[House Report 112-511]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]


112th Congress                                                   Report
                        HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
 2d Session                                                     112-511

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



 
              LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS BILL, 2013

                                _______
                                

  June 1, 2012.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the 
              State of the Union and ordered to be printed

                                _______
                                

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

                              R E P O R T

                             together with

                            ADDITIONAL VIEWS

                        [To accompany H.R. 5882]

    The Committee on Appropriations submits the following 
report in explanation of the accompanying bill making 
appropriations for the Legislative Branch for the fiscal year 
ending September 30, 2013, and for other purposes.

                        INDEX TO BILL AND REPORT

_______________________________________________________________________


                                                            Page number

                                                            Bill Report
Highlights of bill.........................................
                                                                      4
Title I--Legislative Branch Appropriations.................     3
                                                                      5
        House of Representatives...........................     3
                                                                      5
        Joint Items:
                Joint Economic Committee...................     9
                                                                      7
                Joint Committee on Taxation................     9
                                                                      8
                Office of the Attending Physician..........     9
                                                                      8
                Office of Congressional Accessibility 
                    Services...............................    10
                                                                      8
        Capitol Police.....................................    10
                                                                      8
        Office of Compliance...............................    13
                                                                      9
        Congressional Budget Office........................    13
                                                                     10
        Architect of the Capitol (except Senate Office 
            Buildings).....................................    15
                                                                     10
        Library of Congress................................    19
                                                                     15
        Government Printing Office.........................    24
                                                                     17
        Government Accountability Office...................    27
                                                                     19
        Open World Leadership Center Trust Fund............    29
                                                                     20
        John C. Stennis Center for Public Service Training 
            and Development................................
                                                                     20
Title II--General Provisions...............................    29
                                                                     20
Bill-wide Reporting Requirements...........................
                                                                     21
Additional Views...........................................
                                                                     41

                            SUMMARY OF BILL

    The bill, as recommended by the Committee, provides 
appropriations for fiscal year 2013 Legislative Branch 
operations, which total $3,332,872,000. Conforming to 
longstanding practice under which each body of Congress 
determines its own housekeeping requirements and the other 
concurs without intervention, funds for the Senate are not 
included in the bill as reported to the House. Current 
appropriations estimates for the Senate for fiscal year 2013 
including those under the Architect of the Capitol, total 
$956,128,000.
    A comparative summary of the bill by title and agency 
follows:

                                                                   SUMMARY OF THE BILL
                             [Note.--Excludes Senate items including those Senate Items under the Architect of the Capitol]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                            Bill compared with--
                                                                               Budget estimates      New budget    -------------------------------------
                                                               New budget           of new         (obligational)                       Budget estimates
                          Agency                             (obligational)     (obligational)       authority          New budget           of new
                                                           authority, fiscal  authority, fiscal    recommended in     (obligational)     (obligational)
                                                               year 2012          year 2013             bill        authority, fiscal  authority, fiscal
                                                                                                                        year 2012          year 2013
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Title I--Legislative Branch Appropriations
House of Representatives.................................     $1,225,680,000     $1,225,680,000     $1,225,680,000  .................  .................
Joint items..............................................         20,207,000         19,023,000         19,037,000        -$1,170,000           +$14,000
Capitol Police...........................................        340,137,000        373,769,000        360,137,000        +20,000,000        -13,632,000
Office of Compliance.....................................          3,817,000          4,206,000          3,817,000  .................           -389,000
Congressional Budget Office..............................         43,787,000         44,637,000         44,280,000           +493,000           -357,000
Architect of the Capitol (except Senate Office Buildings)        496,381,000        588,796,000        444,021,000        -52,360,000       -144,775,000
Library of Congress......................................        587,344,000        603,589,000        592,642,000         +5,298,000        -10,947,000
Government Printing Office...............................        126,200,000        126,200,000        122,456,000         -3,744,000         -3,744,000
Government Accountability Office.........................        511,296,000        526,233,000        519,802,000         +8,506,000         -6,431,000
Open World Leadership Center Trust Fund..................         10,000,000         10,000,000          1,000,000         -9,000,000         -9,000,000
John C. Stennis Center...................................            430,000            430,000  .................           -430,000           -430,000
                                                          ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Grand total, new budget, (obligational) authority       $3,367,279,000     $3,522,563,000     $3,332,872,000       -$34,407,000      -$189,691,000
       (for items considered by the House)...............
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                         HIGHLIGHTS OF THE BILL

    The Committee recommends $3,332,872,000 in discretionary 
resources for operations of the Legislative Branch of 
government, $189,691,000 below the requested amount and 
$34,407,000, or 1 percent, below the fiscal year 2012 enacted 
level (excluding Senate items). This bill reflects a continued 
acknowledgment that the Legislative Branch must set itself as 
an example for fiscal restraint while continuing to serve the 
Nation. The Committee is committed to getting the nation's 
fiscal house in order and sharing in the sacrifices that are 
required. The Committee notes that with the inclusion of this 
bill, the Legislative Branch, excluding the Senate items, has 
been reduced by a total of $322,607,000 or 8.8% since fiscal 
year 2010. This bill will require strict fiscal discipline on 
the part of all congressional offices and all agency heads in 
the Legislative Branch.

                    LEGISLATIVE BRANCH-WIDE MATTERS

    Committee Directives.--The Committee is concerned with the 
failure of some agencies to follow Committee directives in 
either the House Committee Report or a joint conference 
agreement accompanying the annual Legislative Branch 
appropriations bill. There should be no misunderstanding that 
report language in either the House or joint conference 
agreement is to be adhered too, without exception, unless 
specifically addressed to the contrary in an explanatory 
statement of a joint conference agreement.
    Zero Base Budgeting.--The Committee is very pleased with 
the results of the zero base budgeting exercise directed to be 
conducted by all the agencies of the Legislative Branch. The 
Committee believes that this valuable budgeting process has 
given agencies the opportunity to take a fresh look at all 
areas of their operations and make funding reductions and 
alignments within the current budget base. The Committee 
believes that there are continued opportunities to realize 
meaningful savings by carefully reviewing each agency's budget 
requirements from a zero base and directs all agencies to 
continue to develop budget request from a zero base.
    Reprogramming Guidelines.--It has come to the Committees 
attention that there is some misunderstanding about the 
Reprogramming Guidelines for Legislative Branch Agencies 
contained in House Report 112-331. The term ``to notify the 
Committees on Appropriations of the House and Senate'' requires 
agencies to make a formal request requiring Committee approval 
before proceeding with the requested action.
    Committee Requests, Furloughs and Performance Based Merit 
Increases.--The Committee directs that adherence to the 
language carried in House Report 112-148 pertaining to 
Committee Requests, Furloughs, and Performance Based Merit 
Increases be continued unless otherwise so directed.
    Travel Initiative.--The Committee applauds the Legislative 
Branch Financial Managers Council (LBFMC) on its efforts to 
improve Legislative Branch financial operations and, most 
recently, to seek a common solution for automating travel 
functionality. The Committee directs all members of the LBFMC 
to participate in an effort to create a single solution to each 
agency's travel management needs and consider the feasibility 
of a centralized travel function, including the necessary 
interfaces to the agency's financial management systems. The 
Committee directs the Government Accountability Office that has 
already automated their travel system, to serve as a resource 
to the LBFMC.

               TITLE I--LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS


                        HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

    The Committee recommends $1,225,680,000 for the operations 
and maintenance of the House of Representatives during fiscal 
year 2013. This amount is the same as the request and the 
fiscal year 2012 enacted level. Funding for the House of 
Representatives has been reduced by 10.5% since fiscal year 
2010.

                        House Leadership Offices





2012 appropriation....................................       $29,094,721
2013 budget request...................................        23,275,773
Committee recommendation..............................        23,275,773


    The Committee recommends $23,275,773 for salaries and 
expenses of staff in House leadership offices for fiscal year 
2013. This amount is $5,818,948 below fiscal year 2012 enacted 
level and is the same as the budget request.
    The allocation by office follows:




Office of the Speaker.................................        $6,942,770
Office of the Majority Floor Leader...................         2,277,595
Office of the Majority Whip...........................         1,971,050
Republican Conference.................................         1,572,788
Office of the Minority Floor Leader...................         7,432,812
Office of the Minority Whip...........................         1,524,951
Democratic Caucus.....................................         1,553,807
                                                       -----------------
    Total.............................................       $23,275,773


    Beginning in fiscal year 2013, it is the Committee's intent 
to appropriate funding for Leadership Offices on a legislative 
year.

                  Members' Representational Allowances





2012 appropriation....................................      $573,939,282
2013 budget request...................................       573,939,282
Committee recommendation..............................       573,939,282


    The Committee recommends $573,939,282 for the 
representational allowances of the Members of the House. This 
amount is the same as the fiscal year 2012 enacted level and 
the budget request.

                            House Committees





2012 appropriation....................................      $152,630,655
2013 budget request...................................       153,030,655
Committee recommendation..............................       152,630,655


    The Committee recommends $152,630,655 in total for House 
Committees. This amount is the same as the fiscal year 2012 
enacted level and is $400,000 below the budget request. This 
account includes funding for staff salaries and official 
expenses of Committees including equipment, telecommunications, 
printing, and contract services. Funding is available until 
December 31, 2014. Included in the total is $26,665,785 for the 
Committee on Appropriations. The amount provided is the same as 
the current level and the budget request.
    The Committee has not provided funding for the continuation 
of hearing room modernizations. Sufficient funding currently 
exists for the execution of this program.

                    Salaries, Officers and Employees





2012 appropriation....................................      $177,628,400
2013 budget request...................................       174,911,816
Committee recommendation..............................       173,669,084


    The Committee recommends $173,669,084 for the salaries and 
expenses of House officers and employees of the various 
activities funded through this consolidated item. This amount 
is $3,959,316 below the fiscal year 2012 enacted level and 
$1,242,732 below the budget request. The following table 
summarizes the funding allocation provided to each component of 
the account:




Office of the Clerk...................................       $22,370,252
Office of the Sergeant-At-Arms........................        12,585,000
Office of the Chief Administrative Officer............       116,782,000
Office of the Inspector General.......................         4,692,000
Office of General Counsel.............................         1,415,000
Office of the Chaplain................................           179,000
Office of the Parliamentarian.........................         2,060,000
    Parliamentarian...................................       (1,466,000)
    Compilation of Precedents.........................         (594,000)
Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the House.......         3,258,000
Office of the Legislative Counsel of the House........         8,814,000
Office of Interparliamentary Affairs..................           859,000
Other authorized employees............................           484,832
The Historian.........................................           170,000
                                                       -----------------
    Total.............................................      $173,669,084


    Office of the Clerk.--The Committee recommends $22,370,252 
for the Clerk of the House. This amount is $3,744,148, or 14.3% 
below the fiscal year 2012 enacted level and is the same as the 
budget request. The Committee notes that implementation of the 
STOCK Act will be accomplished within available funds.
    Office of the Sergeant At Arms.--The Committee recommends 
$12,585,000 for the Office of the Sergeant At Arms (SAA). This 
amount is the same as the fiscal year 2012 enacted level and is 
$1,242,732 below the budget request.
    The Committee continues to be concerned about the safety 
and the security of House District Offices and House District 
Office staff. The Committee directs the House Sergeant at Arms, 
in coordination with the United States Capitol Police, by 
October 1, 2012, to develop a series of recommendations and 
best practices on security features or enhancements for House 
District Offices to be made to new and returning Members prior 
to the start of the 113th Congress.
    Office of the Chief Administrative Officer.--The Committee 
recommends $116,782,000 for the Office of the Chief 
Administrative Officer (CAO). This amount is the same as the 
fiscal 2012 enacted level and the budget request.

                        Allowances and Expenses





2012 appropriation....................................      $292,386,942
2013 budget request...................................       300,522,474
Committee recommendation..............................       302,165,206


    The Committee recommends a total of $302,165,206 for 
allowances and expenses. This amount is $9,778,264, above the 
fiscal year 2012 enacted level and is $1,642,732 above the 
budget request. These funds include supplies, materials, 
administrative costs, and Federal tort claims; the costs of 
official mail for the Committees, leadership, and 
administrative offices; employee benefits; miscellaneous items; 
and Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery.
    The following table summarizes the funding allocation 
provided to each major component of the account:




Supplies, materials, administrative costs and Federal         $3,696,118
 tort claims..........................................
Official mail (committees, administrative, and                   201,000
 leadership offices)..................................
Government contributions..............................       272,548,016
Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery.............        17,112,072
Transition Activities.................................         4,125,000
Wounded Warrior Program...............................         2,175,000
Office of Congressional Ethics........................         1,548,000
Miscellaneous items...................................           760,000
                                                       -----------------
    Total, allowances and expenses....................      $302,165,206


                       Administrative Provisions

    Section 101 provides for unspent amounts remaining in 
Members' Representational Allowances account to be used for 
deficit or debt reduction.
    Section 102 reimburses the Secretary of Labor for 
unemployment compensation.
    Section 103 provides for transfer among the accounts 
disbursed by the House Chief Administrative Officer.
    Section 104 requires the Office of Inspector General to 
provide the House Committee on Appropriations with a copy of 
each audit and investigative report they produce.

                              JOINT ITEMS

    The Committee recommends $19,037,000 for fiscal year 2013 
for the various joint committees and activities carried under 
this heading. The recommendation is $1,170,000 below the fiscal 
year 2012 enacted level and is $14,000 above the budget 
request.

                        JOINT ECONOMIC COMMITTEE





2012 appropriation....................................        $4,203,000
2013 budget request...................................         4,219,000
Committee recommendation..............................         4,203,000


    The Committee recommends $4,203,000 for the Joint Economic 
Committee. This recommendation is the same as the current level 
and is $16,000 below the budget request. The Joint Economic 
Committee was created by the Employment Act of 1946. The 
primary tasks of the Committee are to review economic 
conditions and to recommend improvements in economic policy. 
The Committee performs research and economic analysis and 
monitors and analyzes current economic, financial, and 
employment conditions.

                      JOINT COMMITTEE ON TAXATION





2012 appropriation....................................       $10,004,000
2013 budget request...................................        10,004,000
Committee recommendation..............................        10,004,000


    The Committee recommends $10,004,000 for the Joint 
Committee on Taxation (JCT). This recommendation is the same as 
the fiscal year 2012 enacted level and the budget request. The 
Joint Committee on Taxation operates under the Internal Revenue 
Code of 1986 and its predecessors dating to the Revenue Act of 
1926. It has responsibility to (1) investigate the operation 
and effects of internal revenue taxes and the administration of 
such taxes; (2) investigate measures and methods for the 
simplification of such taxes; (3) make reports to the House 
Committee on Ways and Means and the Senate Committee on Finance 
(or to the House and the Senate) on the results of such 
investigations and studies and to make recommendations; and (4) 
review any proposed refund or credit of income or estate and 
gift taxes or certain other taxes set forth in Code section 
6405 in excess of $2,000,000. In addition to these functions 
that are specified in the Internal Revenue Code, the 
Congressional Budget Act of 1974 requires the Joint Committee 
to provide revenue estimates for all tax legislation considered 
by either the House or the Senate.

                   OFFICE OF THE ATTENDING PHYSICIAN





2012 appropriation....................................        $3,400,000
2013 budget request...................................         3,433,000
Committee recommendation..............................         3,467,000


    The Committee recommends $3,467,000 for the Office of the 
Attending Physician. This amount is $34,000 above the request 
and $67,000 above the fiscal year 2012 enacted level.

             OFFICE OF CONGRESSIONAL ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES





2012 appropriation....................................        $1,363,000
2013 budget request...................................         1,367,000
Committee recommendation..............................         1,363,000


    The Committee recommends $1,363,000 for the operation of 
the Office of Congressional Accessibility Services. This amount 
is the same as the fiscal year 2012 enacted level and is $4,000 
less than the budget request. The Office of Congressional 
Accessibility Services is a successor office to the Special 
Services Office following enactment of the Capitol Visitor 
Center Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-437).

                      UNITED STATES CAPITOL POLICE

    The Committee recommends a total of $360,137,000 for the 
United States Capitol Police (USCP). This amount is $20,000,000 
above the fiscal year 2012 enacted level and is $13,632,000 
below the budget request.

                                Salaries





2012 appropriation....................................      $277,133,000
2013 budget request...................................       303,132,000
Committee recommendation..............................       297,133,000


    The Committee recommends $297,133,000 for the salaries and 
benefits authorized for police services throughout the USCP 
jurisdiction. This amount is $20,000,000 above the fiscal year 
2012 enacted level and is $5,999,000 below the budget request. 
Using the latest salary estimates from USCP, the Committee 
expects this level of funding to support a staffing level of 
1,775 of the 1,800 authorized sworn positions and 370 of the 
authorized 443 civilian positions. Included in the 370 civilian 
positions are one additional auditor and one additional 
investigator at the CP 11-12 level for the Inspector General.
    The Committee notes that while providing the necessary 
salaries and general expenses funding for fiscal year 2012 to 
support USCP personnel and operations, the Department in turn 
had to absorb several activities within its base funding, such 
as the conventions and pre-Presidential Inauguration planning. 
In addition, training activities were greatly reduced in order 
to meet other mission requirements.
    The recommendation for USCP funding is based on only 
critical requirements necessary to mitigate and address threats 
and risks. It does not provide for any new initiatives, as 
requested.
    Training.--The Committee recognizes that training has been 
limited to only those areas that are critical and mandatory as 
required by law, rule, or regulation; or necessary to meet core 
mission activities. The funding provided specifically relates 
to the training needs of sworn staff to give them the time 
needed to be offline and receive training in a number of key 
areas, while still providing an appropriate security 
environment. The Department is to report to the Committee on 
Appropriations of the House and the Senate by February 15, 2013 
on its efforts to enhance training within the USCP.
    New Posts.--The Committee continues to direct the USCP to 
notify the Committee on Appropriations of the House and Senate 
when new posts are created, including the annualized cost of 
maintaining the new post, and how the cost will be offset.

                            General Expenses





2012 appropriation....................................       $63,004,000
2013 budget request...................................        70,637,000
Committee recommendation..............................        63,004,000


    The Committee recommends $63,004,000 for all general 
expenses of the USCP. This is the same as the fiscal year 2012 
enacted level and is $7,633,000 below the budget request.

                       Administrative Provisions

    Section 1001 which authorizes transfers between the 
Salaries and General Expenses accounts of the Capitol Police.
    Section 1002 is a technical correction for the payment to 
the Employees' Compensation Fund.

                          OFFICE OF COMPLIANCE


                         Salaries and Expenses





2012 appropriation....................................        $3,817,000
2013 budget request...................................         4,206,000
Committee recommendation..............................         3,817,000


    The Committee recommends $3,817,000 for the Office of 
Compliance. This amount is the same as the fiscal year 2012 
enacted level and $389,000 below the budget request. The Office 
of Compliance was established to administer and enforce the 
Congressional Accountability Act (Public Law 104-1). The Act 
applies various employment and workplace safety laws to 
Congress and certain Legislative Branch entities.

                        Administrative Provision

    Section 1101 makes permanent the authorization for the 
payment of awards and settlements.

                      CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE


                         Salaries and Expenses





2012 appropriation....................................       $43,787,000
2013 budget request...................................        44,637,000
Committee recommendation..............................        44,280,000


    The Committee recommends $44,280,000 for the Congressional 
Budget Office (CBO). This is $493,000 above the fiscal year 
2012 enacted level and $357,000 below the budget request. This 
increase provides funding of $160,000 for one additional 
workday over fiscal 2012 and $333,000 to purchase commercial 
data on topics in support of analyses.

                        Administrative Provision

    Section 1201 gives authority for the CBO to accept the 
services of student volunteers.

                        ARCHITECT OF THE CAPITOL





2012 appropriation....................................   \1\$496,381,000
2013 budget request...................................    \1\588,796,000
Committee recommendation..............................   \1\444,021,000

\1\Does not include Senate office buildings.

    The Committee recommends $444,021,000 for fiscal year 2013 
for the activities of the Architect of the Capitol (AOC). 
Excluded are Senate items which are traditionally left for 
consideration by that body. This amount is $52,360,000 below 
the fiscal year 2012 enacted level, or 10.6 percent, and is 
$144,775,000 below the budget request, or almost 25 percent.
    Within the recommended level the Committee continues its 
prioritization of projects that: (1) promote the safety and 
health of workers and occupants, (2) decrease the deferred 
maintenance backlog, and (3) invest to achieve future energy 
savings. In addition, by including $30,000,000 for the House 
Historic Buildings Revitalization Trust Fund, the bill 
continues the Committee's commitment to advance planning for 
major capital renewal projects which will be essential to 
sustaining the performance of historic House buildings.
    The Committee has concerns that the cost of Full Time 
Equivalents (FTE's) associated with projects is not clearly 
defined in the budget justification. For fiscal year 2011 the 
Architect of the Capitol actually utilized 283 FTE's for 
projects and estimates for 2012 and 2013 are 318 FTE's. The 
Committee fully understands that the number of FTE's for 
projects will be determined based on the projects approved by 
the Committee. The Committee directs that beginning with the 
2014 budget request the number of FTE's and associated salary 
and benefit costs be detailed for each project.
    In the continued effort to reduce cost and achieve 
efficiencies, Legislative Branch wide, the Committee directs 
the Legislative Branch Financial Managers Council (LBFMC) to 
continue pursuing financial systems cross servicing. In this 
regard, the Committee directs the Chief Financial Officers of 
the Library of Congress (LOC) and the Architect of the Capitol 
(AOC) to coordinate with each other to conduct the requisite 
analysis, and provide cost estimates and budget requests with 
the intention of migrating the AOC's financial data into the 
Library's financial system environment. There is clear evidence 
that pursuing this migration will result in significant cost 
savings, as was achieved with the United States Capitol Police 
migration, both by centralizing financial system data and 
operations within the Library's financial system and by 
consolidating the agencies' annual financial statement and 
related financial system internal controls audit under the 
single audit contract serving those agencies whose financial 
systems are cross serviced by the Library.
    The Committee directs the AOC to conduct a GAP analysis, 
within existing funding, to identify potential functional gaps 
and issues related to the migrating of its financial data. The 
Committee notes that such migrations are complex because they 
require compromises and standardization of multiple agency 
financial operations with one financial system environment. 
However, standardization of financial operations and financial 
systems configurations also represents a well-established best 
practice and is one of the reasons why significant cost savings 
are possible with such an effort.
    Finally, the Committee directs the Library to complete a 
cost-benefit analysis supporting the Legislative Branch 
financial system hosting environment through external cloud 
computing services, as opposed to continuing to provide support 
within the Library's Capitol Hill technology infrastructure. 
This cost-benefit analysis is to take into consideration the 
completed migration of the AOC financial data into the 
Library's financial system environment.
    The AOC is responsible for the maintenance, operation, 
development, and preservation of the United States Capitol 
Complex. This includes mechanical and structural maintenance of 
the Capitol, Congressional office buildings, the Library of 
Congress buildings, the Supreme Court building, the U.S. 
Botanic Garden, the Capitol Power Plant, and other facilities, 
as well as the upkeep and improvement of the grounds 
surrounding the Capitol complex. The following table summarizes 
the allocation of funds by appropriation account:




Architect of the Capitol:
    General Administration............................       $90,755,000
    Capitol building..................................        28,591,000
    Capitol grounds...................................        17,152,000
    House of Representatives buildings subtotal.......       113,964,000
        House office buildings........................      (83,964,000)
        Historic Buildings Revitalization Trust Fund..      (30,000,000)
    Capitol Power Plant...............................       108,616,000
    Library buildings and grounds.....................        30,660,000
    Capitol Police Buildings, Grounds and Security....        20,867,000
    Botanic Garden....................................        12,000,000
    Capitol Visitor Center............................        21,276,000
                                                       -----------------
        Total.........................................      $443,881,000


                         General Administration





2012 appropriation....................................      $101,340,000
2013 budget request...................................       102,601,000
Committee recommendation..............................        90,755,000


    The Committee recommends $90,755,000 for personnel 
services, equipment, communications, and other central support 
activities of the AOC. This amount is $10,585,000 below the 
fiscal year 2012 enacted level and is $11,846,000 below the 
budget request. The Committee has made a reduction of 32 FTE's 
and $4,235,000 in associated salary and benefit costs due to an 
agency overfunded salary base. Although this over-funding is 
agency wide, the Committee has chosen to reduce the General 
Administration account rather than each separate account. The 
Committee directs the Architect of the Capitol, in all future 
budget requests, to establish an appropriate lapse rate and 
apply such rate to the salary and benefit request for each 
account. The recommendation supports an operating budget of 
$89,756,000. The recommended project budget of $999,000 is 
composed of the following projects:
        Item                                    Committee recommendation
Energy Savings Performance Contracts (ESPC): Management 
    Program.............................................        $500,000
Conservation of Fine Architectural Art..................         499,000
                    --------------------------------------------------------
                    ____________________________________________________
    Total...............................................        $999,000

                            Capitol Building





2012 appropriation....................................       $36,154,000
2013 budget request...................................        97,072,000
Committee recommendation..............................        28,591,000


    The Committee recommends $28,591,000 for the operation, 
maintenance, and care of the Capitol building. This amount is 
$7,563,000 below the fiscal year 2012 enacted level and is 
$68,481,000 below the budget request. The recommendation 
supports an operating budget of $25,091,000. The recommended 
project budget of $3,500,000 is composed of the following 
capital projects:
        Item                                    Committee recommendation
Minor Construction......................................      $3,500,000
                    --------------------------------------------------------
                    ____________________________________________________
    Total...............................................      $3,500,000

                            Capitol Grounds





2012 appropriation....................................        $9,852,000
2013 budget request...................................        18,502,000
Committee recommendation..............................        17,152,000


    The Committee recommends $17,152,000 for the care of the 
grounds surrounding the Capitol. This amount is $7,300,000 
above the fiscal year 2012 enacted level and is $1,350,000 
below the budget request. The recommendation supports an 
operating budget of $9,852,000, which includes four additional 
unfunded FTE's. The recommended project budget of $7,300,000 is 
composed of the following capital projects:
        Item                                    Committee recommendation
Union Square Stabilization..............................      $7,300,000
                    --------------------------------------------------------
                    ____________________________________________________
    Total...............................................      $7,300,000

    The Committee is recommending $7,300,000 for the Union 
Square Stabilization project, as requested. The Architect of 
the Capitol is directed to withhold obligation of these funds 
until a detailed obligation plan is approved by the Committees 
on Appropriations of the House and the Senate.

                         House Office Buildings





2012 appropriation....................................      $124,154,000
2013 budget request...................................       133,964,000
Committee recommendation..............................       113,964,000


    The Committee recommends $113,964,000 for the operation, 
maintenance, and care of the House office buildings. This 
amount is a decrease of $10,190,000 below fiscal year 2012 
enacted level and is $20,000,000 below the budget request. This 
amount includes $13,825,000 for the first year lease cost of 
Federal Office Building 8 (FOB8). The bill also includes 
$30,000,000 for the House Historic Buildings Revitalization 
Trust Fund. Public Law 111-68 established the Fund to finance 
major repairs and renovations to facilities of the House. 
Subject to approval of the Committee on Appropriations of the 
House, the AOC may use these funds for major renovation 
projects to preserve and maintain the performance of the iconic 
buildings of the House of Representatives. The recommendation 
supports an operating budget of $64,602,000. The recommended 
project budget of $49,362,000 is composed of the following 
capital projects:
        Item                                    Committee recommendation
Federal Office Building Eight Refurbishment.............      $8,200,000
CAO Project Support.....................................       4,162,000
Minor Construction......................................       7,000,000
House Historic Building Revitalization..................      30,000,000
                    --------------------------------------------------------
                    ____________________________________________________
    Total...............................................     $49,362,000

                          Capitol Power Plant





2012 appropriation....................................      $123,229,000
2012 budget request...................................       118,533,000
Committee recommendation net..........................       108,616,000
Offsetting collections................................         9,400,000
                                                       -----------------
    Total available...................................      $118,016,000


    The Committee recommends $108,616,000 for the Capitol Power 
Plant. This amount is $14,613,000 below the fiscal year 2012 
enacted level and is $9,917,000 below the budget request. The 
Committee continues to support the AOC's plan to utilize 
cogeneration technology at the Capitol Power Plant to help meet 
the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 requirement of 
a 30 percent energy reduction by 2015. According to the AOC, 
cogeneration will yield a 7.1 percent reduction in total energy 
consumption at the Capitol Power Plant by increasing its 
overall efficiency. The recommendation supports an operating 
budget of $94,612,000, which provides for current services. The 
recommended project budget of $23,404,000 is composed of the 
following capital projects:
        Item                                    Committee recommendation
West Refrigeration Plant Revitalization.................     $16,904,000
Cogeneration Management Program.........................       2,500,000
Minor Construction......................................       4,000,000
                    --------------------------------------------------------
                    ____________________________________________________
    Total...............................................     $23,404,000

                     Library Buildings and Grounds





2012 appropriation....................................       $46,876,000
2013 budget request...................................        53,594,000
Committee recommendation..............................        30,660,000


    The Committee recommends $30,660,000 for the care and 
maintenance of the Library buildings and grounds. This amount 
is $16,216,000 below the fiscal year 2012 enacted level and is 
$22,934,000 below the budget request. The recommendation 
supports an operating budget of $25,760,000 and a project 
budget of $4,900,000, including the following capital projects:
        Item                                    Committee recommendation
Secured Storage Facilities, Phase IV of IV, JMMB........      $2,400,000
ABA Space Reorganization, Phase IV of V, JMMB...........         500,000
Minor Construction......................................       2,000,000
                    --------------------------------------------------------
                    ____________________________________________________
    Total...............................................      $4,900,000

            Capitol Police Buildings, Grounds, and Security





2012 appropriation....................................       $21,500,000
2013 budget request...................................        30,802,000
Committee recommendation..............................        20,867,000


    The Committee recommends $20,867,000 for Capitol Police 
buildings, grounds, and security. This amount is $633,000 below 
the fiscal year 2012 enacted level and is $9,935,000 below the 
budget request. The recommendation supports an operating budget 
of $18,027,000 and a project budget of $2,840,000, including 
the following capital projects:
        Item                                    Committee recommendation
Electrical Distribution Upgrade, ACF....................      $1,840,000
Minor Construction......................................       1,000,000
                    --------------------------------------------------------
                    ____________________________________________________
    Total...............................................      $2,840,000

                             Botanic Garden





2012 appropriation....................................       $12,000,000
2013 budget request...................................        12,140,000
Committee recommendation..............................        12,140,000


    The Committee recommends $12,140,000 for salaries and 
expenses of the Botanic Garden. This amount is $140,000 above 
the current level and is the same as the budget request. There 
are no capital projects in fiscal year 2013.
    Again the Committee congratulates the Botanic Garden on the 
accomplishments of its education and outreach programs, which 
have leveraged the Garden's unparalleled expertise to provide 
unique educational opportunities. The Committee urges the 
Garden to continue forming partnerships with national and local 
organizations to advance these educational goals.

                         Capitol Visitor Center





2012 appropriation....................................       $21,276,000
2013 budget request...................................        21,588,000
Committee recommendation..............................        21,276,000


    The Committee recommends $21,276,000 for the operation of 
the Capitol Visitor Center (CVC). This amount is the same as 
the fiscal year 2012 enacted level and $312,000 below the 
budget request. There are no capital projects in fiscal year 
2013. The CVC was established to improve security for all 
persons working in or visiting the U.S. Capitol and to enhance 
the educational experience of visitors.

                        Administrative Provision

    Section 1301 authorizes payments to the Employees' 
Compensation Fund from available balances.

                          LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

    The Committee recommends $592,642,000 for the operations of 
the Library of Congress. This is $5,298,000 above the fiscal 
year 2012 enacted level and $10,947,000 below the budget 
request. This represents a reduction of 189 FTE's. In addition 
to the appropriation, the Committee recommends offsetting 
collections of $39,961,000. Established by Congress in 1800, 
the Library of Congress is one of the largest libraries in the 
world, with a collection of more than 130,000,000 print, audio, 
and video items in 460 languages. Among its major programs are 
acquisitions, preservation, administration of U.S. copyright 
laws by the Copyright Office, research and analysis of policy 
issues for the Congress by the Congressional Research Service, 
and administration of a national program to provide reading 
material to the blind and physically handicapped. The Library 
maintains a significant number of collections and provides a 
range of services to libraries in the United States and abroad.

                         Salaries and Expenses





2012 appropriation....................................      $413,743,000
2013 budget request...................................       423,701,000
Committee recommendation..............................       415,674,000
Offsetting collections................................         6,350,000
                                                       -----------------
    Total available...................................      $422,024,000


    The Committee recommends $415,674,000, plus authority to 
spend $6,350,000 in receipts, for the salaries and expenses 
appropriation. This amount is $1,931,000 above the fiscal year 
2012 enacted level and is $8,027,000 below the budget request. 
The Committee expects the Veterans History Project and the 
Civil Rights History Project will be maintained at least at the 
fiscal year 2012 levels.
    The Committee is very concerned with the findings in a 
recently issued Office of the Inspector General report 
concerning the Library Wide Acquisition Function. This report 
contains many findings, some that were reported either in 
previous IG audits or memoranda, as far back as ten years ago, 
that need immediate Library management attention. The Committee 
believes that any issues associated with any findings that are 
not addressed, corrected, and eliminated within a ten year 
period require immediate attention. Therefore, the Committee 
directs the Librarian of Congress to either hire, contract for, 
or assign an in-house top level manager, reporting directly to 
the Chief of Staff, charged with addressing, providing 
solutions, and bringing to closure all concerns of this report. 
Further the Committee directs that a report be prepared which 
outlines all the issues in the report and the corrective action 
taken regarding each finding. The Committee directs that this 
report be provided to the Committee on Appropriations of the 
House and Senate no later than December 31, 2012.

                            Copyright Office





2012 appropriation....................................       $16,137,000
2013 budget request...................................        19,161,000
Committee recommendation..............................        18,525,000
Offsetting collections................................        33,611,000
                                                       -----------------
    Total available...................................       $52,136,000


    The Committee recommends $18,525,000, plus authority to 
spend $33,611,000 in receipts, for the Copyright Office. This 
is $2,388,000 above the fiscal year 2012 enacted level and 
$636,000 below the budget request, not including offsetting 
collections.

                     Congressional Research Service





2012 appropriation....................................      $106,790,000
2013 budget request...................................       109,205,000
Committee recommendation..............................       107,668,000


    The Committee recommends $107,668,000 for salaries and 
expenses of the Congressional Research Service (CRS). This 
amount is $878,000 above the fiscal year 2012 enacted level and 
$1,537,000 below the budget request. However, the fiscal year 
2012 enacted level included $1,000,000, for contract services, 
for a review of the Government Printing Office. This amount has 
been retained in the CRS base thus providing an increase to the 
Congressional Research Service of $1,878,000, over the fiscal 
year 2012 enacted level and $537,000 below the budget request.
    CRS works for Members and committees of Congress to support 
their legislative, oversight, and representational functions by 
providing nonpartisan and confidential research and policy 
analysis.

             Books for the Blind and Physically Handicapped





2012 appropriation....................................       $50,674,000
2013 budget request...................................        51,522,000
Committee recommendation..............................        50,775,000


    The Committee recommends $50,775,000 for salaries and 
expenses of the National Library Service for the Blind and 
Physically Handicapped (NLS). This amount is $101,000 above the 
fiscal year 2012 enacted level and $747,000 below the budget 
request. The NLS has successfully administered a free national 
reading program for blind and physically handicapped residents 
of the United States and U.S. citizens living abroad since 
1931. NLS provides direction for the production of books and 
magazines in Braille and recorded formats and audio playback 
machines for distribution through a nationwide network of 56 
regional and 65 sub-regional libraries.
    The Committee notes the continued commitment of the 
Congress, through the Library of Congress, to serve blind and 
physically handicapped Americans. The Committee again 
recognizes the recent completion of the Digital Talking Book 
Program. New digital talking book players and digital titles, 
on flash cartridges and via download, are now available 
nationwide. The Committee recognizes the Library is making an 
effort to convert analog titles to digital format. The 
Committee fully understands that a number of analog titles 
still need to be converted. The Committee encourages the 
Library to continue this effort converting those titles that 
are determined to be in the greatest demand. The Committee 
fully understands that the blind and physically handicapped 
community might want to see the conversion of all analog 
titles. However, with continued decreases in funding to almost 
every element of the Federal Budget, it will be difficult to 
complete a total conversion. The Committee encourages the 
Librarian of Congress to work with the appropriate 
organizations to achieve an appropriate solution to demands, 
taking into consideration the funding constraints.

                       Administrative Provisions

    Section 1401 is related to reimbursable and revolving fund 
obligational authority.
    Section 1402 provides permanent transfer authority between 
categories of appropriations.

                       GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE

    The recommendation provides $122,456,000 in budget 
authority for the Government Printing Office (GPO), in addition 
to any offsetting collections which the GPO may earn under 
separate authority. This amount is $3,744,000 below the fiscal 
year 2012 enacted level and the budget request. GPO provides 
publishing and dissemination services for Federal government 
publications to Congress, Federal agencies, Federal depository 
libraries, and the American public.
    During the hearings this year, the Committee heard 
testimony on the dissemination of congressional information 
products in Extensible Markup Language (XML) format. XML 
permits data to be reused and repurposed not only for print 
output but for conversion into ebooks, mobile web applications, 
and other forms of content delivery including data mashups and 
other analytical tools. The Committee has heard requests for 
the increased dissemination of congressional information via 
bulk data download from non-governmental groups supporting 
openness and transparency in the legislative process. While 
sharing these goals, the Committee is also concerned that 
Congress maintains the ability to ensure that its legislative 
data files remain intact and a trusted source once they are 
removed from the Government's domain to private sites.
    The GPO currently ensures the authenticity of the 
congressional information it disseminates to the public through 
its Federal Digital System and the Library Congress's THOMAS 
system by the use of digital signature technology applied to 
the Portable Document Format (PDF) version of the document, 
which matches the printed document. The use of this technology 
attests that the digital version of the document has not been 
altered since it was authenticated and disseminated by GPO. At 
this time, only PDF files can be digitally signed in native 
format for authentication purposes. There currently is no 
comparable technology for the application and verification of 
digital signatures on XML documents. While the GPO currently 
provides bulk data access to information products of the Office 
of the Federal Register, the limitations on the authenticity 
and integrity of those data files are clearly spelled out in 
the user guide that accompanies those files on GPO's Federal 
Digital System.
    The GPO and Congress are moving toward the use of XML as 
the data standard for legislative information. The House and 
Senate are creating bills in XML format and are moving toward 
creating other congressional documents in XML for input to the 
GPO. At this point, however, the challenge of authenticating 
downloads of bulk data legislative data files in XML remains 
unresolved, and there continues to be a range of associated 
questions and issues: Which Legislative Branch agency would be 
the provider of bulk data downloads of legislative information 
in XML, and how would this service be authorized. How would 
``House'' information be differentiated from ``Senate'' 
information for the purposes of bulk data downloads in XML? 
What would be the impact of bulk downloads of legislative data 
in XML on the timeliness and authoritativeness of congressional 
information? What would be the estimated timeline for the 
development of a system of authentication for bulk data 
downloads of legislative information in XML? What are the 
projected budgetary impacts of system development and 
implementation, including potential costs for support that may 
be required by third party users of legislative bulk data sets 
in XML, as well as any indirect costs, such as potential 
requirements for Congress to confirm or invalidate third party 
analyses of legislative data based on bulk downloads in XML? 
Are there other data models or alternative that can enhance 
congressional openness and transparency without relying on bulk 
data downloads in XML?
    The Committee directs the establishment of a task force 
composed of staff representatives of the Library of Congress, 
the Congressional Research Service, the Clerk of the House, the 
Government Printing Office, and such other congressional 
offices as may be necessary, to examine these and any 
additional issues it considers relevant and to report back to 
the Committee on Appropriations of the House and Senate.

                   Congressional Printing and Binding





2012 appropriation....................................       $90,700,000
2013 budget request...................................        83,632,000
Committee recommendation..............................        83,632,000


    The Committee recommends $83,632,000 for Congressional 
Printing and Binding. This amount is $7,068,000 below the 
fiscal year 2012 enacted level and is the same as the budget 
request. The amount is provided as a lump sum to cover various 
categories of printing. The Committee has deleted the language 
that allows the Architect of the Capitol to use the 
Congressional Printing and Binding appropriation.

                 Office of Superintendent of Documents





2012 appropriation....................................       $35,000,000
2013 budget request...................................        34,728,000
Committee recommendation..............................        34,728,000


    The Committee recommends $34,728,000 for the salaries and 
expenses of the Superintendent of Documents. This amount is 
$272,000 below the fiscal year 2012 enacted level and is the 
same as the budget request. The Office of Superintendent of 
Documents account funds the mailing of government documents for 
Members of Congress and Federal agencies, as statutorily 
authorized; the compilation of catalogs and indexes of 
government publications; and the cataloging, indexing, and 
distribution of government publications to the Federal 
Depository and International Exchange libraries and to other 
individuals and entities, as authorized by law.

               Government Printing Office Revolving Fund





2012 appropriation....................................          $500,000
2013 budget request...................................         7,840,000
Committee recommendation..............................         4,096,000


    The Committee has provided $4,096,000 for the Revolving 
Fund an increase of $3,596,000 above the fiscal year 2012 
enacted level and $3,744,000 below the budget request. This 
funding will address Information Technology Projects 
($3,000,000), Facilities ($460,000) and Federal Digital System 
Projects ($536,000).
    The bill continues language authorizing the operation of 
the revolving fund and authority to hire or purchase 
automobiles, advisory councils, and consultants.

                    GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE


                         Salaries and Expenses





2012 appropriation....................................      $511,296,000
2013 budget request...................................       526,233,000
Committee recommendation..............................       519,802,000
Offsetting Collections................................        24,318,000
                                                       -----------------
    Total available...................................      $544,120,000


    The Committee recommends $519,802,000 in direct 
appropriations for the Government Accountability Office (GAO), 
plus $24,318,000 in offsetting collections derived from 
reimbursements for conducting financial audits of government 
corporations and rental of space in the GAO building. This 
amount is an increase of $8,506,000, or 1.66%, above the fiscal 
year 2012 enacted level, and is $6,431,000 below the budget 
request. This increase will allow the GAO to hire up to 3,000 
FTE's, an increase of 21 FTE's, which will enable GAO to begin 
to achieve a staffing level required to address the ever 
increasing demands from the Congress.
    GAO was established by the Budget and Accounting Act of 
1921. Formerly known as the General Accounting Office, it was 
renamed by Public Law 108-271. GAO works for Congress by 
responding to requests for studies of Federal Government 
programs and expenditures. GAO may also initiate its own work.

                        Administrative Provision

    Section 1501 authorizes payments to the Employees' 
Compensation Fund.

                Open World Leadership Center Trust Fund





2012 appropriation....................................       $10,000,000
2013 budget request...................................        10,000,000
Committee recommendation..............................         1,000,000


    The Committee again states its concern with the placement 
of the Open World Leadership Center (OWC) in the Legislative 
Branch. The Committee also understands the program has some 
strong champions on the Committee. However, with continued 
further reductions being made to almost every program within 
the Legislative Branch, the Committee has provided $1,000,000 
to cover the cost associated with the shutdown of the OWC. The 
Committee directs the Executive Director of the OWC to retain 
any necessary prior funds in the Trust to cover any cost in 
excess of the $1,000,000 provided in this bill. The Executive 
Director is further directed that the program termination is to 
be finalized within one year of enactment of the Legislative 
Branch fiscal year 2013 appropriations bill.

   John C. Stennis Center for Public Service Training and Development





2012 appropriation....................................          $430,000
2013 budget request...................................           430,000
Committee recommendation..............................  ................


    The fiscal year 2012 Conference Agreement (House Report 
112-331) directed that future budget requests from the John C. 
Stennis Center be accompanied by an appropriately detailed 
budget justification as requested in House Report 112-148. The 
Committee did not receive such justification and therefore has 
not provided the requested funding.

                      TITLE II--GENERAL PROVISIONS

    The customary language regarding emergency assistance for 
vehicles, fiscal year limitation, positions and allowances, 
consulting services, the Legislative Branch Financial Managers 
Council, the maintenance and landscaping on Washington Avenue 
SW, a limitation on transfers of funds, language regarding 
maintaining staff-led tours, delivery of bills, resolutions and 
the Congressional Record, and a limitation on the costs of 
lease vehicles (sections 201-211). Section 212 authorizes 
commercial use of Union Square, if the activity is similar to 
the types of commercial activity permitted prior to the 
transfer from the Park Service. Section 213 provides for a 
spending reduction account, excluding Senate items. This 
account excludes the portion of the allocation that is expected 
to be realized by amounts for Senate items.

              HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES REPORT REQUIREMENTS

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

                        Constitutional Authority

    Clause 6(e) of the Rules of the Appropriations Committee 
requires each committee report on a public bill or joint 
resolution to contain a statement citing the specific powers 
granted to Congress in the Constitution to enact the law 
proposed by the bill or joint resolution. The Committee on 
Appropriations bases its authority to report this legislation 
on clause 7 of section 9 of article I of the Constitution of 
the United States which states: ``No money shall be drawn from 
the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law 
. .  .'' Appropriations contained in this Act are made pursuant 
to this specific power granted by the Constitution.

                 Comparison With 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, the following table compares 
the levels of new budget authority provided in the bill with 
appropriate allocation under section 302(b) of the Budget Act.

                        [In millions of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 302(b) Allocation       This bill--
                               -----------------------------------------
                                                       Budget
                                  Budget    Outlays  authority   Outlays
                                authority             outlays
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comparison of amounts in the
 bill with Committee
 allocations to its
 subcommittees of amounts in
 the Budget Resolution for
 2013:
    Discretionary.............     $4,289    $4,381     $3,333  \1\$3,61
                                                                       2
    Mandatory.................        140       140        140    \1\140
                               -----------------------------------------
      Total...................     $4,429    $4,521     $3,473   $3,752
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\Includes outlays from both House and Senate prior-year budget
  authority.
Note.--Bill amounts exclude discretionary Senate-related items.

                    Five-Year Projection of Outlays

    Pursuant to section 308(a)(1)(B) of the Congressional 
Budget Act of 1974, the following table contains five-year 
projections prepared by the Congressional Budget Office of 
outlays associated with the budget authority provided in the 
accompanying bill:

                        [In millions of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Budget Authority...........................................       $3,473
Outlays:
    2013...................................................     \2\2,972
    2014...................................................          352
    2015...................................................           74
    2016...................................................           24
    2017...................................................           15
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\2\Excludes outlays from prior-year budget authority.

               Assistance to State and Local Governments

    Pursuant to section 308(a)(1)(C) of the Congressional 
Budget Act of 1974, the amount of financial assistance to State 
and local governments is as follows:
    The accompanying bill contains no funding for State and 
local assistance programs.

                           Transfer of Funds

    Pursuant to clause 3(f)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the 
House of Representatives, the following lists the transfers of 
funds included in the accompanying bill:
    Indefinite transfer authority is authorized in Joint items 
disbursed by the Chief Administrative Officer of the House, 
Library of Congress, Congressional printing and binding, the 
Superintendent of Documents, and the Capitol Police programs.

                              Rescissions

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

         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 lists the 
appropriations in the accompanying bill which are not 
authorized by law for the period concerned:
    The accompanying bill contains no appropriations not 
authorized by law.

               Terminations, Reductions and Other Savings

    In order to invest in the critical priorities identified in 
this bill, the Committee has proposed herein a number of 
program reductions and other savings from the fiscal year 2012 
level. These adjustments, no matter their size, are important 
to setting the right priorities within the spending allocation 
and for creating a government that is as efficient as it is 
effective.

                                Earmarks

    Pursuant to clause 9 of rule XXI of the Rules of the House 
of Representatives, this bill, as reported, contains no 
Congressional earmarks, limited tax benefits, or limited tariff 
benefits as defined in clause 9(e), 9(f), or 9(g) of rule XXI.

               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 in the 
accompanying bill that directly or indirectly change the 
application of existing law:
    1. The bill provides that certain appropriation items 
remain available for more than one year, where programs or 
projects are continuing in nature under the provisions of 
authorizing legislation but for which that legislation does not 
specifically authorize such extended availability.
    2. The bill includes a number of provisions which place 
limitations on or change or extend existing limitations, 
appropriations, or authorizations, and which under some 
circumstances might be construed as changing the application of 
existing law.
    3. The bill continues the practice of providing official 
reception and representation allowances for officers and 
offices of the Legislative Branch.
    4. The bill authorizes disbursal of funds for various 
agencies.
    5. The bill authorizes transfer authority between accounts 
for certain agencies in the bill.
    6. The bill includes language allowing the use of funds for 
studies and examinations of executive agencies and temporary 
personnel services. Funds can also be available for 
reimbursement to agencies for services performed.
    7. The bill includes language providing funds for the 
Family Room, the Superintendent of Garages, Office of Emergency 
Management, and preparing the Digest of Rules.
    8. The bill includes language providing funds for House 
motor vehicles, interparliamentary receptions, and gratuities.
    9. The bill requires unspent funds remaining in Members' 
Representational Allowances to be used for deficit or debt 
reduction.
    10. The bill includes language allowing for payment to the 
Secretary of Labor for unemployment compensation.
    11. The bill authorizes allowances for employees of the 
Office of the Attending Physician and provides reimbursement to 
the Department of the Navy.
    12. The bill authorizes expenses of the Capitol Police for 
motor vehicles, communications and other equipment, uniforms, 
weapons, supplies, materials, training, medical services, 
forensic services, stenographic services, personal and 
professional services, the employee assistance program, the 
awards program, postage, communication services, travel 
advances, and relocation expenses.
    13. The bill provides that the cost of Capitol Police basic 
training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center be paid 
by the Department of Homeland Security.
    14. The bill includes language under the Capitol Police for 
payment to the Employees' Compensation Fund.
    15. The bill includes language under the Office of 
Compliance for payment of awards and settlements.
    16. The bill includes language authorizing voluntary 
student services for the Congressional Budget Office.
    17. The bill allows the Architect of the Capitol to 
purchase or exchange, maintain, and operate a passenger motor 
vehicle.
    18. The bill includes authorization allowing reimbursements 
for chilled water and steam provided to the Government Printing 
Office, the Washington City Post Office, the Supreme Court, the 
Thurgood Marshall Federal Judiciary Building, Union Station 
Complex, and the Folger Shakespeare Library to be credited to 
the AOC Capitol Power Plant appropriation and made available 
for obligation.
    19. The bill allows the Architect of the Capitol to expend 
funds to maintain, care for, and operate the National Garden.
    20. The bill includes language under the Architect of the 
Capitol for payment to the Employees' Compensation Fund.
    21. The bill provides the authority to expend funds 
collected under the authority of 2 U.S.C. 150 and for 
international legal information, the balance to remain 
available until expended.
    22. The bill establishes that the amount available for 
obligation by the Library of Congress is reduced by offsetting 
collections.
    23. The bill provides funds for the digital collections and 
educational curricula program, the American Folklife Center, 
and the Civil Rights History Project.
    24. The bill allows the Library of Congress to hire or 
purchase one passenger motor vehicle.
    25. The bill allows funds from offsetting collections to be 
used for the Library's Copyright Office.
    26. The bill includes language authorizing the expenditure 
of receipts, with the exception of salaries and benefits, for 
the administration of the Copyright Royalty Judges program.
    27. The bill contains language which provides that no funds 
in the Congressional Research Service can be used to publish or 
prepare material to be issued by the Library of Congress unless 
approved by the appropriate committees.
    28. The bill provides funds to provide newspapers to the 
blind and physically handicapped.
    29. The bill contains language restricting the use of funds 
appropriated to the Government Printing Office for the 
permanent edition of the Congressional Record for individual 
Representatives and Senators, Resident Commissioners, or 
Delegates, and language providing that appropriations 
recommended shall be available for the payment of obligations 
incurred under appropriations for similar purposes for 
preceding fiscal years, limiting the printing of certain 
documents to a time certain, and authorizing the transfer of 
unobligated balances.
    30. The bill includes authorization of appropriations for 
Congressional printing and binding.
    31. The bill includes language authorizing the Office of 
Superintendent of Documents to pay for printing certain 
publications in prior years for the depository library program. 
There is language authorizing the transfer of unexpended 
balances.
    32. There is language authorizing the operation of the 
Government Printing Office revolving fund, and which authorizes 
travel expenses for advisory councils, the purchase of not more 
than 12 passenger motor vehicles and that the revolving fund 
may be used to provide information in any format.
    33. The bill includes language relating to the Government 
Accountability Office, authorizing the direct procurement of 
expert and consultant services under 5 U.S.C. 3109 at certain 
rates; authorizing the hire of one passenger motor vehicle, as 
required by 31 U.S.C. 1343; authorizing the Government 
Accountability Office to make advance payments in foreign 
countries in accordance with 31 U.S.C. 3324; and providing 
certain benefits, including rental of living quarters in 
foreign countries. Appropriations are authorized for 
administrative expenses of any other member department or 
agency to finance an appropriate share of the costs of the 
National Intergovernmental Audit Forum or a Regional 
Intergovernmental Audit Forum.
    34. There is bill language under the Government 
Accountability Office that allows for payments to the 
Employees' Compensation Fund.
    35. In Section 201, there is language prohibiting the use 
of funds in the Act for the maintenance or care of private 
vehicles except for emergency assistance and cleaning as may be 
provided under regulations relating to parking facilities for 
the House issued by the Committee on House Administration and 
for the Senate by the Committee on Rules and Administration.
    36. Section 203 provides that whenever any office or 
position not specifically established by the Legislative Pay 
Act of 1929 is appropriated for herein, or whenever the rate of 
compensation or designation of any position appropriated for 
herein is different from that specifically established for such 
position by such Act, the rate of compensation and the 
designation of the position, either appropriated for or 
provided herein, shall be the permanent law with respect 
thereto: Provided that the provisions herein for the various 
items of official expenses of Members, officers, and committees 
of the Senate and House, and clerk hire for Senators and 
Members shall be the permanent law with respect thereto.
    37. Section 204 requires that certain information regarding 
consulting services shall be a matter of public record.
    38. Section 205 authorizes Legislative Branch entities to 
share the costs of the Legislative Branch Financial Managers 
Council.
    39. Section 206 authorizes the Architect of the Capitol to 
maintain certain property.
    40. Section 207 limits the transfer of funds in this Act.
    41. Section 208 prohibits funds in this Act being used to 
eliminate or restrict staff led guided tours.
    42. Section 209 prohibits funds in this Act being used to 
deliver a printed copy of a bill or resolution to a Members 
office.
    43. Section 210 prohibits funds in this Act being used to 
deliver a printed copy of the Congressional Record to a Members 
office.
    44. Section 211 places a limitation on the amount that can 
be spent on a leased vehicle.
    45. Section 212 authorizes commercial use of Union Square.
    46. Section 213 provides for a spending reduction account.

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

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

     SECTION 109 OF THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 1998


  Sec. 109. (a) There is hereby established an account in the 
House of Representatives for purposes of making payments of the 
House of Representatives to the Employees' Compensation Fund 
under section 8147 of title 5, United States Code[.], and for 
reimbursing the Secretary of Labor for any amounts paid with 
respect to unemployment compensation payments for former 
employees of the House.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


     SECTION 101 OF THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 1993


                       Administrative Provisions

  Sec. 101. (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (c)(1) * * *
  (2) The headings referred to in paragraph (1) are ``House 
Leadership Offices'', ``Members'' Representational 
Allowances'', ``Committee Employees'', ``Salaries, Officers and 
Employees'', [and ``Allowances and Expenses''] ``Allowances and 
Expenses'', the heading for any joint committee under the 
heading ``Joint Items'' (to the extent that amounts 
appropriated for the joint committee are disbursed by the Chief 
Administrative Officer of the House of Representatives), and 
``Office of the Attending Physician''.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


    SECTION 1018 OF THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2003


  Sec. 1018. Transfer of Disbursing Function. (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  [(f) Worker's Compensation.--
          [(1) Account.--There shall be established a separate 
        account in the Capitol Police for purposes of making 
        payments for employees of the Capitol Police under 
        section 8147 of title 5, United States Code.
          [(2) Payments without fiscal year limitation.--
        Notwithstanding any other provision of law, payments 
        may be made from the account established under 
        paragraph (1) of this subsection without regard to the 
        fiscal year for which the obligation to make such 
        payments is incurred.]

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


                CONGRESSIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 1995




           *       *       *       *       *       *       *
TITLE IV--ADMINISTRATIVE AND JUDICIAL DISPUTE-RESOLUTION PROCEDURES

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 415. PAYMENTS.

  (a) Awards and Settlements.--Except as provided in subsection 
(c), only funds which are appropriated to an account of the 
Office in the Treasury of the United States for the payment of 
awards and settlements may be used for the payment of awards 
and settlements under this Act. [There are authorized to be 
appropriated for such account such sums as may be necessary to 
pay such awards and settlements.] There are appropriated for 
such account such sums as may be necessary to pay such awards 
and settlements. Funds in the account are not available for 
awards and settlements involving the General Accounting Office, 
the Government Printing Office, or the Library of Congress.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


                      TITLE 5, UNITED STATES CODE




           *       *       *       *       *       *       *
PART III--EMPLOYEES

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SUBPART B--EMPLOYMENT AND RETENTION

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                  CHAPTER 31--AUTHORITY FOR EMPLOYMENT


SUBCHAPTER I--EMPLOYMENT AUTHORITIES

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *



Sec. 3111. Acceptance of volunteer service

  (a) * * *

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (e)(1) For purposes of this section the term ``agency'' shall 
include the Architect of the Capitol. With respect to the 
Architect of the Capitol, the authority granted to the Office 
of Personnel Management under this section shall be exercised 
by the Architect of the Capitol.
  (2) In this section, the term ``agency'' includes the 
Congressional Budget Office, except that in the case of the 
Congressional Budget Office--
          (A) any student who provides voluntary service in 
        accordance with this section shall be considered an 
        employee of the Congressional Budget Office for 
        purposes of section 203 of the Congressional Budget Act 
        of 1974 (relating to the level of confidentiality of 
        budget data); and
          (B) the authority granted to the Office of Personnel 
        Management under this section shall be exercised by the 
        Director of the Congressional Budget Office.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                          FULL COMMITTEE VOTES

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




                            ADDITIONAL VIEWS

    The bill funds the Legislative Branch, not including Senate 
related items, at $3.3 billion which represents a 1 percent 
reduction from fiscal year 2012. With the allocation, the 
subcommittee was able to provide adequate funding to 
congressional support agencies, including the Congressional 
Research Service, the Congressional Budget Office, and the 
Government Accountability Office.
    While the levels are adequate for some agencies, the 
allocation required the subcommittee to propose no funding to 
continue the rehabilitation of the Capitol dome. The Architect 
requested $61.2 million for the first part of phase two of the 
multi-year project. According to the Architect of the Capitol, 
if the project is not funded this fiscal year, the total cost 
of the rehabilitation of the dome will increase due to the 
rapidly deteriorating conditions. Democrats on the committee 
prefer the dome remain a monument to our nation's greatness and 
not become a symbol for short-sighted austerity.
    We are extremely disappointed that House Republicans walked 
away from the bipartisan agreement to establish $1.047 trillion 
as the Committee's allocation. A majority of their conference 
voted for the Budget Control Act agreement less than 9 months 
ago. By reneging on the agreement, House Republicans put 
themselves at odds with House Democrats, the White House, 
Senate Democrats, and Senate Republicans. Senate Minority 
Leader McConnell recently voted for allocations at $1.047 and 
Ranking Member Cochran stated that it's appropriate ``for the 
Committee to proceed on the basis of the discretionary caps 
enacted into law.'' House Republicans introduced uncertainty 
about the discretionary allocation, and about whether the House 
majority will threaten to shut down the government. This 
uncertainty will slow down the appropriations process and the 
austere House allocation, if it stands, will stall economic 
growth and impede job creation.

                                Security

    A major initiative of the bill was to fund the increased 
costs of training and overtime of the Capitol Police. Given the 
known past threats against the Capitol and office buildings it 
is appropriate to make security a priority. However, the 
increased cost of security does not end in Washington DC and 
Members are being asked to do more to secure their district 
offices with fewer resources. We appreciate the inclusion of 
report language directing the House Sergeant at Arms to develop 
a series of recommendations on security enhancements for House 
District Offices. However, there are costs associated with 
enhanced security in district offices and those increased costs 
will need to be addressed by this subcommittee, sooner rather 
than later. We will continue to work with our Republican 
colleagues to find ways to assist Members in protecting their 
constituents and staffs in the districts.

                        Defense of Marriage Act

    Even though the House of Representatives budget has been 
cut by more than 10 percent in 2 years, House Republicans have 
reprogrammed $742,000 from several House offices to the Office 
of General Counsel for the purpose of defending the 
constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act. The House 
General Counsel has a contract with outside counsel that 
commits the House to a maximum payment of $1.5 million. We are 
concerned that the scarce resources available to the House of 
Representatives will continue to be syphoned off in order to 
defend a law that continues to be found unconstitutional in the 
courts.

                                                   Norman D. Dicks.
                                                  Michael M. Honda.

                                  
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