
politically motivated travel, but understands that restricting 
the travel of all Treasury offices and bureaus may negatively 
impact mission operations. The Committee will continue to 
monitor travel and re-evaluate this position at the next 
appropriate time. Therefore, the Committee restates the travel 
report directives contained in House Report 108-792 and directs 
the Department to include the purpose of the reported travel in 
the quarterly report. The Committee also continues the 
direction that the Secretary shall ensure that a portion of 
travel funds are made available to General Schedule employees 
to support the training and development of all Departmental 
Office employees.

        Department-Wide Systems and Capital Investments Programs


                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................       $18,710,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................        26,975,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        26,975,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................        +8,265,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................             - - -


    The Department-wide Systems and Capital Investments 
Programs appropriation funds the modernization of Treasury 
business processes and increases in Department-wide systems 
efficiency through technology investments for systems that 
involve more than one Treasury bureau or Treasury's interface 
with other governmental agencies.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $26,975,000 for Department-wide 
Systems and Capital Investments Programs, the same as the 
budget request and $8,265,000 above the amounts provided in 
fiscal year 2008. Funds are available until September 30, 2011. 
Of the funds provided, $11,518,000 is for repairs to the 
Treasury Annex Building, as requested.

                      Office of Inspector General


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................       $18,450,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................        19,356,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        19,356,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................          +906,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................             - - -


    The Office of Inspector General provides agency-wide audit 
and investigative functions to identify and correct operational 
and administrative deficiencies which create conditions for 
existing or potential instances of fraud, waste, and 
mismanagement. The audit function provides program, contract, 
and financial statement audit services. Contract audits provide 
professional advice to agency contracting officials on 
accounting and financial matters relative to negotiation, 
award, administration, repricing, and settlement of contracts. 
Program audits review and evaluate all facets of agency 
operations. Financial statement audits assess whether financial 
statements fairly present the agency's financial condition and 
results of operations, the adequacy of accounting controls, and 
compliance with laws and regulations. The investigative 
function provides for the detection and investigation of 
improper and illegal activities involving programs, personnel, 
and operations.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $19,356,000 for the Office of 
Inspector General, the same as the budget request and $906,000 
above the amounts provided in fiscal year 2008. The bill 
includes $2,000,000 for official travel expenses, $2,500 for 
official reception and representation expenses, and up to 
$100,000 for unforeseen emergencies.
    The Committee encourages the Inspector General of the 
Treasury, with respect to the Office of Thrift Supervision and 
the Comptroller of the Currency; the Inspector General of the 
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, with respect to the 
Corporation; and the Inspector General of the Securities and 
Exchange Commission, with respect to the Commission, to fully 
investigate how any policies, actions, or supervisory roles of 
such agencies might have contributed to the mortgage 
foreclosure crisis.

           Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................      $140,533,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................       145,736,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       145,736,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................        +5,203,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................             - - -


    The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Restructuring and Reform 
Act of 1998 established the Office of Treasury Inspector 
General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) and abolished the IRS 
Office of the Chief Inspector. TIGTA conducts audits, 
investigations, and evaluations to assess the operations and 
programs of the IRS and its related entities, the IRS Oversight 
Board, and the Office of Chief Counsel. The purpose of those 
audits and investigations is as follows: (1) to promote the 
economic, efficient, and effective administration of the 
nation's tax laws and to detect and deter fraud and abuse in 
IRS programs and operations; and (2) to recommend actions to 
resolve fraud and other serious problems, abuses, and 
deficiencies in these programs and operations.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $145,736,000 for the Treasury 
Inspector General for Tax Administration, the same as the 
budget request and $5,203,000 above the amounts provided in 
fiscal year 2008. The bill includes $6,000,000 for official 
travel expenses, $1,500 for official reception and 
representation expenses, and up to $500,000 for unforeseen 
emergencies.

                  Financial Crimes Enforcement Network


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................       $85,844,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................        91,335,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        91,335,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................        +5,491,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................             - - -


    The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) is 
responsible for implementing Treasury's anti-money laundering 
regulations through administration of the Bank Secrecy Act 
(BSA), 31 U.S.C. section 5311, et seq. It also serves as a U.S. 
Government source for the systematic collection and analysis of 
information to assist in the investigation of money laundering 
and other financial crimes. FinCEN supports law enforcement 
investigative efforts by Federal, state, local and 
international agencies, and fosters interagency and global 
cooperation against domestic and international financial 
crimes. It also provides U.S. policymakers with strategic 
analyses of domestic and worldwide trends and patterns. It 
works to prevent money laundering through its regulatory and 
outreach programs, including setting policy for and overseeing 
BSA compliance by financial institutions, and by providing BSA 
training for law enforcement, bankers, and bank regulators.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $91,335,000 for FinCEN, the same 
as the budget request and $5,491,000 above the amounts provided 
in fiscal year 2008. Of the amounts provided, $9,178,000 is 
available until September 30, 2010, for regulatory support 
programs, and $16,340,000 is available until September 30, 
2011, for information technology and special analytical 
initiatives.

                      Financial Management Service


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008*......................      $234,423,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................       239,344,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       239,344,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................        +4,921,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................            - - -

*The Financial Management Service also received a supplemental fiscal
  year 2008 appropriation of $64,175,000 for one-time funding of its
  additional workload resulting from P.L. 110-185, the Economic Stimulus
  Act of 2008.

    The Financial Management Service (FMS) is responsible for 
the management of Federal finances and the collection of 
Federal debt. As the Federal Government's central financial 
agent, FMS receives and disburses public monies, maintains 
Government accounts, and reports on the status of the 
Government's finances. FMS is also accountable for developing 
and implementing the most reliable and efficient financial 
methods and systems to operate the Government's cash 
management, credit management, and debt collection programs. 
Pursuant to the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996, FMS 
became the primary agency for collecting Federal non-tax debt 
that is due and owed to the Government and coordinating efforts 
to collect debt from those who have defaulted on agreements 
with the Federal Government.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $239,344,000 for the Financial 
Management Service, the same as the budget request and 
$4,921,000 above the amounts provided in fiscal year 2008. Of 
the funds provided, the Committee recommends $9,220,000 for 
information systems modernization initiatives, which is 
available until September 30, 2011, and $2,500 for official 
reception and representation expenses.

                Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................       $93,515,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................        96,900,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        96,900,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................        +3,385,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................             - - -


    The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) is 
responsible for the enforcement of laws designed to eliminate 
certain illicit activities and to regulate lawful activities 
relating to distilled spirits, beer, wine and nonbeverage 
alcohol products, and tobacco. TTB focuses on collecting 
revenue; reducing taxpayer burden and improving service while 
preventing diversion; and protecting the public and preventing 
consumer deception in certain regulated commodities.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $96,900,000 for the Alcohol and 
Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, the same as the budget request 
and $3,385,000 above the amounts provided in fiscal year 2008. 
Within the amount provided, the bill includes up to $6,000 for 
official reception and representation expenses and up to 
$50,000 for cooperative research and development programs.

                           United States Mint


               UNITED STATES MINT PUBLIC ENTERPRISE FUND

    The United States Mint manufactures coins, receives 
deposits of gold and silver bullion, and safeguards the Federal 
Government's holdings of monetary metals. In 1997, Congress 
established the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund 
(Public Law 104-52), which authorized the Mint to use proceeds 
from the sale of coins to finance the costs of its operations 
and consolidated all existing Mint accounts into a single fund. 
Public Law 104-52 also provided that, in certain situations, 
the levels of capital investments for circulating coins and 
protective services shall factor into the decisions of the 
Congress such that those levels compete with other requirements 
for funding.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a spending level for capital 
investments by the Mint for circulating coinage and protective 
services of $42,150,000, the same as the budget request and 
$8,950,000 above the fiscal year 2008 spending level. The 
following table provides basic information on the revenues, 
costs, and products of the Mint for fiscal years 2007 through 
2009:

                                               UNITED STATES MINT
               Revenues, Costs, and Products FY 2007--FY 2009, from the FY 2009 President's Budget
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         Commemorative
                                   Circulating Coins       Quarters       Numismatic/Bullion      Protection
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2007 (Actual):
    Number of coins.............  12.6 billion......  2.8 billion.......  23 million........
    Cost of Operations..........  $472 million......  $353 million......  $107 million......  $44 million
    Revenue*....................  $1,050 million....  $678 million......  $908 million......
2008 (Est.):
    Number of coins.............  12.4 billion......  3.0 billion.......  24 million........
    Cost of Operations..........  $614 million......  $418 million......  $1,098 million....  $46 million
    Revenue*....................  $974 million......  $748 million......  $1,117 million....
2009 (Est.):
    Number of coins.............  12.7 billion......  2.6 billion.......  22 million........
    Cost of Operations..........  $924 million......  $107 million......  $1,049 million....  $47 million
    Revenue*....................  $1,443 million....  $166 million......  $1,065 million....
        Net Revenue (FY 2009)**.  $519 million......  $59 million.......  $16 million.......  ($47) million
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Revenue estimates here are shown as the face value of circulating coins and quarters, and the sales of
  numismatic/bullion coins. In budgetary terms, this corresponds to the total earned revenues plus total other
  financing sources.
**Net Revenue shown here is calculated as the difference between Revenue and Cost of Operations in FY 2009. In
  budgetary terms this represents circulating coinage seigniorage and numismatic program profit.

                       Bureau of the Public Debt


                     ADMINISTERING THE PUBLIC DEBT




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................      $182,871,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................       187,054,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       187,054,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................        +4,183,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................             - - -


    The Bureau of the Public Debt is responsible for the 
conduct of all public debt operations and the promotion of the 
sale of U.S. securities.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $187,054,000 for Administering the 
Public Debt, the same as the budget request and $4,183,000 
above the amounts provided in fiscal year 2008. Of this amount, 
the Committee recommends $2,500 for official reception and 
representation expenses, and $2,000,000 for systems 
modernization, which is available until September 30, 2011. 
Language is included that reduces the total amount by no more 
than $10,000,000 as definitive security issue fees and Treasury 
Direct Investor Account Maintenance fees are collected, so as 
to result in a final fiscal year 2009 appropriation of 
$177,054,000.

   Community Development Financial Institutions Fund Program Account





Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................       $94,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................        28,620,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       105,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................       +11,000,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................       +76,380,000


    The Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) 
Fund provides grants, loans, equity investments, and technical 
assistance to new and existing community development financial 
institutions such as community development banks, community 
development credit unions, and housing and microenterprise loan 
funds. Recipients use the funds to support mortgage, small 
business and economic development lending in underserved and 
distressed neighborhoods and to support the availability of 
financial services in these neighborhoods. The Fund is also 
responsible for implementation of the Community Renewal Tax 
Relief Act of 2000.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $105,000,000 for the CDFI Fund 
program, $76,380,000 above the budget request and $11,000,000 
above the amounts provided in fiscal year 2008. Of the funds 
provided, $13,778,000 is for administrative costs of the 
program. The Committee directs that the Bank Enterprise Award 
(BEA) program be funded at not less than $22,000,000.
    The Committee notes that poverty, lack of economic 
opportunity, and lack of low-cost financial services continue 
to be problems across much of the nation, particularly in many 
Hispanic-American, African-American, Native American, Asian 
American, Pacific Islander and other minority communities. The 
Committee appreciates the ongoing efforts of the CDFI Fund to 
work to remedy the particular problems in these communities and 
strongly encourages the CDFI Fund to continue to place a heavy 
emphasis on these efforts.

                    Bureau of Engraving and Printing

    The Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) designs, 
manufactures, and supplies Federal Reserve notes, various 
public debt instruments, as well as most evidences of a 
financial character issued by the U.S., such as postage and 
internal revenue stamps. The BEP also executes certain 
printings for various territories administered by the U.S., 
particularly postage and revenue stamps.
    The operations of the BEP are financed by a revolving fund 
established in accordance with the provisions of Public Law 81-
656, August 4, 1950 (31 U.S.C. 181), which requires the BEP to 
be reimbursed by customer agencies for the costs of all 
manufacturing products and services performed. The BEP is also 
authorized to assess amounts to acquire capital equipment and 
provide for working capital needs. The anticipated work volume 
is based on estimates of requirements submitted by agencies 
served. The following table summarizes BEP revenue and expense 
data for fiscal years 2007 through 2009:

                               BUREAU OF ENGRAVING AND PRINTING REVENUE AND COSTS
                                             [Dollars in thousands]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      FY 2007         FY 2008         FY 2009
                                                 ------------------------------------------------   % Change FY
                   Description                                       Estimated       Estimated      2008 to FY
                                                   Actual amount      amount          amount           2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenue:
    Federal Reserve Notes.......................        $572,700        $482,000        $562,000            16.6
    Other Security Products.....................           5,400           6,000           6,000             0.0
                                                 ---------------------------------------------------------------
        Total Revenue...........................        $578,100        $488,000        $568,000           16.4%
                                                 ===============================================================
Expenses:
    Direct Manufacturing:
        Paper and Ink...........................        $171,000        $140,000        $180,000            28.6
        Direct Labor............................          32,000          28,000          31,000            10.7
        Other Direct Mfg Costs..................           7,000           6,000           7,500            25.0
                                                 ---------------------------------------------------------------
            Subtotal Direct Manufacturing Costs.         210,000         174,000         218,500            25.6
    Indirect Manufacturing Support..............         259,500         269,000         278,000             3.3
                                                 ---------------------------------------------------------------
        Total Manufacturing Activity Costs......         469,500         443,000         496,500            12.1
                                                 ===============================================================
Total Protection & Accountability of Assets               62,300          62,000          63,000             1.6
 Activity Costs.................................
                                                 ---------------------------------------------------------------
    Total Expenses..............................        $531,800        $505,000        $559,500            10.8
Net Results.....................................         $46,300       ($17,000)          $8,500          -150.0
Federal Reserve Notes Manufactured (in Billions)             9.1             7.7             9.3            20.8
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                        Internal Revenue Service


                           TAXPAYER SERVICES




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008*......................    $2,150,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................     2,150,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................     2,210,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................       +60,000,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................      +60,000,000

*The IRS also received a one-time supplemental Taxpayer Services
  appropriation in fiscal year 2008 of $50,720,000 for its additional
  workload resulting from P.L. 110-185, the Economic Stimulus Act of
  2008.

    The Taxpayer Services appropriation provides for taxpayer 
services, including forms and publications; processing tax 
returns and related documents; filing and account services; 
taxpayer advocacy services; and assisting taxpayers to 
understand their tax obligations, correctly file their returns, 
and pay taxes due in a timely manner.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $2,210,000,000 for Taxpayer 
Services, an increase of $60,000,000 above both the President's 
request and the amount provided in fiscal year 2008. Of the 
funds provided, the Committee recommends not less than 
$9,500,000 for low-income taxpayer clinic grants and not less 
than $5,100,000 for the Tax Counseling for the Elderly Program. 
The Committee has also included not less than $192,000,000 for 
operating expenses of the Taxpayer Advocate Service, an 
increase of $10,500,000 above the amount assumed in the 
President's request.

                TAXPAYER SERVICES BUDGET AND PRIORITIES

    While the President's request proposed funding the Taxpayer 
Services account at the FY 2008 level of $2,150,000,000, the 
majority of this account funds filing and account services, 
which largely covers IRS costs associated with the processing 
of tax returns. The rest of the account, devoted to pre-filing 
taxpayer services, was proposed to be reduced by more than 
$28,000,000 or 4.3 percent, from $645,375,000 in fiscal year 
2008 down to $617,326,000 in the fiscal year 2009 request. This 
is unacceptable. A growing taxpayer population and continued 
complexity in tax law demands continued and enhanced IRS 
taxpayer services efforts.
    The Committee directs IRS to strengthen, improve, and 
expand taxpayer services. The IRS often points to the IRS web 
site and other electronic means as viable taxpayer 
alternatives. Indeed, it is true that these alternatives have 
seen increased usage in recent years, and provide the IRS's 
lowest-cost opportunity to serve taxpayers. In addition, 
Taxpayer Assistance Blueprint (TAB) research shows that a 
significant number of taxpayers would use electronic means to 
obtain IRS services when given the opportunity.
    However, the Committee must strongly emphasize a fact 
confirmed by other TAB research, namely that electronic modes 
of service, such as the IRS web site, cannot and must not be 
the only modes of taxpayer service. As the IRS Taxpayer 
Advocate noted in testimony earlier this year, ``the Internet 
may be adequate for taxpayers who are comfortable handling 
financial transactions online, but the TAB's research studies 
showed that a certain percentage of taxpayers, and particular 
types of tax issues, require personal interaction--by 
telephone, face-to-face, or both.'' In addition, a November 
2006 research study commissioned by the IRS Oversight Board 
noted that, while many taxpayers would be willing to consider 
less costly on-line, self-service solutions, taxpayers ``by a 
wide margin * * * would prefer to receive service from a person 
rather than an automated system * * *'' The study notes that, 
``for help in resolving a tax dispute or error, 61 percent of 
taxpayers identified calling the IRS as their most preferred 
service channel, while another 22 percent selected visiting an 
IRS office as their first choice.''
    An example of this can be seen in the recent increase in 
IRS 1-800 help line call volume, as a result of questions 
related to the Economic Stimulus Act payments. This has 
resulted in recent declines in the IRS levels of service on its 
1-800 help line. The sharp increases in call volume have 
occurred despite IRS mailings to taxpayers pointing to the IRS 
web site as a source of information about the Economic Stimulus 
Act payments. The Committee believes that this illustrates that 
the IRS web site, while useful in its own right, cannot be 
solely relied upon to assist taxpayers needing IRS services and 
answers to tax questions. Taxpayers need, and should be able to 
access, direct personal contact with the IRS--both over-the-
phone and face-to-face.
    The Committee directs that $47 million of the increase be 
allocated toward increasing, above the levels assumed in the 
budget request, the following activities: (1) IRS taxpayer 
outreach and education, (2) enhancements to IRS face-to-face 
service, and (3) enhancements to the IRS 1-800 help line 
service. The Department is directed to include, in its fiscal 
year 2009 operating plan, a specific plan for increasing these 
activities above the levels assumed in the budget request. For 
purposes of comparison, the plan should include: (1) details on 
the funding levels and full-time equivalents (FTEs) assumed in 
the fiscal year 2009 budget request for these activities, and 
(2) funding levels and FTEs for these activities as funded by 
this Act. The Committee expects the funding increase in the 
Taxpayer Services account to be in addition to, and not a 
replacement for, the $127,000,000 in user fee collections that 
the IRS intends to supplement this account in fiscal year 2009. 
The Committee additionally expects this increase in funding to 
be added to the IRS base budget and included in future-year 
budget requests, and directs IRS to do so. The Committee also 
directs that, to the maximum extent possible, these funds go 
toward increasing the numbers of IRS personnel devoted to these 
activities.
    Taxpayer outreach and education remains essential, and the 
Committee notes that the improvement and expansion of education 
and awareness activities was identified by the TAB Phase 1 
report as one of the five strategic improvement themes for 
taxpayer service. The TAB Phase 2 report noted that, ``while 
the IRS offers a comprehensive outreach and education 
portfolio, a number of gaps between the current state and 
future state vision offer opportunities for improvement.'' A 
recent TAB progress report added a TAB guiding principle that 
the IRS should ``enhance marketing, outreach, and education to 
targeted populations to improve service awareness, access, and 
quality.''
    Face-to-face service should continue to play an important 
role in the assistance IRS offers to taxpayers to help them 
comply with their tax obligations. An additional guiding 
principle of the TAB is that ``the IRS is committed to offering 
a portfolio of service options delivered across multiple 
channels, including face-to-face service.'' In addition, as the 
IRS Taxpayer Advocate notes in her 2007 Annual Report, ``TAB 
research, based on the Oversight Board survey, indicates that 
low income, Limited English Proficiency, and elderly taxpayers 
have a higher preference for [Taxpayer Assistance Centers 
(TACs)] and a lower preference for web channels than taxpayers 
as a whole.'' In addition, the IRS Taxpayer Advocate has noted 
that during the last three years, the IRS reduced TAC staffing 
by nine percent, leaving most TAC offices with staffing 
shortages. The Committee urges IRS to use a portion of the 
added funding to increase TAC staffing and to expand the IRS 
Facilitated Self-Assistance pilot project to additional TACs.
    Taxpayers continue to rely heavily upon the IRS 1-800 
telephone help line service for assistance in complying with 
the tax code. In addition to fielding calls from taxpayers with 
questions about the economic stimulus payments, the 1-800 help 
line continues to receive millions of calls from taxpayers 
seeking help with tax issues.

                          USER FEE COLLECTIONS

    The Committee is concerned about the budget assumption of 
$177,655,000 in user fee collections. The budget request 
assumes the various appropriations accounts of IRS will be 
supplemented by the user fee collections, with $127,000,000 of 
the fee collections supplementing the Taxpayer Services 
account. The Committee notes that there is risk in assuming 
these fee collections will materialize as projected. The IRS is 
directed to report to the Committee on a quarterly basis, 
beginning not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of 
this Act, with updated projections on expected user fee 
collections.

                    IRS EFFICIENCY SAVINGS ESTIMATES

    The Committee notes that the Department's fiscal year 2009 
budget request for the IRS assumes various efficiency savings, 
including $8,996,000 in Taxpayer Services, $48,762,000 in 
Enforcement, $23,747,000 in Operations Support, and $151,000 in 
Health Insurance Tax Credit Administration. While it is 
important for the IRS, like all Federal agencies, to explore 
ways to achieve cost savings, these budget assumptions also 
carry risks, as the IRS would need to reduce program funding if 
such savings fail to materialize as projected. The Committee is 
greatly troubled by the findings of an August 2007 report from 
the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) 
showing that the IRS could not validate taxpayer service 
savings estimates for fiscal years 2006 and 2007. In 
particular, the savings estimates for over $146,000,000 in 
taxpayer service reengineering and program efficiencies 
initiatives were generally not supported and could not be 
validated.
    TIGTA recommended that the IRS: (1) develop a thorough 
process for compiling the data used for IRS budget requests to 
help ensure the accuracy of the estimates and to facilitate a 
better understanding of the impact of budget reductions on 
operations, and (2) evaluate the extent to which estimated 
savings are achieved as well as the impact on IRS operations of 
savings that are not achieved, to assist in formulating future 
budget submissions and allocations. The Committee wishes to 
emphasize that the IRS must be able to fully document and 
justify all of its projected program savings. The Committee 
directs IRS to report to the Committee, within 30 days of 
enactment of this Act, as to the steps it has taken to improve 
its processes for measuring savings and efficiencies.

                           LANGUAGE SERVICES

    The Committee notes that the IRS Taxpayer Advocate has 
expressed concerns in recent years about the lack of 
availability of certain IRS services, forms, and publications 
in languages other than English, even though six percent of 
taxpayers do not speak English at home. The IRS has made 
progress in this area in recent years, including the 
establishment of a Spanish-language version of the ``Where's My 
Refund?'' feature earlier this year. However, the Committee 
believes that more can and should be done to allow taxpayers 
with limited English proficiency to communicate with the IRS. 
The Committee concurs with the observation of the IRS Taxpayer 
Advocate that the IRS should translate a broader range of 
documents, not just education and outreach materials, but also 
forms and examination and collection notices.
    In addition, the Committee is concerned by the findings of 
an August 2007 TIGTA report regarding the IRS 1-800 help line 
service. Specifically, the report showed that for the 2007 
filing season, the quality and level of customer service for 
Spanish-speaking taxpayers was lower than that provided for 
English-speaking taxpayers. In addition, the accuracy rate for 
tax answers provided by the IRS to Spanish-speaking taxpayers 
was lower than that for English-speaking taxpayers. The 
Committee concurs with TIGTA's recommendation that the IRS 
monitor the performance for the Spanish language applications 
and take appropriate corrective actions if performance does not 
improve. The Committee directs IRS to report to the Committee 
within 30 days of enactment of this Act on the status of the 
quality and level of customer service for Spanish language 
applications on the IRS 1-800 help line, along with any IRS 
corrective actions planned or implemented to improve 
performance.

         ACCURACY OF TAXPAYER ASSISTANCE BLUEPRINT INFORMATION

    While the Committee strongly supports the work of the IRS, 
in consultation with the IRS Oversight Board and the IRS 
Taxpayer Advocate, to develop the congressionally-mandated 
Taxpayer Assistance Blueprint (TAB), the Committee is concerned 
by recent findings of TIGTA showing that not all data that went 
into the TAB was accurate and/or consistent.
    The Committee is especially disturbed by the findings of a 
May 2007 TIGTA report showing that inaccurate and incomplete 
data have adversely affected implementation of the Taxpayer 
Assistance Center (TAC) geographic footprint study. TACs 
provide an array of important services to taxpayers both during 
and after tax filing season, but as the IRS Taxpayer Advocate 
has noted, TACs are within 30 minutes drive time of only 60 
percent of the population.
    Since fiscal year 2003, TIGTA has reported on the inability 
of the IRS to compile and maintain accurate and complete 
management information to oversee and measure the effectiveness 
of its TAC program. TIGTA notes that key management information 
used to make decisions and support program changes continues to 
be either absent or based on inaccurate or incomplete data. 
This hinders the ability of the IRS to make appropriate 
decisions when determining TAC locations and the services they 
provide taxpayers. It has also delayed the IRS in making any 
decisions on the TAC Geographic Footprint, one of the 
initiatives within the Taxpayer Assistance Blueprint. In 
addition, the Committee is concerned by TIGTA's finding that 
the IRS is still unable to measure how closing TACs might 
affect taxpayers and tax compliance. The Committee directs that 
the IRS, in consultation with the IRS Taxpayer Advocate, report 
to the Committee within 90 days of enactment of this Act on 
improvements being made in the process for making decisions 
about TAC services and locations, including progress in 
addressing the recommendations of TIGTA in this area.
    In addition, the Committee directs the IRS, together with 
the IRS Oversight Board and the IRS Taxpayer Advocate, to 
submit to the Committee, within 90 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, an update to the TAB, detailing its 
implementation status and identifying any changes to the TAB.

                IRS SUBMISSION PROCESSING CONSOLIDATION

    The IRS has stated that it would achieve millions of 
dollars in cost savings as a result of the consolidation of IRS 
processing centers for paper tax returns. However, the 
Committee is concerned about the findings of an August 2007 
TIGTA report that showed that the IRS had not provided adequate 
information about the actual results from the first two 
processing center closures. In addition, the IRS business 
decision to consolidate the processing centers did not include 
a cost-benefit analysis. Consequently, the IRS did not set 
financial goals for the consolidation, and thus has not had an 
incentive to determine how efficient its decisions have been. 
While the IRS has continued to successfully process individual 
income tax returns while implementing the consolidation, the 
report cited several unanticipated developments at the Fresno, 
CA processing site due to increased tax return volume, 
including delays in processing returns and a possible staffing 
shortfall. The Committee strongly urges the IRS, prior to 
future processing center closures, to have the IRS Project 
Management Office complete a cost-benefit analysis, as 
recommended by TIGTA, to determine if the existing submission 
processing consolidation plan is optimal in terms of cost 
savings and operational effectiveness.

                                TELEFILE

    The Committee notes that TeleFile, an option for the filing 
of certain tax returns using a touch-tone telephone, previously 
existed throughout the country from 1996 to 2005, before being 
eliminated by the IRS. In a July 2007 report, TIGTA has noted 
that the elimination of Telefile has increased the cost and 
burden of filing for many taxpayers. TIGTA also noted that the 
IRS could not justify or document the $5,000,000 that the IRS 
claimed it saved annually by eliminating TeleFile.
    Of the approximately 2 million individual taxpayers who had 
filed their tax returns through TeleFile in 2005 and would have 
remained eligible to file their income tax returns for free had 
the program continued, TIGTA estimates that more than 541,000 
taxpayers paid approximately $23,600,000 to file their tax 
returns in 2006. In addition, approximately 966,000 taxpayers 
who had used TeleFile reverted to filing paper tax returns once 
TeleFile was eliminated. Filing a paper tax return increases 
the amount of time it takes for a taxpayer to receive a refund. 
Furthermore, since the cost to the IRS of processing paper tax 
returns is significantly higher than the cost of processing 
returns via a TeleFile system, this has increased the IRS's own 
processing costs as well.
    The Committee is aware that more than 60 percent of 
taxpayers rely on paid preparers to file their returns, and 
that many of the remaining taxpayers file tax returns that are 
too complex to be processed via a TeleFile system. At the same 
time, however, both the IRS and a great many taxpayers, 
particularly those who lack Internet access and who currently 
file paper 1040EZ returns, would benefit from the availability 
of a TeleFile option. As the IRS continues to explore options 
for increasing the rate of e-filing and reducing IRS submission 
processing costs, the Committee urges the IRS to consider 
reinstituting and promoting a TeleFile option. Such an option 
could save IRS tax return processing costs, increase the speed 
of refund issuance, and save time, cost, and paperwork burden 
for millions of taxpayers.

                              ENFORCEMENT

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................    $4,780,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................     5,117,267,000
Recommended in the bill...............................     5,117,267,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................      +337,267,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................             - - -


    The Enforcement appropriation provides for the examination 
of tax returns, both domestic and international; the 
administrative and judicial settlement of taxpayer appeals of 
examination findings; technical rulings; monitoring employee 
pension plans; determining qualifications of organizations 
seeking tax-exempt status; examining tax returns of exempt 
organizations; enforcing statutes relating to detection and 
investigation of criminal violations of the internal revenue 
laws; identifying underreporting of tax obligations; securing 
unfiled tax returns; and collecting unpaid accounts.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $5,117,267,000 for Enforcement. Of 
the funds provided, the Committee recommends $57,252,000 to 
support IRS activities under the Interagency Crime and Drug 
Enforcement program and allows up to $10,000,000 to be 
transferred to Operations Support for the purposes of the 
Interagency Crime and Drug Enforcement program.

                        EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT

    The Committee has shared the past concerns expressed by the 
IRS National Taxpayer Advocate with regard to prolonged delays 
in the issuance of many Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) 
refunds. The IRS Taxpayer Advocate found that the majority of 
these refund freezes were not fraudulent, but were in fact the 
legitimate EITC claims of low-income taxpayers who qualified 
for the EITC. While the Taxpayer Advocate has more recently 
noted the progress that IRS has made in ensuring that EITC 
refunds are not unfairly delayed, the Committee urges the IRS 
to continue to work to ensure that legitimate EITC refunds are 
not delayed, as such refunds comprise a significant portion of 
the eligible taxpayer's annual income.
    In addition, the Committee is greatly concerned about the 
findings of a research study conducted by the IRS Taxpayer 
Advocate on EITC audit practices. Specifically, the study 
showed that taxpayers who are represented during an EITC audit 
are nearly twice as likely to be found eligible for the EITC 
than taxpayers without representation, even though relatively 
few EITC taxpayers obtain representation for their audit. The 
study noted that some will argue that represented taxpayers 
fare better in EITC audits ``because compliant taxpayers seek 
out representation; however an analysis * * * showed that this 
presumption is not well founded.'' The study further found that 
more than half of audited taxpayers had difficulties obtaining 
documents requested by the IRS, and more than half reported 
that the IRS took more than 30 days to acknowledge receipt of 
their documentation or provided no acknowledgement. In 
addition, EITC audit notification letters from the IRS were 
often found to be difficult to understand.
    The IRS Taxpayer Advocate has made a number of 
recommendations to the IRS to improve this process. For 
example, the Advocate recommends that the IRS revise its EITC 
audit letters, so that the letters specifically state that the 
taxpayer's tax return is being audited, along with the specific 
issues of the audit, what the taxpayer must do to resolve each 
issue, and how the requested documentation relates to the issue 
in question. The Advocate has also recommended that the IRS 
provide timely acknowledgements of all documentation and 
materials received from the taxpayer, and work to increase 
taxpayer awareness of the legal assistance available at Low 
Income Taxpayer Clinics, among other recommendations. The 
Committee directs IRS to report to the Committee, within 90 
days of enactment of this Act, on progress made in addressing 
the recommendations of the IRS Taxpayer Advocate in this area.

                             PAID PREPARERS

    The Committee notes that over 60 percent of all individual 
tax returns are prepared by paid preparers. GAO, in an April 
2008 report, noted that the IRS faces limitations in 
identifying paid preparers and monitoring their performance. 
Although the vast majority of paid preparers are law abiding, a 
more reliable system to identify paid preparers and to match 
tax returns with paid preparers would enable the IRS to more 
effectively detect patterns of noncompliance and tax fraud 
associated with problem preparers. The Committee understands 
that the IRS, in response to recommendations made by GAO, is 
currently considering several options to improve 
identification, education and outreach to paid preparers, 
including the use of a single identification number for paid 
preparers. The Committee directs IRS to report to the 
Committee, within 120 days of enactment of this Act, on the 
status of IRS efforts to improve its system for identifying 
paid preparers.

                           OPERATIONS SUPPORT




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008*......................    $3,680,059,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................     3,856,172,000
Recommended in the bill...............................     3,833,127,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................      +153,068,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................      -23,045,000

*The IRS also received a one-time, supplemental fiscal year 2008
  appropriation of $151,415,000 for its additional workload resulting
  from P.L. 110-185, the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008.

    The Operations Support appropriation provides for overall 
planning and direction of the IRS, including shared service 
support related to facilities services, rent payments, 
printing, postage, and security; other support functions that 
are considered overhead but essential to the successful 
operation of IRS programs including resources for headquarters 
management activities, including IRS-wide support for strategic 
planning, communications and liaison, finance, human resources, 
EEO and diversity; research and statistics of income; and 
necessary expenses for information systems and 
telecommunication support, including developmental information 
systems and operational information systems.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $3,833,127,000 for Operations 
Support, $23,045,000 below the request and $153,068,000 above 
the amounts provided in fiscal year 2008. The Committee has not 
included $23,045,000 requested for IRS implementation of 
various Administration legislative proposals, as it is unclear 
if these proposals will be enacted in time for the 
implementation of the fiscal year 2009 IRS budget. Of the funds 
provided, not less than $2,000,000 is for the IRS Oversight 
Board, up to $25,000 is for official reception and 
representation expenses, $1,000,000 is available until 
September 30, 2011 for research, and up to $75,000,000 is 
available until September 30, 2010 for information technology 
support.

                   RETURN ON INVESTMENT CALCULATIONS

    The Department's fiscal year 2009 budget request for IRS 
includes Return on Investment (ROI) calculations for the 
proposed new enforcement initiatives. GAO, in its analysis of 
the budget request, has noted that expanding the use of ROI 
calculations, to include not just new enforcement initiatives 
but other parts of the IRS budget as well, could assist 
Congress in making fully informed resource allocation 
decisions. Although GAO notes that developing ROI information 
beyond IRS's new enforcement initiatives will be a challenge, 
the Committee encourages the Department, in future-year IRS 
budget submissions, to expand the use of ROI estimates as much 
as practicable.

                          INFORMATION SECURITY

    The IRS processes and maintains personally identifiable 
information for more than 130 million taxpayers. The security 
of this information is of paramount importance. As TIGTA has 
noted, internal factors, such as the increased connectivity of 
computer systems and greater use of portable laptop computers, 
and external factors, such as the volatile threat environment 
related to increased phishing scams and hacker activity, 
contribute to the risk that sensitive data could be 
compromised.
    The IRS has taken several important steps to protect 
taxpayer data. For example, as TIGTA notes, it has established 
a Security Services and Privacy Executive Steering Committee to 
serve as the primary governance body for all matters relating 
to security and privacy issues in the IRS. It has made steady 
progress each year in complying with the requirements of the 
Federal Information Security Management Act. In addition, IRS 
has recently established a new office of Privacy, Information 
Protection and Data Security to: (1) improve public, preparer 
and external stakeholder awareness of privacy policies, 
procedures, and general information, and (2) improve the IRS 
response to taxpayers and practitioners who fall victim to data 
loss incidents, identity theft, or online fraud.
    At the same time, however, recent findings from GAO and 
TIGTA demonstrate that the IRS must do more to help safeguard 
taxpayer information and prevent further potential cases of 
identity theft. In January 2008, GAO reported that about 70 
percent of the previously identified information security 
weaknesses remained unresolved. GAO also reported that, ``IRS 
continues to, among other things, use passwords that are not 
complex, grant excessive access to individuals who do not need 
it, and install patches in an untimely manner.'' One recent 
example of these weaknesses occurred when TIGTA auditors found 
that more than 60 percent of sampled IRS personnel distributed 
passwords over the phone without first seeking to validate the 
identity and access permission of the individuals seeking the 
passwords. The GAO report emphasized that the IRS has not yet 
fully implemented its agencywide information security program 
to ensure that controls are appropriately designed and 
operating effectively.
    TIGTA has also reported recently that because the IRS logs 
computer transactions on so few applications, it has no way to 
conduct the type of proper intrusion investigations that are 
needed to hold individuals accountable for unauthorized 
transactions and disclosures. The IRS has even failed to 
address this requirement during the development of its 
modernized systems.
    TIGTA has further reported that while the IRS's identity 
theft program has primarily focused on public outreach and 
education, IRS processes and procedures have been inadequate in 
reducing the burden for taxpayers who have been victimized. For 
example, the IRS Automated Underreporter function contacted 
taxpayers multiple times for the same tax compliance issues, 
even though these taxpayers' cases were previously marked as 
closed due to a finding of identity theft.
    In light of these and other concerns expressed by GAO, 
TIGTA, the IRS Taxpayer Advocate and others, the Committee 
expects IRS to work diligently to identify and remedy 
weaknesses in IRS information security and in IRS handling of 
cases of identity theft. The IRS is directed to report to the 
Committee within 90 days of enactment of this Act on the status 
of efforts to improve IRS information security and IRS handling 
of cases of identity theft.

                   IRS MANAGEMENT OF PAPER CASE FILES

    The Committee is concerned about the findings of a 
September 2007 GAO report noting that there are significant 
problems in the management of paper case files at the IRS. In 
particular, the report noted that the IRS does not have an 
effective process for ensuring that paper case files can be 
located within the requesters' time frames. As the report 
notes, when the IRS cannot locate paper case files, ``it may 
attempt to re-create them by requesting information from 
taxpayers, which can result in unnecessary taxpayer burden.'' 
The report further notes that difficulties in locating case 
files can also hinder congressional oversight, by preventing 
Congress, GAO, TIGTA, and others from obtaining reliable and 
thorough information about the internal processes of the IRS.
    The Committee is encouraged that the IRS has agreed it 
needs to review its paper case file management program, and 
that the IRS has formed a cross-functional group to identify 
improvements and consider GAO's recommendations. The Committee 
directs IRS to report to the Committee, within 60 days of 
enactment of this Act, on progress being made in improving IRS 
paper case file management.

                     BUSINESS SYSTEMS MODERNIZATION




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................      $267,090,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................       222,664,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       222,664,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................       -44,426,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................             - - -


    The Business Systems Modernization appropriation provides 
funding to modernize key business systems of the Internal 
Revenue Service.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $222,664,000 for Business Systems 
Modernization (BSM), the same as the budget request and 
$44,426,000 below the amounts provided in fiscal year 2008. 
Consistent with previous years, the release of the funds, with 
the exception of funding for labor costs, is subject to the 
approval by the Committees on Appropriations of a GAO-reviewed 
expenditure plan. The Department is directed to notify the 
Committee, within seven days, if BSM management funds are 
reallocated to the capital asset acquisition program.
    As GAO has noted, the IRS continues to make progress in 
implementing BSM projects and in meeting cost and schedule 
commitments for most deliverables. However, three recent 
project milestones experienced significant cost or schedule 
delays. The IRS continues to make progress in addressing high-
priority BSM program improvement initiatives and has taken 
steps to address prior GAO recommendations to improve its 
modernization management controls and capabilities. However, 
more work remains to fully implement GAO's recommendations, 
including steps to complete the Modernization Vision and 
Strategy, as well as steps to continue to address human capital 
challenges and information security weaknesses.
    GAO also notes that future BSM project releases, especially 
the Customer Account Data Engine (CADE) and Accounts Management 
Services (AMS) projects, continue to face significant risks and 
issues that could impact overall cost and schedule estimates. 
The Committee is encouraged that IRS has developed mitigation 
strategies to address these risks. The Committee expects IRS to 
work diligently to improve the BSM program, including efforts 
to address the related concerns highlighted by GAO and TIGTA, 
and to immediately report to the Committee any delays or cost 
overruns associated with BSM efforts.

               HEALTH INSURANCE TAX CREDIT ADMINISTRATION




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................       $15,235,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................        15,406,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        15,406,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................          +171,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................             - - -


    The Health Insurance Tax Credit Administration 
appropriation provides contractor support to develop and 
administer the advance payment option for the health insurance 
tax credit included in Public Law 107-210, the Trade Act of 
2002.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $15,406,000 for Health Insurance 
Tax Credit Administration, the same as the budget request and 
$171,000 above the amount provided in fiscal year 2008.

          Administrative Provisions--Internal Revenue Service


                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

    Section 101. The Committee continues a provision that 
allows for the transfer of five percent (three percent in the 
case of Enforcement) of any appropriation made available to the 
IRS to any other IRS appropriation, upon the advance approval 
of the Committees on Appropriations.
    Section 102. The Committee continues a provision that 
requires the IRS to maintain a training program in taxpayer 
rights, dealing courteously with taxpayers, and cross-cultural 
relations.
    Section 103. The Committee continues a provision that 
requires the IRS to institute and enforce policies and 
procedures that will safeguard the confidentiality of taxpayer 
information.
    Section 104. The Committee continues a provision that makes 
funds available for improved facilities and increased manpower 
to provide efficient and effective 800 number help line service 
for taxpayers.
    Section 105. The Committee includes a provision directing 
that not less than $6,997,000,000 shall be available for tax 
enforcement and related support activities funded in the 
Enforcement and Operations Support accounts, and that an 
additional $490,000,000 shall be available for tax enforcement 
and related support activities. The provision further provides 
that up to one percent of Operations Support funding in support 
of tax enforcement activities may be transferred to taxpayer 
service related support activities, upon notification of the 
House and Senate Appropriations Committees.
    Section 106. The Committee includes a provision prohibiting 
funds made available in this Act from being used to enter into, 
renew, extend, administer, implement, enforce, of provide 
oversight of any qualified tax collection contract (as defined 
in section 6306 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986). The 
Committee continues to seriously question the efficacy of this 
program, which allows private debt collection companies to 
collect unpaid taxes and to pocket up to 24 percent of the 
taxes as a commission. The wastefulness of this program is 
becoming more and more apparent. For more than two years now, 
senior officials at the IRS have acknowledged that these same 
tax cases could be pursued with less expense by employees of 
the IRS, as the IRS would not be required to forfeit up to 24 
percent of the taxes it collects on its own.

         Administrative Provisions--Department of the Treasury


                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

    Section 107. The Committee continues a provision that 
allows the Department of the Treasury to purchase uniforms, 
insurance, and motor vehicles without regard to the general 
purchase price limitations, and enter into contracts with the 
State Department for health and medical services for Treasury 
employees in overseas locations.
    Section 108. The Committee continues a provision that 
authorizes transfers, up to two percent, between ``Departmental 
Offices--Salaries and Expenses'', ``Office of the Inspector 
General'', ``Financial Management Service'', ``Alcohol and 
Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau'', ``Financial Crimes Enforcement 
Network'', and the ``Bureau of the Public Debt'' appropriations 
under certain circumstances.
    Section 109. The Committee continues a provision that 
authorizes transfer, up to two percent, between the Internal 
Revenue Service and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax 
Administration under certain circumstances.
    Section 110. The Committee continues a provision limiting 
funds for the purchase of law enforcement vehicles unless the 
purchase is consistent with vehicle management principles.
    Section 111. The Committee continues a provision that 
prohibits the Department of the Treasury from undertaking a 
redesign of the one dollar Federal Reserve note.
    Section 112. The Committee continues a provision that 
provides for transfers from and reimbursements to ``Financial 
Management Service, Salaries and Expenses'' for the purposes of 
debt collection.
    Section 113. The Committee continues a provision extending 
the pay demonstration program.
    Section 114. The Committee continues a provision that 
requires Congressional approval for the construction and 
operation of a museum by the United States Mint.
    Section 115. The Committee continues a provision 
prohibiting funds in this Act from being used to merge the Mint 
and the Bureau of Engraving and Printing without the approval 
of the House and Senate committees of jurisdiction.
    Section 116. The Committee includes a provision deeming 
that funds for the Department of the Treasury's intelligence-
related activities are specifically authorized in fiscal year 
2009 until enactment of the Intelligence Authorization Act for 
fiscal year 2009.

 TITLE II--EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT AND FUNDS APPROPRIATED TO 
                             THE PRESIDENT

    These funds provide for the compensation of the President 
as well as official expenses of the Executive Office of the 
President, as authorized by title 3, United States Code.

                     Compensation of the President





Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................          $450,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009\1\...................           450,000
Recommended in the bill...............................           450,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................             - - -
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................            - - -

\1\Proposed in a consolidated appropriation titled ``The White House''.

    These funds provide for the compensation of the President, 
including an expense allowance as authorized by 3 U.S.C. 102.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $450,000 for 
Compensation of the President, including an expense allowance 
of $50,000. These are the same as amounts appropriated in 
fiscal year 2008 and the same as requested by the President. 
The bill specifies that any unused amount shall revert to the 
Treasury consistent with 31 U.S.C. 1552.

                           White House Office


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................       $51,656,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009\1\...................        52,499,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        53,899,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................        +2,243,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................       +1,400,000

\1\Proposed in a consolidated appropriation titled ``The White House''.

    The Salaries and Expenses account of the White House Office 
supports staff and administrative services necessary for the 
direct support of the President, including costs for the 
Homeland Security Council.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $53,899,000 
for the White House Office, which is $2,243,000 more than the 
fiscal year 2008 level and $1,400,000 above the request.
    The recommendation includes $1,400,000 for a White House 
Office of National AIDS Policy. The Committee calls on the new 
Administration to develop and implement a National AIDS 
Strategy that engages multiple sectors in strategy development, 
is comprehensive across Federal agencies, sets timelines and 
assigns responsibility for implementing changes, identifies 
targets for improved prevention and treatment outcomes and 
reduced racial disparities, and mandates annual reporting on 
progress.

                 Executive Residence at the White House


                           OPERATING EXPENSES




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................       $12,814,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009\1\...................        13,363,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        13,363,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................          +549,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................             - - -

\1\Proposed in a consolidated appropriation titled ``The White House''.

    These funds provide for the care, maintenance, and 
operation of the Executive Residence, including official and 
ceremonial functions of the President.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $13,363,000 
for the operating expenses of the Executive Residence, an 
increase of $549,000 from the amounts appropriated in fiscal 
year 2008 and the same as the amounts requested by the 
President. The bill includes the same restrictions on 
reimbursable expenses for use of the Executive Residence as 
were enacted in fiscal year 2008.

                   White House Repair and Restoration





Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................        $1,600,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009\1\...................         1,600,000
Recommended in the bill...............................         1,600,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................             - - -
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................            - - -

\1\Proposed in a consolidated appropriation titled ``The White House''.

    Funding in this account provides for the repair, 
alteration, and improvement of the Executive Residence at the 
White House.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,600,000 for 
White House Repair and Restoration, which is the same as the 
amount provided in fiscal year 2008 and the amount requested by 
the President. Included in this appropriation is funding of 
transition expenses relating to the departure of the outgoing 
First Family and the arrival of the incoming First Family.

                      Council of Economic Advisers


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................        $4,118,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009\1\...................         4,118,000
Recommended in the bill...............................         4,118,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................             - - -
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................             - - -

\1\Proposed in a consolidated appropriation titled ``The White House''.

    The Council of Economic Advisers analyzes the national 
economy and its various segments, advises the President on 
economic developments, recommends policies for economic growth 
and stability, appraises economic programs and policies of the 
Federal Government, and assists in preparation of the annual 
Economic Report of the President to Congress.

                        Committee Recommendation

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $4,118,000 for 
the Council of Economic Advisers, which is the same as the 
amount provided in fiscal year 2008 and the amount requested by 
the President.

                      Office of Policy Development


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................        $3,482,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009\1\...................         3,550,000
Recommended in the bill...............................         3,550,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................           +68,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................             - - -

\1\Proposed in a consolidated appropriation titled ``The White House''.

    The Office of Policy Development supports the National 
Economic Council and the Domestic Policy Council in carrying 
out their responsibilities to advise and assist the President 
in the formulation, coordination, and implementation of 
economic and domestic policy. The Office of Policy Development 
also provides support for other domestic policy development and 
implementation activities, as directed by the President.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $3,550,000 for 
the Office of Policy Development, an increase of $68,000 above 
the amount enacted in fiscal year 2008 and the same as the 
request.

                       National Security Council


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................        $8,640,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009\1\...................         9,029,000
Recommended in the bill...............................         9,029,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................          +389,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................             - - -

\1\Proposed in a consolidated appropriation titled ``The White House''.

    The National Security Council advises the President on the 
integration of domestic, foreign, and military policies 
relating to national security.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $9,029,000 for 
the National Security Council, an increase of $389,000 above 
the amount appropriated in fiscal year 2008 and the same as 
requested by the President.

                        Office of Administration


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................       $91,745,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009\1\...................       105,919,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        95,633,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................        +3,888,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................      -10,286,000

\1\Proposed in a consolidated appropriation titled ``The White House''.

    The Office of Administration is responsible for providing 
cost-effective administrative services to the Executive Office 
of the President. These services, defined by Executive Order 
12028 of 1977, include financial, personnel, library and 
records services, information management systems support, and 
general office services.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $95,633,000 
for the Office of Administration, an increase of $3,888,000 
above the amount appropriated in fiscal year 2008 and a 
decrease of $10,286,000 below the amount requested by the 
President.
    Space rent.--The Committee recommendation does not include 
adoption of the request to move rental payments of the Office 
of Management and Budget (OMB) and the Office of National Drug 
Control Policy (ONDCP) to the Office of Administration. The 
Committee recommends funding for OMB rent ($7,172,000) and 
ONDCP rent ($3,114,000) under their respective headings for 
``Salaries and Expenses'' and provides the same levels of 
funding as the President's request.
    Records preservation.--The Committee takes seriously the 
importance of preserving official Presidential records and is 
extremely concerned about revelations that the White House 
cannot account for hundreds of days of e-mails processed 
between 2003 and 2005. There are also some concerns about White 
House officials using a non-government e-mail system from the 
Republican National Committee to conduct official government 
business and that the e-mail records relating to such official 
business are now lost. The establishment of reliable systems 
and procedures to ensure that electronic Presidential records 
are preserved is absolutely essential. These records belong to 
the American people and contribute to the historical record of 
the Presidency. As an example, the missing White House e-mails 
were created during a period in which important policy 
decisions were being made regarding the Iraq war. The Committee 
strongly urges the incoming Administration to establish 
comprehensive policies and procedures for the preservation of 
all Presidential records, in keeping with the Presidential 
Records Act, the Federal Records Act, and other pertinent laws. 
The new Administration shall submit a report to the Committee 
no later than June 30, 2009 describing actions it is taking to 
implement such policies and procedures, as well as the 
estimated costs, by program, activity, and fiscal year, of new 
systems, staff, or other resources needed to ensure the 
preservation of electronic Presidential records.

                    Office of Management and Budget


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................       $78,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................        72,800,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        79,972,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................        +1,972,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................        +7,172,000


    The Office of Management and Budget assists the President 
in the discharge of budgetary, economic, management, and other 
executive responsibilities.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $79,972,000 
for the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), an increase of 
$1,972,000 above the amount appropriated in fiscal year 2008 
and $7,172,000 above the amount requested by the President.
    The Committee recommends $7,172,000 under this heading for 
rental payments to GSA instead of providing these funds under 
the heading ``Office of Administration''. The Committee also 
recommends a limitation of $3,000 for official representation 
expenses as requested by the President.
    The Committee recommendation continues several long-
standing provisos, not requested by the President, concerning 
uses of funds within this Act and requirements on OMB.
    Contracting oversight.--The value of Federal contracts has 
increased significantly under the current Administration, to 
well over $400 billion. In other words, about 40 cents of every 
discretionary dollar appropriated is going into contracts. 
However, Executive Branch oversight of many contracts is 
seriously deficient. OMB's Office of Federal Procurement Policy 
(OFPP) should be playing a central role in coordinating 
contracting oversight government-wide, but it appears to be 
more focused on promoting the questionable practice of 
converting work performed by Federal employees to performance 
by contractors. OFPP is a relatively small office of 15 staff, 
so it should be directing its limited resources toward 
promoting vigorous contracting oversight rather than 
spearheading workforce conversion policies of little value. The 
Committee strongly urges the incoming Administration to refocus 
OFPP's efforts toward effective oversight.
    ``E-Government'' initiatives.--The Committee notes that it 
continues a government-wide general provision that precludes 
the use of funds for ``E-Government'' initiatives (including 
Lines of Business) prior to consultation with and approval by 
the Committee on Appropriations. The Committee appreciates the 
efforts made by OMB and agencies to provide requested 
information on these initiatives during fiscal year 2008 but is 
disappointed that the Administration proposed to delete this 
provision. The Committee will continue to exercise its 
authority to oversee the uses of these appropriated funds and 
to approve or disapprove how those funds are to be used. While 
many of these initiatives are worthwhile, the Committee 
continues to be concerned that OMB uses the E-Government 
funding model to force its management and funding priorities on 
agencies that would otherwise choose other approaches to serve 
the public and manage their operations. OMB and all agencies 
should work directly with the pertinent appropriations 
subcommittees in advance of transferring funds relating to E-
Government or Lines of Business.
    Purchase cards.--The Committee is troubled by an April 2008 
report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) on use of 
purchase cards. While purchase cards help agencies lower 
transaction costs for small purchases and provide procurement 
flexibility, GAO found that 41 percent of the transactions made 
with purchase cards between July 2005 and June 2006 did not 
follow proper procedures. Highly questionable and troublesome 
transactions included purchases of tailor-made suits, lingerie 
and Internet dating services. In addition, GAO was unable to 
locate several hundred of the items bought with purchase cards. 
Purchase card internal control weaknesses are exposing the 
Federal government to waste, fraud and abuse. The Committee 
appreciates that OMB is providing guidance to Federal agencies 
to address these internal control weaknesses. OMB is directed 
to report to the Committee within 60 days of enactment of this 
Act on actions taken to implement GAO's recommendations and 
improve purchase card internal controls.
    Printing of the President's budget.--The Committee 
disagrees with OMB's decision to end the practice of providing 
printed copies of the President's budget to Congress. By 
implementing this decision, OMB failed to meet its 
responsibility for giving Congress the materials it needs to 
properly and thoroughly evaluate the President's budget. 
Committees and Members' offices frequently rely on the printed 
budget as one of many tools to analyze the President's 
proposals, and the Government Printing Office incurred the 
expense of providing the necessary copies to congressional 
offices. OMB's decision appeared to be a matter of shifting 
costs to the Legislative Branch from the Executive Branch. The 
Committee expects OMB to provide Congress with printed copies 
of future budgets of the President.
    OMB involvement with the Integrated Risk Information System 
(IRIS) at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).--EPA's 
Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) is a critical 
component of EPA's capacity to support scientifically sound 
environmental decisions, polices, and regulations. The results 
of IRIS assessments are used by both State and Federal 
regulators to help inform environmental health regulation and 
management decisions. In 2004, OMB initiated an interagency 
review of all IRIS assessments. The Committee is aware that 
despite increased funding for the IRIS program, the number of 
completed IRIS assessments has decreased since OMB and in 
particular, their Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs 
(OIRA) became involved in the process. According to the 
Government Accountability Office (GAO), 32 draft assessments 
were sent for external review in fiscal years 2006 and 2007, 
but only four IRIS assessments were finalized; an unacceptable 
number. Therefore, the Committee directs OMB and EPA to 
aggressively pursue completion of pending IRIS assessments, 
such as trichloroethylene (TCE), which has been under review by 
IRIS since 1998.

                 Office of National Drug Control Policy

    The Committee's recommendation for overall funding for the 
programs under the purview of the Office of National Drug 
Control Policy (ONDCP) is $422,011,000, which is roughly 
equivalent to the fiscal year 2008 enacted level. The Committee 
notes two reviews of ONDCP that are currently being conducted: 
a Government Accountability Office review of grant management 
and other funding systems and a National Academy of Public 
Administration review of organization and management. The 
Committee believes that these reviews will be of assistance to 
both Congress and the Administration in ensuring the long-term 
effectiveness of this agency. The Committee looks forward to 
receiving these reviews and will use the information within 
them to help shape future funding allocations within ONDCP.

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................       $26,402,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................        23,697,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        26,011,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................          -391,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................        +2,314,000


    The Office of National Drug Control Policy Reauthorization 
Act of 2006 charges the Office of National Drug Control Policy, 
established by the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988, with developing 
policies, objectives and priorities for the National Drug 
Control Program.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $26,011,000 
for ONDCP salaries and expenses, a decrease of $391,000 from 
the enacted fiscal year 2008 level and an increase of 
$2,314,000 over the President's request. Of the amount 
appropriated, $500,000 is for policy research and evaluation, 
which is an increase of $250,000 over the fiscal year 2008 
level and a decrease of $800,000 from the President's request.
    The Committee recommendation supports the requested level 
of 109 FTEs.
    The Committee recommends $3,114,000 under this heading for 
rental payments to GSA instead of providing these funds under 
the heading ``Office of Administration'' as proposed in the 
President's budget.
    The Committee continues to be concerned with 
methamphetamine production, trafficking and abuse. The 
Committee is pleased that on a national basis domestic 
production has decreased dramatically since 2004. However, 
according to the National Drug Intelligence Center's National 
Methamphetamine Threat Assessment 2008, decreases in domestic 
methamphetamine production have been offset by increased 
production in Mexico of high-purity ice methamphetamine for 
U.S. distribution by Mexican drug trafficking organizations. 
The Committee directs ONDCP to continue its efforts to work 
with various agencies, such as the Departments of Justice, 
State, Homeland Security and Health and Human Services, along 
with State and local governments, to develop and implement 
strategies to reduce the demand for and supply of 
methamphetamine in the U.S.

                COUNTERDRUG TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT CENTER

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................        $1,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................         5,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................         1,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................             - - -
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................        -4,000,000


    Pursuant to title IV of the Office of National Drug Control 
Policy Reauthorization Act of 2006, the Counterdrug Technology 
Assessment Center serves as the central counterdrug research 
and development organization for the United States Government.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,000,000 for 
the Counterdrug Technology Assessment Center, the same as the 
fiscal year 2008 enacted level and a decrease of $4,000,000 
below the President's request. The appropriation provides for 
counternarcotics research and development.

             HIGH INTENSITY DRUG TRAFFICKING AREAS PROGRAM

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................      $230,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................       200,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       230,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................             - - -
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................       +30,000,000


    The High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Program 
was established by the Director of ONDCP pursuant to section 
1005 of the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988, and now as 
reauthorized by title III of the Office of National Drug 
Control Policy Act of 2006 to provide assistance to Federal, 
State and local law enforcement entities operating in those 
areas most adversely affected by drug trafficking.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $230,000,000 
for the HIDTA Program, the same as the fiscal year 2008 level 
and $30,000,000 above the President's request.
    The HIDTA program serves to enhance and coordinate drug 
control effects among local, State, and Federal law enforcement 
agencies in order to eliminate or reduce drug trafficking, and 
the Committee supports a vigorous HIDTA program. To achieve its 
mission, the HIDTA program must continue to enhance individual 
and national performance and work to develop a system that 
enhances the synchronization of drug control efforts.
    The Committee includes language requiring that existing 
HIDTAs receive funding at least equal to the fiscal year 2008 
initial allocation level or $3,000,000, whichever is greater. 
The fiscal year 2009 initial allocation level (before the 
distribution of discretionary funds) may not exceed $47,457,447 
for any individual HIDTA.
    The recommendation assumes $11,939,987 in discretionary 
funds for the HIDTA program. The Committee expects ONDCP to 
work closely with the HIDTA Directors to develop a spending 
plan for the use of these discretionary funds.
    The Committee includes a new provision allowing unexpended 
funds obligated prior to fiscal year 2007 for programs 
addressing the treatment or prevention of drug use to be used 
for other approved HIDTA activities. The Committee expects to 
be notified of any proposed change in the use of such funds at 
least 30 days prior to the reallocation of the funds.
    The Committee recognizes the National HIDTA Assistance 
Center for providing programmatic support to the HIDTA program 
to include training, financial management/audit review and 
other essential services.
    The Committee recommendation specifies that up to 
$2,100,000 may be used for auditing services and related 
activities.

                  OTHER FEDERAL DRUG CONTROL PROGRAMS

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................      $164,300,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................       189,685,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       165,000,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.....................          +700,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2009....................       -24,685,000


                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $165,000,000 
for Other Federal Drug Control Programs, an increase of 
$700,000 above the enacted fiscal year 2008 level and 
$24,685,000 below the President's request. The Committee 
recommends funding for the following programs for fiscal year 
2009:

Drug Free Communities...................................     $90,000,000
Training and technical assistance for drug court 
    professionals.......................................       1,500,000
National Alliance for Model State Drug Laws.............       1,250,000
National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign.................      60,000,000
United States Anti-Doping Agency........................      10,100,000
World Anti-Doping Agency dues...........................       1,900,000
National Drug Control Program performance measures......         250,000

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $60,000,000 
for the National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign, which is the 
same as the level enacted in fiscal year 2008 and $40,000,000 
below the President's request. The Committee does not support 
an increase in funding for the Campaign until ONDCP is able to 
demonstrate the effectiveness of the Campaign through improved 
outcome evaluations and evidence of its positive influence on 
behavior. The Committee notes that ONDCP plans to contract for 
an independent evaluation of the Campaign during fiscal year 
2009.
    The Committee believes that the scope of the Campaign 
should include emerging drug threats such as prescription and 
over-the-counter drug abuse and inhalant abuse. While recent 
efforts to highlight prescription drug abuse have helped, more 
can be done to raise the awareness of parents and youth. 
Inhalant abuse is particularly tragic and dangerous, with the 
possibility of death even with only one use. While the Campaign 
has emphasized marijuana use due to its prevalence among youth, 
ONDCP should reevaluate the focus of the Campaign to ensure it 
adequately addresses youth behavior and beliefs regarding these 
emerging threats. In addition, the Committee believes that the 
Campaign should address more than just national drug threats 
but should work to address regional and local drug threats by 
complementing existing State and local drug prevention 
initiatives.
    The Committee continues bill language to maintain funding 
for non-advertising services for the Media Campaign at no less 
than the fiscal year 2003 ratio of service funding to total 
funds. These activities should continue to include special 
initiatives designed to reach Hispanic audiences and engage 
private sector participation in the program.
    The Committee continues to support efforts to demonstrate 
the harmful consequences of using performance-enhancing drugs. 
The Committee is encouraged that representatives of major 
professional sports leagues, the U.S. Olympic Committee, and 
Federal agencies are increasing their collaboration on this 
issue. These organizations must continue to strengthen their 
commitment to stop performance-enhancing drug use by athletes, 
as well as to educate youth on the dangers of such drugs. ONDCP 
and the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency should work closely with 
professional sports organizations and other organizations to 
educate high school, middle school and grade school children on 
the dangers of performance-enhancing drugs.

                          Unanticipated Needs





Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................        $1,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................         1,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................         1,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................             - - -
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................             - - -


    These funds enable the President to meet unanticipated 
emergencies in support of the national interest, security, or 
defense.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $1,000,000 for unanticipated 
needs, the same as the fiscal year 2008 level and the 
President's request. The recommendation would permit the funds 
to remain available until expended. Expenditures from this 
account may be authorized by the President.

             Presidential Transition Administrative Support


                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................             - - -
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................        $8,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................         8,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................        +8,000,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................             - - -


    The Presidential Transition Administrative Support account 
supplements other administrative resources of the Executive 
Office of the President in support of the transition to the 
next Presidential Administration.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $8,000,000 for Presidential 
Transition Administrative Support, which is the same amount as 
requested by the President.

                  Special Assistance to the President


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................        $4,432,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................         4,496,000
Recommended in the bill...............................         4,496,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................           +64,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................             - - -


    These funds support the official duties and functions of 
the Office of the Vice President.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $4,496,000 for 
the Office of the Vice President, an increase of $64,000 above 
the fiscal year 2008 level and the same as the amount requested 
by the President.

                Official Residence of the Vice President


                           OPERATING EXPENSES

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................          $320,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................           323,000
Recommended in the bill...............................           323,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................            +3,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................             - - -


    These funds support the care and operation of the Vice 
President's residence and specifically support equipment, 
furnishings, dining facilities, and services required to 
perform and discharge the Vice President's official duties, 
functions and obligations.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $323,000 for 
the Operating Expenses of the Vice President's residence, an 
increase of $3,000 above the amount enacted in fiscal year 2008 
and the same as requested by the President.

Administrative Provisions--Executive Office of the President and Funds 
                     Appropriated to the President


                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

    Section 201. The Committee continues language to permit the 
transfer of not to exceed 10 percent of funds from certain 
offices within the Executive Office of the President.
    Section 202. The Committee includes a provision requiring a 
financial plan by the Director of the ONDCP prior to the 
obligation of funds in fiscal year 2009.

                        TITLE III--THE JUDICIARY

    The funds recommended by the Committee in title III of the 
accompanying bill are for the operation and maintenance of 
United States Courts and include the salaries of judges, 
magistrates, probation and pretrial services officers, and 
supporting personnel and other expenses of the Federal 
Judiciary.
    In addition to direct appropriations, the Judiciary 
collects fees and has various carryover authorities. The 
Judiciary uses these non-appropriated funds to offset its 
direct appropriation requirements. Consistent with prior year 
practices, the Committee expects the Judiciary to submit a 
financial plan, allocating all sources of available funds 
including appropriations, fee collections, and carryover 
balances. The Judiciary should consider this financial plan to 
be the baseline for determining if reprogramming notification 
is required. The Committee expects the plan to be submitted 
within 90 days after enactment of this Act.
    The Committee encourages the Judiciary to explore ways to 
increase outreach to minority law students with the goal of 
increasing the number of minorities in clerkship positions.
    The Committee notes that the Judiciary revised its fiscal 
year 2009 estimates in May of 2008, decreasing the total 
request nearly $164 million from the amounts included in the 
President's budget. The recommended funding levels in this bill 
reflect information presented to the Committee in the re-
estimated request.

                   Supreme Court Of The United States


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................       $66,526,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................        69,777,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        69,777,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................        +3,251,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................             - - -


                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $69,777,000 
for fiscal year 2009 for the salaries and expenses of personnel 
and the cost of operating the Supreme Court, excluding the care 
of the building and grounds. The recommendation is $3,251,000 
above the fiscal year 2008 level and is the same as the request 
for this account. The recommendation provides inflationary and 
other standard adjustments.
    The Committee continues to include bill language making 
$2,000,000 available until expended for the purpose of making 
information technology investments. The Committee directs the 
Supreme Court to provide an annual report, to be included in 
its budget justification materials, showing information 
technology carry-over balances and describing each expenditure 
made in the previous fiscal year and planned expenditures in 
the budget year.

                    CARE OF THE BUILDING AND GROUNDS




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................       $12,201,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................        18,447,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        18,447,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................        +6,246,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................             - - -


                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $18,447,000 
for fiscal year 2009 for personnel and other services relating 
to the Supreme Court building and grounds, which is supervised 
by the Architect of the Capitol. The recommendation is the same 
as the request and $6,246,000 above the fiscal year 2008 level. 
The Committee expects to be informed of any changes to the 
scope and projected completion date of the original building 
modernization project. Language in the bill allows funds to 
remain available until expended.

         United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................       $27,072,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................        32,357,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        30,384,000
Bill compared with:...................................
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................        +3,312,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................        -1,973,000


                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $30,384,000 
for fiscal year 2009 for the salaries and expenses of the 
United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. The 
recommendation is $3,312,000 above the fiscal year 2008 
appropriation and $1,973,000 below the request.
    The Committee has provided one half of the requested funds 
for rental space for senior judges, as well as one half of the 
funding for additional law clerks for judges. At this time, the 
Committee does not definitively know whether judges will take 
senior status during fiscal year 2009. Additionally, there may 
be challenges in appointing new judges if current judges do 
take senior status, lessening the need for the additional 
clerks for the full fiscal year.
    The Committee directs the Court to report on the planned 
use of the funding for program increases 120 days after 
enactment of this Act.

               United States Court of International Trade


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................       $16,632,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................        19,622,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        19,590,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................        +2,958,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................           -32,000


                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $19,590,000 
for fiscal year 2009 for the salaries and expenses of the 
United States Court of International Trade. The Committee 
recommendation is $32,000 less than the budget request and 
$2,958,000 above the fiscal year 2008 level. The recommendation 
provides inflationary and other standard adjustments.

    Courts of Appeals, District Courts, and Other Judicial Services


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008\1\....................    $4,619,262,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................     4,963,091,000
Recommended in the bill...............................     4,830,060,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................      +210,798,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................     -133,031,000

\1\Of this amount, $14,500,000 was designated as emergency funding.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $4,830,060,000 
for the operations of the regional courts of appeals, district 
courts, bankruptcy courts, the Court of Federal Claims, and 
probation and pretrial services offices. The recommendation is 
$210,798,000 above the fiscal year 2008 appropriation and 
$133,031,000 below the request. The recommendation provides 
inflationary and other standard adjustments.
    The recommendation funds the Judiciary's $3,000,000 
requested increase to annualize the funding provided in fiscal 
year 2008 for growing workload associated with increased 
immigration related prosecutions. The recommendation also fully 
funds the $1,041,000 requested increase for additional 
magistrate judges associated with increased workload.
    The Committee understands that the Judiciary's staffing, 
operations and maintenance, and information technology 
resources are allocated to the courts according to formulas 
that are approved by the Judicial Conference of the United 
States and equitably distribute resources based on the workload 
of each district. The Committee believes this is the optimal 
method of making such allocations and expects the Judiciary to 
continue to allocate its resources using this system. The 
Committee also expects the Administrative Office to 
periodically update the formulas to ensure their accuracy.
    The Committee urges the Judicial Conference of the United 
States to take into account judicial districts' caseloads when 
prioritizing Federal courthouse construction projects and to 
give priority consideration for new construction to areas such 
as McAllen, Texas, in the Southern District of Texas, and other 
border districts which are experiencing high caseloads.

                 VACCINE INJURY COMPENSATION TRUST FUND




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................        $4,099,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................         4,253,000
Recommended in the bill...............................         4,253,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................          +154,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................             - - -


                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a reimbursement of $4,253,000 for 
fiscal year 2009 from the Special Fund to cover expenses of the 
Claims Court associated with processing cases under the 
National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986. This amount is 
$154,000 above the amount available in fiscal year 2008 and 
equal to the request.

                           DEFENDER SERVICES




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008\1\....................      $846,101,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................       911,408,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       862,977,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................       +16,876,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................      -48,431,000

\1\Of this amount $10,500,000 was designated as emergency funding.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    This account provides funding for the operation of the 
Federal Public Defender and Community Defender organizations 
and for compensation and reimbursement of expenses of panel 
attorneys appointed pursuant to the Criminal Justice Act (CJA) 
for representation in criminal cases.
    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $862,977,000 
for fiscal year 2009. The recommendation is $27,376,000 above 
the fiscal year 2008 level and $48,431,000 below the request. 
The recommendation provides inflationary and other standard 
adjustments. The recommendation includes increases for the 
expected number of representations for fiscal year 2009. The 
recommendation also includes funding to support a cost of 
living adjustment for Defenders of $2 to $102 per hour and a 
salary increase of an additional $8 to $110 per hour.

                    FEES OF JURORS AND COMMISSIONERS




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................       $63,081,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................        62,206,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        62,206,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................          -875,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................             - - -


                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $62,206,000 
for payments to jurors, which is $875,000 below the fiscal year 
2008 level and the same as the request.

                             COURT SECURITY

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................      $410,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................       439,915,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       430,004,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................       +20,004,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................        -9,911,000


                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $430,004,000 
for Court Security in fiscal year 2009 to provide for necessary 
expenses of security and protective services in courtrooms and 
adjacent areas. This is an increase of $20,004,000 above the 
fiscal year 2008 level and $9,911,000 below the request. Bill 
language is included allowing up to $15,000,000 to remain 
available until expended.
    The recommendation includes 9 FTE and $4,082,000 more than 
fiscal year 2008 levels to provide the U.S. Marshals with 
resources to support the Federal Judiciary's Court Security 
program.
    The Committee looks forward to implementation of the court 
security pilot program authorized in fiscal year 2008 in this 
bill and reauthorized for fiscal year 2009. The Committee 
directs the Judiciary to report on the execution of the 
program, including a cost comparison, 120 days after enactment 
of this Act.

           Administrative Office of the United States Courts


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................       $76,036,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................        81,959,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        79,049,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................        +3,013,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................        -2,910,000


    The Administrative Office of the United States Courts (AO) 
provides administrative and management support to the United 
States Courts, including the probation and bankruptcy systems. 
It also supports the Judicial Conference of the United States 
in determining Federal Judiciary policies, in developing 
methods to allow the courts to conduct business efficiently and 
economically, and in enhancing the use of information 
technology in the courts.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $79,049,000 
for the salaries and expenses of the AO, which is $3,013,000 
above the fiscal year 2008 level and $2,910,000 below the 
request.

                        Federal Judicial Center


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................       $24,187,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................        25,759,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        25,725,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................        +1,538,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................           -34,000


    The Center improves the management of Federal Judicial 
dockets and court administration through education for judges 
and staff, and research, evaluation, and planning assistance 
for the courts and the Judicial Conference.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $25,725,000 
for the salaries and expenses of the Federal Judicial Center 
for fiscal year 2009, which is $1,538,000 above the fiscal year 
2008 level and $34,000 below the request.

                       Judicial Retirement Funds


                    PAYMENT TO JUDICIARY TRUST FUNDS




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................       $65,400,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................        76,140,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        76,140,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................       +10,740,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................             - - -


    These funds cover the estimated annuity payments to be made 
to retired bankruptcy judges, magistrate judges, Claims Court 
judges, and spouses and dependent children of deceased judicial 
officers.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee provides $76,140,000 for payments to the 
Judicial Officers' Retirement Fund, the Judicial Survivors' 
Annuities Fund, and the Claims Court Judges Retirement Fund for 
fiscal year 2009. This amount is the same as the budget request 
and $10,740,000 above the fiscal year 2008 level. These 
payments are considered mandatory for budget scorekeeping 
purposes.

                  United States Sentencing Commission


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................       $15,477,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................        16,257,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        16,225,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................          +748,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................           -32,000


    The purpose of the Commission is to establish, review, and 
revise sentencing guidelines, policies, and practices for the 
Federal criminal justice system. The Commission is also 
required to monitor the operation of the guidelines and to 
identify and report necessary changes to the Congress.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $16,225,000 for the salaries and 
expenses of the United States Sentencing Commission for fiscal 
year 2009, which is $748,000 above the fiscal year 2008 
appropriation and $32,000 below the request.

                Administrative Provisions--The Judiciary

    Section 301. The Committee continues language to permit 
funds in the bill for salaries and expenses for the Judiciary 
to be available for employment of experts and consultant 
services as authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109.
    Section 302. The Committee continues language that permits 
up to 5 percent of any appropriation made available for fiscal 
year 2008 to be transferred between Judiciary appropriations 
accounts provided that no appropriation shall be decreased by 
more than 5 percent or increased by more than 10 percent by any 
such transfer except in certain circumstances. In addition, the 
language provides that any such transfer shall be treated as a 
reprogramming of funds under section 608 of the accompanying 
bill and shall not be available for obligation or expenditure 
except in compliance with the procedures set forth in that 
section.
    Section 303. The Committee continues language authorizing 
not to exceed $11,000 to be used for official reception and 
representation expenses incurred by the Judicial Conference of 
the United States.
    Section 304. The Committee continues language requiring a 
financial plan for the Judiciary within 90 days of enactment of 
this Act.
    Section 305. The Committee includes language to enable the 
Federal Judiciary to contract for repairs under $100,000.
    Section 306. The Committee continues language to authorize 
a court security pilot program.
    Section 307. The Committee includes language intended to 
provide equal treatment for Federal judges regarding life 
insurance premiums.
    Section 308. The Committee includes language intended to 
allow the Director of the Administrative Office of the U.S. 
Courts to expend funds for purposes of the Second Chance Act. 
The Committee directs the Administrative Office of the U.S. 
Courts to report to the Committee on the parameters that define 
what will constitute eligible expenses before the program is 
implemented.
    Section 309. The Committee includes language removing a 
sunset date from certain procurement authorities.
    Section 310. The Committee includes language extending 
temporary judgeships in Ohio and Kansas.

                     TITLE IV--DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA


                             Federal Funds


              FEDERAL PAYMENT FOR RESIDENT TUITION SUPPORT




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................       $33,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................        35,100,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        35,100,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................        +2,100,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................             - - -


    The Resident Tuition Support program was created by the 
District of Columbia College Access Act of 1999 to provide 
District college-bound students the opportunity to expand their 
higher education choices. The program receives its funding 
through a Federal appropriation which is deposited into a 
dedicated account under the control of the District of Columbia 
Chief Financial Officer. These funds are to be used on behalf 
of eligible District of Columbia residents to pay an amount 
based upon the difference between in-State and out-of-State 
tuition at eligible public and private institutions of higher 
education.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a Federal payment of $35,100,000 
for the resident tuition support program, $2,100,000 above the 
fiscal year 2008 appropriation and the same as the budget 
request. The District of Columbia is expected to adhere to the 
authorizing statute with regard to the administrative expenses 
associated with this program.

       FEDERAL PAYMENT FOR EMERGENCY PLANNING AND SECURITY COSTS




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................        $3,352,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................        15,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        15,352,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................       +12,000,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................          +352,000


                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a Federal payment of $15,352,000 
for emergency planning and security costs, $12,000,000 above 
the fiscal year 2008 appropriation and $352,000 above the 
budget request. These funds are for emergency planning and 
security costs related to the presence of the Federal 
Government in the District of Columbia and surrounding 
jurisdictions. The Committee notes that the sizeable increase 
for fiscal year 2009 is due to expected expenses associated 
with the 2009 Presidential Inauguration.
    The Committee is concerned with the extra burden that 
certain agencies within the District of Columbia government 
face due to the Federal presence in the city, mostly notably 
the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). The accompaniment of 
police officers to support the motorcade travel of the 
President, the Vice President and the First Lady requires 
resources for which the MPD historically has not been 
reimbursed by the Federal Government. No other U.S. city must 
use its own resources to protect Federal officials on a regular 
basis. It is for this reason that a change has been made to 
appropriations language for fiscal year 2009 to make protection 
of Federal officials in support of the mission of the Secret 
Service an allowable cost under this account.
    The Committee also changes this account from a 
reimbursement to a direct payment. The Committee does not 
intend for this action to lead to an expansion of the 
authorized expenses under the fund, except as outlined in this 
report. The Committee requests a detailed justification to be 
submitted with the budget request in future years, as well as a 
report detailing any deviation from the plan outlined in the 
justification no later than 60 days after the end of the fiscal 
year.
    The Committee acknowledges the unique role of the District 
of Columbia National Guard in addressing emergencies that may 
occur as a result of the presence of the Federal Government and 
continues funding of $352,000 for the District of Columbia 
National Guard to pay the costs of a tuition assistance program 
for guard members who are non-District residents.

           FEDERAL PAYMENT TO THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA COURTS




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................      $223,920,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................       223,920,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       248,409,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................       +24,489,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................       +24,489,000


                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a Federal payment of $248,409,000 
for operation of the District of Columbia Courts, $24,489,000 
above the fiscal year 2008 appropriation and the fiscal year 
2009 budget request. This amount includes $12,630,000 for the 
Court of Appeals, $104,277,000 for the Superior Court, 
$55,426,000 for the Court System, and $76,076,000 for capital 
improvements to courthouse facilities.
    The Committee appreciates the responsiveness of the 
District of Columbia Courts with regard to concerns over the 
cell block at the Moultrie Courthouse. Additional funding 
recommended for capital improvements over the President's 
budget request is for renovation and modernization of the adult 
cellblock and U.S. Marshals space at the Moultrie Courthouse.

          DEFENDER SERVICES IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA COURTS




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................       $47,975,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................        47,975,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        52,475,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................        +4,500,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................        +4,500,000


                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $52,475,000 for Defender Services 
in District of Columbia Courts, $4,500,000 above the fiscal 
year 2008 appropriation and $4,500,000 above the budget 
request.
    The recommendation includes a pay adjustment for defenders 
from $80 per hour to $90 per hour to ensure Defender Services 
can continue to attract qualified attorneys.

 FEDERAL PAYMENT TO THE COURT SERVICES AND OFFENDER SUPERVISION AGENCY 
                      FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................      $190,343,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................       202,490,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       202,490,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................       +12,147,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................             - - -


                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a Federal payment of $202,490,000 
for the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA), 
$12,147,000 above the fiscal year 2008 appropriation and the 
same as the budget request. Of the amounts provided, 
$147,652,000 is for the Community Supervision Sex Offender 
Registration and $54,838,000 is for the Pretrial Services 
Agency. Increased funds over fiscal year 2008 are provided for 
pay and non-pay inflationary costs, as well as investments in 
infrastructure for CSOSA's offender case management system and 
field units.

  FEDERAL PAYMENT TO THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PUBLIC DEFENDER SERVICE




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................       $32,710,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................        35,659,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        35,659,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................        +2,949,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................             - - -


                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a Federal payment of $35,659,000 
for the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia 
(PDSDC), $2,949,000 above the fiscal year 2008 appropriation 
and the same as the budget request. The Committee includes 
$700,000 to be available for two years to support new space for 
the Mental Health Division.

 FEDERAL PAYMENT TO THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................        $8,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................        14,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        14,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................        +6,000,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................             - - -


                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a Federal payment of $14,000,000 
to the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (WASA), 
$6,000,000 above the fiscal year 2008 appropriation and the 
same as the budget request. These funds are to continue 
implementation of the Combined Sewer Overflow Long-Term Plan. 
Funds will be matched 100 percent by WASA.

      FEDERAL PAYMENT TO THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE COORDINATING COUNCIL




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................        $1,300,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................         1,774,000
Recommended in the bill...............................         1,774,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................          +474,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................             - - -


                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a Federal payment of $1,774,000 to 
the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC), $474,000 
above the fiscal year 2008 appropriation and the same as the 
budget request. These funds are to support initiatives related 
to the coordination of Federal and local criminal justice 
resources in the District of Columbia. Similar to prior years, 
the Committee directs the CJCC to submit performance measures 
in an annual report.

  FEDERAL PAYMENT TO THE OFFICE OF THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER OF THE 
                          DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................        $5,453,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................             - - -
Recommended in the bill...............................         4,486,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................          -967,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................        +4,486,000


                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a Federal payment of $4,486,000 
for the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the District of 
Columbia, $967,000 below fiscal year 2008 and $4,486,000 above 
the request. These funds are for education, environmental, 
social service and economic development initiatives in the 
District of Columbia. The Committee directs each grantee to 
submit a comprehensive budget and a report on the activities to 
be carried out with the funds no later than March 15, 2009. The 
District CFO will submit a comprehensive report no later than 
June 1, 2009, to the Committee on Appropriations highlighting 
which grantees did not comply with the reporting requirements. 
The Committee requires that any funds to these grantees must be 
spent primarily in the District of Columbia to benefit District 
residents.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     Project Name                            Amount
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington for Project           $100,000
 Learn................................................
Capital Area Food Bank Facility Construction..........           200,000
DC Campaign for Literacy Education (CYCLE)............            84,000
Educational Advancement Alliance for the DC Student              250,000
 Support Services Project.............................
Everybody Wins!.......................................           400,000
Excel-Automotive Workforce Development Training                  300,000
 Program..............................................
Georgetown Metro Connection...........................           100,000
``I Have a Dream'' Foundation of Washington DC, Brent             84,000
 Dream Class of 2006..................................
National Children's Alliance..........................           250,000
Safe Kids Worldwide, Inc., Child Safety Initiative....           375,000
The Perry School for an Economic Empowerment Program..           100,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                 FEDERAL PAYMENT FOR SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................       $40,800,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................        54,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        54,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................       +13,200,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................             - - -


                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a Federal payment of $54,000,000 
for school improvement, $13,200,000 above fiscal year 2008 and 
the same as the budget request. These funds are allocated as 
follows: $21,200,000 to improve public school education in the 
District of Columbia, $18,000,000 to expand quality charter 
schools, and $14,800,000 to the Secretary of Education for 
opportunity scholarships for low-income children in the 
District of Columbia, of which $1,000,000 is for administrative 
expenses.
    The Committee wishes to express its support and full 
confidence in the leadership of the District of Columbia in its 
efforts to improve the public school system.
    Further, the Committee recommends funding opportunity 
scholarships at the same level as in fiscal year 2008. Should 
the District of Columbia leadership decide not to proceed with 
this program in future years, the Committee encourages the city 
to communicate with Congress regarding a transition plan for 
students.

           FEDERAL PAYMENT TO JUMP START PUBLIC SCHOOL REFORM




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................             - - -
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................       $20,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        20,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................       +20,000,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................             - - -


                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends the requested level of $20,000,000 
for a one-time payment to jump start school reform in the 
District of Columbia, $20,000,000 over fiscal year 2008. This 
funding will support: the recruitment, training and developing 
of principals and other school leaders, development of school 
programs, data and reporting requirement systems, and outreach 
to parents and other community members.

          FEDERAL PAYMENT FOR CONSOLIDATED LABORATORY FACILITY




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................        $5,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................         5,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        21,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................       +16,000,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................       +16,000,000


                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a Federal payment of $21,000,000 
for a consolidated bioterrorism and forensics lab, $16,000,000 
above fiscal year 2008 and $16,000,000 above the budget 
request. The Committee recognizes the need associated with this 
facility and the high priority the city has placed on this 
project and therefore, has provided adequate resources to start 
construction during fiscal year 2009.

        FEDERAL PAYMENT FOR CENTRAL LIBRARY AND BRANCH LOCATIONS




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................        $9,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................         7,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................         7,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................        -2,000,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................             - - -


                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a Federal payment of $7,000,000, 
as requested, for the District of Columbia's capital program 
for modernization of neighborhood libraries.

    FEDERAL PAYMENT TO REIMBURSE THE FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................        $4,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................         5,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................             - - -
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................        -4,000,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................        -5,000,000


                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends no funding for a reimbursement to 
the FBI for forensics work on behalf of the District of 
Columbia for fiscal year 2009. The Committee believes the funds 
would be better served being devoted to the capital needs 
associated with building the consolidated bioterrorism and 
forensics lab so that the District of Columbia will no longer 
have to rely on other agencies to perform forensics work on its 
behalf.

                       District of Columbia Funds

    The Committee recommends a total of $10,011,231,000 for the 
operating expenses of the District of Columbia as contained in 
the fiscal year 2009 proposed budget and financial plan 
submitted to the Congress by the government of the District of 
Columbia in June 2008. Of the total, $6,203,795,000 is from 
local funds, $2,177,373,000 is from Federal grant funds, 
$1,623,754,000 is from other funds, $6,310,000 is from private 
funds, and $156,874,000 is from prior year funds. In addition, 
an increase of $1,482,977,000 is for capital construction 
projects.
    The Committee directs that any changes to the financial 
plan as submitted by the District must follow the reprogramming 
guidelines.

                     TITLE V--INDEPENDENT AGENCIES


                   Consumer Product Safety Commission


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................       $80,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................        80,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       100,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................       +20,000,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................       +20,000,000


    The Consumer Product Safety Act established the Consumer 
Product Safety Commission (CPSC), an independent Federal 
regulatory agency, to reduce unreasonable risk of injury 
associated with consumer products. Its primary responsibilities 
and overall goals are: to protect the public against 
unreasonable risk of injury associated with consumer products; 
to develop uniform safety standards for consumer products, 
minimizing conflicting State and local regulations; and to 
promote research into prevention of product-related deaths, 
illnesses, and injuries.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $100,000,000 for fiscal year 2009, 
$20,000,000 above the amount provided for fiscal year 2008 and 
the amount requested by the President. After years of budget 
cuts and staffing decline, and after numerous product recalls 
in 2007 involving health and safety hazards, the CPSC received 
a considerable (27.5 percent) increase in funding in its fiscal 
year 2008 budget. The CPSC is using these additional resources 
to substantially improve its product safety activities, 
including the implementation of an Import Safety Initiative, 
upgrades to information technology and databases, and 
modernization of its testing laboratory. The Committee expects 
the CPSC to continue to use this infusion of resources to 
enhance its efforts to keep unsafe products out of the 
marketplace.
    The Committee believes that the progress that is being made 
must be continued. The CPSC will have significant new 
responsibilities under legislation being considered by 
Congress, as well as legislation that has already become law. 
Adequate funding is necessary to meet these responsibilities, 
and the Committee's recommendation for fiscal year 2009 
reflects this reality. Of the $20,000,000 increase provided 
above the President's request, $6,000,000 is for the 
implementation of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety 
Act, which was signed by the President on December 19, 2007. 
Funding for the modernization of CPSC's testing laboratory is 
continued at $6,000,000, which is the same amount as requested 
by the President.
    Within the level of funds provided, the Committee expects 
the CPSC to assign a Product Safety Officer and a foreign 
national employee to the United States embassy in Beijing, 
China. Having a presence in Asia will allow the CPSC to improve 
its outreach to Asian businesses, trade associations, and 
governments regarding the safety standards of the United 
States. This effort, along with the deployment of CPSC staff to 
United States ports, will increase the CPSC's ability to 
protect Americans from the importation of dangerous products.
    The Committee recognizes the importance of screening 
consumer products for lead content as those products arrive at 
ports of entry. The Committee urges CPSC to increase its 
capacity for such screening through use of innovative 
technologies that enable fast and accurate on-site analysis of 
lead content.
    The bill also includes language that limits official 
reception and representation expenses to no more than $1,000 in 
fiscal year 2009.

                     Election Assistance Commission


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................       $16,530,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................        16,679,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        18,559,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................        +2,029,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................        +1,880,000


    The Election Assistance Commission (EAC) was established by 
the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA) and is charged with 
implementing provisions of that Act relating to the reform of 
Federal election administration throughout the United States, 
including the development of voluntary voting systems 
guidelines, the certification and testing of voting systems, 
studies of election administration issues, and the 
implementation of election reform payments to states as well as 
grant programs related to election reform.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $18,559,000 for EAC Salaries and 
expenses, an increase of $2,029,000 above the fiscal year 2008 
enacted level and an increase of $1,880,000 above the budget 
request. The recommendation also includes the requested 
transfer of $4,000,000, an increase of $750,000 above the 
amount transferred in fiscal year 2008, to the National 
Institute of Standards and Technology.
    Also included in this recommendation are $1,250,000 
($500,000 above the fiscal year 2008 level) for the Help 
America Vote College Program and $400,000 ($200,000 above the 
fiscal year 2008 level) for mock election programs. Both 
programs are competitive grant programs. The college program, 
first implemented during the 2004 election, recruits and trains 
young people in colleges, universities, and community colleges 
to serve as nonpartisan pollworkers, helping to address a 
nationwide pollworker shortage. Mock election programs promote 
participation in elections through voter education activities 
for students and their parents.
    The Committee encourages the use of voting machines in 
student elections. This will allow students, the nation's 
voters of tomorrow, to become familiar with voting processes 
and technologies so that when they turn 18, they will be 
comfortable with their civic duties. Groups involved in student 
mock elections should work with local election authorities to 
promote the use of voting machines by students.
    The EAC is a small agency with a very limited staff and 
budget. As such, the EAC needs to prioritize its attention and 
resources toward meeting its core responsibilities under HAVA, 
including serving as a national clearinghouse on best 
practices, further improving and implementing voluntary voting 
system guidelines, and directing a national voting system 
certification program. Attention must be given to ensuring the 
usability, accessibility, and security of voting systems, as 
well as the fair, open, and nonpartisan administration of 
elections. By focusing on these issues, the EAC will build its 
credibility as a trusted and essential resource for 
stakeholders in the election community.
    The Committee is concerned about specific issues that face 
voters with alternative language accessibility challenges, 
including Latino, Asian American, Pacific Islander and Native 
American and Alaskan Native voters. Such challenges have been 
well documented throughout recent election cycles and include 
both a failure of applicable jurisdictions to meet requirements 
of Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act, and general 
discrimination faced by such voters at polling places. The 
Committee believes that jurisdictions covered under Section 203 
of the Voting Rights Act must commit the financial resources 
necessary to meet the requirements of the Section and the 
requirements under Section 301(a)(4) of HAVA. Funding is 
essential to ensure that every eligible voter has an equal 
opportunity to cast a vote and have that vote counted, 
regardless of English proficiency. The Committee believes that 
States should submit plans under HAVA that are consistent with 
providing sufficient funding levels for alternative language 
accessibility. The Committee also notes that States are 
obligated by statute to comply with Section 203 irrespective of 
the availability of HAVA funding. The Committee directs the 
EAC, in consultation with the Department of Justice, to 
communicate with States to reiterate the requirements of HAVA 
and the Voting Rights Act and to direct States to revise their 
plans if they are not consistent with alternative language 
accessibility requirements under law. The EAC is also directed 
to report to the Committee, within 90 days of enactment of this 
Act, on how the EAC would develop a plan for a thorough 
assessment of State and local jurisdiction funding requirements 
for alternative language accessibility in jurisdictions covered 
by Section 203, including (but not limited to): (1) the type 
and quantity of data EAC would need to collect from the 
jurisdictions; (2) data quality considerations; (3) resources 
required by the EAC for this assessment; and (4) statutory 
changes for Congress to consider that would better enable the 
EAC to perform the assessment.
    The Committee remains concerned over recent elections in 
which there has been continued confusion over the operation of 
direct recording electronic (DRE) ballot machines, and in which 
there have been machine failures and irregularities in the 
tabulation of votes. Unfortunately, there is no current 
explicit authorization to provide safety mechanisms, including 
back-up paper ballots and post-election random audits. The 
Committee directs the EAC to make a determination as to whether 
States can use current HAVA funds to pay for activities such as 
back-up paper ballots and post-election random audits in order 
to better ensure the security and trustworthiness of the voting 
process.

                        ELECTION REFORM PROGRAMS




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................      $115,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................             - - -
Recommended in the bill...............................       116,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................        +1,000,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................      +116,000,000


    This appropriation provides for grant programs authorized 
by the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA) and for related 
grant programs to improve the administration of elections.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommendation includes $116,000,000 for 
Election reform programs, an increase of $1,000,000 above the 
fiscal year 2008 enacted level and an increase of $116,000,000 
above the budget request. Of this amount, $110,000,000 is for 
grants available to States for assistance in meeting the 
requirements of HAVA relating to voting systems, voter 
registration, provisional ballots, and other election 
administration activities.
    In addition, $5,000,000 is provided for grants for research 
on voting technology improvements as authorized by the Help 
American Vote Act. The Committee directs the EAC to use the 
appropriated amount to fund research into technological 
solutions for voting systems that ensure accessibility for 
voters with disabilities so that such voters can vote privately 
and independently, including through the use of official paper 
ballots. The Committee further directs that technological 
solutions developed through this federally-funded research be 
non-proprietary and be made available to the public, including 
to voting system manufacturers.
    The recommendation also includes $1,000,000 for a pilot 
program, to be administered by the EAC, to provide grants to 
States and units of local government to fund pre-election logic 
and accuracy testing of voting systems, as well as post-
election voting system verification. The goal of logic and 
accuracy testing would be to ensure that voting system 
equipment, including tabulation equipment, that will be used in 
an upcoming election is properly prepared to support the 
election. Testing would also include assessments of the 
completeness, accuracy and usability of ballots. Post-election 
voting system verification would assess the adequacy of 
controls in place prior to and during the election that can 
detect and correct, or prevent, anomalies from occurring in 
voting systems. Jurisdictions would report on voting system 
equipment failures during the election as well as on procedural 
incidents that involved voting equipment. The Committee 
believes that this pilot program would help local election 
officials ensure the reliable, accurate, secure, and accessible 
transformation of voter intent into tabulated returns.

                   Federal Communications Commission


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................      $313,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................       338,874,783
Recommended in the bill...............................       338,874,783
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................       +25,874,783
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................             - - -


    The mission of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) 
is to implement the Communications Act of 1934 in a manner that 
promotes competition, innovation, and deregulation in the 
communications industry and the availability of high quality 
communications services for all Americans.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The bill includes total budget authority of $338,874,783 
for the salaries and expenses of the FCC for fiscal year 2009, 
of which $337,874,783 is to be derived from offsetting 
collections, resulting in a direct appropriation of $1,000,000. 
The operating level for fiscal year 2009 is $25,874,783 above 
the current year and the same as the request.
    The Committee recommendation includes bill language, 
similar to that included in previous Appropriations Acts, which 
allows: (1) up to $4,000 for official reception and 
representation expenses; (2) purchase of uniforms and 
acquisition of vehicles; (3) special counsel fees; (4) 
collection of $337,874,783 in section 9 fees; (5) the sum 
appropriated to be reduced as section 9 fees are collected; (6) 
a prohibition on amounts collected in excess of $337,874,783 
from being available for obligation; (7) a prohibition on 
remaining offsetting collections from prior years from being 
available for obligation; and (8) retention of $85,000,000 of 
proceeds from the use of a competitive bidding system.
    The recommendation includes a $25,480,000 transfer from the 
Universal Service Fund (USF) for additional audits and 
oversight activities. The recommendation also includes 
$1,919,000 in direct appropriations to manage the USF audit 
program. The Committee believes that providing these funds to 
the Office of Inspector General will result in a stronger and 
more independent oversight and audit program.
    The Committee is concerned about the approaching February 
2009 deadline for transition to digital television (DTV) and 
the level of awareness in the general public concerning this 
deadline. Surveys show that many television viewers have never 
seen, read, or heard anything about digital television and the 
transition. The Committee is particularly concerned about how 
well viewers in disadvantaged and lower-income communities, 
including Hispanic, African American, disabled, and senior 
citizen communities, are prepared for the transition. The 
Committee recommendation includes $20,000,000 for DTV education 
and outreach, as proposed in the budget request.
    The Committee stresses the importance of providing all 
persons living under the American flag, including those living 
in the United States territories, equal access to services. The 
Communications Act of 1934 established the FCC to ``make 
available, so far as possible, to all the people of the United 
States, without discrimination on the basis of race, color, 
religion, national origin, or sex, a rapid, efficient, Nation-
wide, and world-wide wire and radio communication service with 
adequate facilities at reasonable charges'' (emphasis added). 
The Committee believes that all communication services, 
including satellite radio services, should be equally available 
to persons living under the American flag outside of the 
contiguous 48 states. Satellite radio services are currently 
unavailable or have limited availability in Puerto Rico, the 
U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa, Alaska, and 
Hawaii. The Committee strongly encourages the FCC to consider 
equal access for persons living in these locations in its 
review of the proposed merger of satellite radio companies.
    The Committee appreciates that the Commission raised 
$19,592,000,000 in the 700 MHz auction. The sale of this 
spectrum should have a significant effect on the next phase of 
wireless broadband innovation. However, the Committee is very 
concerned that the auction for the D Block did not meet its 
$1,300,000,000 reserve price established in advance of the 
auction. The D Block spectrum was set aside for the creation of 
a public/private partnership to solve public safety's 
interoperability problems allowing police, fire and other first 
responders to better communicate with one another during an 
emergency. The 9/11 Commission identified the need to increase 
the assignment of spectrum for first responders in its July 
2004 report and it is disappointing the Federal Government has 
yet to address this critical need. The Committee urges the 
Commission to learn from this failure and expeditiously rework 
the rules for this critical spectrum auction so that first 
responders have an interoperable communications network.

                 Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation


                      OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................       $26,848,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................        27,495,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        27,495,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................          +647,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................             - - -


    Funding for the Office of the Inspector General at the 
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation is provided pursuant to 
31 U.S.C. 1105(a)(25), which requires a separate appropriation 
account for appropriations for each Office of Inspector General 
of an establishment defined under section 11(2) of the 
Inspector General Act of 1978.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommendation, the same as the budget 
request, provides for the transfer of $27,495,000 from the 
Deposit Insurance Fund, and the FSLIC Resolution Fund to 
finance the Office of Inspector General for fiscal year 2009.

                      Federal Election Commission


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................       $59,224,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................        63,618,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        63,618,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................        +4,394,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................             - - -


    The Federal Election Commission (FEC) administers the 
disclosure of campaign finance information, enforces 
limitations on contributions and expenditures, supervises the 
public funding of Presidential elections, and performs other 
tasks related to Federal elections.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $63,618,000 
for the Federal Election Commission (FEC), an increase of 
$4,394,000 over the amount appropriated in fiscal year 2008 and 
the same as the budget request.
    The Committee notes that it recently approved a significant 
reprogramming of fiscal year 2008 funds. These funds were 
available for reprogramming due to four commissioner vacancies, 
as well as due to slowness in hiring replacements for staff who 
have been lost through attrition. The Committee intends to 
carefully monitor the resource needs of the FEC during the 
coming months and may consider adjustments to its fiscal year 
2009 budget in the final appropriations bill.

                   Federal Labor Relations Authority


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................       $23,641,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................        22,674,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        22,674,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................          -967,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................             - - -


    Established by title VII of the Civil Service Reform Act of 
1978, the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA) serves as a 
neutral arbiter in the labor activities of non-postal Federal 
employees, Departments and agencies, and Federal unions on 
matters outlined in the Act, including collective bargaining 
and the settlement of disputes. Establishment of the FLRA gives 
full recognition to the role of the Federal Government as an 
employer. Under the Foreign Service Act of 1980, the FLRA also 
addresses similar issues affecting Foreign Service personnel by 
providing full staff support for the Foreign Service Impasse 
Disputes Panel and the Foreign Service Labor Relations Board.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $22,674,000 
for the Federal Labor Relations Authority, a decrease of 
$967,000 below the amount appropriated in fiscal year 2008 and 
the same as the budget request.

                        Federal Trade Commission


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................      $243,864,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................       256,200,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       259,200,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................       +15,336,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................        +3,000,000


    The mission of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is to 
enforce a variety of Federal antitrust and consumer protection 
laws. Under these laws, the Commission seeks to ensure that the 
nation's markets are competitive, function vigorously and 
efficiently, and are free from undue governmental and private 
restrictions. The Commission also seeks to improve the 
operation of the marketplace by eliminating deceptive and 
unfair practices. Appropriations for both the Antitrust 
Division of the Department of Justice and the Commission are 
partially financed with Hart-Scott-Rodino Act pre-merger filing 
fees.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends total budget authority of 
$259,200,000 for the salaries and expenses of the FTC for 
fiscal year 2009, which is $15,336,000 above the fiscal year 
2008 level and $3,000,000 above the request. The Committee 
assumes that $170,500,000 of collections from Hart-Scott-Rodino 
premerger filing fees and $21,000,000 of collections from Do-
Not-Call list fees will partially offset the appropriation 
requirement for this account.
    The Committee recommendation assumes an increase of 
$3,000,000 over the request to provide additional support for 
consumer protection activities including subprime lending and 
other financial services investigations, as well as activities 
to fight spam, spyware, and Internet fraud and deception.
    The Committee believes that the FTC can do more to 
investigate, challenge, and take enforcement actions against 
mortgage brokers, lenders, and loan servicers who engage in 
deceptive or unfair marketing practices or fraudulent financial 
practices directed at subprime borrowers. Such practices have 
exacerbated the subprime crisis by taking advantage of the most 
vulnerable borrowers, and the FTC needs to be aggressive in 
fighting this serious problem. The Committee recommendation 
assumes that $2,000,000 of the $3,000,000 increase over the 
President's budget request will be used to enhance the FTC's 
investigation and enforcement activities in the financial 
services sector, including the subprime lending market.
    High gas prices hurt consumers and burden the nation's 
economy. The FTC has an important responsibility to ensure that 
anticompetitive, fraudulent or criminal practices are not being 
used to drive prices higher. On May 1, 2008, the FTC approved 
an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR) as a first step 
in developing regulations to prohibit market manipulation in 
the petroleum industry. This rulemaking is authorized by the 
Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA), which also 
gives the FTC the authority to prohibit the provision of false 
or misleading information relating to the wholesale oil or 
gasoline prices to a Federal agency. The FTC is now in the 
process of reviewing public comments on the ANPR. The Committee 
strongly urges the FTC to act expeditiously to develop 
effective regulations that will deter and penalize manipulative 
practices in the petroleum industry.
    The Committee encourages the FTC to expand its enforcement 
and education activities particularly with respect to consumer 
protections for Hispanic, African American, disabled, and 
senior citizen populations. For example, the FTC has an 
aggressive campaign against consumer fraud in the Hispanic 
community. As recent immigrants, many Hispanics are unaware of 
the fraudulent practices perpetrated by some businesses and 
individuals against consumers. Consequently, many fall prey to 
such predators and suffer great financial losses. They may also 
be unaware of the remedies that are available to them if they 
are victimized. The FTC should continue to promote increased 
awareness through its Hispanic Outreach Initiative, and it 
should work with all at-risk populations to ensure the highest 
possible level of consumer protection.
    The Committee urges the FTC to work with companies that 
extend credit to consumers to ensure that it is readily 
apparent to those individuals that they have the ability to 
``opt-out'' of receiving unsolicited financial information when 
they complete the necessary forms for an application for 
credit.
    The Committee also urges the FTC to encourage companies 
that have data breaches involving sensitive and personal 
consumer information to disclose to affected consumers, as soon 
as possible following discovery of the data breach, that a data 
breach has occurred.
    Consumer privacy has become a major consideration with the 
growth of Internet commerce, and the Committee encourages the 
FTC to continue efforts that will lead to increased consumer 
confidence that personal information transmitted over the 
Internet will not be used in illegal, intrusive, or 
inappropriate ways.
    The Committee is concerned about reports of explicit 
content that can be easily accessed by minors on increasinly 
popular virtual reality web programs. The Committee directs the 
FTC to issue a consumer alert to educate parents on the content 
that is available to children on virtual reality web programs. 
In addition, no later than 9 months after enactment of this 
Act, the Commission shall submit a report to the Appropriations 
Committee discussing the types of content on virtual reality 
sites and what steps, if any, these sites take to prevent 
minors from accessing content.
    The recommendation also includes bill language that: (1) 
allows for purchase of uniforms, hire of motor vehicles and 
contracts for collection services; (2) allows up to $2,000 for 
official reception and representation expenses; (3) allows for 
the collection of fees; (4) allows for the sum appropriated to 
be reduced as fees are collected; (5) allows funding to be 
available until expended; and (6) prohibits the use of funds to 
implement or enforce subsection (e)(2)(B) of section 43 of the 
Federal Deposit Insurance Act.

                    General Services Administration


                         FEDERAL BUILDINGS FUND




Limitations on Availability of Revenue:
    Limitation on availability, fiscal year 2008......  $(7,830,414,000)
    Limitation on availability, budget estimate,         (8,377,573,000)
 fiscal year 2009.....................................
    Recommended in the bill...........................   (8,161,285,000)
Bill compared with:
    Availability limitation, fiscal year 2008.........    (+330,871,000)
    Availability limitation, fiscal year 2009 estimate    (-216,288,000)


    The Federal Buildings Fund (FBF) finances the activities of 
the Public Buildings Service, which provides space and services 
for Federal agencies in a relationship similar to that of 
landlord and tenant. The FBF, established in 1975, replaces 
direct appropriations by using income derived from rent 
assessments, which approximate commercial rates for comparable 
space and services. The Committee makes funds available through 
a process of placing limitations on obligations from the FBF as 
a way of allocating funds for various FBF activities. The 
Committee may also appropriate funds into the FBF as a way of 
covering the difference between the total revenues coming into 
the FBF and the total limitation on the expenditure from the 
FBF.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a limitation of $8,161,285,000 for 
the Fund, an increase of $330,871,000 above the fiscal year 
2008 enacted levels, a decrease of $216,288,000 below the 
request.
    To carry out the purposes of the Federal Buildings Fund 
established pursuant to section 210(f) of the Federal Property 
and Administrative Services Act of 1949, as amended (40 U.S.C. 
592), the revenues and collections deposited into the Fund, 
shall be available for necessary expenses in the aggregate 
amount of $8,161,285,000 of which: $453,831,000 is for 
construction (including funds for sites and expenses and 
associated design and construction services), $692,374,000 is 
for repairs and alterations, $149,570,000 is for installment 
acquisition payments (including payments on purchase 
contracts), $4,642,156,000 is for rental of space; and 
$2,223,354,000 is for building operations.
    The General Services Administration (GSA) is directed to 
provide the Committees on Appropriations, the House Committee 
on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Senate Committee 
on Environment and Public Works with a report within 120 days 
follow enactment of this Act, describing not less than three 
projects for which the utilization of its 412 development 
authority is an option.
    The Committee continues to recognize the importance of the 
Ambassador Bridge in Detroit, Michigan as a critical link to 
commerce between the United States and Canada. The Committee 
and the Congress have invested, since fiscal year 2004, 
significant taxpayer funds in Border Station facilities at the 
Ambassador Bridge and in the Ambassador Bridge Gateway project 
to directly connect the Ambassador Bridge and its proposed 
second span, to trunk line systems and the trade corridor 
between the United States and Canada to streamline the flow of 
commerce and international traffic.
    The Committee further notes that the private sector owners 
and operators of the Ambassador Bridge have a long history of 
proactive investment in new inspection booths and related 
infrastructure security, to help streamline the border 
inspection process, and to ensure the total security of this 
critical border crossing. The Committee applauds the General 
Services Administration for its willingness to explore these 
public-private partnerships at the Ambassador Bridge. The 
Committee commends the continued assistance of the GSA in 
helping to lead efforts of the Executive Branch to improve 
direct highway access to the Ambassador Bridge facilities, 
including its proposed second span, in both the United States 
and Canada.
    The United States Post Office and Federal Court Building in 
Danville, Virginia is an important component of the downtown 
Danville community. The Committee hopes that the General 
Services Administration will make every effort to maintain the 
Federal Judiciary's presence in this building and to service 
the citizens of Danville.
    GSA shall conduct a study of the measurable benefits and 
challenges associated with the use of green roofs in GSA's 
diverse owned and leased inventory, using the National Capital 
Region as an example. The purpose of the study is to identify 
which green roof technologies available today are applicable to 
GSA's inventory. The study shall address, among other things, 
the practical, environmental, and aesthetic benefits of green 
roofs, including the reduction of storm water runoff. It shall 
include examples of existing or planned GSA green roofs. It 
should analyze building life-cycle cost, return on investment, 
energy savings, historic preservation considerations, and 
factors such as the size of the roof, structural capability, 
building age, and what, if any, sustainable design features 
might be important to justify the costs associated with green 
roofs. The study shall be completed within one year of 
enactment of this Act.

                                PROJECTS

    Congress has made significant reforms in the way it reviews 
funding for the Federal Government; reforms which the Committee 
takes very seriously as it executes its constitutional 
authority. Earmarking or directed spending of Federal dollars 
does not begin with Congress. It begins with the Executive 
Branch. For example, following is a list of General Services 
Administration projects submitted by the Administration:

New Construction:
    California:
          San Diego, United States Courthouse Annex
          San Ysidro, Land Port of Entry
    Colorado:
          Lakewood, Denver Federal Remediation
    District of Columbia:
          DHS Consolidation and development of St. Elizabeths 
        Campus
          St. Elizabeths West Campus Infrastructure
          St. Elizabeths West Campus Site Acquisition
    Maryland:
          Montgomery County, Food and Drug Administration 
        Consolidation
    North Dakota:
          Portal, Land Port of Entry
Repairs and Alterations:
    District of Columbia:
          Eisenhower Executive Office Building, CBR
          Eisenhower Executive Office Building, Phase III
          West Wing Infrastructure Systems Replacement
    Illinois:
          Chicago, Dirksen Courthouse
    North Carolina:
          New Bern, United States Post Office and Courthouse.

    The Administration, in selecting these projects, goes 
through a process that is the functional equivalent of 
earmarking. When the Committee reviews the budget request, it 
goes through a process of rigorous review and may alter or 
modify this list to reflect additional priorities.

                      CONSTRUCTION AND ACQUISITION




Limitations on Availability of Revenue:
    Limitation on availability, fiscal year 2008\1\...      $531,448,000
    Limitation on availability, budget estimate,             620,119,000
 fiscal year 2009.....................................
    Recommended in the bill...........................       453,831,000
Bill compared with:
    Availability limitation, fiscal year 2008.........       -77,617,000
    Availability limitation, fiscal year 2009 request.     -166,288,000

\1\Of this amount, $225,000,000 was designated as emergency funding.

    The construction and acquisition activity funds site, 
design, construction, and management and inspection costs for 
construction of new Federal facilities.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a limitation of $453,831,000 for 
construction and acquisition, a decrease of $77,617,000 below 
the fiscal year 2008 enacted level and $166,288,000 below the 
request, which includes non-prospectus projects.
    The Committee prohibits the General Services Administration 
from using any of the nearly $400 million in funding which has 
been appropriated for the courthouse project for the Central 
District of California, Los Angeles division for any other 
purpose. Further, should the land purchased for the courthouse 
project be sold, the Committee prohibits the General Services 
Administration from using the proceeds of the sale of the land 
to be used for any other purpose than addressing the housing 
needs of the LA division of the Central District of California.
    The Committee is supportive of the construction of the 
Mobile Courthouse, which the Committee notes is on the Judicial 
Conference five year construction plan, and urges GSA to 
request funding for this important project.
    The Committee is also supportive of the construction of the 
Chattanooga Courthouse and urges GSA to request funding for 
this important project.
    The Committee is concerned about the transportation plans 
for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) consolidation on 
the St. Elizabeths campus. This site is located near the 
Suitland Parkway and is adjacent to I-295--two already 
congested and key transportation arteries for DC citizens east 
of the Anacostia River and Maryland and Virginia commuters. The 
Committee expects GSA and DHS to closely coordinate its plans 
with the District of Columbia Department of Transportation, the 
Federal Highway Administration, the Maryland Department of 
Transportation, the Virginia Department of Transportation and 
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority to minimize the 
campus traffic impact on neighboring communities and commuters. 
Furthermore, the Committee expects GSA and DHS to take every 
reasonable step to encourage mass transit, to provide an onsite 
parking plan with a ratio of at most one parking spot per every 
four employees, and to ensure that the Federal Government takes 
responsibility for the required infrastructure improvements, 
which will prevent local jurisdictions from needing to divert 
funds from other priorities.
    The Committee wishes to emphasize the importance of 
completing the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) headquarters 
consolidation project at White Oak on schedule and especially 
construction of the Life Sciences Laboratory building. The 
Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER)/Center for 
Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) labs, which will be located 
within this building, are essential for the FDA to carry out 
its bioterrorism responsibilities and it is critical to 
national and global preparedness for pandemic and annual 
influenza and other emerging threats. The Committee is 
disappointed that the funding for the lab was not included in 
the President's budget for GSA. The Committee urges GSA to 
include adequate funding to construct the CBER/CDER labs in the 
next fiscal year's request and expects the FDA consolidation to 
be accomplished by the 2012 scheduled completion date.

                        REPAIRS AND ALTERATIONS




Limitations on Availability of Revenue:
    Limitation on availability, fiscal year 2008......      $722,161,000
    Limitation on availability, budget estimate,             692,374,000
 fiscal year 2009.....................................
    Recommended in the bill...........................       692,374,000
Bill compared with:
    Availability limitation, fiscal year 2008.........       -29,787,000
    Availability limitation, fiscal year 2009 request.             - - -


    The repairs and alterations activity funds design, 
construction and management and inspection for the repair, 
alteration, and modernization of existing real estate assets. 
It funds projects to improve health and safety, recapture 
vacant non-revenue producing Government-owned and leased space, 
and various special programs.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a limitation of $692,374,000 for 
repairs and alterations, a decrease of $29,787,000 below the 
fiscal year 2008 enacted level and equal to the request, 
including the energy and water conservation program funded at 
$36,647,000, as well as basic repairs and alterations funded at 
$350,000,000. The Committee directs GSA to embark on the 
projects included in the budget request in priority order, 
starting with those projects that address safety and health 
needs and moving next to the projects with completed designs.
    The Committee directs that additional projects for which 
prospectuses have been fully approved may be funded under this 
category only if advance approval is obtained from the 
Committees on Appropriations. The amounts provided in this or 
any prior Act for ``Repairs and Alterations'' may be used to 
fund costs associated with implementing security improvements 
to buildings necessary to meet the minimum standards for 
security in accordance with current law and in compliance with 
the reprogramming guidelines of the appropriate Committees of 
the House and Senate.

                    INSTALLMENT ACQUISITION PAYMENTS




Limitations on Availability of Revenue:
    Limitation on availability, fiscal year 2008......      $155,781,000
    Limitation on availability, budget estimate,             149,570,000
 fiscal year 2009.....................................
    Recommended in the bill...........................       149,570,000
Bill compared with:
    Availability limitation, fiscal year 2008.........        -6,211,000
    Availability limitation, fiscal year 2009 request.             - - -


    The installment acquisition payments activity funds 
interest payment for facilities constructed under the Public 
Building Amendment of 1972 and lease-purchase agreements since 
1987, a total of 80 projects.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a limitation of $149,570,000 for 
installation acquisition payments, a decrease of $6,211,000 
below the fiscal year 2008 enacted level and the same as the 
budget request.

                            RENTAL OF SPACE




Limitations on Availability of Revenue:
    Limitation on availability, fiscal year 2008......    $4,315,534,000
    Limitation on availability, budget estimate,           4,692,156,000
 fiscal year 2009.....................................
    Recommended in the bill...........................     4,642,156,000
Bill compared with:
    Availability limitation, fiscal year 2008.........      +326,622,000
    Availability limitation, fiscal year 2009 request.       -50,000,000


    The rental of space program funds lease payments, temporary 
space for Federal employees during major repair and alteration 
projects, and relocations from Federal buildings due to forced 
moves and relocations as a result of health and safety 
conditions.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a limitation of $4,642,156,000 for 
rental of space, an increase of $326,622,000 above the fiscal 
year 2008 enacted level and $50,000,000 below the request.
    The Committee continues to be concerned about the 
allocation of leased General Services Administration office 
space in the Greater Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area. 
Evidence indicates that there is a disparity between the leased 
space awarded in Prince George's County and in nearby 
jurisdictions in the Greater Washington, D.C. Metropolitan 
area. Specifically, the Committee is concerned with the lack of 
space awarded around Washington Metropolitan Area Transit 
Authority stations in Prince George's County, Maryland.
    The Committee is concerned about weaknesses in GSA's 
National Broker Contract program, designed to lease space in 
the private market for government clients. The Government 
Accountability Office has cited potential for conflicts of 
interest in this leasing program. These conflicts may lead to 
situations in which this program does not always provide for 
the best use of taxpayer money.
    GSA is directed to report to the Committee, within 120 days 
of enactment of this Act, on the development and implementation 
of measures which will quantify the performance of these 
contracts in comparison to GSA's in-house leasing capabilities. 
The Committee notes that this reporting requirement was 
included in the Committee report accompanying the fiscal year 
2008 bill, but the report was not received.

                          BUILDING OPERATIONS




Limitations on Availability of Revenue:
    Limitation on availability, fiscal year 2008......    $2,105,490,000
    Limitation on availability, budget estimate,           2,223,354,000
 fiscal year 2009.....................................
    Recommended in the bill...........................     2,223,354,000
Bill compared with:
    Availability limitation, fiscal year 2008.........      +117,864,000
    Availability limitation, fiscal year 2009 request.             - - -


    The building operations activity funds cleaning, 
maintenance, utilities, fuel, grounds, maintenance, space 
acquisitions and assignment services in government-owned 
facilities and in leased space when not provided by the lessor.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a limitation of $2,223,354,000 for 
building operations, an increase of $117,864,000 above the 
fiscal year 2008 enacted level and equal to the budget request.
    The Committee continues to be concerned about increases in 
charges from other agencies for security, especially for vacant 
space. The agencies are encouraged to develop an equitable 
agreement regarding such charges.

                           GENERAL ACTIVITIES

                         GOVERNMENT-WIDE POLICY




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................       $52,891,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................        56,578,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        56,215,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................        +3,324,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................          -363,000


    This appropriations account provides for government-wide 
policy and evaluation activities associated with the management 
of real and personal property assets and certain administrative 
services; government-wide policy support responsibilities 
relating to acquisition, telecommunications, information 
technology management, and related technology activities; and 
services as authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $56,215,000, an increase of 
$3,324,000 above fiscal year 2008 and $363,000 below the 
request. The Committee funds a portion of the requested funds 
for the Federal Acquisition Institute.

                           OPERATING EXPENSES




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................       $85,870,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................        71,811,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        71,208,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................       -14,662,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................          -603,000


    This account provides appropriations for activities that 
are not feasible for a user fee arrangement. Included under 
this heading are personal property utilization and donation 
activities, select management and administration activities and 
support of government-wide emergency management activities, and 
the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $71,208,000, which is $603,000 
below the request. The Committee approves a transfer of 35 FTE 
and $18,828,000 from the Operating Expenses account to the 
Federal Citizen Services Fund.
    The Committee acknowledges that Public Service Recognition 
Week, a program of the Public Employees Roundtable, has 
educated America about the value of the career workforce, which 
carries out the daily operations of government. This program 
has existed for over 10 years and plays an important role in 
the education of our nation's youth by providing them with 
timely information about their government. The Committee 
supports the GSA budget request to provide $150,000 in 
administrative and logistical assistance to Public Service 
Recognition Week activities.

                      OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................       $48,382,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................        54,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        51,800,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................        +3,418,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................        -2,200,000


    This appropriation provides agency-wide audit and 
investigative functions to identify and correct GSA management 
and administrative deficiencies that create conditions for 
existing or potential instances of fraud, waste, and 
mismanagement. The audit function provides internal audit and 
contract audit services. Contract audits provide professional 
advice to GSA contracting officials on accounting and financial 
matters relative to the negotiation, award, administration, 
repricing, and settlement of contracts. Internal audits review 
and evaluate all facets of GSA operations and programs, test 
internal control systems, and develop information to improve 
operating efficiencies and enhance customer services. The 
investigative function provides for the detection and 
investigation of improper and illegal activities involving GSA 
programs, personnel, and operations.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $51,800,000, an increase of 
$3,418,000 above fiscal year 2008 and $2,200,000 below the 
request.
    The Committee does not approve the request for $2,200,000 
in direct funding to be coupled with reimbursed funding from 
the Federal Acquisition Service within GSA for pre-award 
audits. The Committee believes that the work done on behalf of 
FAS can be reimbursed through a memorandum of understanding 
between the interested parties.

                       ELECTRONIC GOVERNMENT FUND

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................        $3,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................         5,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................             - - -
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................        -3,000,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................        -5,000,000


    The appropriation provides support for interagency 
electronic government (``e-Gov'') initiatives that utilize the 
Internet or other electronic methods as a means to increase 
Federal government accessibility, efficiency, and productivity.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends no additional funding for the ``e-
gov'' account for fiscal year 2009. The Committee notes that as 
of March 2008 the e-gov account had $7,200,000 still unspent 
from prior years, including the entire fiscal year 2008 
appropriation. This amount of available funding is 
approximately one third of all the funds appropriated to this 
account since fiscal year 2002. The Committee has not seen 
convincing evidence which points to the need for additional 
funding at this time.

           ALLOWANCES AND OFFICE STAFF FOR FORMER PRESIDENTS




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................        $2,478,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................         2,934,000
Recommended in the bill...............................         2,934,000
Bill compared with:...................................
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................          +456,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................             - - -


    This appropriation provides support consisting of pensions, 
office staffs, and related expenses for former Presidents Jimmy 
Carter, George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton, as well as partial 
year funding for George W. Bush. The account also funds pension 
and postal franking privileges for the widows of former 
Presidents Gerald Ford and Ronald Reagan. Also, this 
appropriation is authorized to provide funding for security and 
travel related expenses for each former President and the 
spouse of a former President pursuant to section 531 of Public 
Law 103-329.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $2,934,000 for 
allowances and office staff of former Presidents, an increase 
of $456,000 above the fiscal year 2008 enacted level and the 
same as the budget request. The following table describes the 
distribution of the funds:

                    FISCAL YEAR 2009 BUDGET ALLOWANCES AND OFFICE STAFF FOR FORMER PRESIDENTS
                                             (Dollars in thousands)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                       G H               G W
                                                             Carter    Bush   Clinton    Bush    Widows   Total
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Personnel Compensation....................................       96       96       96       30        0      318
Personnel Benefits........................................        2       64       65       20        0      151
Benefits for Former Presidents............................      194      194      204      146        0      738
Travel....................................................        2       56       50       11        0      119
Rental Payments to GSA....................................      102      175      544       95        0      916
Communications, Utilities and Miscellaneous charges.......
    Telephone.............................................       10       17       79       15        0      121
    Postage...............................................       15       13       15        3       14       60
Printing..................................................        5       14       14        3        0       36
Other Services............................................       80      111       84       25        0      300
Supplies & Materials......................................        5       15       26        5        0       51
Equipment.................................................        7       69       35       13        0      124
                                                           -----------------------------------------------------
    Total Obligations.....................................      518      824    1,212      366       14    2,934
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                    PRESIDENTIAL TRANSITION EXPENSES




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................             - - -
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................        $8,520,000
Recommended in the bill...............................         8,520,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................        +8,520,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................             - - -


    GSA is authorized to provide support for the orderly 
transfer of executive power in connection with the expiration 
of the term of office of the President and the inauguration of 
a new President. This appropriation funds the expenses of the 
outgoing President and Vice President and the services and 
facilities required by the President-elect and Vice President-
elect to assist in their preparation for the assumption of 
official duties as authorized by the Presidential Transition 
Act of 1963.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $8,520,000 for fiscal year 2009 
for expenses necessary to facilitate the Presidential 
transition, the same as the budget request. Of the amounts 
provided, $5,300,000 is for the incoming administration and 
$2,220,000 is for the outgoing administration. These funds may 
be used for transition activities such as providing suitable 
office space, staff compensation, travel expenses, 
communications services, and printing and postage related to 
the change of administration. The recommendation provides 
inflationary adjustments consistent with subsection 6(a) of the 
Presidential Transition Act.
    The Committee also recommends no more than $1,000,000 be 
used to reimburse Federal agencies for costs incurred to 
provide key prospective Presidential appointees with briefings 
and orientations, and to prepare the transition directory, a 
compilation of Federal publications and materials, including 
information on the organization, missions, and duties of each 
department and agency.

                     FEDERAL CITIZEN SERVICES FUND




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................       $17,328,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................        36,558,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        36,096,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................       +18,768,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................          -462,000


    The Consumer Information Center (CIC) was established 
within GSA by Executive Order on October 26, 1970, to help 
Federal departments and agencies promote and distribute 
consumer information collected as a byproduct of the 
Government's program activities.
    The Federal Information Center (FIC) program was 
established within the GSA in 1966, and was formalized by 
Public Law 95-491 in 1980. The program's purpose is to provide 
the public with direct information about all aspects of Federal 
programs, regulations, and services. To accomplish this 
mission, contractual services are used to respond to public 
inquiries via a nationwide toll-free telephone call center.
    In 2000, the CIC assumed responsibility for the operations 
of the FIC program with the resulting organization being 
officially named the Federal Consumer Information Center. The 
Federal Consumer Information Center combines the nationwide 
toll-free telephone assistance program and the database of the 
FIC with the CIC website and publications distribution 
programs.
    During fiscal year 2002, the Federal Consumer Information 
Center became part of GSA's newly established Office of Citizen 
Services and Communications and was renamed the Federal Citizen 
Information Center (FCIC). The new Office serves as a central 
Federal gateway for citizens, businesses, other governments, 
and the media to obtain information and services from the 
government. FCIC assumed operational control of the 
FirstGov.gov website in fiscal year 2002.
    Public Law 98-63, enacted July 30, 1983, established a 
revolving fund for the CIC. Under this fund, FCIC activities 
are financed from the following: annual appropriations from the 
general funds of the Treasury, reimbursements from agencies for 
distribution of publications, user fees collected from the 
public, and any other income incident to FCIC activities. All 
are available as authorized in appropriation acts without 
regard to fiscal year limitations.
    Section 507 of this bill authorizes a change in the account 
name to the Federal Citizen Services Fund.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    For fiscal year 2009, the Committee recommends $36,096,000, 
an increase of $18,768,000 over the level for fiscal year 2008 
and $462,000 less than the budget request. This recommendation 
includes a transfer of $18,828,000 in resources from the 
Operating Expenses account.
    The fiscal year 2009 appropriation approves a transfer of 
35 FTE and $18,828,000 from the Operating Expenses account to 
consolidate funding for GSA's citizen based services. This bill 
also includes language to change the name of the Federal 
Citizen Information Fund to the Federal Citizen Services Fund 
to more accurately represent the activities now funded within 
the account.
    The appropriation will be augmented by reimbursements from 
Federal agencies for distribution of consumer publications, 
user fees from the public, and other income.
    The bill includes a limitation of $50,000,000 on the 
availability of the revolving fund. Any revenues accruing to 
this fund in excess of this amount shall remain in the fund and 
are not available for expenditure except as authorized in 
appropriation Acts.

       ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS--GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

    Section 501. The Committee continues the provision 
providing authority for the use of funds for the hire of motor 
vehicles.
    Section 502. The Committee continues the provision 
providing that funds made available for activities of the 
Federal Buildings Fund may be transferred between 
appropriations with advance approval of the Congress.
    Section 503. The Committee continues the provision 
prohibiting the use of funds for developing courthouse 
construction requests that do not meet GSA standards and the 
priorities of the Judicial Conference.
    Section 504. The Committee continues the provision 
providing that no funds may be used to increase the amount of 
occupiable square feet, provide cleaning services, security 
enhancements, or any other service usually provided, to any 
agency which does not pay the requested rent.
    Section 505. The Committee continues the provision that 
permits GSA to pay small claims (up to $250,000) made against 
the government.
    Section 506. The Committee continues the provision 
requiring the Administrator to ensure that the delineated area 
of procurement for all lease agreements is identical to the 
delineated area included in the prospectus unless prior notice 
is given to the Committees.
    Section 507. The Committee includes a new provision to 
change the Federal Citizen Information Fund account to the 
Federal Citizen Services Fund.
    Section 508. The Committee includes a new provision to 
clarify the authorities of the Working Capital Fund.

                     Merit Systems Protection Board


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................       $40,086,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................        41,390,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        41,390,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................        +1,304,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................             - - -


    The Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) is an 
independent, quasi-judicial agency established to protect the 
civil service merit system. The MSPB adjudicates appeals 
primarily involving personnel actions, certain Federal employee 
complaints, and retirement benefits issues. The MSPB reports to 
the President whether merit systems are sufficiently free of 
prohibited employment practices.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $41,390,000 
for the Merit Systems Protection Board, an increase of 
$1,304,000 above the amount appropriated in fiscal year 2008 
and the same as the budget request. This amount includes up to 
$2,579,000 which is transferred from the Civil Service 
Retirement and Disability Fund. The recommendation provides 
funding for mandatory pay raises, increased rent payments, and 
other non-personnel cost increases.

 Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National Environmental 
                           Policy Foundation


 MORRIS K. UDALL SCHOLARSHIP AND EXCELLENCE IN NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL 
                           POLICY TRUST FUND

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................        $3,750,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................           100,000
Recommended in the bill...............................         3,750,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................             - - -
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................        +3,650,000


    The Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National 
Environmental and Native American Public Policy Act of 1992, 
Public Law 102-259, established the Foundation in recognition 
of Congressman Morris K. Udall as a champion for Native 
American and Alaskan Native rights, and for his leadership in 
encouraging a greater awareness of our nation's environment, 
public lands and natural resources. The Trust Fund supports the 
Foundation's scholarship, internship and research grant 
programs that promote educational opportunities and careers 
related to the environment, Native health care and tribal 
public policy. The Fund also allows the Foundation to carry out 
its mission of providing management and leadership training to 
tribes and tribal leaders through the University of Arizona's 
Udall Center for Studies in Public Policy, Native Nations 
Institute.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $3,750,000 for the Morris K. Udall 
Scholarship and Excellence in National Environmental Policy 
Trust Fund, an increase of $3,650,000 above the President's 
request and the same as provided for fiscal year 2008. The 
Committee maintains the same level of transfer authority from 
the previous fiscal year to allow the Foundation to carry out 
its activities.

                 ENVIRONMENTAL DISPUTE RESOLUTION FUND




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................        $2,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................           850,000
Recommended in the bill...............................         2,100,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................          +100,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................        +1,250,000


    The United States Institute for Environmental Conflict 
Resolution was established as part of the Morris K. Udall 
Foundation through the Environmental Policy and Conflict 
Resolution Act of 1998, Public Law 105-156. The Institute 
provides assessment, mediation and environmental conflict 
resolution services in order to resolve environmental disputes 
among Federal agencies. The Act also established the 
Environmental Dispute Resolution Fund within Treasury to assist 
the Foundation in operating the Institute.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $2,100,000 for the Environmental 
Dispute Resolution Fund, an increase of $1,250,000 above the 
President's request and $100,000 above fiscal year 2008.

              National Archives and Records Administration


                           OPERATING EXPENSES




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................      $315,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................       327,783,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       330,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................       +15,000,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................        +2,217,000


    This appropriation provides the National Archives and 
Records Administration (NARA) with funds for its basic 
operations dealing with management of the Federal Government's 
archives and records, services to the public, operation of 
Presidential libraries, and review for declassification of 
classified security information.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $330,000,000 
for the operating expenses of NARA, an increase of $15,000,000 
above the fiscal year 2008 enacted level and $2,217,000 above 
the budget request. It is the Committee's understanding that 
the President's budget request for fiscal year 2009 will allow 
for continuation of the restored research hours and added 
archivists funded by the fiscal year 2008 Appropriations Act. 
In addition, the Committee directs that $567,000 of the 
increase go toward further increases to NARA's archivist staff, 
which experienced a ten percent decrease in personnel between 
fiscal year 2002 and fiscal year 2007 before increasing 
slightly as a result of funding provided in the fiscal year 
2008 Appropriations Act. NARA is directed to report to the 
Committee within 30 days of enactment of this Act on specific 
steps it is taking to continue to restore NARA's archivist 
workforce levels.
    Office of Government Information Services.--The Committee's 
recommendation includes $1,000,000 for NARA's new Office of 
Government Information Services. This office is designed to 
mediate and resolve disputes between the Federal Government and 
the public on matters pertaining to the Freedom of Information 
Act (FOIA), review the FOIA compliance of federal agencies, and 
house the newly created FOIA ombudsman, among other duties. The 
office was established by the OPEN Government Act of 2007 (P.L. 
110-175), signed into law on December 31, 2007.
    U.S. Government Records on Nazis and Japanese Imperial 
Government.--Of the amount provided, the Committee directs that 
$650,000, available until September 30, 2010, be used to 
complete the review of U.S. Government documents pertaining to 
the activities of the Nazis and the Japanese Imperial 
Government. These documents are being declassified pursuant to 
the Nazi War Crimes Disclosure Act of 1998 (P.L. 105-246) and 
the Japanese Imperial Government Disclosure Act of 2000 (P.L. 
106-567), which directed that government agencies ensure the 
declassification of files pertaining to the activities of the 
Nazis and the Japanese Imperial Government.
    In 2007, following the declassification and review of 
thousands of files containing newly disclosed information about 
the Nazis and the Japanese Imperial Government, NARA issued a 
report summarizing the new historical insights gained as a 
result of the NARA-supervised review of these documents. 
However, a number of additional U.S. Army and CIA/OSS documents 
were discovered too late in the process to be included in 
NARA's 2007 report. The Committee directs that this funding be 
used to report separately on these remaining documents. The 
Committee directs NARA to report to the Committee, within 90 
days of enactment of this Act, with a proposed schedule for 
completing the review and historical analysis of these 
documents and releasing a supplemental report, to serve as a 
companion to NARA's 2007 report.
    White House Electronic Records.--The Committee is greatly 
concerned about the preservation of official Presidential 
records, including the revelations that the White House cannot 
account for hundreds of days of e-mails processed between 2003 
and 2005. The establishment of reliable systems and procedures 
to ensure that electronic Presidential records are preserved is 
absolutely essential. These records belong to the American 
people and contribute to the historical record of the 
Presidency. The Committee strongly urges NARA to continue to 
work diligently to ensure that the records of the outgoing 
Administration are located and preserved. The Committee also 
strongly urges NARA to work with the incoming Administration to 
establish and implement policies and procedures to ensure the 
preservation of electronic Presidential records.
    NARA and the U.S. Territories.--The Committee strongly 
commends NARA for its special exhibits and public programs, 
held throughout the year, which explore many facets of 
America's history and peoples. The Committee encourages NARA to 
continue these efforts and also to include exhibits and public 
programs exploring the unique histories and contributions of 
the U.S. territories.

                      ELECTRONIC RECORDS ARCHIVES




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................       $58,028,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................        67,008,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        67,008,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................        +8,980,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................             - - -


    The Electronic Records Archives appropriation supports all 
direct NARA actions and activities associated with this major 
project for preserving digitally created records for archival 
purposes, storing and managing them electronically, and 
ensuring appropriate long-term access.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $67,008,000 
for the Electronic Records Archives (ERA) project, an increase 
of $8,980,000 above the fiscal year 2008 enacted level and the 
same as the budget request. Consistent with previous years, the 
release of the funds is subject to the approval by the 
Committees on Appropriations of an expenditure plan that has 
first been reviewed by the Government Accountability Office 
(GAO).
    The Committee continues to be deeply concerned about the 
ERA project, which has experienced delays, cost overruns, and a 
widespread turnover of contractor staff devoted to the project. 
The project is at a critical juncture, as NARA is preparing to 
receive the electronic records of the outgoing Administration 
in time for the January 2009 change in Administrations. In 
order to overcome schedule delays that occurred in 2007, NARA 
and the contractor are working on a two-pronged development 
strategy, focusing on building a base ERA system, plus a second 
system devoted to receiving the Executive Office of the 
President (EOP) electronic records of the outgoing 
Administration. Yet, as GAO has recently noted, uncertainties 
remain. As of mid-May 2008, NARA and the contractor were still 
negotiating the precise scope of work and system requirements 
for the EOP system. The development of an EOP system in time 
for the presidential transition is critical so that NARA can 
respond in a timely fashion to the information requirements of 
Congress, the new Administration, the courts, and others. The 
Committee wishes to continue emphasizing that a delay would be 
particularly harmful in the case of electronic national 
security records that are classified. These records will be 
needed in an accessible format to facilitate the national 
security work of the next Administration.
    In light of the delays, uncertainties, and cost overrun of 
more than $15,000,000, the Committee continues to strongly urge 
NARA to work with the contractor to avoid any further delays in 
schedule or cost overruns. In addition, the Committee continues 
the directive that NARA submit monthly ERA progress reports to 
both the Committee and to GAO and to immediately report to the 
Committee and to GAO any potential delays, cost overruns, or 
other problems associated with ERA development.

                        REPAIRS AND RESTORATION




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................       $28,605,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................         9,211,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        26,711,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................        -1,894,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................       +17,500,000


    This appropriation provides for the repair, alteration, and 
improvement of Archives facilities and Presidential libraries 
nationwide. It enables the National Archives to maintain its 
facilities in proper condition for visitors, researchers, and 
employees, and also maintain the structural integrity of the 
buildings.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $26,711,000 
for repairs and restoration, $17,500,000 above the budget 
request and $1,894,000 below the fiscal year 2008 enacted 
level. Within the amount provided, $17,500,000 is included for 
repair and renovation of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential 
Library in Hyde Park, NY. The Committee notes that NARA's 
capital improvements plan has identified this effort as NARA's 
highest priority capital improvement need.

 NATIONAL HISTORICAL PUBLICATIONS AND RECORDS COMMISSION GRANTS PROGRAM

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................        $9,500,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................             - - -
Recommended in the bill...............................        12,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................        +2,500,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................       +12,000,000


    The National Historical Publications and Records Commission 
(NHPRC) program provides for grants to preserve and publish 
records that document American history. Administered within the 
National Archives and Records Administration, the NHPRC helps 
state, local, and private institutions preserve non-federal 
records, helps publish the papers of major figures in American 
history, and helps archivists and records managers improve 
their techniques, training, and ability to serve a range of 
information users.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $12,000,000 
for the National Historical Publications and Research 
Commission grants program, an increase of $2,500,000 above the 
fiscal year 2008 enacted level. The budget request proposed no 
funding for this program. Of the amount provided, $2,000,000 is 
to be transferred to the Operating Expenses account for 
administrative costs associated with the program.

                  National Credit Union Administration


                       CENTRAL LIQUIDITY FACILITY

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         Limitation on
                                     Limitation on      administrative
                                     direct loans          expenses
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year 2008 appropriation..     (1,500,000,000)           (329,000)
Fiscal year 2009 request........     (1,500,000,000)           (334,000)
Fiscal year 2009 recommendation.     (1,500,000,000)           (334,000)
    Comparison with 2008                       - - -            (+5,000)
     appropriation..............
    Comparison with 2009 request               - - -               - - -
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Committee recommends a limitation of $1,500,000,000 on 
the Central Liquidity Facility (CLF) lending activity to member 
credit unions from borrowed funds. This limitation represents 
the same level as fiscal year 2008 and the same as the budget 
request. The Committee expects to be kept apprised of CLF 
lending activity.
    The Committee recommends the budget request of not more 
than $334,000 for administrative expenses, an increase of 
$5,000 above the fiscal year 2008 enacted level and the same as 
the budget request.

               COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT REVOLVING LOAN FUND




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................          $975,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................         1,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................         1,000,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.....................           +25,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2009....................             - - -


    The Community Development Revolving Loan Fund Program 
(CDRLF) was established in 1979 to assist officially designated 
``low-income'' credit unions in providing basic financial 
services to low-income communities. Low-interest loans and 
deposits are made available to assist these credit unions. 
Loans or deposits are normally repaid in five years, although 
shorter repayment periods may be considered. Technical 
assistance grants are also available to low-income credit 
unions. Earnings generated from the CDRLF are available to fund 
technical assistance grants in addition to funds provided for 
specifically in appropriations acts. Grants are available for 
improving operations as well as addressing safety and soundness 
issues.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    For fiscal year 2009, the Committee recommends $1,000,000 
for the National Credit Union Administration's Community 
Development Revolving Loan Fund for technical assistance 
grants. While the Administration and NCUA have not requested 
additional funds for loans in fiscal year 2009, the Committee 
expects the CDRLF to continue making loans from their available 
funds derived from repaid loans and interest earned on previous 
loans to designated credit unions.

                      Office of Government Ethics


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................       $11,750,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................        13,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        13,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................        +1,250,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................             - - -


    The Office of Government Ethics (OGE), established by the 
Ethics in Government Act of 1978, partners with other executive 
branch Departments and agencies to foster high ethical 
standards. The OGE issues and monitors rules, regulations, and 
memoranda pertaining to the prevention and resolution of 
conflicts of interest, post-employment restrictions, standards 
of conduct, and financial disclosure for executive branch 
employees.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $13,000,000 
for the Office of Government Ethics, an increase of $1,250,000 
above the amount appropriated in fiscal year 2008 and the same 
as the budget request. The Committee expects the increased 
funding level to be used for basic inflationary increases and 
for the additional costs associated with the increased workload 
expected from the Presidential transition.

                     Office of Personnel Management


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

                  (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF TRUST FUNDS)

Appropriation, fiscal year 2008:
    General fund........................................    $101,765,000
    Transfer from trust funds...........................     123,901,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009:
    General fund........................................      92,829,000
    Transfer from trust funds...........................     118,082,000
Recommended in the bill:
    General fund........................................      92,829,000
    Transfer from trust funds...........................     118,082,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008:
        General fund....................................      -8,936,000
        Transfer from trust funds.......................      -5,819,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009:
        General fund....................................           - - -
        Transfer from trust funds.......................           - - -

    The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is the Federal 
Government agency responsible for management of Federal human 
resources policy and oversight of the merit civil service 
system. Although individual agencies are increasingly 
responsible for personnel operations, OPM provides a 
Government-wide policy framework for personnel matters, advises 
and assists agencies (often on a reimbursable basis), and 
ensures that agency operations are consistent with requirements 
of law, with emphasis on such issues as veterans preference. 
OPM oversees examining of applicants for employment, issues 
regulations and policies on hiring, classification and pay, 
training, investigations, and many other aspects of personnel 
management, and operates a reimbursable training program for 
the Federal Government's managers and executives. OPM is also 
responsible for administering the retirement, health benefits 
and life insurance programs affecting most Federal employees, 
retired Federal employees, and their survivors.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a general fund appropriation of 
$92,829,000 for OPM, a decrease of $8,936,000 below the enacted 
fiscal year 2008 level and the same as the fiscal year 2009 
budget request. The recommendation includes $5,851,000 for the 
Enterprise Human Resources Integration project and $1,351,000 
for the Human Resources Line of Business project.
    The Committee also recommends $118,082,000 for 
administrative expenses to be transferred from the appropriate 
trust funds. The amount includes $15,200,000 for retirement 
systems modernization, or the RetireEZ program, the same as the 
amount requested. The Committee is extremely concerned about 
the developments that led to OPM's recent decision to stop work 
on a major contract of the retirement systems modernization 
project. The Committee recognizes the critical importance of 
the successful implementation of this project. Federal workers 
entering retirement must have confidence that their retirement 
payments will be calculated accurately and quickly, but recent 
testing of the retirement calculation functions of the new 
system fell well short of the necessary pass rate. On May 19, 
2008, the Committee directed the Government Accountability 
Office (GAO) to conduct a study of the project as a followup to 
a previous review that raised several concerns about the 
project. The Committee directs GAO, as part of this new study, 
to assess the impact of the stop work order on OPM's plans for 
developing (including testing) and implementing RetireEZ. The 
Committee also directs OPM to keep the Committee fully informed 
regarding further developments.
    The Committee appreciates the importance of OPM's Federal 
Human Capital Survey in providing data for independent analyses 
of Federal employee satisfaction. OPM shall continue to make 
agencies' survey data publicly available in a consistent and 
consolidated format, and in a timely manner.
    The Committee understands that 60 percent of the Federal 
workforce will be eligible to retire in the next 10 years, 
presenting an enormous challenge to the Federal Government and 
the delivery of services to the public. The Committee 
appreciates that OPM is diligently working with Federal 
agencies to address this challenge, including: the establishing 
of agency succession plans; participating in university and 
college job fairs and recruitment efforts; and increasing 
available management and leadership training to develop the 
Federal Government's future executives. However, the Committee 
is concerned that more needs to be done to prepare for the 
retirement wave and improve the Federal Government's human 
resource effectiveness. The Committee encourages OPM to develop 
approaches that agencies can use to attract the best and 
brightest talent; match employee skills and abilities with 
specific agency missions and goals; ensure that talented 
employees are engaged and empowered to use their talent; 
improve leadership development; and ensure high performance 
from the workforce.
    As part of the effort to recruit talented Federal workers, 
the Committee strongly urges OPM to increase its efforts to 
encourage Federal agencies to reach out to diverse populations 
in their recruitment efforts. The most recent annual Federal 
Equal Opportunity Recruitment Program report to Congress notes 
that minorities continue to make gains in representation within 
the Federal workforce. However, the report also notes that 
women and Hispanics lag in representation within the Federal 
workforce as compared to the civilian labor force. The 
Committee notes that a study group relating to the employment 
of Hispanics in the Federal Government has recently been formed 
by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Social 
Security Administration, and other agencies. The Committee 
urges OPM to review the findings of this study group for 
possible approaches to improve Hispanic recruitment, retention, 
and advancement government-wide.
    The Committee further believes that Federal agencies should 
increase recruitment efforts within the United States 
territories. The territories are home to thousands of U.S. 
citizens who may not be fully aware of the employment 
opportunities that exist within the Federal Government. Some 
agencies have taken steps to recruit from the territories, but 
others have not yet. OPM should spearhead the effort to 
encourage individual agency human resource offices to take 
advantage of the talent pool that exists in the U.S. 
territories.

                      OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

                  (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF TRUST FUNDS)

Appropriation, fiscal year 2008:
    General fund........................................      $1,519,000
    Transfer from trust funds...........................      17,081,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009:
    General fund........................................       1,538,000
    Transfer from trust funds...........................      16,462,000
Recommended in the bill:
    General fund........................................       1,538,000
    Transfer from trust funds...........................      16,962,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008:
        General fund....................................         +19,000
        Transfer from trust funds.......................        -119,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009:
        General fund....................................           - - -
        Transfer from trust funds.......................        +500,000

    This appropriation provides agency-wide audit, 
investigative, evaluation, and inspection functions to identify 
management and administrative deficiencies, which may create 
conditions for fraud, waste and mismanagement. The audits 
function provides internal agency audit, insurance audit, and 
contract audit services. Contract audits provide professional 
advice to agency contracting officials on accounting and 
financial matters regarding the negotiation, award, 
administration, repricing, and settlement of contracts. 
Internal audits review and evaluate all facets of agency 
operations, including financial statements. Evaluation and 
inspection services provide detailed technical evaluations of 
agency operations. Insurance audits review the operations of 
health and life insurance carriers, health care providers, and 
insurance subscribers. The investigative function provides for 
the detection and investigation of improper and illegal 
activities involving programs, personnel, and operations.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a general fund appropriation of 
$1,538,000 for the Office of Inspector General (OIG) of the 
Office of Personnel Management, $19,000 above the fiscal year 
2008 enacted level and the same as the fiscal year 2009 budget 
request. In addition, the recommendation provides $16,962,000 
from appropriate trust funds, which is $119,000 below the 
fiscal year 2008 level and $500,000 above the request.

      GOVERNMENT PAYMENT FOR ANNUITANTS, EMPLOYEES HEALTH BENEFITS




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................    $8,884,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................     9,533,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................     9,533,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................      +649,000,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................             - - -


    This appropriation covers: (1) the Government's share of 
the cost of health insurance for annuitants as defined in 
sections 8901 and 8906 of title 5, United States Code; (2) the 
Government's share of the cost of health insurance for 
annuitants who were retired when the Federal employees health 
benefits law became effective, as defined in the Retired 
Federal Employees Health Benefits Act of 1960; and (3) the 
Government's contribution for payment of administrative 
expenses incurred by the Office of Personnel Management in 
administration of the Act.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a mandatory appropriation 
estimated at $9,533,000,000 for the Government Payment for 
Annuitants, Employees Health Benefits, an increase of 
$649,000,000 above the fiscal year 2008 enacted level and the 
same as the Administration's request.

      GOVERNMENT PAYMENT FOR ANNUITANTS, EMPLOYEES LIFE INSURANCE




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................       $41,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................        46,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        46,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................        +5,000,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................             - - -


    This appropriation finances the Government's share of 
premiums, which is one-third the cost, for basic life insurance 
for annuitants retiring after December 31, 1989, and who are 
less than 65 years old.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a mandatory appropriation 
estimated at $46,000,000 for the Government Payment for 
Annuitants, Employees Life Insurance, an increase of $5,000,000 
above the fiscal year 2008 enacted level and the same as the 
Administration's request.

        PAYMENT TO CIVIL SERVICE RETIREMENT AND DISABILITY FUND




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................   $11,941,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................    10,550,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................    10,550,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................    -1,391,000,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................             - - -


    This appropriation provides for payment of annuities, 
including the payment of annuities under special acts for 
persons employed on the construction of the Panama Canal or 
their widows and widows of employees of the Lighthouse Service; 
payment of the Federal Government share of retirement costs of 
the unfunded liability resulting from any statute authorizing 
new or liberalized benefits, extension of retirement coverage, 
or pay increases; transfers for interest on unfunded liability 
and payment of military service annuities covering interest on 
the unfunded liability and annuity disbursements for military 
service; payments for spouse equity providing survivor 
annuities to eligible former spouses of annuitants who died 
between September 1978 and May 1986 and did not elect survivor 
coverage; and transfers for payment of FERS supplemental 
liability covering annual amortization payments financing 
supplemental liabilities for FERS.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a mandatory appropriation 
estimated at $10,550,000,000 for the Payment to Civil Service 
Retirement and Disability Fund, a decrease of $1,391,000,000 
below the fiscal year 2008 enacted level and the same as the 
Administration's request.

                       Office of Special Counsel


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................       $17,468,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................        17,468,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        17,468,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................             - - -
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................             - - -


    The Office of Special Counsel (OSC): (1) investigates 
Federal employee allegations of prohibited personnel practices 
(including reprisal for whistleblowing) and, when appropriate, 
prosecutes before the Merit Systems Protection Board; (2) 
provides a channel for whistleblowing by Federal employees; and 
(3) enforces the Hatch Act. The Office may transmit 
whistleblower allegations to the agency head concerned and 
require an agency investigation and a report to the Congress 
and the President when appropriate.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $17,468,000 
for the Office of Special Counsel, which is equal to the fiscal 
year 2008 enacted level and the fiscal year 2009 budget 
request.
    The Committee recognizes the importance of the Office's 
fundamental missions of protecting Federal employees from 
prohibited personnel practices, providing a safe channel for 
whistleblower disclosures, and enforcing the Hatch Act and the 
Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act. The 
Committee believes that the Office must refocus its efforts 
toward meeting these basic responsibilities. The Committee is 
greatly concerned that the Office is distracted from these 
responsibilities as a result of serious controversies 
surrounding its leadership.

                      Postal Regulatory Commission


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008\1\....................     ($14,985,000)
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................        14,043,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        14,043,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................          -942,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................             - - -

\1\While this account did not appear in the fiscal year 2008 bill, a
  fiscal year 2008 operating amount is shown for comparability.

    The Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act (PAEA) of 
2006, Public Law 109-435, authorized the Postal Regulatory 
Commission to receive appropriations by transfer from the 
Postal Service Fund beginning in fiscal year 2009, and required 
the Commission to submit to Congress a budget of its expenses. 
The Commission establishes and maintains the U.S. Postal 
Service's ratemaking systems, measures service and performance, 
ensures accountability, and has stronger enforcement 
mechanisms, including the authority to issues subpoenas.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $14,043,000, equal to the 
President's request and $942,000 less than the previous fiscal 
year, for the operations of the Commission. The Committee 
recognizes the thoroughness of the Commission's first budget 
submission and the promptness in which it reports its findings 
to Congress.

              Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................        $2,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................         2,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................         1,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................        -1,000,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................        -1,000,000


    Under Public Law 110-53, the Implementing Recommendations 
of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007, the Privacy and Civil 
Liberties Oversight Board (PCLOB) was reconstituted as an 
independent agency within the Executive Branch. The purpose of 
the PCLOB is to (1) analyze and review actions the Executive 
Branch takes to protect the nation from terrorism, ensuring 
that the need for such actions is balanced with the need to 
protect privacy and civil liberties; and (2) ensure that 
liberty concerns are appropriately considered in the 
development and implementation of laws, regulations, and 
policies related to efforts to protect the nation against 
terrorism.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,000,000 for 
the PCLOB. The Committee strongly supports the mission of the 
Board and will consider additional funding as necessary at the 
appropriate time. However, the Committee notes that the Board 
has not yet been reconstituted as required by Public Law 110-53 
and, therefore, the new entity's funding requirements have not 
been firmly established or justified to the Committee. The 
Committee urges the Board, once reconstituted, to present the 
Committee with a detailed budget justification as quickly as 
possible.

                   Securities and Exchange Commission


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................      $906,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................       913,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       928,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................       +22,000,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................       +15,000,000


    The primary mission of the Securities and Exchange 
Commission (SEC) is to protect investors and maintain the 
integrity of the securities markets. This includes ensuring 
full disclosure of financial information, regulating the 
nation's securities markets, and preventing fraud and 
malpractice in the securities and financial markets.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommendation includes $928,000,000 for the 
SEC, including $879,356,000 from new fee collections and 
$48,644,000 from prior year balances. This total funding level 
is $22,000,000 above the resources provided in fiscal year 2008 
and $15,000,000 above the request. The Committee provides an 
increase above the request to support the SEC's performance-
based pay system, as well as to enhance enforcement, capital 
market oversight, and investor protection activities, including 
investigations of accounting fraud, market manipulation, 
insider trading, and investment scams that target seniors and 
low-income communities. In particular, the SEC should direct 
additional resources to improved oversight of the investment 
banking industry.
    The Committee expects additional resources to be provided 
to the Office of Investor Education and Advocacy to expand 
investor education and financial literacy activities. The 
Committee believes that increased investor education will help 
investors make informed decisions and avoid financial fraud.
    The Committee also expects that at least half of the 
increase over the President's request will be used to augment 
funds budgeted for merit pay under the SEC's performance-based 
pay system. The Committee notes the SEC staff turnover rate was 
9.1 percent in fiscal year 2006 and 8.6 percent in fiscal year 
2007, as compared to 5.8 percent in fiscal year 2002. The 
Committee is also concerned that funding constraints are 
forcing SEC managers to make merit pay decisions based on 
budget limitations rather than performance criteria. The 
Committee believes that adequate funding of the performance-
based pay system will help the SEC recruit and retain qualified 
employees.
    The Committee continues to be concerned with the burden 
that compliance with section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 
2002 places on small businesses. While the Committee strongly 
supports the Act's goal of ensuring that public companies 
identify any weaknesses in their internal controls so that 
investors can have confidence in companies' financial 
reporting, the Committee is concerned that over regulation of 
small businesses could impede small business growth and capital 
formation. The Committee appreciates that the SEC recognizes 
this burden and has implemented new guidance to reduce 
unnecessary costs, and delayed the implementation of section 
404(b) for small companies until December 15, 2009. The 
Committee further appreciates that the SEC is studying the 
costs and benefits of section 404 compliance. The Committee 
expects this study to provide an analysis of compliance costs 
for companies of different sizes including smaller public 
companies. The Committee expects to be kept informed on the 
progress of the SEC cost and benefit analysis and to be 
provided with the results of the study when completed.
    The Committee is concerned about the impact on financial 
markets and investors of unregulated hedge funds. Individual 
investors' participation in hedge funds is reserved only for 
accredited investors that meet income and net worth thresholds. 
However, as incomes and net worth rise, the standards for 
qualifying as an accredited investor are becoming increasingly 
easy to meet for ordinary investors. This means more people are 
participating in hedge funds and raises serious questions about 
individual investors' understanding of the potential risks and 
rewards presented by hedge funds. Further, the Committee notes 
the growth of hedge funds in recent years and the corresponding 
increased effect the funds have on systemic risk exposure in 
the financial markets. The SEC is currently evaluating draft 
rules that address the issue of the qualifications of 
accredited investors. The Committee urges the SEC to take 
action on these rules consistent with strong investor 
protections. The Committee also urges the SEC to maintain the 
maximum possible effort in combating fraud that may be 
associated with hedge fund investing.
    The Committee recommendation also includes bill language 
requested by the President that: (1) allows for the rental of 
space; (2) makes up to $3,500 available for official reception 
and representation expenses; (3) makes up to $20,000 available 
for a permanent secretariat for the International Organization 
of Securities Commissions; and (4) makes up to $100,000 
available for expenses of meetings and consultations with 
foreign governmental and regulatory officials.

                        Selective Service System


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................       $22,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................        22,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        22,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................             - - -
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................             - - -


    The Selective Service System was established by the 
Selective Service Act of 1948. The basic mission of the System 
is to be prepared to supply manpower to the Armed Forces 
adequate to ensure the security of the United States during a 
time of national emergency. Since 1973, the Armed Forces have 
relied on volunteers to fill military manpower requirements, 
but selective service registration was reinstituted in July, 
1980.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    For fiscal year 2009, the Committee recommends $22,000,000 
for the Selective Service System, equal to the fiscal year 2008 
funding level and the same as the budget request, to be spent 
as outlined in the budget justification document.

                     Small Business Administration

    The Small Business Administration (SBA) assists small 
businesses through programs involving loans, grants, and 
contracting preferences. These programs maintain and strengthen 
an economy that depends on small businesses for 60 to 80 
percent of job creation. SBA programs also serve disadvantaged 
populations so that their small business enterprises may 
overcome economic and social obstacles to success.
    The recommendation provides a total of $880,274,000 for the 
Small Business Administration (SBA). This amount is 
$221,766,000 above the budget request. Detailed guidance for 
the SBA appropriations accounts is presented below.

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................      $344,123,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................       328,159,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       389,208,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................       +45,085,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................       +61,049,000


                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $389,208,000 for the salaries and 
expenses of the SBA, which is $45,085,000 above the current 
year and $61,049,000 above the request.
    Of the amount provided under this heading, $226,382,000 is 
for operating expenses of the SBA. In addition, a total of 
$147,480,000 from other SBA accounts may be transferred to and 
merged with the salaries and expenses account for indirect 
operating costs. This amount consists of $138,480,000 from the 
Business Loans Program Account and $9,000,000 from the Disaster 
Loans Program Account for administrative expenses related to 
those accounts. The Committee also anticipates that SBA will 
have an additional $12,402,000 in fee receipts and $4,537,000 
in reimbursable amounts from other agencies available for 
operating expenses. This will result in a total availability of 
$390,801,000 for the operating expenses of the SBA.
    The Committee recommendation for salaries and expenses 
includes a total of $162,826,000 for non-credit initiatives as 
follows:

                        [In thousands of dollars]

Small Business Development Centers......................        $110,000
Veterans Business Development...........................             743
SCORE...................................................           4,950
Women's Business Centers................................          14,000
National Women's Business Council.......................             743
Drug Free Workplace.....................................             990
Microloan Technical Assistance..........................          20,000
PRIME...................................................           6,000
Native American Outreach................................           1,000
7(j) Technical Assistance...............................           2,300
HUBZone.................................................           2,100
Total, non-credit initiatives...........................         162,826

    The SBA shall not reduce these noncredit programs to fund 
operating costs. The Committee does not approve the merging of 
7(j) technical assistance or the HUBZone program into the 
government contracting and business development operating 
budget, and it also does not approve the merging of the Native 
American Outreach program into the Executive Direction 
operating budget. Further, the Committee directs the SBA to 
support no less than the fiscal year 2008 level of funding for 
the National Ombudsman; the Office of Advocacy, including 
support for the Advocacy Database; international trade 
programs; and the defense transition program. The Committee 
also expects the SBA to continue to enhance opportunities for 
small businesses to partner with the manufacturing sector.
    The Committee recommendation includes increased resources 
for programs that are especially effective in aiding small 
businesses in socially and economically disadvantaged 
communities. Examples are the PRIME program, 7(j) technical 
assistance program, and the HUBZone program. The Committee 
expects the SBA to increase efforts to reach out to small 
businesses in these communities.
    The Committee recommendation also includes a $2,649,000 
increase over the President's request to directly fund the 
Business Gateway initiative within the Small Business 
Administration's budget. The total amount budgeted for Business 
Gateway in fiscal year 2009, including SBA's original planned 
contribution, is $3,187,000. Direct funding for the initiative 
within SBA will improve administrative efficiency by 
eliminating the need for as many as 80 funding transfers 
annually from 21 participating agencies. The Committee directs 
SBA to budget for direct funding for this initiative within its 
fiscal year 2010 budget request.
    The Committee recommendation assumes an additional 
operating expenses increase of $2,000,000 above the President's 
request. The additional funds should be used for 504 loan 
guarantee program liquidation activities and for additional 
oversight of lenders participating in the 7(a) loan guarantee 
program. The Committee is particularly concerned about a recent 
Office of Inspector General report that is critical of the 
agency's oversight of SBA Supervised Lenders. The Committee 
expects SBA to address the Inspector General's recommendations, 
including the hiring of additional lender oversight staff as 
necessary.
    The Committee is disappointed with the regulations proposed 
in December 2007 for the implementation of women-owned small 
business Federal contract assistance. SBA took seven years to 
issue the regulations required under the Small Business 
Reauthorization Act of 2000. SBA very narrowly applies the 
regulations to a small set of industries, and it conditions 
set-asides for women-owned businesses on agency reviews on 
whether there has been past discrimination. If the rule is 
adopted as drafted, it is likely that there would be very few 
set-asides in contract competitions for women-owned businesses. 
This is contrary to congressional intent. The Committee 
strongly urges SBA to reconsider the proposed regulations.
    The Committee is aware that there are certain rural areas 
that are underutilized business areas, but are excluded from 
HUBZone designation based on the current program authorization. 
The Committee encourages the SBA to continue to examine ways to 
incorporate these areas into any future revisions of the Small 
Business Act.
    The Committee recommendation includes requested language 
authorizing $3,500 for official reception and representation 
expenses as well as language authorizing the SBA to charge fees 
to cover the cost of publications and certain loan program 
activities. Requested language is also included that allows 
these fee collections to be credited to the salaries and 
expenses account to be available for carrying out these 
purposes without further appropriations.

                      OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................       $15,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................        15,500,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        16,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................        +1,000,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................          +500,000


                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $16,000,000 for the Office of 
Inspector General of the SBA, which is $1,000,000 above the 
amount appropriated in fiscal year 2008 and $500,000 above the 
President's budget request. In addition, $1,000,000 will be 
available by transfer from the Disaster loans program account.

                 SURETY BOND GUARANTEES REVOLVING FUND




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................        $3,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................         2,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................         2,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................        -1,000,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................             - - -


                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a total of $2,000,000 for the 
Surety Bond Guarantees Revolving Fund, which is $1,000,000 
below the fiscal year 2008 level and the same as the requested 
level. The Committee notes that the Surety Bond program is not 
covered by the Federal Credit Reform Act, and that SBA requests 
an appropriation only when projections show that the reserves 
need to be replenished to cover estimated future liabilities. 
The amount provided should be sufficient to address anticipated 
costs.

                     BUSINESS LOANS PROGRAM ACCOUNT




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................      $137,414,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................       138,480,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       240,980,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................      +103,566,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................      +102,500,000


                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The SBA Business Loan Program serves as an important source 
of capital for America's small businesses. The recommendation 
supports up to $17,500,000,000 for the 7(a) business loan 
program, up to $7,500,000,000 for the 504 certified development 
company program, up to $3,000,000,000 for Small Business 
Investment Company (SBIC) debentures, and up to $12,000,000,000 
for the Secondary Market Guarantee Program. These program 
levels are the same as in the request.
    The Committee recommends a total of $240,980,000 in new 
budget authority for the Business Loans Program Account, which 
is $103,566,000 above the fiscal year 2008 level and 
$102,500,000 above the requested level. Of the amount 
appropriated, $138,480,000 is for administrative expenses 
related to business loan programs, the same as the requested 
level. The amount provided for administrative expenses may be 
transferred to and merged with the appropriation for SBA 
salaries and expenses to cover the common overhead expenses 
associated with business loans.
    The recommendation includes $100,000,000 for the subsidy 
cost of the 7(a) business loan guarantee program. Funds are 
provided first for the Increased Veteran Participation Program 
established by section 208 of the Military Reservist and 
Veteran Small Business Reauthorization and Opportunity Act of 
2008 (Public Law 110-186), which was enacted on February 14, 
2008. Remaining funds are available to reduce fees paid by all 
7(a) borrowers. This funding will make 7(a) loans more 
affordable and will increase the attractiveness of these loans 
to more small businesses. This will help to stimulate small 
business investment and will contribute to economic growth. The 
effect of small businesses on the economy is considerable. 
Firms employing fewer than 500 employees comprise about 99.7 
percent of all businesses in the nation and employ roughly half 
of all private sector employees. Small businesses have created 
60 to 80 percent of all new jobs over the past ten years. The 
subsidy funding provided in this account will help to ensure 
the continued strength of the small business sector.
    The recommendation includes $2,500,000 for the cost of the 
Microloan Program. The Committee does not approve the zero 
subsidy recommendation for Microloans that was assumed in the 
President's request. The amount provided is estimated to 
support about $25,000,000 in loans.
    The Committee would support the extension for one 
additional year of SBA's authority to disburse debentures and 
participating securities under commitments previously issued 
under the SBIC program. The Committee encourages SBA to not 
reduce or limit its authority relating to such commitments and 
to honor all current commitments regarding access to capital in 
the normal course of the SBIC program.

                     DISASTER LOANS PROGRAM ACCOUNT




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................             - - -
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................      $174,369,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       160,068,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................      +160,068,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................       -14,301,000


    As required by the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990, the 
Congress is required to appropriate an amount sufficient to 
cover the subsidy costs associated with all direct loan 
obligations and loan guarantee commitments made in fiscal year 
2009, as well as the administrative expenses of the loan 
programs. The Committee recommendation does not include new 
budget authority for direct loan subsidy for fiscal year 2009. 
At this time, the Committee believes adequate resources will be 
available to carryover into fiscal year 2009 to support the 
needs of the direct loan program.
    The Committee recommends $160,068,000 for fiscal year 2009, 
which is $160,068,000 above fiscal year 2008 and equal to the 
budget request for administrative expenses to carry out the 
disaster loans program. Of this amount, $1,000,000 is for the 
Office of Inspector General for audits and reviews of the 
disaster loans program.
    The Committee directs the Small Business Administration to 
continue providing updates on available resources for the 
disaster loans program on a monthly basis.

        ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS--SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

    Section 510. The Committee continues an administrative 
provision for the Small Business Administration that authorizes 
transfer of up to 5 percent of any appropriation to other 
appropriations, provided that transfers not increase an 
appropriation by more than 10 percent. The provision also 
requires that transfers be treated as reprogrammings of funds.
    Section 511. The Committee continues an administrative 
provision to provide funds for initiatives related to small 
business development and entrepreneurship, including 
programmatic and construction activities, to be awarded as 
follows:


                      United States Postal Service


                   PAYMENT TO THE POSTAL SERVICE FUND




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................      $117,864,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................        82,831,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       111,831,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................        -6,033,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................       +29,000,000


    The United States Postal Service (USPS) is funded almost 
entirely by Postal rate payers rather than tax payers. Funds 
provided to the Postal Service in the Payment to the Postal 
Service Fund include appropriations for revenue forgone in 
providing free mail for the blind and people with disabilities, 
for overseas absentee voting, and for reconciliation 
adjustments on the basis of estimated mail volume for prior 
fiscal years. The Revenue Forgone Reform Act of 1993, Public 
Law 103-123, also authorized the reimbursement of insufficient 
appropriations to the Postal Service for fiscal years 1991 and 
1993, and for additional revenues it would have received 
between 1993 and 1998 in the absence of certain rate phasing 
provisions applied by this Act.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends appropriations totaling 
$111,831,000 for Payment to the Postal Service Fund, 
$29,000,000 above the President's request. $82,831,000 is an 
advance appropriation for fiscal year 2010.
    The Committee recognizes the importance of the United 
States Post Office and the Federal Court Building to the 
community of Danville, Virginia. The Committee hopes that the 
Postal Service will make every effort to maintain the Post 
Office in this building and provide full postal services to the 
citizens of Danville.
    The Committee requests a report on the cost effectiveness 
and fuel consumption of a five-day delivery system and the 
efficiency and consumer demand of Saturday delivery services of 
the United States Postal Service.

                      OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008\1\....................    ($233,440,000)
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................       239,356,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       239,356,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................        +5,916,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................            - - -

\1\While this account did not appear in the fiscal year 2008 bill, a
  fiscal year 2008 operating amount is shown for comparability.

    The Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act (PAEA) of 
2006, Public Law 109-435, authorized the Postal Service Office 
of Inspector General (OIG) to receive funding by transfer out 
of the Postal Service Fund beginning in fiscal year 2009. The 
OIG conducts audits, reviews and investigations, and keeps 
Congress informed on the efficiency and economy of Postal 
Service programs and operations.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $239,356,000, 
equal to the President's request and $5,916,000 more than the 
previous fiscal year's operating budget. The Committee commends 
the OIG on its first budget submission and on its timely 
reporting to Congress.

                        United States Tax Court


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES




Appropriation, fiscal year 2008.......................       $45,326,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2009......................        48,463,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        48,463,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2008...................        +3,137,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2009..................             - - -


    The U.S. Tax Court adjudicates controversies involving 
deficiencies in income, estate, and gift taxes. The Court also 
has jurisdiction to determine deficiencies in certain excise 
taxes to issue declaratory judgments in the areas of 
qualifications of retirement plans, exemption of charitable 
organizations, and to decide certain cases involving disclosure 
of tax information by the Commissioner of the Internal Revenue 
Service.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $48,463,000 for the U.S. Tax 
Court, the same as the budget request and $3,137,000 above the 
amount provided in fiscal year 2008.

                           GENERAL PROVISIONS

    The following sections describe general provisions 
recommended by the Committee. Included are general provisions 
for agencies covered by this Act, agencies government-wide, and 
the District of Columbia. The Financial Services and General 
Government Appropriations Act, 2008, included several general 
provisions that were made permanent by inclusion of language 
indicating futurity. As noted by the United States Government 
Accountability Office:

          ``A provision contained in an annual appropriation 
        act is not to be construed to be permanent legislation 
        unless the language used therein or the nature of the 
        provision makes it clear that Congress intended it to 
        be permanent. The presumption can be overcome if the 
        provision uses language indicating futurity or if the 
        provision is of a general character bearing no relation 
        to the object of the appropriation.
          In analyzing a particular provision, the starting 
        point in ascertaining Congress's intent is, as it must 
        be, the language of the statute. The question to ask is 
        whether the provision uses ``words of futurity.'' The 
        most common word of futurity is ``hereafter'' and 
        provisions using this term have often been construed as 
        permanent.'' (Principles of Federal Appropriations Law, 
        Third Edition, Volume I, page 2-34)

    Several provisions in the 2008 Act included the word 
``hereafter'' as an indication of permanence. These provisions 
include sections 701 (concerning funds to pay travel for 
immediate families of employees serving abroad in cases of 
death or life threatening illness), 709 (concerning nominees 
disapproved by the Senate), 716 (concerning workplace 
discrimination and sexual harassment), and 737(b) and (c) 
(concerning E-Government). The Committee reiterates that these 
provisions were made permanent and, as such, does not repeat 
the provisions in this bill.

                 TITLE VI--GENERAL PROVISIONS, THIS ACT

    Section 601. The Committee continues the provision 
prohibiting pay and other expenses for non-Federal parties in 
regulatory or adjudicatory proceedings funded in this Act.
    Section 602. The Committee continues the provision 
prohibiting obligations beyond the current fiscal year and 
prohibits transfers of funds unless expressly so provided 
herein.
    Section 603. The Committee continues the provision limiting 
consulting service expenditures of public record in procurement 
contracts.
    Section 604. The Committee continues the provision 
prohibiting funds in this Act to be transferred without express 
authority.
    Section 605. The Committee continues the provision 
prohibiting the use of funds to engage in activities that would 
prohibit the enforcement of section 307 of the 1930 Tariff Act.
    Section 606. The Committee continues the provision 
concerning compliance with the Buy American Act.
    Section 607. The Committee continues the provision 
prohibiting the use of funds by any person or entity convicted 
of violating the Buy American Act.
    Section 608. The Committee continues the provision 
specifying reprogramming procedures. The provision requires 
that agencies or entities funded by the Act notify the 
Committee and obtain prior approval from the Committee for any 
reprogramming of funds that: (1) creates a new program; (2) 
eliminates a program, project, or activity; (3) increases funds 
or personnel for any program, project, or activity for which 
funds have been denied or restricted by the Congress; (4) 
proposes to use funds directed for a specific activity by 
either the House or Senate Committees on Appropriations for a 
different purpose; (5) augments existing programs, projects, or 
activities in excess of $5,000,000 or 10 percent, whichever is 
less; (6) reduces existing programs, projects, or activities by 
$5,000,000 or 10 percent, whichever is less; or (7) reorganizes 
offices, programs, or activities. The provision also directs 
the agencies funded by this Act to submit operating plans for 
the Committee's review within 60 days of the bill's enactment.
    Section 609. The Committee continues the provision 
providing that fifty percent of unobligated balances may remain 
available for certain purposes.
    Section 610. The Committee continues the provision 
providing that funds used by the Executive Office of the 
President not be used to request any official background 
investigation from the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
    Section 611. The Committee continues the provision 
requiring that cost accounting standards not apply to a 
contract under the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program.
    Section 612. The Committee continues the provision 
regarding non-foreign area cost of living allowances.
    Section 613. The Committee continues the provision 
prohibiting the expenditure of funds for abortions under the 
Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP).
    Section 614. The Committee continues the provision 
prohibiting the expenditure of funds for abortions under the 
FEHBP unless the life of the mother is in danger or the 
pregnancy is a result of an act of rape or incest.
    Section 615. The Committee continues the provision waiving 
restrictions on the purchase of non-domestic articles, 
materials, and supplies in the case of acquisition by the 
Federal Government of information technology.
    Section 616. The Committee continues the provision 
prohibiting officers or employees of any regulatory agency or 
commission funded by this Act from accepting travel payments or 
reimbursements from a person or entity regulated by such agency 
or commission.
    Section 617. The Committee includes a new provision to give 
the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) the 
authority to use funds collected from monetary penalties for a 
scholarship program established by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 
2002. The Committee urges the PCAOB to give consideration to 
supporting scholarship opportunities for students from 
populations, such as ethnic minorities and women, that have 
been historically underrepresented in the accounting 
profession.
    Section 618. The Committee includes a technical correction 
to Sec. 619 of division D of the Consolidated Appropriations 
Act of 2008, permanently granting the Harry S Truman 
Scholarship Foundation more flexibility in managing its 
investments.
    Section 619. The Committee includes a provision to clarify 
the authority of the U.S. Tax Court to cover certain costs 
associated with U.S. Tax Court judge participation in the 
Federal Employees Group Life Insurance program.
    Section 620. The Committee includes a new provision 
prohibiting funds in this Act from being used by the Federal 
Communications Commission to implement or enforce amendments 
adopted on December 18, 2007 relating to the daily newspaper 
cross-ownership rule.
    Section 621. The Committee includes a provision prohibiting 
the use of funds to enforce regulations, published in the 
Federal Register on February 25, 2005, that impede the sales of 
food and medicine to Cuba.
    Section 622. The Committee includes a provision allowing 
annual travel to Cuba for the purpose of visiting family 
members in Cuba.
    Section 623. The Committee includes a provision specifying 
that for purposes of applying section 515.561 of title 31 of 
the Code of Federal Regulations (regarding visiting family in 
Cuba), the term ``member of a person's immediate family'' shall 
include any aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, or first cousin of the 
traveler, in addition to individuals already specified in the 
regulations.
    Section 624. The Committee includes a provision to 
permanently prohibit the determination that real estate 
brokerage activity or real estate management activity is 
financial in nature, is incidental to a financial activity, or 
is complementary to a financial activity.

             TITLE VII--GENERAL PROVISIONS, GOVERNMENT-WIDE


                Departments, Agencies, and Corporations

    Section 701. The Committee continues the provision 
requiring agencies to administer a policy designed to ensure 
that all of its workplaces are free from the illegal use of 
controlled substances.
    Section 702. The Committee continues the provision 
regarding price limitations on vehicles to be purchased by the 
Federal Government. Price limitations are updated consistent 
with the President's budget request.
    Section 703. The Committee continues the provision allowing 
funds made available to agencies for travel, to also be used 
for quarter allowances and cost-of-living allowances.
    Section 704. The Committee continues, with modification, 
the provision prohibiting the government, with certain 
specified exceptions, from employing non-U.S. citizens whose 
posts of duty would be in the continental U.S. As requested by 
the President, an exception is added for the Department of the 
Interior and the USDA Forest Service for the employment of 
nonresident aliens as Wildland firefighters.
    Section 705. The Committee continues the provision ensuring 
that agencies will have authority to pay GSA bills for space 
renovation and other services.
    Section 706. The Committee continues the provision allowing 
agencies to finance the costs of recycling and waste prevention 
programs with proceeds from the sale of materials recovered 
through such programs.
    Section 707. The Committee continues the provision 
providing that funds may be used to pay rent and other service 
costs in the District of Columbia.
    Section 708. The Committee continues the provision 
prohibiting interagency financing of groups absent prior 
statutory approval.
    Section 709. The Committee continues the provision 
prohibiting the use of funds for enforcing regulations 
disapproved in accordance with the applicable law of the U.S.
    Section 710. The Committee continues the provision limiting 
the pay increases of certain prevailing rate employees.
    Section 711. The Committee continues the provision limiting 
the amount of funds that can be used for redecoration of 
offices under certain circumstances.
    Section 712. The Committee continues the provision to allow 
for interagency funding of national security and emergency 
telecommunications initiatives.
    Section 713. The Committee continues, with modification, 
the provision requiring agencies to certify that a Schedule C 
appointment was not created solely or primarily to detail the 
employee to the White House. As requested by the President, the 
National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency is added to the list of 
agencies excepted from the provision.
    Section 714. The Committee continues the provision 
prohibiting the payment of any employee who prohibits, 
threatens or prevents another employee from communicating with 
Congress.
    Section 715. The Committee continues the provision 
prohibiting Federal training not directly related to the 
performance of official duties.
    Section 716. The Committee continues the provision 
prohibiting the expenditure of funds for implementation of 
agreements in nondisclosure policies unless certain provisions 
are included.
    Section 717. The Committee continues the provision 
prohibiting, other than for normal and recognized executive-
legislative relationships, propaganda, publicity and lobbying 
by executive agency personnel in support or defeat of 
legislative initiatives.
    Section 718. The Committee continues the provision 
prohibiting any Federal agency from disclosing an employee's 
home address to any labor organization, absent employee 
authorization or court order.
    Section 719. The Committee continues the provision 
prohibiting funds to be used to provide non-public information 
such as mailing or telephone lists to any person or 
organization outside the government without the approval of the 
Committees on Appropriations.
    Section 720. The Committee continues the provision 
prohibiting the use of funds for propaganda and publicity 
purposes not authorized by Congress.
    Section 721. The Committee continues the provision 
directing agency employees to use official time in an honest 
effort to perform official duties.
    Section 722. The Committee continues the provision 
authorizing the use of funds to finance an appropriate share of 
the Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board.
    Section 723. The Committee continues the provision, with 
technical modifications, authorizing agencies to transfer funds 
(not to exceed $11,700,000) to the Government-wide Policy 
account of GSA to finance an appropriate share of various 
government-wide boards and councils. The authority to transfer 
$1,700,000 in funding above fiscal year 2008 is authorized for 
the Budget Formulation Execution Manager initiative.
    Section 724. The Committee continues the provision that 
permits breast feeding in a Federal building or on Federal 
property if the woman and child are authorized to be there.
    Section 725. The Committee continues the provision that 
permits interagency funding of the National Science and 
Technology Council and provides for a report on the budget and 
resources of the National Science and Technology Council. The 
report should include the entire budget of the National Science 
and Technology Council.
    Section 726. The Committee continues the provision 
requiring documents involving the distribution of Federal funds 
to indicate the agency providing the funds and the amount 
provided.
    Section 727. The Committee continues the provision 
prohibiting the use of funds to monitor personal information 
relating to the use of Federal Internet sites to collect, 
review, or create any aggregate list that includes personally 
identifiable information relating to access to or use of any 
Federal Internet site of such agency.
    Section 728. The Committee continues a provision requiring 
health plans participating in the FEHBP to provide 
contraceptive coverage and provides exemptions to certain 
religious plans.
    Section 729. The Committee continues the provision 
providing recognition of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency as the 
official anti-doping agency.
    Section 730. The Committee continues a provision allowing 
funds for official travel to be used by departments and 
agencies, if consistent with OMB Circular A-126, to participate 
in the fractional aircraft ownership pilot program.
    Section 731. The Committee continues a provision 
prohibiting funds for implementation of OPM regulations 
limiting detailees to the Legislative Branch, and implementing 
limitations on the Coast Guard Congressional Fellowship 
Program.
    Section 732. The Committee continues the provision that 
restricts the use of funds for Federal law enforcement training 
facilities.
    Section 733. The Committee continues and modifies the 
provision concerning transfers or reimbursements for ``E-
Government'' initiatives.
    Section 734. The Committee includes a new provision that 
amends section 739(a)(1) of the Financial Services and General 
Government Appropriations Act, 2008, relating to requirements 
for public-private competitions.
    Section 735. The Committee includes a new provision that 
amends section 739(b) of the Financial Services and General 
Government Appropriations Act, 2008, relating to insourcing of 
new and contracted out functions.
    Section 736. The Committee includes a new provision that 
prohibits the use of funds to begin or announce a study or 
public-private competition regarding the conversion to 
contractor performance of any function performed by civilian 
Federal employees pursuant to Office of Management and Budget 
Circular A-76 or any other administrative regulation, 
directive, or policy. The provision is a one-year moratorium on 
new A-76 studies so that the new Administration may have an 
opportunity to review and develop Federal workforce policies.
    Section 737. The Committee continues a provision, with 
modifications, providing that the adjustment in rates of basic 
pay for employees under statutory pay systems taking effect in 
fiscal year 2009 shall be an increase of 3.9 percent.
    Section 738. The Committee continues the provision that 
prohibits Executive Branch agencies from creating prepackaged 
news stories that are broadcast or distributed in the United 
States unless the story includes a clear notification within 
the text or audio of that news story that the prepackaged news 
story was prepared or funded by that executive branch agency. 
This provision confirms the opinion of the Government 
Accountability Office dated February 17, 2005 (B-304272).
    Section 739. The Committee continues the provision 
prohibiting funds used in contravention of section 552a of 
title 5, United States Code (the Privacy Act) and regulations 
implementing that section.
    Section 740. The Committee continues the provision 
requiring agencies to evaluate the creditworthiness of an 
individual before issuing the individual a government travel 
charge card and limits agency actions accordingly.
    Section 741. The Committee continues, with modification, 
the provision to require the Office of Management and Budget to 
submit a report on budget information relating to Great Lakes 
restoration activities. The provision requires the report to be 
submitted no later than 45 days after submission of the 
President's budget.
    Section 742. The Committee continues, with modification, a 
provision prohibiting funds from being used for any Federal 
Government contract with any foreign incorporated entity which 
is treated as an inverted domestic corporation. Language is 
included regarding compliance with the Buy American Act.
    Section 743. The Committee continues the provision 
concerning Inspector General websites.
    Section 744. The Committee includes a provision, as 
requested by the President, to permit public or private 
institutions of higher education to provide Federal employees 
or employees of the District of Columbia with financial 
assistance in the form of repayment of a student loan or 
forbearance of a student loan repayment. Such assistance may 
only be provided to a current or former student of the 
institution. An identical provision appeared in division B 
(Commerce, Justice, Science, And Related Agencies 
Appropriations Act, 2008) of Public Law 110-161.
    Section 745. The Committee includes a new provision 
prohibiting the Office of Personnel Management or any other 
agency from using funds to implement regulations changing the 
competitive areas under reductions-in-force for Federal 
employees.
    Section 746. The Committee includes a new provision 
prohibiting the funds from being used to implement the 
Regulatory Policy Officer provisions contained in Executive 
Order 13422.
    Section 747. The Committee expects the Federal Government 
to lead by example and can do so by conducting their business 
in an environmentally, economically, fiscally sound and 
scientifically defensible manner. The Steering Committee on 
Strengthening Federal Environmental, Energy, and Transportation 
Management and the Office of the Federal Environmental 
Executive, created by Executive Order 13423, are responsible 
for the monitoring and reporting of Federal agency protocols 
and successes in implementing that executive order, including 
the requirements to avoid or reduce net greenhouse gas 
emissions. The Committee believes that the Climate Leaders 
program at the Environmental Protection Agency, in conjunction 
with other Federal agencies, should advise the Steering 
Committee on best practicable protocols for Federal agencies to 
quantify their annual greenhouse gas (GHG) net emissions and 
comprehensive greenhouse gas reduction programs. Additionally, 
the Committee believes that the leadership of the Steering 
Committee should be augmented to include three co-chairs. This 
additional co-chair is to be appointed by the President and 
should have strong technical or scientific expertise relating 
to greenhouse gas emissions. Finally, the Steering Committee is 
to provide reports on annual GHG net emissions, and avoidance 
or reductions of them, to the Appropriations Committee by March 
15, 2009 and every year thereafter. Prior to implementation of 
this provision, the Steering Committee should consult with the 
Appropriations Committee.
    Section 748. The Committee continues the provision 
concerning the application of these general provisions to title 
IV and to title VIII.

                               TITLE VIII


                General Provisions--District of Columbia

    Section 801. The Committee continues the provision that 
specifies that an appropriation for a particular purpose or 
object shall be considered as the maximum amount that may be 
expended for said purpose or object.
    Section 802. The Committee continues the provision that 
permits funds for travel and payment of dues.
    Section 803. The Committee continues the provision that 
appropriates funds for refunding overpayments of taxes 
collected and for paying settlements and judgments against the 
District of Columbia government.
    Section 804. The Committee continues the provision that 
prohibits the use of appropriated funds for publicity or 
propaganda purposes to apply to Federal funds.
    Section 805. The Committee continues the provision that 
establishes reprogramming and transfer requirements with 
respect to notification requirements for the reprogramming of 
local funds.
    Section 806. The Committee continues the provision that 
prohibits use of funds only to the objects for which the 
appropriations were made.
    Section 807. The Committee continues the provision 
prohibiting the use of Federal funds to implement the District 
of Columbia's Health Care Benefits Act of 1992.
    Section 808. The Committee makes permanent the provision 
that allows the mayor to accept, obligate, and expend Federal, 
private, and other grants received by the District government 
that are not reflected in the amounts appropriated in this Act.
    Section 809. The Committee modifies the provision that 
restricts the use of official vehicles to official duties and 
not between a residence and workplace, with certain exceptions.
    Section 810. The Committee continues the provision that 
prohibits the use of appropriated funds by the Corporation 
Counsel or any other officer or entity of the District 
government to provide assistance for any petition drive or 
civil action which seeks to require Congress to provide for 
voting representation in Congress for the District of Columbia 
to apply to Federal funds.
    Section 811. The Committee continues a provision to 
prohibit the use of Federal funds in this Act to carry out any 
program of distributing sterile needles or syringes for the 
hypodermic injection of any illegal drug.
    Section 812. The Committee continues the provision that 
includes a ``conscience clause'' on legislation that pertains 
to contraceptive coverage by health insurance plans.
    Section 813. The Committee continues the provision that 
requires the CFO to submit a revised appropriated funds 
operating budget in the format of the budget that the District 
government submitted pursuant to section 442 of the DC Home 
Rule Act for all agencies no later than 30 calendar days after 
the date of enactment of this Act.
    Section 814. The Committee modifies the provision to no 
longer prohibit the use of any funds in the Act to pay the fees 
of an attorney who represents a party in an action or any 
attorney who defends any action, including an administrative 
proceeding, brought against D.C. Public Schools under the 
Individuals With Disabilities Act (IDEA) in excess of $4,000.
    Section 815. The Committee makes permanent a provision that 
allows for appropriations in this Act to be increased by no 
more than $100,000,000 from unexpended general funds, and may 
be used only for one-time expenditures, to avoid deficit 
spending, for debt reduction, for program needs, or to avoid 
revenue shortfalls.
    Section 816. The Committee makes permanent the provision 
that allows the District to Spend ``Other-Type Funds'' under 
certain conditions.
    Section 817. The Committee makes permanent the provision 
that allows for short-term borrowing from the emergency and 
contingency reserve funds established under section 450A of the 
District of Columbia Home Rule Act under certain circumstances.
    Section 818. The Committee continues the provision relating 
to medical marijuana.
    Section 819. The Committee continues the provision relating 
to abortion services.
    Section 820. The Committee continues the provision 
authorizing the transfer of local funds to capital and 
enterprise funds.
    Section 821. The Committee includes a provision authorizing 
a raise in the hourly rate paid to public defenders.
    Section 822. The Committee continues the provision which 
limits references to ``this Act'' as referring to only this 
title and title IV.

              HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES REPORT REQUIREMENTS

    The following items are included in accordance with various 
requirements of the Rules of the House of Representatives:

                        Constitutional Authority

    Pursuant to clause 3(d)(1) of rule XIII of the Rules of the 
House of Representatives, the Committee on Appropriations bases 
its authority to report this legislation from clause 7 of 
section 9 of Article I of the Constitution of the United States 
of America which states:

          No money shall be drawn from the Treasury but in 
        consequence of Appropriations made by law * * *

         Statement of General Performance Goals and Objectives

    Pursuant to clause 3(c)(4) of rule XIII of the Rules of the 
House of Representatives, the following is a statement of 
general performance goals and objectives for which this measure 
authorizes funding:

          The Committee on Appropriations considers program 
        performance, including a program's success in 
        developing and attaining outcome-related goals and 
        objectives, in developing funding recommendations.

                  Appropriations Not Authorized by Law

    Pursuant to clause 3(f)(1)(B) of rule XIII of the Rules of 
the House of Representatives, the following table lists the 
appropriations in the accompanying bill that are not authorized 
by law: 


                           Transfer of Funds

    Pursuant to clause 3(f)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the 
House of Representatives, the following statement is submitted 
describing the transfers of funds provided in the accompanying 
bill.
    The Committee recommends the following transfers:

               UNDER TITLE I--DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

    Under the Department of the Treasury, ``Departmental 
offices, salaries and expenses'', up to four percent may be 
transferred between program activities of the Departmental 
Offices under certain circumstances, and amounts greater than 
four percent may be transferred, subject to prior congressional 
approval; and that of the $5,114,000 for the Treasury-wide 
Financial Statement Audit and Internal Control program, such 
amounts as necessary may be transferred to the Department's 
offices and bureaus.
    Under the Department of the Treasury, ``Department-wide 
systems and capital investments programs'', amounts necessary 
to satisfy the requirements of the Department's offices, 
bureaus, and other organizations may be transferred.
    Under the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), ``Enforcement'', 
up to $10,000,000 may be transferred to ``Operations support'' 
for management of the Interagency Crime and Drug Enforcement 
program.
    Section 101 allows the transfer of five percent of any 
appropriation (or three percent of IRS, ``Enforcement'') made 
available to the IRS to any other IRS appropriation, subject to 
prior congressional approval.
    Section 108 authorizes transfers, up to two percent, 
between Departmental Offices, Office of Inspector General, 
Financial Management Service, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade 
Bureau, Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, and the Bureau of 
the Public Debt appropriations under certain circumstances.
    Section 109 authorizes transfers, up to two percent, 
between the IRS and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax 
Administration under certain circumstances.
    Section 112 authorizes the transfer of funds from the 
``Financial management service, salaries and expenses'', to the 
``Debt collection fund'' as necessary to cover the cost of debt 
collection.

           UNDER TITLE II--EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

    Language is included under Office of National Drug Control 
Policy, ``Counterdrug technology assessment center'', allowing 
for the transfer of funds to other Federal departments or 
agencies.
    Language is included under Federal Drug Control Programs, 
``High intensity drug trafficking areas program'', which allows 
for the transfer of funds to other Federal departments or 
agencies.
    Language is included under Federal Drug Control Programs, 
``Other Federal drug control programs'', allowing the transfer 
of funds to other Federal departments or agencies.
    Language is included under Presidential Transition 
Administrative Support allowing the transfer of funds to other 
accounts that provide funding for offices within the Executive 
Office of the President and the Office of the Vice President.
    Language is included under the Official Residence of the 
Vice President, ``Operating expenses'', allowing the transfer 
of funds to other Federal departments or agencies.
    Section 201. The Committee continues a provision permitting 
the Executive Office of the President to transfer up to 10 
percent of any appropriation, subject to a 15 day notification 
period.

                     UNDER TITLE III--THE JUDICIARY

    Under the Judiciary, ``Courts of appeals, district courts, 
and other judicial services'', funds may be transferred to the 
United States Marshals Service for courthouse security.
    Section 302. The Committee continues a provision permitting 
the Judiciary to transfer up to five percent of any 
appropriation with certain limitations.

                  UNDER TITLE V--INDEPENDENT AGENCIES

    Under Title V, Independent Agencies, a number of transfers 
are allowed: (1) the General Services Administration allowances 
and Office Staff for Former Presidents account may transfer 
such sums as necessary to the Department of the Treasury for 
certain pension benefits; (2) under the Election Assistance 
Commission, an amount is transferred to the National Institute 
of Standards and Technology; (3) under the Federal 
Communications Commission, an amount is transferred from the 
Universal Service Fund; (4) under Merit Systems Protection 
Board, an amount is transferred from the Civil Service 
Retirement and Disability Fund; (5) under Morris K. Udall 
Scholarship and Excellence in National Environmental Policy 
Foundation, a certain percentage of funds may be transferred to 
the Native Nations Institute for necessary expenses; (6) under 
the National Archives and Records Administration, an amount is 
transferred from the National Historical Publications and 
Records Commission to the operating expenses account; (7) under 
Office of Personnel Management, amounts from certain trust 
funds are transferred to the salaries and expenses account for 
administrative expenses; (8) under Office of Personnel 
Management, Office of Inspector General, amounts from certain 
trust funds are transferred to the salaries and expenses 
account for administrative expenses; (9) under the Postal 
Regulatory Commission, amounts are transferred from the Postal 
Service Fund; (10) under Small Business Administration, amounts 
are transferred from Business loans and Disaster loans accounts 
to the Office of Inspector General and Salaries and Expenses; 
(11) under Administrative Provision-Small Business 
Administration, amounts may be transferred between 
appropriations of the Small Business Administration; (12) under 
United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, 
amounts are transferred from the Postal Service Fund.
    Section 521. The Committee continues the provision 
providing that funds made available for activities of the 
Federal Buildings Fund may be transferred with advance approval 
from the Committees on Appropriations.

       UNDER TITLE VIII--GENERAL PROVISIONS, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

    The Committee has included language to allow the District 
of Columbia to transfer local funds in certain instances.

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

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

             DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 1998

                          (Public Law 105-119)

AN ACT Making appropriations for the Departments of Commerce, Justice, 
  and State, the Judiciary, and related agencies for the fiscal year 
ending September 30, 1998, and for other purposes.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


TITLE I--DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


General Provisions--Department of Justice

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


  Sec. 122. (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (g)(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law and subject 
to paragraph (2), the Secretary of the Treasury is authorized 
to establish, for a period of [10 years] 11 years from date of 
enactment of this provision, a personnel management 
demonstration project providing for the compensation and 
performance management of not more than a combined total of 950 
employees who fill critical scientific, technical, engineering, 
intelligence analyst, language translator, and medical 
positions in the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


TITLE 28, UNITED STATES CODE

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


PART III--COURT OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Chapter 41--ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF UNITED STATES COURTS

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Sec. 604. Duties of Director generally

  (a) The Director shall be the administrative officer of the 
courts, and under the supervision and direction of the Judicial 
Conference of the United States, shall:
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

          (5) Fix the compensation of clerks of court, 
        deputies, librarians, criers, messengers, law clerks, 
        secretaries, stenographers, clerical assistants, and 
        other employees of the courts whose compensation is not 
        otherwise fixed by law, and, notwithstanding any other 
        provision of law, pay on behalf of Justices and judges 
        of the United States appointed to hold office during 
        good behavior [magistrate judges appointed under 
        section 631 of this title,], United States magistrate 
        judges, bankruptcy judges appointed under chapter 6 of 
        this title, judges of the District Court of Guam, 
        judges of the District Court for the Northern Mariana 
        Islands, judges of the District Court of the Virgin 
        Islands, bankruptcy judges and magistrate judges 
        retired under section 377 of this title, and judges 
        retired under section 373 of this title, who are, aged 
        65 or over, any increases in the cost of Federal 
        Employees' Group Life Insurance imposed after April 24, 
        1999, including any expenses generated by such 
        payments, as authorized by the Judicial Conference of 
        the United States;

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


TRANSPORTATION, TREASURY, HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, THE JUDICIARY, 
THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 
                                  2006

 DIVISION A--TRANSPORTATION, TREASURY, HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, 
THE JUDICIARY, AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2006

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                                TITLE IV

THE JUDICIARY

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Administrative Provisions--The Judiciary

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


  Sec. 407. (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  [(c) The authorities granted in this section shall expire on 
September 30, 2010.]

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


              SECTION 3672 OF TITLE 18, UNITED STATES CODE

Sec. 3672. Duties of Director of Administrative Office of the United 
                    States Courts

  The Director of the Administrative Office of the United 
States Courts, or his authorized agent, shall investigate the 
work of the probation officers and make recommendations 
concerning the same to the respective judges and shall have 
access to the records of all probation officers.
  He shall collect for publication statistical and other 
information concerning the work of the probation officers.
  He shall prescribe record forms and statistics to be kept by 
the probation officers and shall formulate general rules for 
the proper conduct of the probation work.
  He shall endeavor by all suitable means to promote the 
efficient administration of the probation system and the 
enforcement of the probation laws in all United States courts.
  He shall, under the supervision and direction of the Judicial 
Conference of the United States, fix the salaries of probation 
officers and shall provide for their necessary expenses 
including clerical service and travel expenses.
  He shall incorporate in his annual report a statement 
concerning the operation of the probation system in such 
courts.
  He shall have the authority to contract with any appropriate 
public or private agency or person for the detection of and 
care in the community of an offender who is an alcohol-
dependent person, an addict or a drug-dependent person, or a 
person suffering from a psychiatric disorder within the meaning 
of section 2 of the Public Health Service Act. This authority 
shall include the authority to provide equipment and supplies; 
testing; medical, educational, social, psychological and 
vocational services; corrective and preventative guidance and 
training; and other rehabilitative services designed to protect 
the public and benefit the alcohol-dependent person, addict or 
drug-dependent person, or a person suffering from a psychiatric 
disorder by eliminating his dependence on alcohol or addicting 
drugs, by controlling his dependence and his susceptibility to 
addiction, or by treating his psychiatric disorder. He may 
negotiate and award such contracts without regard to section 
3709 of the Revised Statutes of the United States. He also 
shall have the authority to expend funds or to contract with 
any appropriate public or private agency or person to monitor 
and provide services to any offender in the community 
authorized by [this Act] this paragraph, including treatment, 
equipment and emergency housing, corrective and preventative 
guidance and training, and other rehabilitative services 
designed to protect the public and promote the successful 
reentry of the offender into the community.
  He shall pay for presentence studies and reports by qualified 
consultants and presentence examinations and reports by 
psychiatric or psychological examiners ordered by the court 
under subsection (b) or (c) of section 3552, except for studies 
conducted by the Bureau of Prisons.
  Whenever the court finds that funds are available for payment 
by or on behalf of a person furnished such services, training, 
or guidance, the court may direct that such funds be paid to 
the Director. Any moneys collected under this paragraph shall 
be used to reimburse the appropriations obligated and disbursed 
in payment for such services, training, or guidance.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


          SECTION 203 OF THE JUDICIAL IMPROVEMENTS ACT OF 1990

SEC. 203. DISTRICT JUDGES FOR THE DISTRICT COURTS.

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (c) Temporary Judgeships.--The President shall appoint, by 
and with the advice and consent of the Senate--
          (1) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

Except with respect to the district of Kansas, the western 
district of Michigan, the eastern district of Pennsylvania, and 
the northern district of Ohio, the first vacancy in the office 
of district judge in each of the judicial districts named in 
this subsection, occurring 10 years or more after the 
confirmation date of the judge named to fill the temporary 
judgeship created by this subsection, shall not be filled. The 
first vacancy in the office of district judge in the district 
of Kansas occurring [17] 21 years or more after the 
confirmation date of the judge named to fill the temporary 
judgeship created for such district under this subsection, 
shall not be filled. The first vacancy in the office of 
district judge in the western district of Michigan, occurring 
after December 1, 1995, shall not be filled. The first vacancy 
in the office of district judge in the eastern district of 
Pennsylvania, occurring 5 years or more after the confirmation 
date of the judge named to fill the temporary judgeship created 
for such district under this subsection, shall not be filled. 
The first vacancy in the office of district judge in the 
northern district of Ohio occurring [17] 21 years or more after 
the confirmation date of the judge named to fill the temporary 
judgeship created under this subsection shall not be filled. 
For districts named in this subsection for which multiple 
judgeships are created by this Act, the last of those 
judgeships filled shall be the judgeships created under this 
section.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


TITLE 40, UNITED STATES CODE

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SUBTITLE I--FEDERAL PROPERTY AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


CHAPTER 3--ORGANIZATION OF GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SUBCHAPTER II--ADMINISTRATIVE

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


[Sec. 312. Transfer and use of amounts for major equipment acquisitions

  [(a) In General.--Subject to subsection (b), unobligated 
balances of amounts appropriated or otherwise made available to 
the General Services Administration for operating expenses and 
salaries and expenses may be transferred and merged into the 
``Major equipment acquisitions and development activity'' of 
the Salaries and Expenses, General Management and 
Administration appropriation account for--
          [(1) agency-wide acquisition of capital equipment, 
        automated data processing systems; and
          [(2) financial management and management information 
        systems needed to implement the Chief Financial 
        Officers Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-576, 104 Stat. 
        2838) and other laws or regulations.
  [(b) Requirements and Availability.--
          [(1) Time for transfer.--Transfer of an amount under 
        this section must be done no later than the end of the 
        fifth fiscal year after the fiscal year for which the 
        amount is appropriated or otherwise made available.
          [(2) Approval for use.--An amount transferred under 
        this section may be used only with the advance approval 
        of the Committees on Appropriations of the House of 
        Representatives and the Senate.
          [(3) Availability.--An amount transferred under this 
        section remains available until expended.]

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SUBCHAPTER III--FUNDS

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Sec. 323. Consumer Information Center Fund

  (a) Existence.--There is in the Treasury a [Consumer 
Information Center] Federal Citizen Services Fund, General 
Services Administration, for the purpose of disseminating 
Federal Government [consumer] information to the public and for 
other related purposes.
  (b) Deposits.--Money shall be deposited into the Fund from--
          (1) appropriations from the Treasury for [Consumer 
        Information Center] Federal Citizen Services 
        activities;

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SUBTITLE II--PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND WORKS

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


PART A--GENERAL

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SUBCHAPTER VI--MISCELLANEOUS

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


[Sec. 3173. Working capital fund for blueprinting, photostating, and 
                    duplicating services in General Services 
                    Administration

  [(a) Establishment and Purpose.--There is a working capital 
fund for the payment of salaries and other expenses necessary 
to the operation of a central blue-printing, photostating, and 
duplicating service.
  [(b) Components.--The fund consists of--
          [(1) $50,000 without fiscal year limitation; and
          [(2) reimbursements from available amounts of 
        constituents of the Administrator of General Services, 
        or of any other federal agency for which services are 
        performed, at rates to be determined by the 
        Administrator on the basis of estimated or actual 
        charges for personal services, material, equipment 
        (including maintenance, repair, and depreciation on 
        existing and new equipment) and other expenses, to 
        ensure continuous operation.
  [(c) Deposit of Excess Amounts in the Treasury.--At the close 
of each fiscal year any excess amount resulting from operation 
of the service, after adequately providing for the replacement 
of mechanical and other equipment and for accrued annual leave 
of employees engaged in this work by the establishment of 
reserves for those purposes, shall be deposited in the Treasury 
as miscellaneous receipts.]

Sec. 3173. Working capital fund for General Services Administration

  (a) Establishment and Purpose.--There is a working capital 
fund for the necessary expenses of administrative support 
services including accounting, budget, personnel, legal support 
and other related services; and the maintenance and operation 
of printing and reproduction facilities in support of the 
functions of the General Services Administration, other Federal 
agencies, and other entities; and other such administrative and 
management services that the Administrator of GSA deems 
appropriate and advantageous (subject to prior notice to the 
Office of Management and Budget).
  (b) Composition.--
          (1) In general.--Amounts received shall be credited 
        to and merged with the Fund, to remain available until 
        expended, for operating costs and capital outlays of 
        the Fund: Provided, That entities for which such 
        services are performed shall be charged at rates which 
        will return in full all costs of providing such 
        services.
          (2) Cost and capital requirements.--The Administrator 
        shall determine the cost and capital requirements of 
        the Fund for each fiscal year and shall develop a plan 
        concerning such requirements in consultation with the 
        Chief Financial Officer of the General Services 
        Administration. Any change to the cost and capital 
        requirements of the Fund for a fiscal year shall be 
        approved by the Administrator. The Administrator shall 
        establish rates to be charged to entities for which 
        services are performed, in accordance with the plan.
  (c) Deposit of Excess Amounts in the Treasury.--At the close 
of each fiscal year, after making provision for anticipated 
operating needs reflected in the cost and capital plan 
developed under subsection (b), the uncommitted balance of any 
funds remaining in the Fund shall be transferred to the general 
fund of the Treasury as miscellaneous receipts.
  (d) Transfer and Use of Amounts for Major Equipment 
Acquisitions.--
          (1) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (2), 
        unobligated balances of amounts appropriated or 
        otherwise made available to the General Services 
        Administration for operating expenses and salaries and 
        expenses may be transferred and merged into the ``Major 
        equipment acquisitions and development activity'' of 
        the working capital fund of the General Services 
        Administration for agency-wide acquisition of capital 
        equipment, automated data processing systems and 
        financial management and management information 
        systems: Provided, That acquisitions are limited to 
        those needed to implement the Chief Financial Officers 
        Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-576, 104 Stat. 2838) and 
        related laws or regulations.
          (2) Requirements and Availability.--
                  (A) Time for transfer.--Transfer of an amount 
                under this section must be done no later than 
                the end of the fifth fiscal year after the 
                fiscal year for which the amount is 
                appropriated or otherwise made available.
                  (B) Approval for use.--An amount transferred 
                under this section may be used only with the 
                advance approval of the Committees on 
                Appropriations of the House of Representatives 
                and the Senate.
                  (C) Availability.--An amount transferred 
                under this section remains available until 
                expended.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


CONSOLIDATED APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2008

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


 DIVISION D--FINANCIAL SERVICES AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS 
ACT, 2008

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                                TITLE VI

GENERAL PROVISIONS--THIS ACT

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


  [Sec. 619. Notwithstanding section 10(b) of the Harry S 
Truman Memorial Scholarship Act (20 U.S.C. 2009(b)), hereafter, 
at the request of the Board of Trustees of the Harry S Truman 
Scholarship Foundation, it shall be the duty of the Secretary 
of the Treasury to invest in full the amounts appropriated and 
contributed to the Harry S Truman Memorial Scholarship Trust 
Fund, as provided in such section. All requests of the Board of 
Trustees to the Secretary provided for in this section shall be 
binding on the Secretary.]
  Sec. 619.  Hereafter, the Secretary of the Treasury shall 
invest such amounts appropriated and contributed to the Harry S 
Truman Memorial Scholarship Trust Fund in such obligations as 
the Board of Trustees of the Harry S Truman Scholarship 
Foundation may request. Such a request shall be binding on the 
Secretary to the extent consistent with section 10(b) of the 
Harry S Truman Memorial Scholarship Act (20 U.S.C. 2009(b)), 
without regard to the last sentence thereof.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                               TITLE VII

                  GENERAL PROVISIONS--GOVERNMENT-WIDE

Departments, Agencies, and Corporations

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


  Sec. 739. (a) Requirement for Public-Private Competition.--
          (1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, none 
        of the funds appropriated by this or any other Act 
        shall be available to convert to contractor performance 
        an activity or function of an executive agency that, on 
        or after the date of enactment of this Act, is 
        performed by [more than 10] Federal employees unless--
                  (A) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  [(b) Use of Public-Private Competition.--Nothing in Office of 
Management and Budget Circular A-76 shall prevent the head of 
an executive agency from conducting a public-private 
competition to evaluate the benefits of converting work from 
contract performance to performance by Federal employees in 
appropriate instances. The Circular shall provide procedures 
and policies for these competitions that are similar to those 
applied to competitions that may result in the conversion of 
work from performance by Federal employees to performance by a 
contractor.]
  (b) Guidelines on Insourcing New and Contracted Out 
Functions.--
          (1) Guidelines required.--(A) The heads of executive 
        agencies subject to the Federal Activities Inventory 
        Reform Act of 1998 (Public Law 105-270; 31 U.S.C. 501 
        note) shall devise and implement guidelines and 
        procedures to ensure that consideration is given to 
        using, on a regular basis, Federal employees to perform 
        new functions and functions that are performed by 
        contractors and could be performed by Federal 
        employees.
          (B) The guidelines and procedures required under 
        subparagraph (A) may not include any specific 
        limitation or restriction on the number of functions or 
        activities that may be converted to performance by 
        Federal employees.
          (2) Special consideration for certain functions.--The 
        guidelines and procedures required under paragraph (1) 
        shall provide for special consideration to be given to 
        using Federal employees to perform any function that--
                  (A) is performed by a contractor and--
                          (i) has been performed by Federal 
                        employees at any time during the 
                        previous 10 years;
                          (ii) is a function closely associated 
                        with the performance of an inherently 
                        governmental function;
                          (iii) has been performed pursuant to 
                        a contract awarded on a non-competitive 
                        basis; or
                          (iv) has been performed poorly, as 
                        determined by a contracting officer 
                        during the 5-year period preceding the 
                        date of such determination, because of 
                        excessive costs or inferior quality; or
                  (B) is a new requirement, with particular 
                emphasis given to a new requirement that is 
                similar to a function previously performed by 
                Federal employees or is a function closely 
                associated with the performance of an 
                inherently governmental function.
          (3) Exclusion of certain functions from 
        competitions.--The head of an executive agency may not 
        conduct a public-private competition under Office of 
        Management and Budget Circular A-76 or any other 
        provision of law or regulation before--
                  (A) in the case of a new agency function, 
                assigning the performance of the function to 
                Federal employees;
                  (B) in the case of any agency function 
                described in paragraph (2), converting the 
                function to performance by Federal employees; 
                or
                  (C) in the case of an agency function 
                performed by Federal employees, expanding the 
                scope of the function.
          (4) Deadline.--(A) The head of each executive agency 
        shall implement the guidelines and procedures required 
        under this subsection by not later than 120 days after 
        the date of the enactment of this subsection.
          (B) Not later than 120 days after the date of the 
        enactment of this subsection, the Government 
        Accountability Office shall submit a report on the 
        implementation of this subsection to the Committees on 
        Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the 
        Senate, the Committee on Oversight and Government 
        Reform of the House of Representatives, and the 
        Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs 
        of the Senate.
          (5) Definitions.--In this subsection:
                  (A) The term ``inherently governmental 
                functions'' has the meaning given such term in 
                subpart 7.5 of part 7 of the Federal 
                Acquisition Regulation.
                  (B) The term ``functions closely associated 
                with inherently governmental functions'' means 
                the functions described in section 7.503(d) of 
                the Federal Acquisition Regulation.
          (6) Applicability.--This subsection shall not apply 
        to the Department of Defense.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Subtitle F--Procedure and Administration

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


CHAPTER 76--JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Subchapter C--The Tax Court

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


PART III--MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 7472. EXPENDITURES.

  The Tax Court is authorized to make such expenditures 
(including expenditures for personal services and rent at the 
seat of Government and elsewhere, and for law books, books of 
reference, and periodicals), as may be necessary efficiently to 
execute the functions vested in the Tax Court. Notwithstanding 
any other provision of law, the Tax Court is authorized to pay 
on behalf of its judges, age 65 or over, any increase in the 
cost of Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance imposed after 
April 24, 1999, that is incurred after the date of the 
enactment of the Pension Protection Act of 2006, including any 
expenses generated by such payments, as authorized by the chief 
judge in a manner consistent with such payments authorized by 
the Judicial Conference of the United States pursuant to 
section 604(a)(5) of title 28, United States Code. Except as 
provided in section 7475, all expenditures of the Tax Court 
shall be allowed and paid, out of any moneys appropriated for 
purposes of the Tax Court, upon presentation of itemized 
vouchers therefor signed by the certifying officer designated 
by the chief judge.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


         SECTION 446B OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA HOME RULE ACT

       ACCEPTANCE OF GRANT AMOUNTS NOT INCLUDED IN ANNUAL BUDGET

  Sec. 446B.  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (f) Effective date.--This section shall apply with respect to 
[fiscal years 2006 through 2008] fiscal year 2006 and each 
succeeding fiscal year.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


                   DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA OFFICIAL CODE

TITLE 11--ORGANIZATION AND JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


CHAPTER 26--REPRESENTATION OF INDIGENTS IN CRIMINAL CASES

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Sec. 11-2604. Payment for representation

  (a) Any attorney appointed pursuant to this chapter shall, at 
the conclusion of the representation or any segment thereof, be 
compensated at a fixed rate of [$65 per hour] $90 per hour. 
Such attorney shall be reimbursed for expenses reasonably 
incurred.
  [(b) For representation of a defendant before the Superior 
Court or before the District of Columbia Court of Appeals, as 
the case may be, the compensation to be paid to an attorney 
shall not exceed the following maximum amounts:
          [(1) $1900 for misdemeanor cases;
          [(2) $3600 for felony cases; and
          [(3) $1900 for post-trial matters if the underlying 
        case was a misdemeanor or $3600 for post-trial matters 
        if the underlying case was a felony.]
  (b) The compensation to be paid to an attorney appointed 
pursuant to this chapter shall not exceed the following maximum 
amounts:
          (1) For representation of a defendant before the 
        Superior Court of the District of Columbia for 
        misdemeanors or felonies, the maximum amount set forth 
        in section 3006A(d)(2) of title 18, United States Code, 
        for representation of a defendant before the United 
        States magistrate judge or the district court for 
        misdemeanors or felonies (as the case may be).
          (2) For representation of a defendant before the 
        District of Columbia Court of Appeals, the maximum 
        amount set forth in section 3006A(d)(2) of title 18, 
        United States Code, for representation of a defendant 
        in an appellate court.
          (3) For representation of a defendant in post-trial 
        matters for misdemeanors or felonies, the amount 
        applicable under paragraph (1) for misdemeanors or 
        felonies (as the case may be).

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


TITLE 16--PARTICULAR ACTIONS, PROCEEDINGS AND MATTERS

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


CHAPTER 23--FAMILY DIVISION PROCEEDINGS

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


 SUBCHAPTER I--PROCEEDINGS REGARDING DELINQUENCY, NEGLECT, OR NEED OF 
SUPERVISION

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Sec. 16-2326.01. Compensation of attorneys in neglect and termination 
                    of parental rights proceedings

  (a) * * *
  (b) Compensation payable pursuant to this section shall be 
subject to the following limitations:
          (1) for all proceedings from initial hearing through 
        disposition, the maximum compensation shall be [$1,600] 
        $1,980;
          (2) for all subsequent proceedings other than 
        termination of parental rights, the maximum 
        compensation shall be [$1,600] $1,980 per year;
          (3) for proceedings to terminate parental rights, the 
        maximum compensation shall be [$2,200] $2,700; and
          (4) for appeal of trial court orders, the maximum 
        compensation shall be [$1,100] $1,350 per case.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                              Rescissions

    Pursuant to the provisions of clause 3(f)(2) of rule XIII 
of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the following is 
submitted regarding the rescissions recommended in the 
accompanying bill:

         There are no rescissions in the bill.

               Changes in the Application of Existing Law

    Pursuant to clause 3(f)(1)(A) of rule XIII of the Rules of 
the House of Representatives, the following statements are 
submitted describing the effect of provisions proposed in the 
accompanying bill which may be considered, under certain 
circumstances, to change the application of existing law, 
either directly or indirectly. The bill provides that 
appropriations shall remain available for more than one year 
for a number of programs for which the basic authorizing 
legislation does not explicitly authorize such extended 
availability. The bill provides, in some instances, for funding 
of agencies and activities where legislation has not yet been 
finalized. In addition, the bill carries language, in some 
instances, permitting activities not authorized by law, or 
exempting agencies from certain provisions of law, but which 
has been carried in appropriations acts for many years.
    The bill includes several limitations on official 
entertainment, reception and representation expenses. Similar 
provisions have appeared in many previous appropriations Acts. 
The bill includes a number of limitations on the purchase of 
automobiles or office furnishings that also have appeared in 
many previous appropriations Acts. Language is included in 
several instances permitting certain funds to be credited to 
the appropriations recommended.

                  TITLE I--DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

    Language has been included for Departmental Offices, 
``Salaries and Expenses'', that provides funds for operation 
and maintenance of the Treasury Building and Annex; hire of 
passenger motor vehicles; maintenance, repairs, and 
improvements of, and purchase of commercial insurance policies 
for, real properties leased or owned overseas; official 
reception and representation expenses; unforeseen emergencies 
of a confidential nature; Treasury-wide financial audits and 
the period of availability and the transfer of these funds; 
information technology modernization requirements; secure space 
requirements; hiring of personnel whose work will require 
completion of a security clearance investigation; critical 
infrastructure protection and compliance policy programs; 
modernization of the Office of Debt Management's information 
technology; and specifying certain amounts for individual 
offices of the Departmental Offices and specifying transfer 
authority among offices.
    Language has been included for the Department-wide Systems 
and Capital Investments Program that provides funds for the 
development and acquisition of automatic data processing 
equipment, software, and services; repairs to the Treasury 
Annex Building; provides transfer authority; limits the 
availability of funds; and restricts the use of funds to 
support or supplement IRS Operations Support or Business 
Systems Modernization.
    Language has been included for the Office of Inspector 
General, ``Salaries and Expenses'', that provides funds to 
carry out the provisions of the Inspector General Act of 1978, 
including the hire of vehicles, and specifies amounts for 
official travel expenses, official reception and representation 
expenses, and unforeseen emergencies of a confidential nature.
    Language has been included for the Treasury Inspector 
General for Tax Administration, ``Salaries and Expenses'', that 
provides funds to carry out the provisions of the Inspector 
General Act of 1978, the purchase and hire of motor vehicles 
and services authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109; and specifies amounts 
for travel expenses, official reception and representation 
expenses, and unforeseen emergencies of a confidential nature.
    Language has been included for the Financial Crimes 
Enforcement Network, ``Salaries and Expenses'', that provides 
funds for hire of vehicles; the travel and training of non-
federal and foreign government personnel attending meetings or 
training involving domestic or foreign financial law 
enforcement, intelligence, and regulation; a specific amount 
for official reception and representation expenses; the 
purchase of personal services contracts; and assistance to 
Federal law enforcement agencies with or without reimbursement. 
Language is also included that limits the availability of 
certain amounts.
    Language has been included for the Financial Management 
Service, ``Salaries and Expenses'', that provides a certain 
amount for official reception and representation expenses and 
limits the availability for systems modernization funds.
    Language has been included for the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax 
and Trade Bureau, ``Salaries and Expenses'', that provides 
funds for the hire of passenger motor vehicles and laboratory 
assistance to state and local agencies with or without 
reimbursement. Language is also included that specifies the 
amounts for official reception and representation expenses and 
cooperative research and development.
    Language has been included for the U.S. Mint, ``United 
States Mint Public Enterprise Fund'' that identifies the source 
of funding for the operations and activities of the U.S. Mint 
and specifies the level of funding for circulating coinage and 
protective service capital investments.
    Language has been included for the Bureau of the Public 
Debt, ``Administering the Public Debt'' that specifies funds 
for official reception and representation expenses and systems 
modernization; and provides that appropriations from the 
General Fund will be reduced as fees are collected, and that a 
portion of the funds are to be derived from the Oil Spill 
Liability Trust Fund for administration of the Fund.
    Language is included for the Community Development 
Financial Institutions Fund Program Account that provides for 
services authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109 but at certain rates; 
specific amounts for administrative expenses, the cost of 
direct loans, and administrative expenses to carry out the 
direct loan program; the cost of modifying direct loans; and 
the principal amount of the direct loans.
    Language is included under Internal Revenue Service, 
``Taxpayer Services'' that provides funds for pre-filing 
assistance and education, filing and account services, taxpayer 
advocacy services, services authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109; and 
dedicating funding for the Tax Counseling for the Elderly 
Program, low-income taxpayer clinic grants, and operating 
expenses of the Taxpayer Advocate Service.
    Language is included for Internal Revenue Service, 
``Enforcement'' that provides funds to determine and collect 
owed taxes, provide legal and litigation support, conduct 
criminal investigations, enforce criminal statutes, purchase 
and hire of vehicles, provide services authorized by 5 U.S.C. 
3109; dedicating funding for the Interagency Crime and Drug 
Enforcement program and associated transfer authority.
    Language is included for the Internal Revenue Service, 
``Operations Support'' that provides funds for operating and 
supporting taxpayer services and tax law enforcement programs; 
rent; facilities services; printing; postage; physical 
security; headquarters and other IRS-wide administration 
activities; research and statistics of income; 
telecommunications; information technology development, 
enhancement, operations, maintenance, and security; hire of 
passenger motor vehicles; services authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109; 
and dedicating funding for information technology support, 
research, the IRS Oversight Board, and official reception and 
representation expenses.
    Language has been included for Internal Revenue Service, 
``Business Systems Modernization'' that provides for the 
business systems modernization program, including capital asset 
acquisition of information technology, including management and 
related contractual costs and IRS labor costs of said 
acquisitions, contractual costs associated with operations 
authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109, and places certain restrictions on 
the use of the funds.
    Language is included for the Internal Revenue Service, 
``Health Insurance Tax Credit Administration'' to implement the 
health insurance tax credit included in the Trade Act of 2002 
(Public Law 107-210).

              TITLE II--EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

    Language under the Executive Office of the President and 
Funds Appropriated to the President, ``Compensation of the 
President'', provides that unused amounts of the President's 
expense allowance will revert to the Treasury; mandates funds 
are only available for their stated purpose; and specifies an 
amount for an expense allowance.
    Language under the White House Office, ``Salaries and 
Expenses'', provides funds for services authorized by 5 U.S.C. 
3109, subsistence expenses, hire of vehicles, newspapers, 
periodicals, teletype news service, travel, and official 
entertainment expenses.
    Language under the Executive Residence at the White House, 
``Operating Expenses'', provides funds for official 
entertainment expenses of the President, and the care, 
maintenance, repair and alteration, refurnishing, improvement, 
heating, and lighting, including electric power and fixtures, 
of the Executive Residence at the White House.
    Language under the Executive Residence at the White House, 
``Reimbursable Expenses'', specifies the authorized use of 
funds; specifies that reimbursable expenses are the exclusive 
authority of the Executive Residence to incur obligations and 
receive offsetting collections; requires the sponsors of 
political events to make advance payments; requires the 
national committee of the political party of the President to 
maintain $25,000 on deposit; requires the Executive Residence 
to ensure that amounts owed are billed within 60 days of a 
reimbursable event and collected within 30 days of the bill 
notice; authorizes the Executive Residence to charge and assess 
interest and penalties on late payments; authorizes all 
reimbursements to be deposited into the Treasury as a 
miscellaneous receipt; requires a report to the Committee on 
the reimbursable expenses within 90 days of the end of the 
fiscal year; requires the Executive Residence to maintain a 
system for tracking and classifying reimbursable events; and 
specifies that the Executive Residence is not exempt from the 
requirements of subchapter I or II of chapter 37 of title 31, 
United States Code.
    Language under White House Repair and Restoration provides 
funds for the repair, alteration, improvement, required 
maintenance, safety and health issues, and continued 
preventative maintenance of the Executive Residence at the 
White House and provides that funds remain available until 
expended.
    Language under Office of Administration, ``Salaries and 
Expenses'', provides funds for continued modernization of the 
information technology infrastructure within the Executive 
Office of the President, to remain available until expended.
    Language under Office of Management and Budget, ``Salaries 
and Expenses'', provides funds for expenses, the hire of 
vehicles, carrying out provisions of chapter 35 of 44 U.S.C.; 
specifies funds for official representation expenses; prohibits 
the review of agricultural marketing orders; prohibits the use 
of funds for the purpose of altering the transcript of 
testimony except for non-OMB officials; prohibits the use of 
funds for evaluating or determining if water resource project 
or study reports submitted by the Chief of Engineers are in 
compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and 
requirements; and specifies the amount of time to perform 
budgetary policy reviews of water resource matters on which the 
Chief of Engineers has reported before the report is considered 
approved, and specifies notification requirements.
    Language under the Office of National Drug Control Policy, 
``Salaries and Expenses'', provides funds for expenses, 
research, official reception and representation expenses, 
participation in joint projects, and allows for the acceptance 
of gifts. Language is also included providing funds for policy 
research and evaluation and making these funds available until 
expended.
    Language under the Counterdrug Technology Assessment Center 
provides funds for counternarcotics research and development, 
directs funds to supply reduction activities, and provides for 
the transfer of funds to other Federal departments or agencies.
    Language under the Federal Drug Control Programs, ``High 
Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program'', provides a certain 
level of funding for State, local and Federal drug control 
efforts, and provides for the transfer of funds to Federal 
agencies and departments. Language is also included regarding 
the availability of funds, specifying the amount of funds for 
auditing and associated activities, directing funding with 
respect to initial allocation levels unless the Director of the 
Office of National Drug Control policy submits a request to the 
Committees on Appropriations, permitting funds obligated prior 
to fiscal year 2007 for treatment or prevention programs as 
part of the approved strategy for a designated High Intensity 
Drug Trafficking Area to be used for other approved activities, 
requiring ONDCP to submit recommendations for initial 
allocation and discretionary funding, and requiring that the 
use of discretionary funds be approved by the Committees on 
Appropriations.
    Language under Other Federal Drug Control Programs provides 
funds to support a national anti-drug campaign for youth and 
for other purposes, including a national media campaign, 
matching grants to drug-free communities (with an amount 
specified to be made available as directed by section 4 of 
Public Law 107-82, as amended by Public Law 109-469), training 
and technical assistance for drug court professionals, the U.S. 
Anti-Doping Agency, the U.S. membership dues to the World Anti-
Doping Agency, the National Alliance for Model State Drug Laws, 
and evaluation and research related to National Drug Control 
Program performance measures. Language also limits the 
availability of funds; requires a certain level of funding for 
non-advertising services of the media campaign and the 
continuation of the corporate outreach program; provides for 
the transfer of some funds to other Federal departments and 
agencies; and specifies conditions for national media campaign 
funds.
    Language under Presidential Transition Administrative 
Support provides funds to carry out the Presidential Transition 
Act of 1963 and similar expenses and authorizes transfer of 
such funds.
    Language under Special Assistance to the President, 
``Salaries and Expenses'', enables the Vice President to 
provide assistance to the President, services authorized by 5 
U.S.C. 3109 and 3 U.S.C. 106, subsistence, and the hire for 
vehicles.
    Language under Official Residence of the Vice President, 
``Operating Expenses'', provides funds for operation and 
maintenance of the official residence of the Vice President, 
the hire of vehicles, official entertainment expenses and 
provides for the transfer of funds as necessary.

                        TITLE III--THE JUDICIARY

    Under Supreme Court, ``Salaries and expenses'' language is 
included permitting certain funds to remain available until 
expended and specifying certain amounts for specific purposes.
    Under Supreme Court, ``Care of the Building and Grounds'' 
language is included permitting funds to remain available until 
expended.
    Under Courts of Appeals, District Courts, and Other 
Judicial Services, ``Salaries and Expenses'' language is 
included specifying certain funds remain available until 
expended for specific purposes. Language is also included 
providing funding from the Vaccine Injury Compensation Trust 
Fund for certain purposes.
    Under Defender Services, language is included permitting 
funds to remain available until expended.
    Under Fees of Jurors and Commissioners, language is 
included permitting funds to remain available until expended 
and specifying limitations for the compensation of land 
commissioners.
    Under Court Security, language is included permitting 
certain funds to remain available until expended, which may be 
transferred to the United States Marshals Service.
    Under Administrative Office of the United States Courts, 
``Salaries and expenses'' language is included specifying 
certain amounts for official reception and representation 
expenses.
    Under Federal Judicial Center, ``Salaries and expenses'' 
language is included permitting certain funds to remain 
available until expended for education and training, and 
specifying certain amounts for official reception and 
representation expenses.
    Under Judicial Retirement Funds, ``Payment to Judiciary 
Trust Funds'' language is included specifying certain amounts 
for payments to specific trust funds.
    Under United States Sentencing Commission, ``Salaries and 
expenses'' language is included specifying certain amounts for 
official reception and representation expenses.

                     TITLE IV--DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

    Language under ``Federal Payment for Resident Tuition 
Support'' provides that the amount appropriated shall remain 
available until expended; specifies conditions for the use, 
award, and financial accounting of funds; requires a quarterly 
financial report; and specifies the amount available for 
administrative expenses.
    Language under ``Federal Payment for Emergency Planning and 
Security Costs in the District of Columbia'' provides that the 
amount appropriated shall remain available until expended and 
specifies certain amounts for certain purposes.
    Language under ``Federal Payment to the District of 
Columbia Courts'': (1) provides that all amounts under this 
heading shall be apportioned quarterly by the Office of 
Management and Budget and obligated and expended in the same 
manner as funds appropriated for salaries and expenses of other 
Federal agencies, with payroll and financial services to be 
provided on a contractual basis with the General Services 
Administration; (2) specifies certain amounts for specific 
purposes; (3) allows funds made available for capital 
improvements to remain available until September 30, 2010; and 
(4) provides for the reallocation of funds.
    Language under ``Defender Services in the District of 
Columbia Courts'': (1) provides that the amount appropriated 
shall remain available until expended; (2) authorizes funds 
provided in other appropriations to be used for payments under 
this heading; (3) specifies who shall administer these funds; 
and (4) provides that all amounts under this heading shall be 
apportioned quarterly by the Office of Management and Budget 
and obligated and expended in the same manner as funds 
appropriated for salaries and expenses of other Federal 
agencies, with payroll and financial services to be provided on 
a contractual basis with the General Services Administration.
    Language under ``Federal Payment to the Court Services and 
Offender Supervision Agency for the District of Columbia'': (1) 
specifies certain amounts for specific purposes and programs; 
(2) provides that all amounts under this heading shall be 
apportioned quarterly by the Office of Management and Budget 
and obligated and expended in the same manner as funds 
appropriated for salaries and expenses of other Federal 
agencies; (3) authorizes the Director to accept and use gifts 
to support offender and defendant programs and equipment and 
vocational training services to educate and train offenders and 
defendants, and details for recording the acceptance of such 
gifts; and (4) authorizes the Director to charge fees to cover 
the costs of training and materials distributed at conferences.
    Language under ``Federal Payment to District of Columbia 
Public Defender Service'' provides that all amounts under this 
heading shall be apportioned quarterly by the Office of 
Management and Budget and obligated and expended in the same 
manner as funds appropriated for salaries and expenses of other 
Federal agencies and authorizes the collection of fees for 
materials provided at conferences.
    Language under ``Federal Payment to the District of 
Columbia Water and Sewer Authority'' provides that the amount 
appropriated shall remain available until expended and 
specified amounts shall be matched by WASA.
    Language under ``Federal Payment to the Criminal Justice 
Coordinating Council'' provides that the amount appropriated 
shall remain available until expended to support initiatives 
related to the coordination of Federal and local criminal 
justice resources.
    Language under ``Federal Payment to the Office of the Chief 
Financial Officer of the District of Columbia'' provides that 
each entity receiving funds submit to the Office of the Chief 
Financial Officer (CFO) a report, and that the CFO submit a 
report to the Committees on Appropriations.
    Language under ``Federal Payment for School Improvement'' 
provides certain amounts for specific purposes, including funds 
to expand quality public charter schools, public schools and 
opportunity scholarships in the District of Columbia.
    Language under ``Federal Payment to Jump Start Public 
School Reform'' provides certain amounts for specific purposes, 
provides reprogramming authority of up to 10% or $500,000, and 
makes the funds subject to apportionment.
    Language under ``Federal Payment for Consolidated 
Laboratory Facility'' provides amounts for certain purposes and 
specifies that a matching amount will be provided by the 
District of Columbia.
    Language under ``Federal Payment for Central Library and 
Branch Locations'' provides amounts for certain purposes and 
are available until expended.
    Language under ``District of Columbia Funds'' (1) limits 
the amount provided in this Act for the District of Columbia; 
(2) identifies the source of funds, including a rescission of 
prior year local funds; (3) establishes the District's 
intradistrict authority; (4) sets funds subject to the 
provisions of and allocated and expended as proposed in the 
fiscal year 2009 District of Columbia Budget and Financial 
Plan; (5) provides conditions for increasing the amount 
provided; and (6) directs the Chief Financial Officer to assure 
the District of Columbia meets all requirements, but prohibits 
the reprogramming of capital projects.

                     TITLE V--INDEPENDENT AGENCIES

    Language is included for the Consumer Product Safety 
Commission, ``Salaries and Expenses'' that provides funds for 
expenses, the hire of motor vehicles, services as authorized by 
5 U.S.C. 3109 (with a limitation on rates for individuals), 
nominal awards, official reception and representation expenses, 
and costs associated with the relocation of CPSC's laboratory 
and the upgrade of laboratory equipment.
    Language is included for the Election Assistance 
Commission, ``Salaries and Expenses'' that allows for the 
transfer of funds to the National Institute of Standards and 
Technology for election reform activities. Funds are made 
available for the Help America Vote College Program and a grant 
program to support mock elections.
    Language is included for the Election Assistance 
Commission, ``Election Reform Programs'' for requirements 
payments under part 1 of subtitle D of title II of the Help 
America Vote Act. Funds are also made available for grants to 
carry out research on voting technology improvements and for 
grants relating to pre-election logic and accuracy testing and 
post-election voting systems verification.
    Language is included under the Federal Communications 
Commission, ``Salaries and Expenses'', permitting funds for 
uniforms and allowances therefor, official reception and 
representation expenses, purchase and hire of motor vehicles, 
and special counsel fees. Language provides for the assessment 
and collection of offsetting collections, authorizes retention 
of such collections, and provides that they remain available 
until expended. Language removes the availability for 
obligation of excess collections. Language waives existing law 
concerning proceeds from the use of a competitive bidding 
system. Language is also included regarding the transfer of 
funds from the Universal Service Fund.
    Language is included for the Federal Deposit Insurance 
Corporation, ``Office of Inspector General'' that provides for 
the funds to be derived from the Deposit Insurance Fund, and 
the FSLIC Resolution Fund, or any successor to these funds.
    Language is included for the Federal Election Commission, 
``Salaries and Expenses'' that specifies funds for reception 
and representation expenses.
    Language is included for the Federal Labor Relations 
Authority, ``Salaries and Expenses'' that provides funds for 
services authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109, the hire of experts and 
consultants, hire of motor vehicles, and the rental of 
conference rooms; authorizes travel payments to public members 
of the Federal Service Impasses Panel; and allows for fees 
collected to be transferred to and merged with the 
appropriation.
    Language is included for the Federal Trade Commission, 
``Salaries and Expenses'' permitting funds for uniforms and 
allowances therefor, services authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109, 
official reception and representation expenses, hire of motor 
vehicles, and contract for collection services. Language 
provides for the crediting and retention of certain fees. 
Language also prohibits funds from being used to implement 
subsection (e)(2)(B) of section 43 of the Federal Deposit 
Insurance Act.
    Language is included for the General Services 
Administration, ``Federal Buildings Fund'' that allows for 
revenues and collections to be deposited in the Fund; specifies 
the conditions under which funds made available can be used and 
designates certain projects that can be undertaken; limits the 
availability of funds; and requires the approval to change the 
amounts identified. Many technical provisions have been 
included regarding use of funds in the Federal Buildings Fund 
that are not specifically authorized by law. Language has been 
included that limits project funds available for construction 
and repair and alteration of buildings not authorized by law. A 
more detailed analysis of the Federal Buildings Funds can be 
found in the General Services Administration chapter of this 
report.
    Language is included for General Services Administration, 
``Government-wide Policy'' that provides funds for policy and 
evaluation activities associated with the management of real 
and personal property assets and certain administrative 
services; support responsibilities relating to acquisition, 
telecommunications, information technology management, and 
related technology activities; and services authorized by 5 
U.S.C. 3109.
    Language is included for General Services Administration, 
``Operating Expenses'' that provides funds for expenses for 
activities associated with personal and real property; 
technology management and activities; information access 
activities; agency-wide policy direction and management; other 
support services; and official reception and representation 
expenses.
    Language is included for the General Services 
Administration, ``Office of Inspector General'' that provides 
funds for information and detection of fraud; and for awards in 
recognition of efforts that enhance the office.
    Language is included for the General Services 
Administration, ``Allowances and Office Staff for Former 
Presidents'' that allows a portion of these funds to be 
transferred.
    Language is included for the General Services 
Administration, ``Expenses, Presidential Transition'' that 
provides funds limited to certain activities authorized under 
the Presidential Transition Act of 1963.
    Language is included for the General Services 
Administration, ``Federal Citizen Services Fund'' that 
authorizes funds to be deposited in the Fund and limits the 
availability of funds in the Fund.
    Language is included for the Merit Systems Protection 
Board, ``Salaries and Expenses'', that provides funds for 
services authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109, rental of conference 
rooms, hire of passenger motor vehicles, direct procurement of 
survey printing, official reception and representation 
expenses, and administrative expenses to adjudicate retirement 
appeals, and provides for the transfer of some funds.
    Language is included for the Morris K. Udall Scholarship 
and Excellence in National Environmental Policy Foundation, 
``Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National 
Environmental Policy Trust Fund'', that specifies the 
availability of funds, specifies an amount for financial 
audits, and provides for the transfer of some funds.
    Language is included for the Morris K. Udall Scholarship 
and Excellence in National Environmental Policy Foundation, 
``Environmental Dispute Resolution Fund'' that specifies the 
availability of funds.
    Language is included for National Archives and Records 
Administration, ``Operating Expenses'', that provides funds for 
uniforms or allowances therefor, as authorized by 5 U.S.C. 5901 
et seq., including maintenance, repairs, and cleaning, the hire 
of passenger motor vehicles, activities of the Public Interest 
Declassification Board, and the review and declassification of 
documents.
    Language is included for National Archives and Records 
Administration, ``Electronic Records Archives'' that provides 
funds for the development of electronic records archives, 
research and analysis, design, development and program 
management; and limits the availability of funds.
    Language is included for National Archives and Records 
Administration, ``Repairs and Restoration'' that provides funds 
for the repair, alteration, improvement, and provision of 
adequate storage; and provides that funds remain available 
until expended.
    Language is included for National Archives and Records 
Administration, ``National Historical Publications and Records 
Commission Grants Program'' that provides funds for allocations 
and grants for historical publications and records; provides 
for the transfer of funds for operating expenses; and provides 
that funds remain available until expended.
    Language is included under the National Credit Union 
Administration, ``Central Liquidity Facility'' that limits 
gross obligations and administrative expenses.
    Language is included under the National Credit Union 
Administration, ``Community Development Credit Union Revolving 
Loan Fund'' that provides funds for technical assistance and 
limits the availability of funds.
    Language is included under Office of Government Ethics, 
``Salaries and Expenses'' that provides funds for services 
authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109, rental of conference rooms, hire 
of passenger motor vehicles, and official reception and 
representation expenses.
    Language is included under Office of Personnel Management, 
``Salaries and Expenses'' that provides funds for services 
authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109, medical examinations for veterans, 
rental of conference rooms, hire of passenger motor vehicles, 
official reception and representation expenses, advances for 
reimbursements, payment of per diem and/or subsistence 
allowances, the Enterprise Human Resources Integration project, 
the Human Resources Line of Business project, and the transfer 
of administrative expenses; limits the availability of some 
funds; provides for the cost of automating the retirement 
recordkeeping system, directs that provisions shall not affect 
other authorities; prohibits funds for the Legal Examining 
Unit; and authorizes the acceptance of donations under certain 
conditions.
    Language is included for Office of Inspector General, 
``Salaries and Expenses'' that provides funds for services 
authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109, hire of passenger motor vehicles, 
rental of conference rooms, and the transfer of administrative 
expenses.
    Language is included for Payment to Civil Service 
Retirement and Disability Fund that authorizes payments of 
certain annuities from the Civil Service Retirement and 
Disability Fund.
    Language is included for Office of Special Counsel, 
``Salaries and Expenses'' that provides funds for services 
authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109, payment of fees and expenses for 
witnesses, rental of conference rooms, and the hire of 
passenger motor vehicles.
    Language is included for the Postal Regulatory Commission, 
``Salaries and Expenses'' that provides for transfer from the 
Postal Service Fund.
    Language is included for Securities and Exchange 
Commission, ``Salaries and Expenses'' that provides for rental 
of space, reception and representation expenses, a permanent 
secretariat for the International Organization of Securities 
Commissions, and consultations and meetings hosted by the 
Commission. Language is included that provides for the 
crediting of offsetting collections and unobligated balances of 
funds previously appropriated.
    Language is included for Selective Service System, 
``Salaries and Expenses'' that provides funds for attendance of 
meetings, training, uniforms, hire of passenger motor vehicles, 
services authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109, and official reception 
and representation expenses; authorizes certain exemptions 
under certain conditions; and prohibits funds used in 
connection with the induction of any person into the Armed 
Forces of the United States.
    Language is included for Small Business Administration, 
``Salaries and Expenses'', that provides for hire of motor 
vehicles and official reception and representation expenses. 
Language is also included to provide authority to charge fees 
and credit such fees to the account without further 
appropriation. Language is also included to fund grants for 
performance with amounts set aside for the Veterans Assistance 
and Services Program and the Small Business Energy Efficiency. 
Language is also included for the Loan Modernization and 
Accounting System.
    Language is included for Small Business Administration, 
``Business Loans Program Account'', limiting commitments for 
certain guaranteed loan programs and for providing for the cost 
of direct loans and guaranteed loans. Language is also included 
requiring SBA to use to reduce fees pursuant to subparagraph 
(C) of section 7(a)(23) of the Small Business Act and stating 
that such reduction may be made only with respect to loans 
guaranteed after the date of enactment of this Act. Language is 
also included authorizing the transfer of funds for 
administrative expenses.
    Language is included for the Small Business Administration 
``Disaster loan program account'' that provides for the 
transfer of funds to the ``Office of Inspector General'' and to 
``Salaries and Expenses''.
    Language is included for the United States Postal Service, 
``Payment to the Postal Service Fund'' that provides funds for 
revenue foregone; limits the availability of obligation of some 
funds; stipulates that mail for overseas voting and mail for 
the blind is free; stipulates that 6-day delivery and rural 
mail delivery shall continue at not less than the 1983 level; 
prohibits funds from being used to charge a fee to a child 
support enforcement agency seeking the address of a postal 
customer; and prohibits funds from being used to consolidate or 
close small rural and other small post offices.
    Language is included for United States Postal Service, 
``Office of Inspector General'' that provides for transfer from 
the Postal Service Fund.
    Language is included for the United States Tax Court, 
``Salaries and Expenses'' that provides funds for contract 
reporting and services authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109; and that 
travel expenses of the judges shall be paid upon written 
certificate of the judge.

                 ADMINISTRATIVE AND GENERAL PROVISIONS

    Sections 101, 108, 109, 201, 302 and 510 include 
legislative transfer authorities.
    Section 810 may be construed as placing a legislative 
limitation on the use of funds in the bill.
    Sections 102, 103, 104, 105, 107, 110, 112, 202, 301, 303, 
304, 502, 503, 504, 505, 506, 511, 602, 603, 604, 605, 606, 
607, 608, 609, 610, 612, 617, 622, 623, 701, 702, 703, 704, 
705, 706, 707, 711, 713, 716, 721, 726, 727, 728, 733, 737, 
740, 741, 742, 743, 747, 748, 801, 802, 803, 804, 805, 806, 
809, 810, 813, 814, 815, 816, 817, 818, 819, 820 and 822 
establish affirmative directions, confer new authorities, or 
impose new responsibilities on departments or agencies funded 
by the bill.
    Sections 114, 708, 714, 715, 717, 718, 719, 720, 736, 738, 
745 and 746 do not apply solely to the appropriations within 
this bill.
    Sections 729 and 812 propose to state a legislative 
position.
    Sections 306, 611, 615, 616, 624, 710, 712, 722, 723, 724, 
725, 730, 731, 732, 744 and 814 waive existing law.
    Sections 113, 305, 307, 308, 309, 310, 507, 508, 618, 619, 
734, 735, 808 and 821 amend existing law.

                 Comparison With the Budget Resolution

    Pursuant to clause 3(c)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the 
House of Representatives and section 308(a)(1)(A) of the 
Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (Public Law 93-344), the 
following table compares the levels of new budget authority 
provided in the bill with the appropriate allocation under 
section 302(b) of the Budget Act.


                                            [In millions of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         302(b) allocation                   This bill
                                                 ---------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      Budget                          Budget
                                                     authority        Outlays        authority        Outlays
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Discretionary...................................          21,900          22,900          22,390          22,794
Mandatory.......................................          20,661          20,663          20,661          20,663
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note.-- The amounts in this bill are technically in excess of the subcommittee section 302(b) suballocation.
  However, pursuant to section 301(a)(2) of the congressional budget resolution for fiscal year 2009, increases
  to the Committee's section 302(a) allocation are authorized for funding in the reported bill for program
  integrity initiative spending relating to Internal Revenue Service tax compliance. After the bill is reported
  to the House, the Chairman of the Committee on the Budget will provide an increased section 302(a) allocation
  consistent with the funding provided in the bill. That new allocation will eliminate the technical difference
  prior to floor consideration.

                      Five-Year Outlay Projections

    In compliance with section 308(a)(1)(B) of the 
Congressional Budget Act of 1974, the following table contains 
five-year projections associated with the budget authority 
provided in the accompanying bill as provided to the Committee 
by the Congressional Budget Office.


                        [In millions of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Outlays
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2009................................................            38,380
2010................................................             3,264
2011................................................               555
2012................................................               240
2013 and future years...............................               166
------------------------------------------------------------------------

          Financial Assistance to State and Local Governments

    In accordance with section 308(a)(1)(C) of the 
Congressional Budget Act of 1974, the Congressional Budget 
Office has provided the following estimates of new budget 
authority and outlays provided by the accompanying bill for 
financial assistance to State and local governments.


                                            [In millions of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                    Budget Authority             Outlays
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Financial assistance to State and Local governments for 2009..                      697                      494
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                         Congressional Earmarks

    The following table is submitted in compliance with clause 
9 of Rule XXI, and lists the congressional earmarks (as defined 
in paragraph (d) of clause 9) contained in the bill or in this 
report. Neither the bill nor the report contain any limited tax 
benefits or limited tariff benefits as defined in paragraphs 
(e) or (f) of clause 9 of Rule XXI.

                                                                            FINANCIAL SERVICES AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                       Amount (in
                                                 Project                                                    Agency      dollars)                            Requester(s)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adelante Development Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico                                                            SBA       $100,000  Pearce, Stevan; Wilson, Heather
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adelante Service Expansion in Sandoval County                                                                   SBA       $125,000  Udall, Tom
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Advantage West Economic Development Group, Certified Entrepreneurial Community Program                          SBA       $200,000  Shuler, Heath
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
African American Chamber of Commerce of Westchester and Rockland Counties, Entrepreneurial Assistance           SBA       $200,000  Engel, Eliot L.
 Program
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AgriBusiness Development Corporation for the Hudson Valley Agribusiness Viability Program                       SBA       $250,000  Hall, John J.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alamo Community College for a region energy futures park center                                                 SBA       $100,000  Smith, Lamar
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alamo WorkSource Center Expansion                                                                               SBA       $150,000  Rodriguez, Ciro D.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arkansas State University-Newport for the Arkansas Commercial Driver Training Institute                         SBA       $250,000  Berry, Marion
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Asian Pacific Islander Small Business Program                                                                   SBA       $250,000  Roybal-Allard, Lucille
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Asociacion De Provincias Dominicanas (ASOPRODOM) training programs                                              SBA        $50,000  Serrano, Jose
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Baltimore City Public School System for the Allied Health Career Program                                        SBA       $500,000  Ruppersberger, C. A. Dutch
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BARC/ TEDCO Business Innovation Center                                                                          SBA       $100,000  Hoyer, Steny H.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Baruch College/CUNY, The Field Center for Entrepreneurship                                                      SBA        $70,000  Maloney, Carolyn B.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Baylor University workforce development and training                                                            SBA       $200,000  Edwards, Chet
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Beaver Street Enterprise Center, Jacksonville, FL                                                               SBA       $200,000  Brown, Corrine
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Becker College Nurse Training Initiative to address health care workforce shortages                             SBA       $168,000  McGovern, James P.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bedford-Stuyvesant YMCA Teen Entrepreneurship Program                                                           SBA       $100,000  Towns, Edolphus
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Berkshire Enterprises Entrepreneurial Training                                                                  SBA        $80,000  Olver, John W.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bethany House, Employment training program for homeless women and for employers                                 SBA       $127,700  McCarthy, Carolyn
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bevill State Community College for a business incubator                                                         SBA       $300,000  Aderholt, Robert B.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blessings Ministries Community Development Corp                                                                 SBA        $50,000  Bishop, Jr., Sanford D.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boise State University for a research and economic development and entrepreneurial initiative                   SBA       $200,000  Simpson, Michael K.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bronx Council on the Arts for marketing of local business arts initiatives                                      SBA        $50,000  Serrano, Jose
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bronx Shepherds business training programs                                                                      SBA        $75,000  Serrano, Jose
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bucks County Manufacturing Career Development and Green Job Training Program                                    SBA       $200,000  Murphy, Patrick J.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus Business Development                                                             SBA       $200,000  Higgins, Brian
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Business Resource Center and Business Development Training                                                      SBA       $200,000  Hastings, Alcee L.; Wasserman Schultz, Debbie
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
California State University, Dominguez Hills, Online Certificate and Applied Studies Program Targeted to        SBA       $200,000  Richardson, Laura
 Veterans, Service Disabled Veterans, and Disabled Students
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capital City Development Corporation for a business development center                                          SBA       $200,000  Simpson, Michael K.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Carnegie Mellon University for the Buffalo Township Business Accelerator Program                                SBA       $200,000  Altmire, Jason
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cayuga County Industrial Development Authority for a Manufacturing and Small Business Development               SBA       $200,000  Arcuri, Michael A.
 Project
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Center for Economic Growth, Watervliet Innovation Center                                                        SBA       $200,000  Gillibrand, Kirsten E.; McNulty, Michael R.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Central Florida Community College for the Heart of Florida Regional Economic Development Program                SBA       $100,000  Stearns, Cliff
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Charlotte Mecklenburg Housing Partnership to increase opportunities for small businesses                        SBA       $300,000  Hayes, Robin
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chicanos Por La Causa for a business incubator                                                                  SBA       $250,000  Pastor, Ed
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
City of Alcoa, Tennessee, for the Pellissippi Research Center                                                   SBA       $100,000  Duncan, John J.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
City of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, for small business investment initiative technical assistance                   SBA       $275,000  Alexander, Rodney; Cazayoux, Donald
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
City of Berkeley East Bay Green Jobs Project                                                                    SBA       $150,000  Lee, Barbara
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
City of Hagerstown, Maryland for a minority and women owned business program                                    SBA       $100,000  Bartlett, Roscoe G.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
City of Inglewood, CA, Grow Inglewood Small Business Development Program for technical assistance to            SBA       $100,000  Waters, Maxine
 small businesses
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
City of San Jose, CA for the Silicon Valley Small Business Assistance Portal                                    SBA       $250,000  Honda, Michael M.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
City of South Pasadena, CA, for downtown business district revitalization                                       SBA       $300,000  Schiff, Adam B.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
City of Union, South Carolina, for a regional robotics training center                                          SBA       $100,000  Inglis, Bob
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cleary University for a micro business incubator                                                                SBA       $100,000  Rogers, Mike (MI)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Clemson University for an advanced materials innovation center                                                  SBA       $100,000  Barrett, J. Gresham
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cochise County Community College Entrepreneurial Education and Development                                      SBA        $50,000  Giffords, Gabrielle
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commission on the Future of the Latino Community in New York City to establish a small business and             SBA       $125,000  Velazquez, Nydia M.
 economic development commission
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Consortium for Worker Education Financial Education and Attainment Training                                     SBA       $200,000  Nadler, Jerrold; Crowley, Joseph
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
County of Essex, NJ, for Workshops on How to Succeed in Business in the Public Sector for Women and             SBA       $250,000  Rothman, Steven R.; Pascrell Jr., Bill; Sires, Albio
 Minority Small Business Enterprises
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation, Cypress Hills Economic Revitalization Initiative                   SBA       $125,000  Velazquez, Nydia M.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Delaware County Community College for a small business solutions center                                         SBA       $300,000  Gerlach, Jim; Sestak, Joe
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Delta Foundation, Greenville, MS, for a Mississippi Delta business growth development program                   SBA       $250,000  Thompson, Bennie G.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Detroit Creative Business Accelerator                                                                           SBA        $75,000  Kilpatrick, Carolyn C.; Conyers, John, Jr.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Detroit Economic Growth Corporation for Business retention and attraction                                       SBA       $350,000  Kilpatrick, Carolyn C.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
East Providence Special Waterfront Development District Commission, Green Jobs Initiative, RI                   SBA        $65,000  Kennedy, Patrick J.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eastern CT Chamber of Commerce for Small Business Incubation                                                    SBA       $178,000  Courtney, Joe
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Economic Growth Connection of Westmoreland County, PA Procurement Assistance Program                            SBA       $150,000  Murtha, John P.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Elizabeth City Aviation Research and Development Commerce Park, Phase II                                        SBA       $200,000  Butterfield, G. K.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EngenuitySC for the Commercialization and Entrepreneurial Training Project                                      SBA       $300,000  Clyburn, James E.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Episcopal Housing Alliance Small Business Employment & Education Center                                         SBA       $115,000  Becerra, Xavier
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Esperanza Community Housing Corporation Mercado La Paloma                                                       SBA        $85,000  Becerra, Xavier
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Experience Works Small Business Assistance Program                                                              SBA       $250,000  Skelton, Ike
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fairfield Incubator for Entrepreneurs Commercial Kitchen Incubator                                              SBA       $200,000  Davis, Artur
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fairplex Trade and Conference Center                                                                            SBA       $300,000  Dreier, David; Napolitano, Grace F.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
First Community Development Corporation, Business Skills Development Program                                    SBA       $100,000  Waters, Maxine
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Florida Atlantic University for a Small Business Incubator Center                                               SBA       $125,000  Wasserman Schultz, Debbie; Klein, Ron; Wexler, Robert
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, Rural Economic Development Program                                             SBA       $200,000  Space, Zachary T.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Future of the Piedmont Foundation                                                                               SBA       $200,000  Goode, Virgil H.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gateway to Entrepreneurial Tomorrows, Inc., for the Low Income Entreprenerial Development Program               SBA       $100,000  Hinchey, Maurice D.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Greater Des Moines Partnership for the Central Iowa Business Innovation Zone                                    SBA       $150,000  Boswell, Leonard L.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Greater Gardner CDC Training Collaborative                                                                      SBA       $220,000  Olver, John W.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Greater North Louisiana Community Development Center                                                            SBA       $300,000  Alexander, Rodney
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Greater Rockford Airport Authority for Manufacturing Research and Development/Education Center                  SBA       $300,000  Manzullo, Donald
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Greater Toledo Arts Commission Creative Industry Development                                                    SBA       $125,000  Kaptur, Marcy
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
H.O.G.A.R., Inc. for an economic and community development program for the elderly and special needs            SBA       $100,000  Serrano, Jose
 persons
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heart of Texas Workforce Development Center Financial Literacy Program                                          SBA       $100,000  Edwards, Chet
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Henry County, Virginia, for small business expansion and development                                            SBA       $800,000  Goode, Virgil H.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heritage Foundation Inc for a small business development assistance program                                     SBA        $75,000  Bishop, Jr., Sanford D.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hudson Alpha Institute for Biotechnology                                                                        SBA       $250,000  Cramer, Jr., Robert E. (Bud)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hunter College, Project for Return and Opportunity in Veterans Education (PROVE)                                SBA        $70,000  Maloney, Carolyn B.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Illinois Institute of Technology for the Illinois Manufacturing Innovation Coalition                            SBA       $200,000  Bean, Melissa L.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Illinois State University for an expanding exports program                                                      SBA       $100,000  Weller, Jerry
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Indiana State University Innovation Alliance Business Incubator & Accelerator                                   SBA       $200,000  Ellsworth, Brad
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Indiana University for the Indiana Innovative Incubator                                                         SBA       $200,000  Hill, Baron P.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
International Services Council of Alabama                                                                       SBA       $100,000  Aderholt, Robert B.; Cramer, Robert E. (Bud) Jr.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Iowa Valley Community College for an education and training center                                              SBA       $500,000  Latham, Tom
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana, Northwest Region - Gary Campus - for a Center on Logistics,              SBA       $450,000  Visclosky, Peter J.
 Distribution and Transportation
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jacksonville State University in Alabama for remote campus and distance learning programs for small             SBA       $200,000  Aderholt, Robert B.; Rogers, Mike (AL)
 business
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jamaica Chamber of Commerce, Jamaica, NY, Jamaica Export Center                                                 SBA       $200,000  Meeks, Gregory W.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Job Training and Small Business Ownership Program                                                               SBA       $200,000  Carson, Andre
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Johnstown Area Regional Industries (JARI) Incubator and Workforce Development                                   SBA       $150,000  Murtha, John P.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kemper County, Mississippi, for an industrial park spec building                                                SBA       $100,000  Pickering, Charles W. ``Chip''
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kingsborough Community College for the South Brooklyn Maritime Center for Vocational Training                   SBA       $100,000  Weiner, Anthony D.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LaFuerza Unida Community Development Corporation, Technical Assistance                                          SBA        $72,300  McCarthy, Carolyn
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Laredo Community College Import/Export Program                                                                  SBA       $200,000  Cuellar, Henry
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lock Haven University Small Business Development Center                                                         SBA        $50,000  Peterson John E.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long Island Economic and Social Policy Institute (a division of Dowling College) for a Long Island Small        SBA       $200,000  Israel, Steve
 Business Development Center
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Louisville Central Community Centers, Expansion of Small Business Incubator                                     SBA       $200,000  Yarmuth, John A.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lower Chattahoochee Regional Development Center for the Southwest Georgia Rural Small Business                  SBA        $75,000  Bishop, Jr., Sanford D.
 Development Initiative
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Macomb County, Michigan, for a business incubator                                                               SBA       $100,000  Miller, Candice; Levin, Sander
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Manufacturers Association of Central New York                                                                   SBA       $200,000  Walsh, Jim
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MedTech Association, Inc. for a bioscience strategic development initiative in Upstate New York                 SBA       $250,000  Walsh, Jim
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty Career Services Programs                                                 SBA       $200,000  Clarke, Yvette D.; Towns, Edolphus; Weiner, Anthony D.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce, Technical Assistance and Economic Development Center                            SBA       $200,000  Meek, Kendrick B.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Middle Country Library Foundation, Miller Business Resource Center                                              SBA       $200,000  Bishop, Timothy H.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Montana State University's manufacturing extension center                                                       SBA       $100,000  Rehberg, Dennis
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Montana World Trade Center                                                                                      SBA       $300,000  Rehberg, Dennis
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Montgomery College for the Germantown Biotechnology Project                                                     SBA       $168,000  Van Hollen, Chris
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mount Hope Housing Company training programs                                                                    SBA        $75,000  Serrano, Jose
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mountain Association for Community Economic Development for the Energy Efficient Enterprises Initiative         SBA       $250,000  Chandler, Ben
 for Small Businesses
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
National Association of Development Organizations for a business development and entrepreneurial                SBA       $150,000  Walsh, Jim
 enhancement initiative
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
National Latino Data Center to provide business information to local businesses, researchers, and               SBA        $50,000  Serrano, Jose
 communities
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Navajo Nation Department of Information Technology for Connect Navajo                                           SBA       $125,000  Udall, Tom
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neil D. Levin Graduate Institute, The Center for Competitive Response to Globalization                          SBA        $60,000  Maloney, Carolyn B.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Castle County Chamber of Commerce for an emerging enterprise center                                         SBA       $100,000  Castle, Michael N.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Hampshire Community Loan Fund for operating support for the Vested for Growth Program                       SBA       $200,000  Hodes, Paul W.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New York Agency for Community Affairs for tax related technical assistance, training, and outreach for          SBA       $200,000  Crowley, Joseph
 small businesses
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
North Brownsville Industrial Park, TX                                                                           SBA       $200,000  Ortiz, Solomon P.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
North Carolina Biotechnology Center for the Entrepreneurship/Research and Development Training                  SBA       $300,000  Price, David E.; Miller, Brad
 Initiative
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
North Iowa Area Community College for regional economic development                                             SBA       $100,000  Latham, Tom
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Northampton Community College for an electrotechnology applications center                                      SBA       $300,000  Dent, Charles W.; Kanjorski, Paul E.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Northeast Entrepreneur Fund, Greenstone Group                                                                   SBA       $250,000  Oberstar, James L.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Northeast Louisiana Business and Community Development Center                                                   SBA       $425,000  Alexander, Rodney
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management Entrepreneurship Center nextONE program                   SBA       $200,000  Davis, Danny K.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oakland African American Chamber of Commerce Foundation for the Economic Vitality of Minority Business          SBA       $100,000  Lee, Barbara
 Program
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oakland Campus of Wayne State University for an entrepreneurship center                                         SBA       $400,000  Knollenberg, Joseph
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ohio Christian University Center for Logistics Management                                                       SBA       $700,000  Hobson, David
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oil Region Alliance                                                                                             SBA       $200,000  Peterson, John E.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operation New Hope in Florida                                                                                   SBA       $500,000  Crenshaw, Ander
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pacific Asian Consortium in Employment, San Gabriel Valley Business Development and Revolving Micro Loan        SBA       $200,000  Solis, Hilda L.
 Fund for counseling and advising services
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pecos Economic Development Corporation expansion                                                                SBA       $100,000  Rodriguez, Ciro D.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
People for People Job Creation Initiative for Low Income Communities                                            SBA       $250,000  Brady, Robert A.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pima County Community College Entrepreneurial Education and Development                                         SBA       $150,000  Giffords, Gabrielle
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pittsburgh Life Sciences Greenhouse for the Tech Belt Biosciences Initiative, Concept to                        SBA       $168,000  Doyle, Michael F.; Altmire, Jason
 Commercialization Model
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Presbyterian Senior Services for economic and community development programs for the elderly                    SBA        $50,000  Serrano, Jose
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Research Foundation of SUNY, Downstate Advanced Biotechnology Incubator                                         SBA       $100,000  Clarke, Yvette D.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rhode Island Manufacturers Institute Competitiveness study                                                      SBA        $65,000  Kennedy, Patrick J.; Langevin, James R.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Richard Stockton College for an aviation research and technology park                                           SBA       $100,000  LoBiondo, Frank
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rio Hondo College, CA Environmental Education for Small Businesses                                              SBA       $200,000  Sanchez, Linda T.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saint Mary's College Program for Women's Entrepreneurship                                                       SBA       $250,000  Donnelly, Joe
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Schuylkill Economic Development Corporation for the Highridge Business Park Phase II                            SBA       $168,000  Holden, Tim
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Seguin Works, for SEGUINWORKS Business Renovation Project                                                       SBA       $168,000  Lipinski, Daniel
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SEKTDA for economic and small business development in Southern and Eastern Kentucky                             SBA       $700,000  Rogers, Harold
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shawnee State University for an immersive technology and arts center                                            SBA       $300,000  Schmidt, Jean
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Small Business Program, Florida Department of Citrus                                                            SBA       $300,000  Boyd, Allen; Putnam, Adam H.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Southeast Missouri State University for entrepreneurship training and workforce development                     SBA       $500,000  Emerson, Jo Ann
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Southern University at Shreveport for a business development center                                             SBA       $100,000  McCrery, Jim
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stark State College of Technology                                                                               SBA     $1,451,000  Regula, Ralph
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Syracuse University for an entrepreneurial accelerator program                                                  SBA       $100,000  Walsh, Jim
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Technology Venture Center at Montana State University                                                           SBA       $100,000  Rehberg, Dennis
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Bi-National Sustainability Laboratory, El Paso Border Technology Commercialization Facility (BTCF)          SBA       $200,000  Reyes, Silvestre
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Enterprise Center in Tennessee                                                                              SBA       $700,000  Wamp, Zach
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Solar Energy Consortium to promote entrepreneurship in the solar energy industry                            SBA       $400,000  Hinchey, Maurice D.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thomas More College for training programs in health care management                                             SBA       $100,000  Davis, Geoff
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thorpe Family Residence for economic and community development family residential services program              SBA        $50,000  Serrano, Jose
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Town of Middletown, RI Aquidneck Island Corporate Park                                                          SBA       $120,000  Kennedy, Patrick J.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Uhlich Children's Advantage Network Alumni Services Department for job training, placement and retention        SBA       $300,000  Emanuel, Rahm; Davis, Danny K.
 services to low/moderate-income young adults
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Small Business Procurement Development Initiative                   SBA       $200,000  Baca, Joe
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
United Way for Southeastern Michigan Ex-Offender Entrepreneurship Program                                       SBA       $250,000  Knollenberg, Joe; Conyers, Jr., John; Dingell, John D.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
University of Alabama for entrepreneurial resource centers                                                      SBA       $100,000  Bachus, Spencer
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
University of Arkansas Technology Development Foundation for a research and technology park                     SBA       $100,000  Boozman, John
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
University of Connecticut for the Avery Point Technology Center                                                 SBA       $300,000  DeLauro, Rosa L.; Courtney, Joe
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington Technology Incubation Center                                SBA       $200,000  Murphy, Christopher S.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
University of Georgia Athens for Public Service and Outreach                                                    SBA        $50,000  Bishop, Jr., Sanford D.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
University of Kansas for a center for trade and agribusiness                                                    SBA       $100,000  Moran, Jerry
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
University of Nebraska, Kearney for the Central Nebraska World Trade Center                                     SBA       $100,000  Smith, Adrian
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
University of Oregon for an integrative science complex                                                         SBA       $100,000  DeFazio, Peter; Hooley, Darlene; Walden, Greg; Wu, David
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
University of Texas at San Antonio Mexico Center for economic development activities                            SBA       $100,000  Gonzalez, Charles A.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
University of Texas at San Antonio, Accelerating Technology Venture Entrepreneurship for Women and              SBA       $100,000  Gonzalez, Charles A.
 Minorities
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
University of the Pacific Business Forecasting Center                                                           SBA       $200,000  McNerney, Jerry
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
University of Toledo Renewable Energy Business Incubator Communication Infrastructure                           SBA       $125,000  Kaptur, Marcy
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
University of West Florida for a business continuity and risk management center                                 SBA       $100,000  Miller, Jeff
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Urban League of Rochester for minority and women business development services                                  SBA       $100,000  Slaughter, Louise
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Valley Economic Development Center for a Women's Business Center                                                SBA       $100,000  Schiff, Adam B.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Verdugo Workforce Investment Board for assistance to Minority-Owned Businesses                                  SBA       $100,000  Schiff, Adam B.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Village of Olympia Fields for a South Suburban Coalition Economic Development Program                           SBA       $125,000  Jackson, Jr., Jesse L.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wayne County, Michigan Aerotropolis Telecommunications Portal and Logistics Center                              SBA       $250,000  Dingell, John D.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wayne State University for the Law School's Small Business Clinic                                               SBA        $75,000  Kilpatrick, Carolyn C.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Western Nevada Development District for small business job creation                                             SBA       $300,000  Heller, Dean
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
William Factory Small Business Incubator                                                                        SBA       $300,000  Dicks, Norman D.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Women's Enterprise Development Center Small Business Training                                                   SBA        $65,000  Lowey, Nita M.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
World Trade Center Utah                                                                                         SBA       $100,000  Bishop, Rob
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Youngstown Warren Regional Chamber for the Salute to Success Program                                            SBA       $250,000  Ryan, Tim; Wilson, Charles A.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YWCA Metropolitan Chicago for an Economic Empowerment Program                                                   SBA       $125,000  Jackson, Jr., Jesse L.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I Have A Dream Foundation of Washington DC, Brent Dream Class of 2006                                             DC       $84,000  Norton, Eleanor Holmes
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington for Project Learn                                                       DC      $100,000  Moran, James P.; Davis Tom
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capital Area Food Bank Facility Construction                                                                      DC      $200,000  Hoyer, Steny H.; Moran, James P.; Norton, Eleanor Holmes
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DC Campaign for Literacy Education (CYCLE)                                                                        DC       $84,000  Norton, Eleanor Holmes
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Educational Advancement Alliance for the DC Student Support Services Project                                      DC      $250,000  Fattah, Chaka
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Everybody Wins!                                                                                                   DC      $400,000  LaHood, Ray
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Excel- Automotive Workforce Development Training Program                                                          DC      $300,000  Knollenberg, Joe; Hoyer, Steny H.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Georgetown Metro Connection                                                                                       DC      $100,000  Moran, James P.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
National Children's Alliance                                                                                      DC      $250,000  Cramer, Jr., Robert E. (Bud)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Safe Kids Worldwide, Inc., Child Safety Initiative                                                                DC      $375,000  Wasserman Schultz, Debbie
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Perry School for an Economic Empowerment Program                                                              DC      $100,000  Moran, James P.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Denver Federal Center Remediation                                                                               GSA    $10,472,000  The President
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dirksen Courthouse, Illinois                                                                                    GSA   $152,825,000  The President
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eisenhower Executive Office Building CBR, Washington DC                                                         GSA    $14,700,000  The President
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eisenhower Executive Office Building Phase III, Washington DC                                                   GSA    $51,075,000  The President
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FDA Consolidation, Maryland                                                                                     GSA    $78,532,000  The President; Hoyer, Steny H.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portal Land Port of Entry, North Dakota                                                                         GSA    $15,204,000  The President
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
San Diego Courthouse                                                                                            GSA   $110,362,000  The President; Davis, Susan; Filner, Bob; Hunter, Duncan;
                                                                                                                                     Issa, Darrell
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
San Ysidro Land Port of Entry, California                                                                       GSA    $58,910,000  The President; Filner, Bob
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
St. Elizabeths DHS Consolidation, Washington DC                                                                 GSA   $165,102,000  The President
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
St. Elizabeths West Campus Infrastructure                                                                       GSA     $8,249,000  The President
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
St. Elizabeths West Campus Site Acquisition                                                                     GSA     $7,000,000  The President
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
US Post Office and Courthouse, North Carolina                                                                   GSA    $10,640,000  The President
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
West Wing Infrastructure Systems Replacement                                                                    GSA    $76,487,000  The President
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FDR Presidential Library Renovation                                                                            NARA    $17,500,000  Gillibrand, Kirsten E.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
National Alliance for Model State Drug Laws                                                                     ONDCP   $1,250,000  Rogers, Harold
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                    
      Comparative Statement of New Budget (Obligational) Authority

    The following table provides a detailed summary, for each 
Department and agency, comparing the amounts recommended in the 
bill with fiscal year 2008 enacted amounts and budget estimates 
presented for fiscal year 2009:



 ADDITIONAL VIEWS OF THE HONORABLE JERRY LEWIS AND THE HONORABLE RALPH 
                                 REGULA

    We commend Chairman Serrano for the work he has done in 
chairing the new Financial Services and General Government 
Appropriations Subcommittee over the past two years. The 
subcommittee provides funding for a diverse number of agencies 
performing activities such as regulating the financial and 
telecommunications industries, collecting taxes and providing 
taxpayer assistance, providing capital to small businesses and 
disadvantaged communities, supporting the operations of the 
White House and Federal Judiciary, providing Federal payments 
to the District of Columbia, operating and maintaining Federal 
buildings, managing the Federal workforce, assisting in the 
administration of Federal elections, and protecting consumers 
and investors. While we do not agree on every issue, we 
appreciate Chairman Serrano's openness to our ideas, as well as 
his commitment to bipartisanship and regular order.
    The allocation for the Financial Services and General 
Government Appropriations Bill provides $22,390,000,000 in 
discretionary budget authority, which is $152,726,000 above the 
President's budget request, and $1,791,000,000 above fiscal 
year 2008, excluding one-time emergency appropriations. This 
represents an 8.7 percent increase in non-emergency 
discretionary appropriations over the current year. This is a 
very generous allocation which allows most agencies in the bill 
to be funded at or above the President's budget request. We 
believe the resource requirements of the agencies funded in 
this bill can be met with a smaller allocation but the Chairman 
has done a reasonable job given the allocation he was provided.
    While we are appreciative that the bill provides funding 
above the request for critical programs such as High Intensity 
Drug Trafficking Areas, Small Business Development Centers, the 
Taxpayer Advocate Service, and financial education programs, we 
believe that the bill contains unnecessary spending levels for 
several programs including Election Reform Programs and 7(a) 
business loan subsidies.

                        ELECTION REFORM PROGRAMS

    The bill includes $110,000,000 for the Election Assistance 
Commission to provide grants to States to improve their voting 
systems. While the Help America Vote Act of 2002 authorized 
$3.9 billion for grants to States to improve their voting 
systems, no funding is authorized to be appropriated for this 
purpose in 2009. This program was intended to provide grants to 
States to upgrade their voting systems through 2005, not to 
provide Federal funding for election administration on an 
annual basis. In addition, it should be noted that the Election 
Assistance Commission has reported to the Committee that at the 
end of 2007 the States had more than $1.1 billion in available 
balances from prior year appropriations.

                      7(A) BUSINESS LOAN SUBSIDIES

    This bill provides $100,000,000 to subsidize 7(a) business 
loans. We appreciate that funds are included to implement fee 
reductions for veterans' participation in the 7(a) business 
loan program as authorized by the Military Reservist and 
Veteran Small Business Reauthorization and Opportunity Act of 
2008. The Small Business Administration (SBA) estimates that 
the cost of this veterans' program will be approximately 
$13,400,000. This leaves $86,600,000 available to subsidize the 
non-veteran 7(a) business loans. It should be noted that the 
7(a) program has been operating without a subsidy appropriation 
since the beginning of fiscal year 2005 with two of those years 
being record breaking years for lending volume. Past practice 
has proven that subsidies limit access to SBA loans if demand 
for loans exceeds the availability of appropriations. In many 
past years, SBA has been forced to temporarily shut the program 
down or impose loan limits in order to live within available 
appropriations. In prior testimony before the Committee, the 
SBA Administrator testified that ``With the zero subsidy 
operation in place the program has been able to expand without 
the threat of a shut down. Zero subsidy is good stewardship of 
taxpayers' money while creating a more stable loan program for 
small business.'' It is irresponsible during times of budget 
deficits for Congress to provide appropriations to programs 
that do not need Federal funding. While we are supportive of 
funding for the new veterans program, other 7(a) business loans 
do not warrant the Federal subsidies.

                     OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT

    We appreciate that the bill fully funds the 
Administration's request for the Office of Personnel Management 
(OPM). The Committee understands that 60 percent of the Federal 
workforce will be eligible to retire in the next 10 years 
presenting an enormous challenge to the Federal government and 
the delivery of services to the public. The Committee 
appreciates that OPM is diligently working with Federal 
agencies to address this challenge including: establishing 
agency succession plans; participating in university and 
college job fairs and recruitment efforts; and increasing 
available management and leadership training to develop the 
Federal government's future executives.
    We look forward to continuing to work with the Chairman and 
OPM to ensure that the Federal government is prepared to 
address this retirement wave and to encourage young people to 
work in government.

                 EDUCATION IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

    We are responsible for helping the District live up to its 
promise as ``the shining city on the hill'' as President Reagan 
once said. The best way we can do that is by supporting the $74 
million requested by the President and provided in this bill 
for education programs in the District of Columbia. This 
includes the three sector approach endorsed by both Mayor Fenty 
and City Council Chairman Grey, which is composed of funding 
for public schools, public charters and opportunity 
scholarships. However, of the $74 million provided, we are 
extremely disappointed that bill does not provide the $3.2 
million increase for Opportunity Scholarships requested by the 
President, the Mayor and the City Council. It is also 
unfortunate that the bill does not provide an increase in the 
scholarship amount for high school students to $12,000 as 
requested. In a letter to the Committee dated March 14, 2008, 
Mayor Fenty expressed his support for the President's request 
and stated the increase in high school tuition scholarships is 
``necessary to ensure that scholarships reflect the actual 
tuition expenses of students currently in the program''.

                      CONTROVERSIAL POLICY RIDERS

    Finally, we are also concerned that the bill includes 
several controversial authorization policy changes that have 
the potential to delay enactment of this bill. One of 
particular concern is language prohibiting the implementation 
of new media ownership rules adopted by the Federal 
Communications Commission (FCC). These new FCC rules are modest 
in reach and further the public's interest by providing greater 
financial flexibility to newspaper and broadcast outlets 
struggling in today's ultra-competitive media market. This and 
other controversial riders should be dealt with by the 
appropriate committees of jurisdiction and their inclusion will 
only lead to the delay in the provision of funding to important 
agencies funded by the Act.
                                   Jerry Lewis.
                                   Ralph Regula.

                                  
