[House Report 114-194]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]


114th Congress    }                                      {      Report
                        HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
 1st Session      }                                      {     114-194

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



 
  FINANCIAL SERVICES AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS BILL, 2016

                                _______
                                

  July 9, 2015.--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

                            DISSENTING VIEWS

                        [To accompany H.R. 2995]

    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, 2016.





                        INDEX TO BILL AND REPORT

_______________________________________________________________________


                                                            Page Number

                                                            Bill Report
Title I--Department of the Treasury........................     2
                                                                      7
Title II--Executive Office of the President and Funds 
    Appropriated to the President..........................    28
                                                                     26
Title III--The Judiciary...................................    43
                                                                     36
Title IV--District of Columbia.............................    52
                                                                     41
Title V--Independent Agencies..............................    62
                                                                     47
Administrative Conference of the United States.............    62
                                                                     47
Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection....................    62
                                                                     47
Consumer Product Safety Commission.........................    65
                                                                     51
Election Assistance Commission.............................    65
                                                                     53
Federal Communications Commission..........................    65
                                                                     54
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation......................    67
                                                                     57
Federal Election Commission................................    67
                                                                     57
Federal Labor Relations Authority..........................    67
                                                                     58
Federal Trade Commission...................................    68
                                                                     58
General Services Administration............................    70
                                                                     59
Merit Systems Protection Board.............................    82
                                                                     69
National Archives and Records Administration...............    83
                                                                     69
National Credit Union Administration.......................    84
                                                                     71
Office of Government Ethics................................    84
                                                                     72
Office of Personnel Management.............................    85
                                                                     72
Office of Special Counsel..................................    88
                                                                     74
Postal Regulatory Commission...............................    88
                                                                     74
Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board................    89
                                                                     75
Recovery Accountability and Transparency Board.............
                                                                     75
Securities and Exchange Commission.........................    89
                                                                     76
Selective Service System...................................    90
                                                                     80
Small Business Administration..............................    91
                                                                     80
United States Postal Service...............................    96
                                                                     85
United States Tax Court....................................    97
                                                                     86
Title VI--General Provisions--This Act.....................    97
                                                                     87
Title VII--General Provisions--Government-wide: 
    Departments, Agencies, and Corporations................   114
                                                                     90
Title VIII--General Provisions--District of Columbia.......   149
                                                                     93
Title IX--Additional General Provisions....................   159
                                                                     94
House of Representatives Report Requirements...............
                                                                     94
Dissenting Views...........................................
                                                                    184

                         Highlights of the Bill

    The Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee 
has jurisdiction over a diverse group of agencies responsible 
for regulating the financial and telecommunications industries; 
collecting taxes and providing taxpayer assistance; supporting 
the operations of the White House, the Federal Judiciary, and 
the District of Columbia; managing Federal buildings; and 
overseeing the Federal workforce. The activities of these 
agencies impact nearly every American and are integral to the 
operations of our government.
    However, with the gross Federal debt growing in excess of 
$18 trillion, the Subcommittee is committed to reducing the 
cost and size of government. The bill provides a total of 
$20,250,000,000 in discretionary budget authority for fiscal 
year 2016 which is $1,320,000,000, or 6.1 percent, below the 
fiscal year 2015 discretionary allocation. The bill is 
$4,804,450,000, or 19.2 percent, below the Administration's 
request.

                         TOTAL BUDGET AUTHORITY
                             [$ in millions]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  FY 2015      FY 2016        FY 2016
                                  Enacted      Request    Recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Discretionary.................       21,570       25,054          20,250
Mandatory.....................       21,532       21,512          21,512
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                        Internal Revenue Service

    The Committee is troubled by the Internal Revenue Service's 
(IRS) willingness to neglect taxpayers in need of assistance. 
The IRS blames budget cuts for its dismal level of service 
without acknowledging the degree of discretion it has to spend 
funds relatively unencumbered. The Committee provides the IRS 
with funds through four appropriations. Other than a few 
setasides, such as those for grant programs, the IRS decides 
for itself how to apportion its funds among competing needs. As 
the Government Accountability Office observed, ``Although 
resources are constrained, IRS has flexibility in how it 
allocates resources to ensure that limited resources are 
utilized as effectively as possible . . . [magnifying] the 
importance of strategically managing operations to make tough 
choices about which services to continue providing and which 
services to cut.''
    Budget execution is clearly and squarely an Executive 
Branch function. The IRS has failed to develop and implement a 
strategy for identifying and delivering timely taxpayer 
assistance in the form and manner most beneficial to taxpayers 
and cost-effective to the IRS. This is the antithesis of 
responsible stewardship. When combined with the inappropriate 
singling out of certain tax-exempt groups based on their 
political beliefs, wasteful spending on conferences and videos, 
and providing bonuses to staff and re-hiring former staff 
without evaluating their conduct or tax compliance, the IRS is 
no closer to earning back the trust and confidence of the 
taxpayer than it was in 2013.
    In the fiscal year 2014 and 2015 Omnibus Appropriations 
Acts, the Committee took steps to reform the IRS by requiring 
extensive reports from the IRS about their spending, training 
and bonuses; prohibiting funds for the production of videos 
that have not been reviewed or certified to be appropriate; 
prohibiting funds for targeting groups for regulatory scrutiny 
based on their ideological beliefs; and prohibiting funds for 
targeting citizens for exercising their First Amendment rights. 
The fiscal year 2016 bill goes one step further and provides an 
additional $75,000,000 for the Taxpayer Service account set 
aside strictly for improving the level of customer service. 
This account, in total, rises to $2,231,609,000, which is just 
$8,000,000 shy of its pre-sequestration funding level, and 
should measurably improve the IRS' ability to address taxpayer 
needs.
    The Committee remains concerned, however, that more needs 
to be done to ensure that the IRS is appropriately allocating 
its resources and is not using its authorities to single out 
groups or individuals based on their political or ideological 
beliefs. To that end, the Committee cannot support the 
Administration's audacious proposal to increase the IRS by $2 
billion over the fiscal year 2015 level. Instead, the Committee 
recommends providing $10,106,609,000 for the IRS which is 
$838,391,000 below current level and $2,824,462,000 below the 
request. This recommendation would fund the IRS below their 
fiscal year 2004 level. In addition, the Committee includes 
language to:
     Prohibit funds for IRS employee bonuses and awards 
that do not consider the conduct and tax compliance of such 
employees;
     Prohibit funds for hiring former IRS employees 
without considering the employees past conduct and tax 
compliance;
     Prohibit funds for targeting groups for regulatory 
scrutiny based on their ideological beliefs;
     Prohibit funds for targeting citizens for 
exercising their First Amendment rights;
     Prohibit funds for conferences that do not comply 
with the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration's 
recommendations regarding conferences;
     Prohibit funds for the production of videos that 
have not been reviewed for cost, topic, tone, and purpose and 
certified to be appropriate;
     Require a report on the amount of official time 
used by IRS employees;
     Prohibit the White House from ordering the IRS to 
determine the tax-exempt status of an organization;
     Require extensive reporting on IRS spending; and
     Provide TIGTA with a $9,065,000 increase over 
fiscal year 2015 to enhance its audit and investigative 
oversight of the IRS.
    The Committee also includes a funding prohibition to 
prevent the Department of the Treasury from implementing their 
proposed or revised regulation regarding the standards and 
definitions used to determine the tax exempt status under 
section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Committee 
believes it would be advisable for the Administration to await 
the outcome of the investigations into the inappropriate 
singling out of certain tax-exempt groups based on their 
political beliefs are concluded before proposing regulatory 
changes regarding section 501(c)(4). The resources used to 
promulgate this proposed rule are better spent responding to 
taxpayers' correspondence and phone calls.
    The Committee continues to be concerned with the IRS' role 
in implementation of the Affordable Care Act and, in 
particular, the individual mandate. At a time when the IRS has 
demonstrated little ability to either self-police or self-
correct, the IRS has even more authority over Americans' health 
coverage. The Committee finds this expansion of IRS authority 
to be unacceptable and, therefore, prohibits funding to 
implement the individual mandate and prohibits transfers from 
the Department of Health and Human Services to fund the IRS' 
implementation of the Affordable Care Act.

               Small Business and Job Creation Activities

    The bill makes programs that support small businesses and 
assist in private sector job creation a priority by providing 
$156,064,000 for the Small Business Administration's business 
loan program to support $23,500,000,000 in 7(a) lending and 
$7,500,000,000 in 504 lending. The bill also provides 
$117,000,000 for Small Business Development Centers, 
$17,000,000 for Women's Business Centers, $25,000,000 for 
Microloan Technical Assistance, and $233,523,000 for Treasury's 
Community Development Financial Institutions Fund program. In 
support of small breweries and distilleries, the bill provides 
$105,000,000 for the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau. 
In addition, the bill requires certain regulatory agencies to 
report to the Committee on their efforts to eliminate 
duplicative, outdated and burdensome regulations.

              Law Enforcement and Intelligence Activities

    The bill provides $6,910,219,000 in discretionary funds for 
the operations of the Federal Judiciary to fulfill their 
statutory requirements to process criminal, civil, bankruptcy 
and appellate cases; to supervise defendants and offenders 
living in our communities; and provide defendant representation 
to those that cannot afford it.
    The bill continues to make combating illegal drugs a 
priority by providing $250,000,000 for High Intensity Drug 
Trafficking Areas, which is $56,600,000 above the 
Administration's request, and $95,000,000 for the Drug-Free 
Communities program, which is $9,324,000 above the 
Administration's request.
    For the District of Columbia, the bill provides 
$259,100,000 for the operations of the District of Columbia 
Courts and $242,750,000 for the supervision of offenders and 
defendants, which are $15,301,000 and $2,013,000, respectively, 
less that the request. The bill does not provide $21,450,000 in 
funds requested for a variety of District projects, such as 
climate risk management and solar power initiatives.
    For Treasury's financial intelligence activities, the bill 
provides $116,000,000 for the Office of Terrorism and Financial 
Intelligence to enhance their capabilities to combat drug 
lords, terrorists, weapons of mass destruction proliferators, 
rogue nations and other threats. This is $3,500,000 above the 
enacted level and $6,391,000 above the Administration's 
request. In addition, the bill provides $112,979,000 for the 
Financial Crimes Enforcement Network to support the financial 
intelligence requirements of law enforcement and intelligence 
agencies.

                  Program Reductions and Terminations

    In order to pay for the small business and law enforcement 
priorities described above while reducing overall spending, the 
Committee has reduced the operating expenses for many agencies 
below the fiscal year 2015 level including: Department of the 
Treasury--Departmental Offices; the Internal Revenue Service; 
White House Office of Administration; the Office of Management 
and Budget; the Office of National Drug Control Policy Salary 
and Expenses; the Supreme Court of the United States Care of 
the Buildings and Grounds; Federal payments for the District of 
Columbia for resident tuition support and public defender 
service; the Consumer Product Safety Commission; the Election 
Assistance Commission; the Federal Communications Commission; 
the General Services Administration; and the Tax Court.
    In addition, the bill eliminates funding for several 
programs including: Treasury's Department-Wide Systems and 
Capital Investment; Executive Office of the President-
Unanticipated Needs; a Federal payment for the District of 
Columbia Water and Sewer Authority; the Harry S Truman 
Scholarship Foundation; the Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. 
Udall Foundation; Recovery and Accountability Transparency 
Board; and the Public Company and Accounting Oversight Board's 
scholarship program.

          Additional Transparency and Accountability Measures

    The bill includes the following language to increase 
transparency and accountability:
     Makes the Office of Financial Research (OFR) and 
the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) subject to the 
appropriations process starting in fiscal year 2017.
     Requires the CFPB to notify Congress when it 
requests a transfer of funds from the Board of Governors of the 
Federal Reserve System this year.
     Requires additional reporting on mandatory 
expenses from OFR, CFPB, the Office of Financial Stability and 
the Judgment Fund.
     Makes the General Services Administration provide 
extensive reports on spending and activities.
     Freezes pay for the Vice President and senior 
Executive Branch political appointees.
     Checks the expansion of Executive Branch 
authorities by: prohibiting funding for signing statements that 
abrogate existing law; prohibiting funds for Executive Orders 
that contravene existing law; requiring cost estimates to be 
included for new Executive Orders and Presidential Memorandums; 
prohibits funding for so-called ``czars''; and prohibiting 
changes in agency spending without the enactment of 
appropriations bill.
     Prohibits spending from the Securities and 
Exchange Commission's (SEC) mandatory reserve fund, making the 
SEC live within the appropriation provided.
     Prohibits funds to be used is contravention of the 
Federal Records Act.
     Requires agencies to conduct investigations in 
compliance with the Fourth Amendment.
     Prohibits funds to implement Executive Order No. 
13690 (entitled ``Establishing a Federal Flood Risk Management 
Standard and a Process for Further Soliciting and Considering 
Stakeholder Input'').
     Requires the Office of Management and Budget to 
report on the costs of Dodd-Frank.
     Prohibits the Federal Communications Commission 
(FCC) from implementing, administering, or enforcing any rule 
unless the FCC published the text of the rule at least 21 days 
before the vote on the rule occurred.
     Prohibits the FCC from regulating rates for either 
wireline or wireless internet providers.
     Prohibits the FCC from implementing the net 
neutrality order until certain court challenges are decided.
     Replaces the indemnification agreements with 
confidentiality agreements for swaps data repositories.

              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 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 justification and 
supporting documents, which are the basis of this 
appropriations Act. The Committee expects agencies' 
reprogramming requests to explain thoroughly 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 agencies or entities 
funded by the Act to 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 reallocated.
    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.

                  TITLE I--DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY


                          Departmental Offices


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................      $210,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016*.....................       222,228,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       200,000,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................       -10,000,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................       -22,228,000
 
*Funding for the Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence was
  requested within the Departmental Office heading and funding for the
  Department-wide Systems and Capital Investments Program was requested
  as a separate heading.

    The Departmental Offices' function in the Department of the 
Treasury is to support the Secretary of the Treasury in his 
capacity as the chief operating executive of the Department and 
in his role in determining the tax, economic, and financial 
management policies of the Federal government. The Secretary's 
responsibilities funded by the Salaries and Expenses 
appropriation include: recommending and implementing domestic 
and international economic and tax policy; providing 
recommendations regarding fiscal policy; governing the fiscal 
operations of the government; managing the public debt; 
managing development of financial policy; representing the U.S. 
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 an appropriation of $200,000,000 
for Departmental Offices, Salaries and Expenses. The 
recommendation fully funds the Department's cyber security 
initiatives, contributions to international governmental 
associations, and administrative expenses for implementing 
Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourism Opportunities, 
and Revived Economy of the Gulf Coast Act (RESTORE Act).
    Wildlife Trafficking and Ivory Poaching.--The Department is 
directed to pursue and enforce money laundering and other 
related laws as related to wildlife trafficking and the illegal 
ivory trade, particularly in Africa, and to report to the 
Committees on Appropriations of the House and Senate 
semiannually during fiscal year 2016 on enforcement actions and 
other steps taken to carry out the Implementation Plan of the 
National Strategy on Wildlife Trafficking during such fiscal 
year.
    Economic Warfare and Financial Terrorism.--The Committee is 
deeply disappointed by the Department's complete failure to 
provide a report on economic warfare and financial terrorism to 
Congress for the fifth consecutive year. Treating Congressional 
requests with indifference and disregard is contrary to the 
cooperation and partnership that the Administration is seeking 
with Congress. The Committee again directs the Secretary to 
submit this report required by section 128; the report may be 
submitted in classified and unclassified forms.
    Eligibility.--The Committee recognizes the Federal 
government's trust responsibility for providing healthcare for 
American Indians and Alaska Natives. The Committee is aware 
that the definition of who is an ``Indian'' is inconsistent 
across various Federal health programs, which has led to 
confusion, increased paperwork and even differing 
determinations of health benefits within Indian families 
themselves. The Committee therefore encourages the Department 
of Health and Human Services, the Indian Health Service, and 
the Department of the Treasury to work together to establish a 
consistent definition of an ``Indian'' for purposes of 
providing health benefits.
    Financial Stability Oversight Council and the Office of 
Financial Research.--The Committee believes the Office of 
Financial Research (OFR), established under P.L. 111-203, is 
unnecessarily opaque in its operations. The OFR and Financial 
Stability Oversight Council (FSOC) set their own budgets and 
then assess private institutions to pay for their operations, 
with no Congressional review of their funding. The Committee 
is, therefore, obligated to make sure that there are adequate 
checks on OFR and FSOC actions, procedures, and funding. The 
Committee has included language (Sections 124 and 125) which 
requires quarterly reporting on budget obligations and brings 
OFR under the Appropriations process so that this office can be 
more transparent to the American people and Congress. For 
fiscal year 2016, the Administration estimates OFR and FSOC 
spending will total $108,105,000 and $19,316,000, respectively. 
When conducting research to support regulation of large swaths 
of the economy, both OFR and FSOC should be more receptive to 
the concerns, oversight, and counsel from the Legislative 
Branch.
    In addition, the Committee believes that there should be 
more transparency surrounding negotiations, agreements, 
meetings, and consultations conducted by members of FSOC with 
the Financial Stability Board (FSB) and other international 
financial and economic organizations. Better coordination among 
global financial regulators is important; however, currently 
there is a significant lack of public information about these 
conversations. The U.S. must retain its ability to compete in 
the global marketplace and, as such, a transparent dialog 
between international and U.S. regulators that justifies the 
rational for risk management systems is critical to making 
certain U.S. companies are not placed at a competitive 
disadvantage. The Committee advises FSOC not to pursue failed 
or untested domestic policies through international agreements.
    Volcker Interagency Working Group.--The Committee believes 
that there remain significant ambiguities around implementation 
of the Volcker Rule. This uncertainty is exacerbated by 
regulatory coordination challenges and questions regarding the 
consistency of examinations, inspections, enforcement, data 
analysis, and reporting. Members of the Interagency Working 
Group should promptly develop and share a transparent plan with 
impacted entities. The Committee believes that the Interagency 
Working Group should create a centralized and coordinated 
process for developing and disseminating timely guidance, 
including answering inquiries regarding interpretation and 
examination issues. The Interagency Working Group should also 
ensure that direction is clear, not contradictory, across the 
five implementing regulators and provided on a timely basis 
before examinations and enforcement actions are taken.
    SIFI Designations.--The Committee is concerned that the 
FSOC is overusing its authority by designating certain nonbank 
financial institutions as systemically important financial 
institutions (SIFI). As such, the Committee believes that the 
FSOC would benefit from early and close consultation with the 
primary regulators of nonbank financial companies before 
determining a SIFI designation.
    The Committee strongly encourages FSOC, in designating 
SIFIs, to take into account the distinctions between different 
asset management organizations. The Committee expects FSOC to 
consider the true risk to markets and the U.S. financial system 
when making any SIFI designation. In addition, the Committee 
expects the FSOC to solicit expert advice from and work closely 
with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in areas 
regarding securities regulation and management.
    Insurance.--Under P.L. 111-203, the Federal Reserve Board 
(Board) was given authority to oversee certain nonbank holding 
companies, including a few bank and savings and loan holding 
companies with insurance affiliates as well as certain SIFIs, 
which currently include three insurance companies. P.L. 111-203 
also gave the Federal Insurance Office (FIO), within the 
Department of the Treasury, the authority to consult with the 
states on international issues and represent the U.S., as 
appropriate, in the International Association of Insurance 
Supervisors (IAIS).
    The Committee notes that the state-based system of 
insurance regulation has served our nation well for more than 
150 years, and that the authority to regulate insurance lies 
with the individual states. Any federal regulation of insurance 
can take final form only with explicit approval by Congress. It 
is important to note that other international financial 
agreements have had deleterious impacts on some of our nation's 
financial institutions.
    The Committee is concerned about the ongoing negotiations 
held by the IAIS to develop an international capital standard, 
and believes the U.S. agencies party to those negotiations must 
appropriately fulfill their duties to advocate for the U.S. 
insurance market and state-based regulatory regime. The 
Committee also notes the importance of developing a domestic 
capital standard, pursuant to P.L. 111-203 and P.L. 113-279, 
that is based on the existing domestic regulatory structure. 
Despite formal testimony and informal comments from the Board 
and the U.S. Department of the Treasury that the international 
process has slowed dramatically, the Committee believes it 
essential that a domestic standard should be set before 
approval of any international standard that will or could 
ultimately be applied to U.S. insurers. Finally, the Committee 
reminds those Federal agencies party to IAIS or FSB 
negotiations to not support consolidated group-wide insurance 
capital standards for domestically-chartered internationally 
active insurance groups that are inconsistent with current 
state-based insurance standards, which are designed solely for 
the protection of the policyholder.
    Community Banks.--The Committee is very interested in the 
Treasury's efforts to collaborate with community banks that 
have less than $10 billion in total assets on relevant 
legislative and regulatory policy making decisions. The 
Department is directed to submit a report to the Committees on 
Appropriations of the House and Senate within 120 days of 
enactment of this Act detailing these efforts, as well as 
efforts to hire employees with a background and understanding 
of community banking.
    Basel Standards.--The Committee is concerned that the U.S. 
prudential regulators have inappropriately applied several 
standards developed by the Basel Committee on Bank Supervision 
(Basel), which are explicitly designed for only the most 
internationally active, globally systemic, and highly complex 
banking organizations to less complex organizations, like 
regional banking organizations, which have only limited foreign 
exposure and do not pose a threat to the U.S. or global 
financial system. The Committee encourages Treasury and other 
prudential regulators to reexamine the impact of certain 
liquidity and capital standards as they apply to U.S. regional 
banks and other less complex organizations.
    Financial Technology.--The Committee recognizes the growing 
importance of innovative technology to enable a safe, secure, 
and efficient financial services system. Protecting our 
citizens' information during payment processing and financial 
transactions is a critical priority. The United States 
continues to be the world leader in this sector and has the 
opportunity to expand its global footprint considerably if 
there is a workforce strategy in place to meet the needs of the 
global economy.
    Financial Transactions.--The Committee encourages the 
Department of the Treasury to work with Federal bank 
regulators, financial institutions, and money service 
businesses to ensure that legitimate financial transactions 
move freely and globally. The Committee directs the Department 
to submit a report to the Committees on Appropriations of the 
House and Senate on the how to ensure the appropriate flow of 
legitimate financial transactions not later than 90 days after 
enactment of this Act.
    Puerto Rico.--The Committee encourages the Department to 
provide technical assistance to Puerto Rico on stabilizing and 
strengthening public financial management and financial 
management systems.

             OFFICE OF TERRORISM AND FINANCIAL INTELLIGENCE

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................      $112,500,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016*.....................       109,609,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       116,000,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................        +3,500,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................        +6,391,000
 
*Funding for the Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence was
  requested within the Departmental Office heading.

    Economic and trade sanctions issued and enforced by the 
Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence's (TFI) Office 
of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) protect the financial system 
from being polluted with criminal and illicit activities and 
counteract national security threats from drug lords, 
terrorists, weapons of mass destruction proliferators, and 
rogue nations, among others. In addition to the enforcement of 
sanctions, TFI also produces vital analysis with regards to 
foreign intelligence and counterintelligence across all 
elements of the national security community.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $116,000,000 
for the Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence to carry 
out its central role in detecting and defeating security 
threats. The recommended level is $6,391,000 above the amount 
requested for these activities within ``Departmental Offices, 
Salaries and Expenses'' in fiscal year 2016 and $3,500,000 
above the fiscal year 2015 level. The Committee expects these 
additional funds to be used to strengthen the development and 
enforcement of sanction programs.
    Iran Sanctions Act.--The Committee directs the Department 
of the Treasury to post online and disseminate publicly those 
companies that are not compliant with the Iran Sanctions Act as 
well as any foreign entities doing business with the Iran 
Revolutionary Guard Corps.
    Enforcement of General Licenses.--General licenses are 
available to the public, provided that they meet the terms and 
conditions required by each type of transaction that they 
choose to engage in. As with specific licenses, anyone who 
avails themselves to a general license must keep records for at 
least five years that are subject to examination (31 CFR 
501.601). The Committee directs OFAC to submit a report to the 
Committees on Appropriations of the House and Senate not less 
than 100 days after enactment of this Act about its policies 
and procedures to enforce general licenses, including the 
number of general licenses examined, the finding of these 
examinations, and sanction programs with the highest incidence 
of non-compliance.
    Mistaken Identity.--In the course of sanctions enforcement, 
OFAC and financial institutions may generate false positives. 
Innocent persons may find their bank accounts blocked or their 
application for credit denied because they share the same name 
as someone on the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked 
Persons List. OFAC has administrative procedures to remedy 
these false positives (31 CFR 501.806). The Committee directs 
OFAC to submit a report to the Committees on Appropriations of 
the House and Senate not less than 100 days after enactment of 
this Act about its efforts to make these administrative 
procedures widely known, the number of requests for releases 
due to mistaken identity, and the number of days to resolve 
these requests over the fiscal year 2010-2015 period.

                      OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................       $35,351,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................        35,416,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        35,416,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................           +65,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................             - - -
 

    The Office of Inspector General (OIG) provides agency-wide 
audit and investigative functions to identify and correct 
operational and administrative deficiencies that create 
conditions for fraud, waste, and mismanagement. The audit 
function provides contract, program, 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 an appropriation of $35,416,000 
for the OIG. The recommendation fully funds the cost of 
overseeing the Department's Resources and Ecosystems 
Sustainability, Tourism Opportunities, and Revived Economy of 
the Gulf Coast Act (RESTORE Act) activities.

           TREASURY INSPECTOR GENERAL FOR TAX ADMINISTRATION

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................      $158,210,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................       167,275,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       167,275,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................        +9,065,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................            - - -
 

    The Office of Treasury Inspector General for Tax 
Administration (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 an appropriation of $167,275,000 
for TIGTA. The Committee appreciates the many issues that TIGTA 
has brought to its attention and provides funding above the 
request to enhance TIGTA's oversight of IRS activities and use 
of appropriated funds.
    Cybersecurity.--Considering the widespread increase of 
cyberattacks on the federal government, the Committee is 
concerned with the potential damage such attack would have on 
the Internal Revenue Service. The Committee directs the TIGTA 
to submit a report to the Committees on Appropriations of the 
House and Senate not less than six months after enactment of 
this Act describing the cyber attacks and attempted cyber 
attacks against the agency and their consequences; the steps 
taken to prevent, mitigate or otherwise respond to such 
attacks; the cybersecurity policies and procedures in place, 
including policies about ensuring safe use of computer and 
mobile devices by individual employees; and a description of 
all outreach efforts undertaken to increase awareness among 
employees and contractors of cybersecurity risks.

    SPECIAL INSPECTOR GENERAL FOR THE TROUBLED ASSET RELIEF PROGRAM

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................       $34,234,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................        40,671,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        40,671,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................        +6,437,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................             - - -
 

    The Office of the Special Inspector General for the 
Troubled Asset Relief Program (SIGTARP) was established in the 
Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-
343). Its mission is to conduct, supervise, and coordinate 
audits and investigations of the purchase, management, and sale 
of assets by the Secretary of the Treasury under programs 
established pursuant to the Troubled Asset Relief Program 
(TARP).

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $40,671,000 
for fiscal year 2016.
    SIGTARP's operating expenses were initially funded with 
mandatory appropriations in the TARP. These funds, however, 
were provided in a limited amount. As such, every year the 
amount of remaining mandatory funds has been decreasing over 
time. In order to continue vigorous oversight of the 
outstanding TARP amounts, additional discretionary 
appropriations are provided. As TARP winds down, the Committee 
expects the request for discretionary appropriations in this 
account to also wind down in future years.

                  Financial Crimes Enforcement Network


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................      $112,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................       112,979,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       112,979,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................          +979,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................             - - -
 

    The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) is 
responsible for implementing Treasury's anti-money laundering 
regulations through administration of the Bank Secrecy Act 
(BSA). It also collects and analyzes 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.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $112,979,000 
for FinCEN. The recommended amount is intended to ensure 
FinCEN's information is accessible to the law enforcement and 
intelligence communities and to ensure FinCEN can respond to 
requests for assistance from law enforcement. The data compiled 
and analyzed by FinCEN is a critical tool for investigating, 
among other crimes, money laundering, mortgage fraud, drug 
cartels, and terrorist financing.
    Human Trafficking.--The Committee appreciates FinCEN's 
history of supporting law enforcement cases that combat human 
trafficking, including its 2014 Guidance on Recognizing 
Activity that May be Associated with Human Smuggling and Human 
Trafficking to financial institutions, and emphasizes the 
importance of continuing this effort as part of the bureau's 
broader mission to detect and disrupt all forms of financial 
crime. Wherever possible, FinCEN shall marshal its unique 
expertise in analyzing financial flows for this important 
effort in the course of ongoing strategic operations, such as 
the Southwest Border Initiative, and provide the appropriate 
assistance to law enforcement agencies in their human 
trafficking investigations.

                        Treasury Forfeiture Fund


                              (RESCISSION)

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................     -$769,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................      -875,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................      -721,000,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................       +48,000,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................      +154,000,000
 

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a rescission of $721,000,000 of 
unobligated balances in the Treasury Forfeiture Fund. The funds 
collected, disbursed and rescinded out of the Treasury 
Forfeiture Fund (the Fund) are incidental to law enforcement 
activities and priorities that led to the seizures and 
forfeitures. Disrupting and dismantling criminal organizations 
that pose the greatest threat to public safety and security is 
the highest priority of any law enforcement agency. The Fund 
can ensure resources are managed efficiently to cover the costs 
of an effective asset seizure and forfeiture program, including 
the costs of seizing, evaluating, inventorying, maintaining, 
protecting, advertising, forfeiting and disposing of property, 
but it must neither augment agency funding nor circumvent the 
appropriations process. Reliance on the Fund to offset the day-
to-day operations, or to pay for new activities, creates an 
incentive to pursue cases suspected of high valued forfeitures 
rather than to target individuals or organizations that 
perpetrate the worst crimes against society.
    The Committee directs the Department to submit to the 
Committees on Appropriations of the House and Senate a detailed 
table every month reporting the interest earned, forfeiture 
revenue collected, unobligated balances, recoveries, expenses 
to date, and expenses estimated for the remainder of the fiscal 
year.

                      Bureau of the Fiscal Service


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................      $348,184,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................       363,850,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       360,000,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................       +11,816,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................        -3,850,000
 

    The mission of the Bureau of the Fiscal Service is to 
promote the financial integrity and operational efficiency of 
the U.S. Government through accounting, borrowing, collections, 
payments, and shared services. The Fiscal Service is the 
Federal government's central financial agent. The Fiscal 
Service also develops and implements reliable and efficient 
financial methods and systems to operate the government's cash 
management, credit management, and debt collection programs in 
order to maintain government accounts and report on the status 
of the government's finances. In addition, the Fiscal Service 
is the primary agency for collecting Federal non-tax debt owed 
to the government, and 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 an appropriation of $360,000,000 
for fiscal year 2016. Of the funds provided, $4,210,000 is 
available until September 30, 2018, for information systems 
modernization.
    Within this appropriation, funding is included for 
USAspending.gov. The Committee expects the Fiscal Service to 
meet its transparency goals within USAspending.gov and will 
monitor progress in achieving government spending transparency.
    Judgment Fund.--The Committee appreciates Treasury's 
release of the fiscal year 2011, 2012, and 2013 annual reports 
regarding payments made by the Judgment Fund under 31 U.S.C. 
1304. The Committee directs the Department to issue the report 
required by Congress, within 60 days of enactment of this Act, 
for the 2014 fiscal year, and also a report covering payments 
made during fiscal year 2015 and directs that the reports 
include all judgment fund payments since 2008, unless the 
disclosure of such information is otherwise prohibited by law 
or court order. The report shall consist of: (1) the name of 
the plaintiff or claimant; (2) the name of the counsel for the 
plaintiff or claimant; (3) the name of the agency that 
submitted the claim; (4) a brief description of the facts that 
gave rise to the claim; and (5) the amount paid representing 
principal, attorney fees, and interest, if applicable.
    Do Not Pay Business Center.--The Committee supports the Do 
Not Pay Business Center's goal of preventing ineligible 
recipients from receiving payments or awards from the Federal 
Government. This program supports the implementation of the 
Improper Payments Elimination and Recovery Improvement Act of 
2012 (P.L. 112-248) which requires executive agencies to review 
all payments and awards before issuance. The Committee expects 
the Fiscal Service to sufficiently support the Do Not Pay 
Business Center within the Fiscal Service appropriation for 
fiscal year 2016.

                Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................      $100,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................       101,439,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       105,000,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................        +5,000,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................        +3,561,000
 

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

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $105,000,000 
for fiscal year 2016.
    Processing Time.--The Committee has included an additional 
$5,000,000 for TTB to accelerate processing times for formula 
and label applications. The Committee is concerned by the 
delays involved in securing basic label and formula approvals 
required under the Federal Alcohol Administration Act (FAA Act) 
and has directed additional funding to the agency for 
enforcement of the regulations under the FAA Act. The Committee 
directs the TTB to report to the Committees on Appropriations 
of the House and Senate, within 60 days of enactment of this 
Act, on how the additional funding will be used to create 
greater efficiencies in responding to the growing demand from 
stakeholders, as well as how improvements can be made in 
issuing clear and consistent regulations.
    Regulation Review.--The TTB has an important mission, 
especially with regard to reviewing and approving labels and 
formulas, enforcing unfair trade practices, and protecting 
consumers from counterfeit and unsafe products. The alcohol 
beverage industry has seen explosive growth in the last decade, 
and the Committee commends the TTB for taking the step of 
examining its existing code and searching for ways to 
modernize. The Committee is aware that TTB is endeavoring to 
examine Title 27, Chapter 1, Subchapter A, Part 4 Labeling and 
Advertising of Wine; Part 5 Labeling and Advertising of 
Distilled Spirits; and, Part 7 Labeling and Advertising of Malt 
Beverages. The Committee anticipates that the process will be 
thorough, expeditious, and result in significant advancements 
in order to keep up with modern technologies and markets. The 
Committee is aware that some of the regulations have not been 
updated since the repeal of Prohibition in 1933, and the 
Committee anticipates this as the launch of a sustained review 
and a full modernization of Title 27.

                           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.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a spending level for capital 
investments by the Mint for circulating coinage and protective 
services of $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2016.

   Community Development Financial Institutions Fund Program Account


 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................      $230,500,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................       233,523,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       233,523,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................        +3,023,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................             - - -
 

    The Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) 
Fund provides grants, loans, equity investments, and technical 
assistance, on a competitive basis, to new and existing CDFIs 
such as community development banks, community development 
credit unions, and housing and microenterprise loan funds. 
Recipients use the funds to support mortgages, small business 
and economic development lending in underserved and distressed 
neighborhoods and to support the availability of financial 
services in these neighborhoods. The CDFI Fund is also 
responsible for implementation of the New Markets Tax Credits.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $233,523,000 
for the CDFI Fund program. Of the amounts provided, 
$176,423,000 is for financial and technical assistance grants, 
$16,000,000 is for Native Initiatives, $18,000,000 for the Bank 
Enterprise Award Program, and $23,100,000 is for the 
administrative expenses for all programs.
    CDFIs in U.S. Insular Areas.--The Committee notes the 
absence of CDFIs serving American Samoa, Northern Mariana 
Islands and other U.S. insular areas and recommends that the 
CDFI Fund use its Capacity Building Initiative to expand 
service, to the extent practical, to these areas.

                        Internal Revenue Service

    The Committee recommends providing $10,106,609,000 for the 
IRS which is $838,391,000 below current level and 
$2,824,462,000 below the request. This recommendation would 
fund the IRS, in total, below their fiscal year 2004 level. 
Funding for the Taxpayer Service account, however, is an 
additional $75,000,000 higher than fiscal year 2015, raising 
funding for the Taxpayer Service account to $2,231,609,000, 
which is just $8,000,000 shy of its pre-sequestration funding 
level. These funds are set aside strictly for improving the 
level of customer service and should measurably improve the 
IRS' ability to address taxpayer needs.
    In addition, the Committee includes language to:
     Prohibit funds for IRS employee bonuses and awards 
that do not consider the conduct and tax compliance of such 
employees;
     Prohibit funds for hiring former IRS employees 
without considering the employees past conduct and tax 
compliance;
     Prohibit funds for targeting groups for regulatory 
scrutiny based on their ideological beliefs;
     Prohibit funds for targeting citizens for 
exercising their First Amendment rights;
     Prohibit funds for conferences that do not comply 
with the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration's 
recommendations regarding conferences;
     Prohibit funds for the production of videos that 
have not been reviewed for cost, topic, tone, and purpose and 
certified to be appropriate;
     Require a report on the amount of official time 
used by IRS employees;
     Prohibit the White House from ordering the IRS to 
determine the tax-exempt status of an organization;
     Require extensive reporting on IRS spending; and
     Provide TIGTA with a $9,065,000 increase to 
enhance its audit and investigative oversight of the IRS.
    The Committee remains troubled that the IRS would propose 
new regulations for determining the tax-exempt status of 
501(c)(4) organizations without the benefit of the findings and 
conclusions of multiple, on-going investigations. It is not 
evident what clarity these proposed regulations will provide 
when the root cause of the problem has yet to be determined. If 
the problem is poor management, as the IRS has asserted, then 
new divisions of duty, stronger lines of communication, and 
greater accountability of managers and executives is what is 
needed. Given these concerns, the Committee includes a funding 
prohibition to prevent the Department of the Treasury from 
implementing their proposed or revised regulation regarding the 
standards and definitions used to determine the tax exempt 
status of organizations under section 501(c)(4) of the Internal 
Revenue Code.
    A description of the Committee's recommendation by 
appropriation is provided below.

                           TAXPAYER SERVICES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................    $2,156,554,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................     2,408,803,000
Recommended in the bill...............................     2,231,609,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................       +75,055,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................      -177,194,000
 

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

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $2,231,609,000 
for Taxpayer Services, which is just $8 million below the 
account's pre-sequestration funding level. Within the amount 
provided, the Committee expects the IRS to fund sufficiently 
the Taxpayer Advocate Service. The Committee provides 
$75,055,000 above the fiscal year 2015 level for the strict use 
to improve customer service levels.
    Identity Theft.--Identity theft remains a persistent 
obstacle to accurate, fair, and efficient tax collection. 
Innocent taxpayers, who otherwise comply with their tax 
obligations, have their refunds delayed and are drawn 
unwittingly into the IRS examination process because their 
identity was stolen and misused. This problem is especially 
pernicious in the U.S. territories and possessions, where 
organized schemes fraudulently use the taxpayer identification 
numbers of territorial residents to obtain credits or refunds 
on tax returns filed with the United States, costing American 
taxpayers billions of dollars.
    The Committee requires a report, reviewed by the National 
Taxpayer Advocate and the Federal Trade Commission, from the 
IRS that covers the 2009-2015 period on: the number of 
taxpayers who have had their tax return rejected because their 
Social Security or taxpayer identification number was 
improperly used by another individual to commit tax fraud; the 
average time to resolve the situation and provide innocent 
taxpayers with their refund, when a refund is due; and the 
number of cases involving taxpayer identification numbers of 
residents of the territories. The report will also include a 
discussion on the effectiveness of IRS actions taken or plans 
to take to expedite resolution for these taxpayers, to prevent 
non-victims from becoming victims, to educate the public on the 
threat of identity theft, and to detect and prevent identity-
based tax fraud and actions. The Committee directs the IRS to 
submit the report to the Committees on Appropriations of the 
House and Senate by June 17, 2016.
    Earned Income Tax Credits.--The Committee appreciates the 
meeting the Commissioner convened with tax-preparation firms, 
payroll and tax refund processors, and state tax administrators 
to fight tax-refund fraud. The Committee believes a similar 
coordinated and comprehensive approach is needed to reduce 
erroneous Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC) and encourages the 
IRS to convene a similar summit in 2016 to develop strategies 
for establishing eligibility and credible claims without 
discouraging the participation of legitimate beneficiaries.
    Pre-Filled or ``Simple'' Tax Returns.--The Committee 
believes that converting a voluntary compliance system to a 
bill presentment model would represent a significant change in 
the relationship between taxpayers and their government. The 
simple return model would also strain IRS resources and the 
data retrieval systems required would create new burdens on 
employers, particularly small businesses. In addition, a 
fundamental conflict of interest seems to be inherent in the 
nation's tax collector and compliance enforcer taking on the 
simultaneous role of tax preparer and financial advisor. The 
Committee expects that the IRS will not begin work on a simple 
tax return pilot program or associated systems without first 
seeking specific authorization and appropriations from 
Congress, and should instead focus on helping Congress and the 
Administration achieve real tax simplification and reform.

                              ENFORCEMENT

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................    $4,860,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................     5,399,832,000
Recommended in the bill...............................     4,325,000,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................      -535,000,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................    -1,074,832,000
 

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

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $4,325,000,000 
for Enforcement. Of the funds provided, the Committee 
recommends not less than $57,493,000 to support IRS activities 
under the Interagency Crime and Drug Enforcement program. None 
of the funds requested for implementation of the Patient 
Protection and Affordable Care Act are provided.
    Regulation of Paid Preparers.--In February 2014, the Court 
of Appeals affirmed the District Court decision in Loving v. 
IRS that the IRS has no authority to regulate paid tax-return 
preparers. In June 2014, the IRS initiated a voluntary program 
with many of the same requirements of its defunct regulatory 
program. The Committee directs the IRS to submit to the 
Committees on Appropriations of the House and Senate not later 
than 120 days after enactment of this Act an evaluation, 
reviewed by the Government Accountability Office, of the 
accuracy of returns prepared by participants in the voluntary 
program for the 2015 tax season compared to accuracy of returns 
prepared by the same population of preparers prior to the 2015 
tax season, including improper payments; the cost of 
implementing and operating the voluntary program; the cost of 
implementing and operating a regulatory program; and the 
expected effect on accuracy as a result of a regulatory 
program, including improper payments.
    Informational Returns.--Taxpayers who claim a refund tend 
to file early in the tax season, whereas taxpayers who owe a 
tax liability tend to file towards the end of the tax season or 
for an extension. Consequently, the IRS has the least amount of 
information about taxpayers when the most claims for refunds 
are made, contributing to an unacceptably high improper payment 
rate. To that end, the Administration proposes accelerating the 
filing date of informational returns. The Committee directs the 
IRS to submit a report, reviewed by the Government 
Accountability Office, to the Committees on Appropriations of 
the House and Senate not later than 120 days after enactment of 
this Act, about the cost of adapting its systems to an earlier 
informational return filing date; the time it would take to 
make these adaptions, including testing; an estimate of the 
cost and time that the private sector needs to make 
corresponding adaptations to their systems and processes; and 
the estimated effect on accuracy.
    Identity Theft.--The Committee encourages the Department of 
Justice, Federal Trade Commission, and IRS to collaborate on 
joint efforts to prevent and reduce the incidence of tax-
related identity among vulnerable populations, especially 
senior citizens. The Committee encourages the IRS to notify 
taxpayers in timely fashion of when they are potential victims 
of identity theft.
    Guidelines for Pari-mutuel Winnings.--The Committee 
appreciates the Department of the Treasury's Proposed Rule 80 
FR 11600 regarding the filing of information returns to report 
winnings from bingo, keno, and slot machine play.
    Strengthening EITC Compliance.--The Committee supports the 
Department and IRS' to increase compliance with and the 
accuracy of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) program. The 
complexity of the EITC law makes it inherently difficult for 
families and individuals to avoid errors and inherently easy 
for criminals to make false claims. The Committee directs the 
Office of Tax Policy (OTP) and the IRS Office Research, 
Analysis and Statistics to conduct data-driven analysis to 
improve EITC compliance in collaboration with the tax 
preparation community. Successful analysis will identify 
solutions effective for both paid preparers and self-preparers, 
ensure ease of taxpayer understanding. The Committee directs 
OTP and IRS to submit a report to the Committees on 
Appropriations in the House and Senate not later than six 
months after enactment of this Act on meeting this goal.
    Favorable Determination Letters.--The Committee believes 
the Favorable Determination Letter program is a valuable and 
useful service, assuring administrators that they are operating 
employee plans in compliance with tax law.

                           OPERATIONS SUPPORT

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................    $3,638,446,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................     4,743,258,000
Recommended in the bill...............................     3,300,000,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................      -338,446,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................    -1,443,258,000
 

    The Operations Support appropriation provides for overall 
planning and direction of the IRS, including shared service 
support related to facilities services, rent payments, 
printing, postage, and security. Specific activities include 
headquarters management activities such as strategic planning, 
communications and liaison, finance, human resources, Equal 
Employment Opportunity and diversity, research, information 
technology, and telecommunications.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $3,300,000,000 
for Operations Support. None of the funds requested for 
implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care 
Act are provided.
    Printed Forms and Instructions.--The Committee encourages 
the IRS to continue to provide printed forms and instructions 
to vulnerable populations, especially rural communities where 
internet usage rates are below the national average.
    Official Time.--The Committee directs the IRS to submit a 
report to the Committees on Appropriations of the House and 
Senate not later than 90 days after enactment of this Act on 
(1) the number of official hours spent by IRS employees on 
union activities as contractually agreed to between the IRS and 
the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) in the National 
Agreement II, as authorized under 5 U.S.C. Sec. 7131(d) and on 
union activities other than as contractually agreed to between 
the IRS and the NTEU in the National Agreement II, as 
authorized under 5 U.S.C. Sec. 7131(a) and (c); and (2) the 
amount of travel expenses the IRS paid associated with 
employees' activities on official time under 5 U.S.C. 
Sec. 7131, including a summary of such activities, for fiscal 
year 2015.
    Obligations and Employment.--Not later than 45 days after 
the end of each quarter, the Internal Revenue Service shall 
submit reports on its activities to the House and the Senate 
Committees on Appropriations. The reports shall include 
information about the obligations made during the previous 
quarter by appropriation, object class, office, and activity; 
the estimated obligations for the remainder of the fiscal year 
by appropriation, object class, office, and activity; the 
number of full-time equivalents within each office during the 
previous quarter; and the estimated number of full-time 
equivalents within each office for the remainder of the fiscal 
year.
    Information Technology Reports.--The Committee directs the 
Government Accountability Office to review and provide an 
annual report to the Committees evaluating the cost and 
schedule of activities of all major IRS information technology 
projects for the year, with particular focus on the projects 
about which the IRS is submitting quarterly reports to the 
Committee.
    Identity Protection Personal Identification Numbers.--The 
Committee appreciates the IRS' Identity Protection Personal 
Identification Numbers (IP PIN) pilot program that is being 
conducted in Florida, Georgia, and the District of Columbia to 
prevent tax refund fraud by identity theft. The Committee 
directs the IRS to submit a detailed report to the Committees 
of Appropriations in the House and Senate not later than 120 
days after enactment of this Act on the effectiveness of the 
pilot program, the cost of expanding the program nationally and 
the estimated reduction in fraudulent tax refunds from a 
national program, and the current cost of assisting victims of 
tax refund fraud by identity theft.
    Addressing Fraud and Filing Errors in Refundable Credit 
Programs.--In an effort to reduce intentional fraud and 
unintentional filing errors in refundable credit programs 
intended to help taxpayers, minimize taxpayer burden and ensure 
the availability of high quality tax preparation, the 
Department of the Treasury is directed to develop revisions to 
tax forms and instructions to ensure that taxpayers who prepare 
their own returns provide key information regarding tax credit 
eligibility. The Department is also directed to review paid 
preparer due diligence requirements and administration of the 
requirements to ensure that filing burden among taxpayers using 
paid preparers is minimized while maintaining the accuracy of 
tax preparation.

                     BUSINESS SYSTEMS MODERNIZATION

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................      $290,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................       379,178,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       250,000,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................       -40,000,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................      -129,178,000
 

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

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $250,000,000 
for BSM.
    The funds provided under this heading were at watershed 
amounts in recent years. While the Committee understands that 
IRS is building capabilities into the CADE2 system, such as 
linking historical returns with current returns and building a 
single interest and penalty calculator, the major costs of 
development and implementation are complete. The Committee 
expects funding requests to decline as the IRS realizes savings 
from retiring legacy systems and resumes funding levels closer 
to their historical average.
    Information Technology Reports.--The Committee directs the 
Government Accountability Office to review and provide an 
annual report to the Committees evaluating the cost and 
schedule of activities of all major IRS information technology 
projects for the year, with particular focus on the projects 
about which the IRS is submitting quarterly reports to the 
Committee.

          Administrative Provisions--Internal Revenue Service


                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

    Section 101. The Committee continues a provision that 
allows for the transfer of five percent of any appropriation 
made available to the IRS to any other IRS appropriation, upon 
the advance approval of the Committees on Appropriations of the 
House and Senate.
    Section 102. The Committee continues a provision that 
requires the IRS to maintain a training program to include 
taxpayer rights, dealing courteously with taxpayers, cross-
cultural relations, and the impartial application of tax law.
    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 and protect taxpayers against identity theft.
    Section 104. The Committee continues a provision that makes 
funds available for improved facilities and increased staffing 
to provide efficient and effective 1 800 number help line 
service for taxpayers.
    Section 105. The Committee continues a provision requiring 
videos produced by the IRS to be approved in advance by the 
Service-Wide Video Editorial Board.
    Section 106. The Committee continues a provision that 
requires the IRS to notify employers of any address change 
related to employment tax payments.
    Section 107. The Committee continues a provision that 
prohibits the IRS from targeting U.S. citizens for exercising 
their First Amendment rights.
    Section 108. The Committee continues a provision that 
prohibits the IRS from targeting groups based on their 
ideological beliefs.
    Section 109. The Committee continues a provision that 
requires the IRS to comply with procedures and policies on 
conference spending as recommended by the Treasury Inspector 
General for Tax Administration.
    Section 110. The Committee includes a new provision that 
prohibits funds made available in the healthcare reform act to 
the Department of Health and Human Services from being 
transferred to the IRS for implementing the healthcare reform 
act.
    Section 111. The Committee includes a new provision that 
prohibits funds from being used to implement the individual 
mandate of the Affordable Care Act.
    Section 112. The Committee includes a new provision that 
prohibits funds for giving bonuses to employees or hiring 
former employees without considering conduct and compliance 
with Federal tax law.
    Section 113. The Committee includes a new provision that 
prohibits funds to violate the confidentiality of tax returns.
    Section 114. The Committee includes a new provision that 
prohibits funds for pre-populated returns.

         Administrative Provisions--Department of the Treasury


                     (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

    Section 115. The Committee continues a provision that 
authorizes the Department to purchase uniforms, insurance for 
motor vehicles that are overseas, and motor vehicles that are 
overseas without regard to the general purchase price 
limitations; to enter into contracts with the State Department 
for health and medical services for Treasury employees who are 
overseas; and to hire experts or consultants.
    Section 116. The Committee continues a provision, with 
modification, that authorizes transfers, up to two percent, 
between ``Departmental Offices--Salaries and Expenses'', 
``Office of Inspector General'', ``Special Inspector General 
for the Troubled Asset Relief Program'', ``Financial Crimes 
Enforcement Network'', ``Bureau of the Fiscal Service'', 
``Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau'', and ``Community 
Development Financial Institutions Program Fund'' 
appropriations under certain circumstances.
    Section 117. The Committee continues a provision that 
authorizes transfers, up to two percent, between the Internal 
Revenue Service and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax 
Administration under certain circumstances.
    Section 118. The Committee continues a provision that 
prohibits the Department of the Treasury from undertaking a 
redesign of the one dollar Federal Reserve note.
    Section 119. The Committee includes a provision that 
provides for transfers from the Bureau of the Fiscal Service to 
the Debt Collection Fund as necessary for the purposes of debt 
collection.
    Section 120. The Committee continues a provision that 
requires congressional approval for the construction and 
operation of a museum by the United States Mint.
    Section 121. The Committee continues a provision 
prohibiting funds in this or any other Act from being used to 
merge the United States Mint and the Bureau of Engraving and 
Printing without the approval of the House and Senate 
committees of jurisdiction.
    Section 122. The Committee continues a provision deeming 
that funds for the Department of the Treasury's intelligence-
related activities are specifically authorized in fiscal year 
2016 until enactment of the Intelligence Authorization Act for 
fiscal year 2016.
    Section 123. The Committee continues a provision permitting 
the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to use $5,000 from the 
Industrial Revolving Fund for reception and representation 
expenses.
    Section 124. The Committee continues a provision that 
requires the Department to submit a capital investment plan.
    Section 125. The Committee continues a provision that 
requires quarterly reports of the Office of Financial Research 
(OFR) and Office of Financial Stability.
    Section 126. The Committee includes a new provision that 
limits the fees available for obligation by the OFR to the 
amount provided in appropriations acts beginning in fiscal year 
2017. The Committee believes that the activities of OFR should 
be subject to the annual review of Congress.
    Section 127. The Committee continues a provision that 
requires a report on the Department's Franchise Fund.
    Section 128. The Committee includes a new provision that 
requires the Department to submit a report on economic warfare 
and financial terrorism.
    Section 129. The Committee includes a new provision that 
prohibits the Department from finalizing any regulation related 
to the standards used to determine the tax-exempt status of a 
501(c)(4) organization.
    Section 130. The Committee includes a new provision with 
respect to the so-called people-to-people category of travel. 
As set forth in title 31, section 515.565(b)(2) of the Code of 
Federal Regulations, this category of travel contravenes the 
explicit prohibition against tourist activities as provided in 
section 910(b) of the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export 
Enhancement Act of 2000 (TSRA). Furthermore, the stated purpose 
of people-to-people travel, which is to promote the Cuban 
people's independence from Cuban authorities, cannot be 
accomplished through itineraries that mainly feature 
interactions with representatives of a dictatorship that 
actively oppresses the Cuban people, nor can it be accomplished 
through itineraries that do not require meetings with pro-
democracy activists or independent members of Cuban civil 
society.
    Section 131. The Committee includes a new provision to 
prohibit funds to approve, license, facilitate, authorize, or 
otherwise allow the importation of property confiscated by the 
Cuban Government.
    Section 132. The Committee includes a new provision to 
prohibit funds to approve, license, facilitate, authorize, or 
otherwise allow any financial transactions with the Cuban 
military or intelligence service. This section does not apply 
to exports permitted under the Trade Sanctions Reform and 
Export Enhancement Act of 2000 or to financial transactions 
necessary for the maintenance and improvement of the military 
base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
    Section 133. The Committee includes a new provision that 
prohibits the Department from enforcing guidance for U.S. 
positions on multilateral development banks which engage with 
developing countries on coal-fired power generation.
    Section 134. The Committee includes a new provision 
requiring the Office of Financial Research to provide public 
notice of not less than 90 days before issuing a rule, report, 
or regulation.
    Section 135. The Committee includes a new provision to 
prohibit funds for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to 
determine that a church is not exempt from taxation for 
participating in, or intervening in, any political campaign on 
behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidates for public 
office unless the IRS Commissioner consents to such 
determination, the Commissioner notifies the tax committees of 
Congress, and the determination is effective 90 days after such 
notification.

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

    Funds appropriated in this title provide for the staff and 
operations of the White House, along with other organizations 
within the Executive Office of the President (EOP), which 
formulate and coordinate policy on behalf of the President, 
such as the National Security Council and the Office of 
Management and Budget. The title also includes funding for the 
Office of National Drug Control Policy and certain expenses of 
the Vice President.
    Interagency Hostage Recovery Coordinator.--The Committee 
believes that securing the release of United States persons who 
are hostages of hostile groups abroad is of paramount 
importance. The complex nature of hostage situations requires 
more effective interagency coordination and clear lines of 
authority. The Committee notes that the President has ordered a 
review of how the United States government responds to 
Americans held hostage abroad--without altering U.S. policy of 
``no concessions'' to hostile groups. The Committee strongly 
believes this review should include an evaluation of whether 
the creation of a single interagency hostage recovery 
coordinator would improve the chain of command, limit 
jurisdiction disputes, and ensure effective use of government 
resources in hostage recovery efforts. The Committee directs 
the President to transmit the findings of this review, 
including the evaluation of an interagency coordinator, to the 
Committees on Appropriations and the Committees on Foreign 
Affairs in the House and Senate within six months of enactment 
of this Act.

                            The White House


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................       $55,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................        55,214,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        55,000,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................             - - -
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................          -214,000
 

    The White House Salaries and Expenses account supports 
staff and administrative services necessary for the direct 
support of the President.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $55,000,000 
for the White House.

                 Executive Residence at the White House


                           OPERATING EXPENSES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................       $12,700,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................        12,723,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        12,700,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................             - - -
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................           -23,000
 

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

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $12,700,000 
for the Operating Expenses of the Executive Residence. The bill 
continues the same restrictions on reimbursable expenses for 
use of the Executive Residence as were included in past years.

                   White House Repair and Restoration


 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................          $625,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................           750,000
Recommended in the bill...............................           625,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................             - - -
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................          -125,000
 

    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 $625,000 for 
White House Repair and Restoration.

                      Council of Economic Advisers


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................        $4,184,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................         4,201,000
Recommended in the bill...............................         4,184,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................             - - -
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................           -17,000
 

    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.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $4,184,000 for 
the Council of Economic Advisers.

        National Security Council and Homeland Security Council


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................       $12,600,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................        13,069,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        12,600,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................             - - -
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................          -469,000
 

    The National Security Council and the Homeland Security 
Council have been combined to form the National Security Staff 
which advises and assists the President in the integration of 
domestic, foreign, military, intelligence, and economic aspects 
of national security policy, and serves as the principal means 
of coordinating executive departments and agencies in the 
development and implementation of national security and 
homeland security policies.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $12,600,000 
for the National Security Council and Homeland Security 
Council.

                        Office of Administration


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................      $111,300,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................        96,116,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        96,000,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................       -15,300,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................          -116,000
 

    The Office of Administration is responsible for providing 
administrative services to the Executive Office of the 
President. These services include financial, personnel, 
procurement, information technology, records management, and 
general office services.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $96,000,000 
for the Office of Administration. Of the recommended amount, 
not to exceed $7,994,000 is available until expended for 
modernization of the information technology infrastructure 
within the Executive Office of the President (EOP). The 
recommended reduction is the result of a proposed 
reorganization of Presidential information technology 
resources, which relocates the responsibility for maintenance 
of the EOP data center and data telecommunication networks.

                    Office of Management and Budget


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................       $91,750,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................        97,441,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        91,000,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................          -750,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................        -6,441,000
 

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

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $91,000,000 
for OMB. The recommendation also continues several long-
standing provisos, not requested by the President, limiting 
certain OMB activities.
    The recommendation provides sufficient funds for OMB to 
consult with and provide Congressional Committees with an 
appropriate number of printed and electronic copies of the 
President's fiscal year 2017 budget request, including 
documents such as the Appendix, Historical Tables, and 
Analytical Perspectives. The Committee believes that if the 
Administration wants the Congress to consider its proposed 
budget that it should provide the Congress with copies of the 
budget request.
    The Committee directs OMB to provide the Committees on 
Appropriations of the House and Senate with quarterly reports 
on personnel and obligations consisting of on-board staffing 
levels, estimated staffing levels by office for the remainder 
of the fiscal year, obligations by object class incurred to 
date, and estimated total obligations by object for the 
remainder of the fiscal year.
    The Committee believes that in some instances using 
transaction-based or no-cost contracting models for delivering 
or procuring information technology goods and services can save 
resources and increase efficiencies. The Committee believes 
that OMB should provide guidance to agencies on transaction-
based and no-cost funding models, including when it is 
appropriate to consider using these contract tools, how to 
calculate potential savings from their use, and standards and 
best practices for conducting their procurement. In fiscal 
years 2014 and 2015, the Committee directed OMB to report on 
the Federal government's use of transaction-based or no-cost 
funding models for procuring information technology goods and 
services. The Committee is appreciative of the reports 
exploration of benefits and efficiencies associated with the 
no-cost contract model and directs OMB to provide an updated 
report on activities related to transaction-based or no-cost 
funding models in fiscal year 2016, within 120 days after 
enactment of this Act.
    Consistent with the fiscal year 2016 Interior, Environment, 
and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, the Committee believes 
that the OIRA should not allow any regulations to be finalized 
using the Technical Support Document: Technical Update of the 
Social Cost of Carbon for Regulatory Impact Analysis Under 
Executive Order 12866, Interagency Working Group on Social Cost 
of Carbon, United States Government, May 2013 until a new 
working group is convened. The working group should include the 
relevant agencies and affected stakeholders, re-examine the 
social cost of carbon using the best available science, and 
revise the estimates using an accurate discount rate and 
domestic estimate in accordance with Executive Order 12866 and 
OMB Circular A-94. To increase transparency, the working group 
should solicit public comment prior to finalizing any updates.
    The Committee continues to strongly support the Office of 
the Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator (IPEC) and 
its important mission and directs that funds be made available 
for additional permanent staffing within the office to ensure 
it can carry out its statutory mission. The Committee 
recommends that IPEC continue promoting voluntary efforts among 
stakeholders to reduce online copyright infringement. IPEC is 
directed to report within 120 days of enactment of this Act on 
what meaningful, concrete preventive measures have been taken 
to implement the commitments made by numerous advertising 
stakeholders to reduce the flow of advertising revenue to 
operators of sites engaged in significant infringing activity.
    In the fiscal year 2015 Committee report, the Committee 
directed OMB to report on the implementation of Memorandum M 12 
12 that called for agencies to reduce travel expenses by 30 
percent compared to the fiscal year 2010 level and limit 
conference spending. The Committee looks forward to getting 
this report and evaluating the impact of this OMB policy. The 
Committee would like OMB to continue reporting on this travel 
policy. OMB is directed to submit a report to the Committee on 
Appropriations of the House and Senate no later than 120 days 
after enactment of this Act on whether agencies have complied 
with this memorandum during the previous fiscal year. The 
report shall identify the savings achieved by each agency, 
whether the 30 percent savings goal was achieved, and how or if 
the changes in travel and conference policies have impacted 
agencies' ability to perform mission critical activities. The 
report shall also include recommendations to improve upon OMB's 
travel policies. OMB shall ensure that agencies are 
implementing policies regarding travel, event, meeting or 
conference locations based on the most efficient use of 
taxpayer funds.
    The Committee believes OMB should work with agencies across 
the Federal government to ensure processes are in place to 
eliminate payments to deceased persons. OMB is directed to 
report to the Committees on Appropriations of the House and 
Senate within 120 days of enactment of this Act on how it is 
ensuring that agencies are not making improper payments to 
deceased individuals.
    In April 2011, the Administration issued Executive Order 
13571--Streamlining Service Delivery and Improving Customer 
Service. The Committee appreciates that the Administration has 
tried to improve customer service. However, more needs to be 
done to improve the services that the government provides 
whether it is citizens trying to use Healthcare.gov, taxpayers 
calling the Internal Revenue Service with questions, or Office 
of Personnel Management processing Federal employment 
retirement claims. The Committee directs that OMB provide, 
within 90 days of enactment of this Act, a report to the 
Committees on Appropriations of the House and Senate on the 
implementation of Executive Order 13571, the development of 
standards to improve customer service, and how these standards 
are incorporated into the performance plans required under 31 
U.S.C. 1115.
    In fiscal year 2014, the Committee directed that the head 
of each agency link its performance plans with their funding 
requests included in the President's budget request. While some 
progress was made on this effort in the fiscal year 2015 and 
2016 requests more needs to be done. Performance measures in 
future budget justifications should clearly demonstrate the 
extent to which performance reporting under 31 U.S.C. 1116 
demonstrates that prior year investments in programs, projects, 
and activities are tied to progress toward achieving 
performance and priority goals and include estimates for how 
proposed investments will contribute to additional progress. In 
particular, performance measures should examine outcome 
measures, output measures, efficiency measures and customer 
service measures as defined in 31 U.S.C. 1115(h). The Committee 
urges OMB to work with agencies to ensure that agency funding 
requests in fiscal year 2017 are directly linked to agency 
performance plans. The Committee directs OMB to report to the 
Committees on Appropriations of the House and Senate within 180 
days of enactment of this Act on its progress improving the use 
of performance measures in the Executive Branch's budgeting 
processes. The Committee remains supportive of the use of 
performance measures to gauge progress in the Executive 
Branch's Cross Agency Priority (CAP) Goals in the areas of 
cybersecurity, climate change, Insider Threat and Security 
Clearance, Job-creating investment, STEM Education, Service 
Members and Veterans Mental Health.
    The Committee encourages OMB to develop a central online 
repository where all Federal agency budgets and their 
respective justifications are publicly available in a 
consistent searchable, sortable, and machine readable format.

                 Office of National Drug Control Policy


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................       $22,647,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................        20,047,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        20,047,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................        -2,600,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................             - - -
 

    The Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) was 
established by the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988 and most 
recently reauthorized in 2006. The Office is the President's 
primary source of support for counter-drug policy development 
and program oversight. Its responsibilities include developing 
and updating a National Drug Control Strategy, developing a 
National Drug Control Budget, and coordinating and evaluating 
the implementation of Federal drug control activities. In 
addition, ONDCP manages several counter-drug programs which are 
discussed under the ``Federal Drug Control Programs''' heading 
below. These include the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas 
(HIDTA) program and Drug-Free Communities grants.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $20,047,000 
for ONDCP Salaries and Expenses. The Committee expects ONDCP to 
focus resources on the counter-drug policy development, 
coordination and evaluation functions which are the primary 
mission of the Office and the origins of its existence.
    The Appalachian region continues to be one of the hardest 
hit regions with some of the highest heroin and opioid overdose 
rates per capita. To the extent practicable, ONDCP should 
prioritize discretionary funds to aid States that have 
identified heroin addiction as an emergent threat and are 
developing community responses to combat heroin and opioids. 
ONDCP is directed to report to the Committees on Appropriations 
of the House and Senate within 90 days of enactment on how its 
programs are addressing these challenges.
    The Committee is aware of and recognizes the difficulty 
that small and rural law enforcement agencies face with regards 
to overtime compensation for participation in multi-agency drug 
task forces. The Committee expects the ONDCP to coordinate with 
small and rural law enforcement agencies and develop strategies 
to improve the effectiveness of drug eradication efforts 
through shared intelligence, technology, and manpower despite 
limited resources.

                     FEDERAL DRUG CONTROL PROGRAMS

             HIGH INTENSITY DRUG TRAFFICKING AREAS PROGRAM

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................      $245,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................       193,400,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       250,000,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................        +5,000,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................       +56,600,000
 

    The High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Program 
provides resources to Federal and State, local, and tribal 
agencies in designated HIDTAs to combat the production, 
transportation and distribution of illegal drugs; to seize 
assets derived from drug trafficking; to address violence in 
drug-plagued communities; and to disrupt the drug marketplace.
    Currently, 28 HIDTAs operate in 45 States plus the District 
of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Each HIDTA is 
managed by an Executive Board comprised of equal numbers of 
Federal, State, local or tribal officials. Each HIDTA Executive 
Board is responsible for designing and implementing initiatives 
for the specific drug trafficking threats in its region. 
Intelligence and information sharing are key elements of all 
HIDTA programs.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $250,000,000 
for the HIDTA Program. The Committee believes that the HIDTA 
program has demonstrated its effectiveness and can serve as an 
important tool in combating problems of drug trafficking and 
drug-related violence.
    The Committee includes language requiring that existing 
HIDTAs receive funding at least equal to the fiscal year 2015 
level unless the Director submits a justification for doing 
otherwise to the Committees on Appropriations, based on clearly 
articulated priorities and published performance measures.
    The recommendation includes language directing ONDCP to 
notify the Committees on Appropriations of the initial 
allocation of HIDTA funds no later than 45 days after 
enactment, and to notify the Committees of the proposed use of 
discretionary funds no later than 90 days after enactment. The 
language directs the ONDCP Director to work in consultation 
with the HIDTA Directors in determining the uses of that 
discretionary funding.
    Finally, the Committee recommendation specifies that up to 
$2,700,000 may be used for auditing services and related 
activities.

                  OTHER FEDERAL DRUG CONTROL PROGRAMS

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................      $107,150,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................        95,436,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       109,310,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................        +2,160,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................       +13,874,000
 

    This account supports a variety of other drug control 
activities managed or undertaken by ONDCP.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $109,310,000 
for Other Federal Drug Control Programs. The recommended level 
for fiscal year 2016 is distributed among specific programs and 
activities as follows:

 
 
 
Drug-Free Communities.................................       $95,000,000
  (Training...........................................        2,000,000)
Anti-Doping activities................................         9,000,000
World Anti-Doping Agency dues.........................         2,060,000
Discretionary grants..................................         3,250,000
 

    Within the total for the account, the Committee recommends 
$95,000,000 for the Drug-Free Communities program. This program 
makes grants of up to $125,000 per year to support local 
coalitions to develop and implement community-based plans to 
reduce drug abuse among youth. These coalitions are required to 
include participants from a wide range of interests, including 
local government agencies, schools, the media, service 
organizations, law enforcement, parents, youth, and the 
business community. Local matching contributions are required. 
Grants are awarded on a competitive basis, and may be renewed 
for up to five years, after which time the coalition must 
compete again for any further funding.
    Within this account, the Committee recommends $9,000,000 
for anti-doping activities. Anti-doping activities support 
athlete drug testing programs, research initiatives, 
educational programs, and enforce compliance with the World 
Anti-Doping Code. In addition, the Committee recommends 
$2,060,000 for the United States membership dues to the World 
Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). WADA is the international agency 
created to promote, coordinate, and monitor efforts against 
doping and illicit drug use in sport on a global basis.
    Additionally, the Committee includes $2,000,000 for drug 
court training and technical assistance and $1,250,000 for 
assistance to States in implementing effective drug laws. All 
funds under this heading are to be awarded under a competitive 
process.

              Information Technology Oversight and Reform


                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................       $20,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................        35,200,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        20,000,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................             - - -
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................       -15,200,000
 

    These funds support efforts to make the Federal 
Government's investments in information technology (IT) more 
efficient, secure and effective.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $20,000,000. 
The Committee appreciates OMB's efforts to improve program and 
contract management of information technology investments as 
well as the Administration's efforts to utilize cloud computing 
and consolidate data centers. The Committee understands that 
these efforts have saved over $3.06 billion since this 
appropriation was first enacted. However, failures, such as the 
launch of Healthcare.gov, in the development of information 
technology systems historically have been pervasive throughout 
the Federal government. The Committee expects OMB to improve 
the processes used to develop information technology systems. 
Using information technology to engage citizens can be a 
powerful and efficient tool but only if the systems work and 
citizens have confidence in them. Language is continued in the 
bill requiring the submission of quarterly reports on savings 
this program identifies by fiscal year, agency and 
appropriation.

                  Special Assistance to the President


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................        $4,211,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................         4,228,000
Recommended in the bill...............................         4,211,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................             - - -
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................           -17,000
 

    These funds support the executive functions of the Office 
of the Vice President.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $4,211,000 for 
the Office of the Vice President.

                Official Residence of the Vice President


                           OPERATING EXPENSES

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................          $299,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................           299,000
Recommended in the bill...............................           299,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................             - - -
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................             - - -
 

    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 $299,000 for 
the Operating Expenses of the Vice President's residence.

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


                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

    Section 201. The Committee includes language permitting the 
transfer of not to exceed ten percent of funds between various 
accounts within the Executive Office of the President, with 
advance approval of the Committees on Appropriations. The 
amount of an appropriation shall not be increased by more than 
50 percent.
    Section 202. The Committee continues language requiring the 
Director of the Office of Management and Budget to report on 
the costs of implementing the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and 
Consumer Protection Act (Public Law 111-203).
    Section 203. The Committee includes language requiring the 
Director of the Office of Management and Budget to include a 
statement of budgetary impact with any Executive Order or 
Presidential Memorandum issued during fiscal year 2016. The 
Committee believes the American people should understand the 
impact on costs and revenues when the President issues 
Executive Orders or Presidential Memorandums.
    Section 204. The Committee includes language prohibiting 
funds to prepare, sign or approve statements abrogating 
legislation passed by the House of Representatives and the 
Senate and signed by the President.
    Section 205. The Committee includes language prohibiting 
funds to prepare or implement Executive Orders or Presidential 
Memorandums in contravention of existing law.

                        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, 
probation and pretrial services officers, public defenders, 
court clerks, law clerks, and other supporting personnel, as 
well as security costs, information technology, and other 
expenses of the Federal Judiciary. The Committee recommends a 
total of $6,910,219,000 in discretionary funding for the 
Judiciary in fiscal year 2016.
    In addition to direct appropriations, the Judiciary 
collects various fees and has certain multiyear funding 
authorities. The Judiciary uses these non-appropriated funds to 
offset its direct appropriation requirements. Consistent with 
prior year practices and section 608 of this Act, the Committee 
expects the Judiciary to submit a financial plan, within 60 
days of enactment of this Act, allocating all sources of 
available funds including appropriations, fee collections, and 
carryover balances. This financial plan will be the baseline 
for purposes of reprogramming notification.
    The Judiciary is the General Services Administration's 
(GSA) second largest client in terms of space, with rent 
accounting for approximately 20 percent of the Judiciary's 
appropriation. The Committee appreciates efforts taken by the 
Judiciary to reduce rental costs and limit growth through 
several cost containment initiatives. The fiscal year 2015 
enacted bill provided $10,000,000 for an Integrated Workplace 
Initiative to reconfigure and reduce space. The Committee 
directs the Director of the Administrative Office of the United 
States Courts to report on the status of this initiative within 
90 days of enactment of this Act. The Committee expects the 
Judiciary to continue to take actions to reduce its space 
footprint and costs associated with rent. The Committee directs 
the Judicial Conference of the United States to provide the 
Committee with updates to its space management plan, detailing 
its efforts to reduce Judiciary space by fiscal year 2018.
    Improving the physical security at buildings occupied by 
the Judiciary and U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) and ensuring the 
integrity of the judicial process by providing secure 
facilities to conduct judicial business is a priority for the 
Committee. Under GSA's Federal Buildings Fund appropriation, 
the Committee recommends $20,000,000 for the Judiciary Capital 
Security program for alterations to improve physical security 
in buildings occupied by the Judiciary and USMS.

                   Supreme Court of the United States


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................       $74,967,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................        75,717,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        75,500,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................          +533,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................          -217,000
 

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $75,500,000 
for fiscal year 2016 for the salaries and expenses of personnel 
and the cost of operating the Supreme Court, excluding the care 
of the building and grounds. The Committee includes bill 
language making $2,000,000 available until expended for the 
purpose of making information technology investments. The 
Committee requests that the Court include an annual report with 
its budget justification materials, showing information 
technology carryover balances and describing expenditures made 
in the previous fiscal year and planned expenditures in the 
budget year.

                    CARE OF THE BUILDING AND GROUNDS

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................       $11,640,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................         9,953,000
Recommended in the bill...............................         9,953,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................        -1,687,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................             - - -
 

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $9,953,000 for 
fiscal year 2016, to remain available until expended, for 
personnel and other services relating to the structural and 
mechanical care of the Supreme Court building and grounds. The 
Architect of the Capitol has responsibility for these functions 
and supervises the use of this appropriation.

         United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................       $30,212,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................        30,841,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        30,300,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................           +88,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................          -541,000
 

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has exclusive 
national jurisdiction over a large number of diverse subject 
areas, including government contracts, patents, trademarks, 
Federal personnel, and veterans' benefits. The Committee 
recommends an appropriation of $30,300,000 for fiscal year 
2016.

               United States Court of International Trade


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................       $17,807,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................        18,145,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        18,000,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................          +193,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................          -145,000
 

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Court of International Trade has exclusive nationwide 
jurisdiction of civil actions against the United States and 
certain civil actions brought by the United States, arising out 
of import transactions and administration and enforcement of 
the Federal customs and international trade laws. The Committee 
recommends an appropriation of $18,000,000 for fiscal year 
2016.

    Courts of Appeals, District Courts, and Other Judicial Services


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015................           $4,846,818,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016...............            5,036,338,000
Recommended in the bill........................            4,998,000,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015..............             +151,182,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016.............              -38,338,000
 

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $4,998,000,000 
for the operations of the regional courts of appeals, district 
courts, bankruptcy courts, the Court of Federal Claims, and 
probation and pretrial services offices.

                 VACCINE INJURY COMPENSATION TRUST FUND

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................        $5,423,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................         6,045,000
Recommended in the bill...............................         6,000,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................          +577,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................           -45,000
 

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a reimbursement of $6,000,000 for 
fiscal year 2016 from the Vaccine Injury Compensation Trust 
Fund to cover expenses of the United States Court of Federal 
Claims associated with processing cases under the National 
Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986.

                           DEFENDER SERVICES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................    $1,016,499,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................     1,057,616,000
Recommended in the bill...............................     1,057,616,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................       +41,117,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................             - - -
 

                        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 for 
representation in criminal cases. The Committee recommends an 
appropriation of $1,057,616,000 for fiscal year 2016. The 
recommendation supports current services for the Defender 
Services account.
    The Committee is encouraged by recent progress made by the 
Judicial Conference in developing a long overdue review of the 
effectiveness of the federal defender program. The 
effectiveness of the federal defender program has not been 
formally reviewed since 1993 after Congress directed the 
Judicial Conference to conduct a study and report to Congress 
in the Judicial Improvements Act of 1990. The Committee is very 
interested in the results of the new federal defender study and 
requests that the Judicial Conference update the Committee on 
its progress within 60 days of enactment of this Act and submit 
the full report to the Committee upon completion.

                    FEES OF JURORS AND COMMISSIONERS

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................       $52,191,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................        52,411,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        48,400,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................        -3,791,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................        -4,011,000
 

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $48,400,000 
for payments to jurors and land commissioners for fiscal year 
2016.

                             COURT SECURITY

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................      $513,975,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................       542,390,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       537,000,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................       +23,025,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................        -5,390,000
 

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $537,000,000 
for Court Security in fiscal year 2016 to provide for necessary 
expenses of security and protective services in courtrooms and 
adjacent areas. The recommendation will provide for the highest 
priority security needs identified by the courts and the U.S. 
Marshals Service.

           Administrative Office of the United States Courts


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................       $84,399,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................        87,590,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        85,000,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................          +601,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................        -2,590,000
 

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    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 assist the courts to conduct business efficiently 
and economically, and in enhancing the use of information 
technology in the courts. The Committee recommends an 
appropriation of $85,000,000 for the AO for fiscal year 2016.

                        Federal Judicial Center


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................       $26,959,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................        27,679,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        27,250,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................          +291,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................          -429,000
 

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Federal Judicial Center (FJC) improves the management 
of Federal Judicial dockets and court administration through 
education for judges and staff, and research, evaluation, and 
planning assistance for the courts and the Judicial Conference. 
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $27,250,000 for 
the FJC for fiscal year 2016.

                  United States Sentencing Commission


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................       $16,894,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................        17,540,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        17,200,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................          +306,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................          -340,000
 

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The purpose of the Commission is to establish, review, and 
revise sentencing guidelines, policies, and practices for the 
Federal criminal justice system. The Commission is also 
required to monitor the operation of the guidelines and to 
identify and report necessary changes to the Congress. The 
Committee recommends $17,200,000 for the Commission for fiscal 
year 2016.

                Administrative Provisions--The Judiciary


                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

    Section 301. The Committee continues language to permit 
funds for salaries and expenses 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 five percent of any appropriation made available for 
fiscal year 2016 to be transferred between Judiciary 
appropriations provided that no appropriation shall be 
decreased by more than five percent or increased by more than 
ten percent by any such transfer except in certain 
circumstances. In addition, the language provides that any such 
transfer shall be treated as a reprogramming of funds under 
sections 604 and 608 of the accompanying bill and shall not be 
available for obligation or expenditure except in compliance 
with the procedures set forth in those sections.
    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 through 
fiscal year 2016 regarding the delegation of authority to the 
Judiciary for contracts for repairs of less than $100,000.
    Section 305. The Committee continues language to authorize 
a court security pilot program.
    Section 306. The Committee includes language requested by 
the Judicial Conference of the United States to extend 
temporary judgeships in the eastern district of Missouri, 
Kansas, Arizona, the northern district of Alabama, the central 
district of California, the western district of North Carolina, 
the southern district of Florida, New Mexico, and the eastern 
district of Texas.

                     TITLE IV--DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA


                             Federal Funds

    The Appropriations Committees have a special relationship 
with the District of Columbia that is unlike any other city in 
the country. For example, the Appropriations Committees are 
authorized by law to fund the court operations of the District 
of Columbia. Title IV of this Act provides a Federal payment 
totaling $595,094,000 for the cost of judges, court personnel, 
offender and defendant supervision, and defendant 
representation. Title IV also provides Federal Payments to 
District of Columbia programs in areas such as education and 
security. In addition, the United States Department of Justice 
provides hundreds of United States Attorneys and Deputy United 
States Marshals to prosecute local crimes and provide security 
for the D.C. Court system. The Federal Bureau of Prisons houses 
thousands of District of Columbia prisoners. Federal taxpayers 
do not fund similar activities for any other city.
    The Committee continues to consider a referendum providing 
local funds budget autonomy as an expression of the opinion of 
the District of Columbia residents without any authority to 
change or alter the existing relationship between Federal 
appropriations and the District. The Committee's position was 
affirmed by the Government Accountability Office in a January 
2014 opinion. Therefore, the bill appropriates local funds to 
the District of Columbia consistent with the Home Rule Act.
    The Committee includes language that provides the District 
with the authority to spend their local funds in the following 
fiscal year in the event of an absence in appropriations. This 
authority is continued in section 816 of this Act.

              FEDERAL PAYMENT FOR RESIDENT TUITION SUPPORT

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................       $30,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................        40,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        20,000,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................       -10,000,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................       -20,000,000
 

    The Resident Tuition Support program provides up to $10,000 
annually for undergraduate District students to attend eligible 
four-year public universities and colleges nationwide at in-
state tuition rates. Grants up to $2,500 per year are available 
for students to attend private institutions in the D.C. 
metropolitan area, private historically black colleges and 
universities nationwide, and public two-year community colleges 
nationwide.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a Federal payment of $20,000,000 
for the resident tuition support program. The Administration 
proposed authorizing language reducing the annual household 
income threshold for program eligibility to $450,000. The 
Committee does not include this language but notes that 
District of Columbia is already authorized to prioritize 
applications based on income. In addition, the District of 
Columbia can contribute local funds to this program if there is 
demand for the program beyond the available level of Federal 
funds.

   FEDERAL PAYMENT FOR EMERGENCY PLANNING AND SECURITY COSTS IN THE 
                          DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................       $12,500,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................        14,900,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        12,500,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................             - - -
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................        -2,400,000
 

    As the seat of the national government, the District of 
Columbia has a unique and significant responsibility for 
protecting the property and personnel of the Federal 
government. The Federal Payment for Emergency Planning and 
Security Costs is provided to help address the impact of the 
Federal presence on public safety in the District of Columbia.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a Federal payment of $12,500,000 
for emergency planning and security costs. The Committee notes 
that in recent fiscal years this appropriation has had large 
balances of unobligated funds carryover from one year to the 
next. The recommendation reduces the fiscal year 2016 
appropriation to account for the availability of prior-year 
balances.

           FEDERAL PAYMENT TO THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA COURTS

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................      $245,110,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................       274,401,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       259,100,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................       +13,990,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................       -15,301,000
 

    Under the National Capital Revitalization and Self-
Government Improvement Act of 1997, the Federal Government is 
required to finance the District of Columbia Courts. This 
Federal payment to the District of Columbia Courts funds the 
operations of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals, 
Superior Court, the Court System, and the Capital Improvement 
Program.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a Federal payment of $259,100,000 
for operation of the District of Columbia Courts. This amount 
includes $14,000,000 for the Court of Appeals; $123,000,000 for 
the Superior Court; $73,000,000 for the Court System; and 
$49,100,000 for capital improvements to courthouse facilities.
    The District of Columbia Courts are directed to provide 
quarterly expenditures, unobligated balances and staffing 
reports to the Committees on Appropriations of the House and 
Senate for all programs, to be submitted within 30 days after 
the end of each quarter.

   FEDERAL PAYMENT FOR DEFENDER SERVICES IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 
                                 COURTS

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................       $49,890,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................        49,890,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        49,890,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................             - - -
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................             - - -
 

    The District of Columbia Courts appoint and compensate 
attorneys to represent persons who are financially unable to 
obtain such representation.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $49,890,000 for Defender Services 
in the District of Columbia Courts. The District of Columbia 
Courts are directed to provide quarterly expenditure and 
unobligated balance reports to the Committees on Appropriations 
of the House and Senate, within 30 days after the end of each 
quarter.

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

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................      $234,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................       244,763,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       242,750,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2014.....................        +8,750,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2015....................        -2,013,000
 

    The Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) 
for the District of Columbia is an independent Federal agency 
created by the National Capital Revitalization and Self-
Government Improvement Act of 1997. CSOSA acquired the 
operational responsibilities for the former District agencies 
in charge of probation and parole, and houses the Pretrial 
Services Agency (PSA) for the District of Columbia within its 
framework.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a Federal payment of $242,750,000 
for the CSOSA. Of the amounts provided, $181,500,000 is for 
Community Supervision and Sex Offender Registration and 
$61,250,000 is for the PSA. The recommendation includes a 
multi-year funds provision for costs associated with the 
upcoming expiration of facility leases.
    The Director may accept and use gifts in the form of in-
kind contributions of the following: (1) space and hospitality 
to support offender and defendant programs; and (2) equipment, 
supplies, clothing, and professional development and vocational 
training that is necessary to sustain, education train 
offenders and defendants, including their dependent children.
    CSOSA is directed to provide a quarterly report on its 
expenditures, unobligated balances and staffing to the 
Committees on Appropriations of the House and Senate, to be 
submitted within 30 days after the end of each quarter.

  FEDERAL PAYMENT TO THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PUBLIC DEFENDER SERVICE

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................       $41,231,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................        40,889,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        40,889,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................          -342,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................             - - -
 

    The Public Defender Service (PDS) for the District of 
Columbia is an independent organization authorized by the 
National Capital Revitalization and Self-Government Improvement 
Act of 1997, whose purpose is to provide legal representation 
services within the District of Columbia justice system.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a Federal payment of $40,889,000 
for the PDS for the District of Columbia.

      FEDERAL PAYMENT TO THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE COORDINATING COUNCIL

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................        $1,900,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................         1,900,000
Recommended in the bill...............................         1,900,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................             - - -
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................             - - -
 

    The Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC) provides a 
forum for District of Columbia and Federal law enforcement to 
identify criminal justice issues and solutions, and improve the 
coordination of their efforts. In addition, the CJCC developed 
and maintains the Justice Integrated Information System which 
provides for the seamless sharing of information with Federal 
and local law enforcement.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a Federal payment of $1,900,000 to 
the CJCC.

                FEDERAL PAYMENT FOR JUDICIAL COMMISSIONS

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................          $565,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................           565,000
Recommended in the bill...............................           565,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................             - - -
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................             - - -
 

    This appropriation provides funding for the two judicial 
commissions. The first is the Judicial Nomination Commission 
(JNC), which recommends a panel of three candidates to the 
President for each judicial vacancy in the District of Columbia 
Court of Appeals and Superior Court. From the panel selected by 
the JNC, the President nominates a person for each vacancy and 
submits his or her name for confirmation to the Senate. The 
second commission is the Commission on Judicial Disabilities 
and Tenure (CJDT), which has jurisdiction over all judges of 
the Court of Appeals and Superior Court to determine whether a 
judge's conduct warrants disciplinary action and whether 
involuntary retirement of a judge for health reasons is 
warranted. In addition, the CJDT conducts evaluations of judges 
seeking reappointment and judges who retire and wish to 
continue service as a senior judge.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a Federal payment of $295,000 for 
the Commission on Judicial Disabilities and Tenure, and 
$270,000 for the Judicial Nomination Commission.

                 FEDERAL PAYMENT FOR SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................       $45,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................        43,200,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        45,000,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................             - - -
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................        +1,800,000
 

    The Scholarships for Opportunity and Results Act (SOAR) 
authorizes funds to be evenly divided between District of 
Columbia Public Schools, Public Charter Schools and Opportunity 
Scholarships.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a Federal payment of $45,000,000 
for school improvement. Based on the statutory funding formula, 
this will provide $15,000,000 for District of Columbia Public 
Schools, $15,000,000 for Public Charter Schools and $15,000,000 
for Opportunity Scholarships.
    The Committee includes bill language directing the 
Secretary of Education to provide opportunity scholarships to 
students using the criteria from section 3013(3) of the 
Scholarship for Opportunity and Results Act (SOAR), giving 
priority to those students described in section 3006(1). The 
Secretary shall use current and prior year balances to fund 
scholarships to students currently enrolled in the program and 
new students to the extent that funds are available. The 
Committee wants to ensure that all eligible students have the 
access to the program and that the Secretary of Education 
administers the program as authorized by the SOAR using funds 
provided by this and previous appropriations acts.
    The Administration proposed and the recommendation provides 
$3,200,000 for the administrative, parental assistance, student 
academic assistance, and evaluation costs of the opportunity 
scholarship program. The level of funding for these activities 
is above the levels authorized for these activities by SOAR. 
However, the Committee supports the Administration's request 
and believes that it is critical that additional funding be 
provided to effectively administer the program, to increase 
parental assistance and outreach, and to provide academic 
assistance to students.

      FEDERAL PAYMENT FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA NATIONAL GUARD

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................          $435,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................           435,000
Recommended in the bill...............................           435,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................             - - -
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................             - - -
 

    The Major General David F. Wherley, Jr. District of 
Columbia National Guard Retention and College Access Program to 
pay the costs of a tuition assistance program for guard 
members.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a Federal payment of $435,000 for 
the Major General David F. Wherley, Jr. District of Columbia 
National Guard Retention and College Access Program. The 
Committee acknowledges the unique role of the D.C. National 
Guard in addressing emergencies that may occur as a result of 
the presence of the Federal Government.

         FEDERAL PAYMENT FOR TESTING AND TREATMENT OF HIV/AIDS

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................        $5,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................         5,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................         5,000,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................             - - -
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................             - - -
 

    Currently, 2.4 percent of the population of the District of 
Columbia has been diagnosed with HIV. The World Health 
Organization defines an HIV epidemic as ``severe'' when the 
percent of infection among residents exceeds one percent.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommendation includes $5,000,000 for a 
Federal payment for testing and treatment of HIV/AIDS.

                       District of Columbia Funds

    This bill provides local funds for the operation of the 
District of Columbia as approved by the District of Columbia 
Council and the Mayor. The local budget proposed by the Mayor 
provides an appropriation of $12,947,957,000 for operations of 
the District of Columbia. This amount includes estimated 
funding of $7,741,111,000 of local funds, $2,137,419,039 in 
Medicaid payments, and the remainder from other Federal and 
local funds.

                     TITLE V--INDEPENDENT AGENCIES


             Administrative Conference of the United States


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................        $3,100,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................         3,207,000
Recommended in the bill...............................         3,100,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................             - - -
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................          -107,000
 

    The Administrative Conference of the United States (ACUS) 
is an independent agency that studies Federal administrative 
procedures and processes to recommend improvements to the 
President, Congress and other agencies.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $3,100,000 for ACUS for fiscal 
year 2016. The Committee directs ACUS to work with the Office 
of Management and Budget to review agency performance measures 
and ensure future budget justifications clearly demonstrate the 
extent to which performance reporting under 31 U.S.C. 1116 
demonstrates that prior year investments in programs, projects, 
and activities are tied to progress toward achieving 
performance and priority goals and include estimates for how 
proposed investments will contribute to additional progress.

                Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection


                       ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

    5-Member Commission.--The CFPB has oversight over a wide 
range of consumer financial products. As such, the CFPB's 
activities have the potential to significantly affect 
consumers' access to credit and the operations of both banks 
and non-banks. The Committee believes the Dodd-Frank Wall 
Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act provides inadequate 
checks on the CFPB's powers. The Committee's experience 
overseeing the Federal Communications Commission, the Federal 
Trade Commission, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the 
Consumer Product Safety Commission, and other Federal agencies 
with powers to protect consumers and investors leads the 
Committee to conclude that a five-member commission is more 
suitable for guiding the CFPB than a single director. A 
commission ensures that multiple disciplines, experiences, and 
perspectives are brought to bear on CFPB rules, policies, and 
enforcement actions. The appointment and removal process and 
staggered terms of commissioners can provide checks and 
balances to an agency's operations and priorities, as well as a 
measure of continuity that a single director cannot.
    Bureau Advisory Boards and Councils.--The Committee 
believes there is very little input from small businesses, 
credit unions and community banks in the Bureau's regulatory 
process and enforcement activities. Section 1014 of the Dodd-
Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act 
established a Consumer Advisory Board to advise and consult 
with the Bureau on emerging practices in the consumer financial 
products and services industry. However, there is no similar 
opportunity for small business owners and little input from 
credit unions and community banks. The Committee directs the 
Bureau to make permanent the Credit Union Advisory Council, the 
Community Bank Advisory Council, and to create a permanent 
Small Business Advisory Board. A permanent channel of clear, 
formal, and open, communication between Bureau staff and 
industry will produce better outcomes for consumers and small 
businesses through improved rulemaking.
    Regulatory Relief.--The Committee believes the Bureau has 
encumbered community banks and credit unions with regulatory 
burdens that are potentially duplicative. The Committee directs 
the Bureau to ensure its rulemakings and compliance 
requirements are not duplicative of those of other regulators 
and to work together with other regulators to ease burdens 
placed on community banks and credit unions.
    Payday Lending.--The Committee supports meaningful 
safeguards to prevent predatory lending practices in the payday 
lending market. However, the Committee believes the Bureau has 
not carefully balanced the regulatory framework with the need 
to provide consumers with access to a range of short term 
financial services products. In order to ensure viable credit 
options for all consumers, the Committee believes the Bureau 
needs to better engage all stakeholders, including current 
state payday lending agencies, in an open and transparent 
manner as the Bureau considers any proposed rules. The 
Committee expects the Bureau to base any regulatory framework 
on complete data and sound analysis, taking into consideration 
successful state models which have encouraged lending practices 
that are fair and transparent without restricting access to 
credit.
    Arbitration.--The Committee will continue to monitor the 
CFPB's activity with regard to pre-dispute arbitration. In the 
development of any rules or guidelines, the Committee expects 
the CFPB to consider arbitration as a valuable alternative to 
litigation for both consumers and companies. The Committee has 
included bill language that prohibits any funding to be used by 
the CFPB to restrict pre-dispute arbitration, including any 
rules or guidelines pursuant to section 1028(b) of Public Law 
111-203 (12 U.S.C. 5518(b)), until the CFPB fully complies with 
requirements regarding pre-dispute arbitration as outlined as 
follows. Prior to completion of the study and before 
preparation of the report to Congress, the Bureau shall issue a 
public notice identifying with specificity the topics that may 
be addressed in the report and soliciting public comment with 
respect to the appropriateness of addressing those topics, and 
any additional topics that should be addressed in the report. 
After considering the comments, the CFPB shall publish a notice 
identifying with specificity the topics that may be addressed 
in the report and soliciting public comment, including 
empirical data, regarding those topics. The deadline for filing 
comments shall be no earlier than ninety days after publication 
of the notice in the Federal Register. The topics addressed in 
the report shall also include the following: (A) how, for the 
kinds of disputes that most consumers are likely to have, the 
accessibility, cost, fairness, and efficiency of the process 
afforded by litigation compares to the accessibility, cost, 
fairness, and efficiency of the process afforded by pre-dispute 
arbitration; (B) the extent to which arbitration and litigation 
encourage companies to resolve disputes before their customers 
file formal claims; (C) whether consumers' use of arbitration 
is adversely affected by a lack of information and the steps 
that could be taken to better inform consumers about 
arbitration and to make arbitration more accessible to 
consumers; (D) the extent to which private class action 
proceedings on behalf of consumers regarding consumer financial 
products and services will provide net benefits to consumers in 
light of the CFPB's enforcement and examination authority; (E) 
the extent to which particular limitations or conditions on the 
use of pre-dispute arbitration will have the practical effect 
of eliminating pre-dispute arbitration; and (F) the impact on 
cost and availability of credit to consumers and small 
businesses of prohibiting or limiting pre-dispute arbitration.
  After it has adopted tentative conclusions, but before those 
conclusions have been finalized, the CFPB shall publish those 
conclusions together with sufficient supporting and explanatory 
information, and solicit public comment regarding the tentative 
conclusions. The deadline for filing comments shall be no 
earlier than forty-five days after publication of the tentative 
conclusions. The CFPB shall consider the public comments in 
formulating its final conclusions and shall explain in the 
report to Congress its reason for disagreeing with significant 
comments.
  In carrying out the study, the CFPB shall use a research 
process that includes peer review of the CFPB's methodology and 
findings by a diverse group of individuals with relevant 
expertise in quantitative and qualitative research methods from 
the private and public sectors. The Director of the CFPB shall 
select individuals whose expertise in research methods is 
unrelated to dispute resolution. The composition of the peer 
review panel shall be subject to the procedures for a 
rulemaking under section 553 of title 5, United States Code, 
including its procedures for notice and comment. No political 
appointee may participate on a peer review panel. The Director 
of the CFPB shall promulgate a conflict of interest policy that 
ensures public transparency and accountability, and requires 
full disclosure of any real or potential conflicts of interest 
on the parts of individuals that participate in the peer review 
process. The term ``political appointee'' means any individual 
who is employed in a position described in sections 5312 
through 5316 of title 5, United States Code (relating to the 
executive schedule); is a limited term appointee, limited 
emergency appointee, or non-career appointee in the Senior 
Executive Service, as defined under paragraphs (5), (6), and 
(7), respectively, of section 3132(a) of title 5, United States 
Code; is employed in a position in the executive branch of the 
Government of a confidential or policy-determining character 
under schedule C of subpart C of part 213 of title 5, Code of 
Federal Regulations; or is employed in a position described in 
section 1011(b) of Public Law 111-203 (12 U.S.C. 5491(b)).
  When the CFPB submits the report to Congress, the CFPB shall 
at the same time make publicly available a description of the 
peer review process, including an explanation of the peer 
review panel's conclusions about the CFPB's methodology and 
findings, sufficient to provide a basis for judicial review 
under section 706 of title 5, United States Code, of the 
report's conclusions to the extent the CFPB seeks to use them 
as the basis for a subsequent rulemaking under section 1028(b) 
of Public Law 111-203 (12 U.S.C. 5518(b)). Any notice of 
proposed rulemaking by the CFPB shall identify with specificity 
the empirical data supporting the proposal and invite 
submission of empirical data relevant to the proposal, in 
addition to other comments. The deadline for filing comments 
shall be no earlier than ninety days after publication of the 
notice in the Federal Register. In addition, in determining 
whether a prohibition or imposition of conditions or 
limitations on the use of an agreement between a covered person 
and a consumer for a consumer financial product or service 
providing for arbitration of any future dispute between the 
parties is in the public interest and for the protection of 
consumers, the CFPB shall consider the costs and benefits to 
consumers including: (1) the practical effect on consumers' 
access to low cost, fair, and efficient means of resolving 
claims for the types of injuries that consumers most often 
incur and that are less likely to be the subject of government 
enforcement actions; (2) the extent to which private class 
action proceedings on behalf of consumers regarding consumer 
financial products and services provide net benefits to 
consumers in light of the CFPB's enforcement and examination 
authority; (3) the practical effect of the proposed regulation 
on the availability of pre-dispute arbitration; and (4) the 
impact of the proposed regulation on the cost and availability 
of credit to consumers and small business. The CFPB shall not 
promulgate any rule unless it determines that the demonstrable 
benefits of the rule to consumers outweigh the costs to 
consumers, taking into account the factors enumerated just 
above and other relevant factors; and, the rule subjects pre-
dispute arbitration to no more regulation than is necessary to 
serve the public interest and protect consumers.
    Overdraft.--The Committee has concerns about the CFPB's 
approach to regulating overdraft protection. The CFPB has 
issued proposed rules that could potentially eliminate 
overdraft services as an option for banking services and 
products, including prepaid cards. The CFPB's proposed rule has 
the potential to adversely affect the access of millions of 
consumers to a basic financial protection service.
    Financial Literacy.--The Committee directs the CFPB, in 
consultation with the Financial Literacy and Education 
Commission, to report to the Committees on Appropriations of 
the House and Senate, not less than one year after enactment of 
this Act, on the feasibility of designating qualified 
institutions, like universities, State and local educational 
agencies, and qualified nonprofit agencies or financial 
institutions as centers of excellence to develop and implement 
effective financial literacy programs.
    The Committee includes the following provisions in the 
bill:
    Section 501. The Committee repeals the prohibition against 
the Committees on Appropriations reviewing transfers from the 
Federal Reserve System to the CFPB. Congress has a duty to 
examine and critique the activities of the CFPB, especially 
since its expenditures, like any other Federal agency, 
contribute to a growing Federal debt.
    Section 502. The Committee changes the CFPB's source of 
funding from transfers from the Federal Reserve System to 
annual appropriations beginning in fiscal year 2017. Under the 
Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, the 
CFPB can spend more than half a billion dollars without an 
annual review by Congress. The Committee believes the CFPB 
needs oversight as much as banks and nonbanks do and further 
reminds the CFPB to remain steadfast to its mission to promote 
fairness and transparency for mortgages, credit cards, and 
other consumer financial products and services and not to stray 
into consumer advocacy.
    Section 503. The Committee repeats a provision enacted in 
fiscal year 2015 that requires CFPB to notify the Committees on 
Appropriations of the House and Senate, the Committee on 
Financial Services of the House and the Committee on Banking, 
Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate of requests for a 
transfer of funds from the Federal Reserve System.
    Section 504. The Committee directs the CFPB to submit 
quarterly reports on its activities and to testify on its 
activities when requested. The report shall include, among 
other things, how the CFPB allocates its funds and staff.

                   Consumer Product Safety Commission


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................      $123,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................       129,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       122,000,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................        -1,000,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................        -7,000,000
 

    The Consumer Product Safety Act established the Consumer 
Product Safety Commission (CPSC), an independent Federal 
regulatory agency, to reduce the risk of injury associated with 
consumer products.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $122,000,000 
for the CPSC for fiscal year 2016. Within the amount provided 
under this heading, $700,000 is for CPSC to contract with the 
National Academy of Sciences and in consultation with the 
Secretary of Defense and the Administrator of the National 
Highway Traffic Safety Administration to study the vehicle 
handling requirements proposed by the Commission for 
recreational off-highway vehicles. The Committee directs CPSC 
to submit the report to the Committees on Appropriations of the 
House and Senate within 120 days of enactment of this Act.
    Test Burden Reduction.--The fiscal year 2015 enacted bill 
provided $1,000,000 for test burden reduction and directed CPSC 
to report to the Committee on its efforts to work with the 
regulated community and identify steps CPSC can take to reduce 
third-party testing costs while still assuring compliance. The 
Committee is disappointed by the limited scope of the 
Commission's report and its failure to make real strides 
towards tangible test burden reduction. The CPSC has identified 
a significant number of opportunities for test burden 
reduction, yet there continues to be no meaningful relief. The 
Committee provides another $1,000,000 in fiscal year 2016 for 
third-party test burden reduction and urges the Commission to 
take actionable steps to provide demonstrable relief from the 
burdens of third-party testing. The Committee directs the 
Commission to provide quarterly reports updating the Committees 
on Appropriations of the House and Senate on its efforts to 
reduce the costs of third-party testing, including any that the 
Commission has chosen not to pursue.
    Voluntary Recall.--As the agency with jurisdiction over 
tens of thousands of consumer products, the CPSC has the 
opportunity to leverage its resources and contacts within the 
manufacturing industry to help drive education campaigns 
related to proper use of consumer products. Through working 
with industry, voluntary recalls have been largely successful. 
This cooperative relationship with industry can help save lives 
and CPSC resources, which can then be devoted to product 
recalls and promulgating risk-based rules. The Committee is 
concerned about proposed changes to the voluntary recall system 
that would serve to negatively impact small businesses. The 
Committee opposes making unnecessary changes to a recall system 
that has worked well over the past 40 years, owing to a 
successful partnership between businesses and the Commission. 
To that end, the Committee prohibits funds to finalize, 
implement, or enforce the proposed rule on voluntary recalls.
    Public Disclosures of Information.--Section 6(b) of the 
Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA) requires CPSC to take 
reasonable steps to ensure that any disclosure of information 
relating to a consumer product safety incident is accurate and 
fair. This congressional mandate protects the consumer by 
facilitating voluntary reporting by companies on potential 
product hazards and defects, while also ensuring a timely and 
thorough investigation is done to determine an appropriate 
corrective action plan. Proposed changes relating to voluntary 
reporting under section 6(b) of CPSA threaten to undermine a 
successful partnership based on openness and trust between 
industry and the Commission. The Committee cautions the 
Commission about making changes to a process that has succeeded 
in both protecting the consumer against harm and protecting 
industry against inaccurate disclosures of information before 
an investigation has been completed. The Committee expects the 
Commission to work with industry and stakeholders on ensuring 
the process for disclosing information on potential product 
hazards and defects is both timely and accurate. The Committee 
prohibits funds to finalize, implement, or enforce the proposed 
rule on information disclosures under Section 6(b).
    Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Mandatory Standard Rule.--
The Committee is concerned about the Commission's move to 
pursue a rulemaking regarding Recreational Off-highway Vehicles 
(ROVs). The role of empirical data and science in rulemakings 
should not be diminished. Numerous groups, stakeholders, and 
Members of Congress have stated their concerns regarding the 
Commission's methods of evaluating data and ensuring an open 
and transparent process. CPSC has been repeatedly directed by 
Congress to engage with stakeholders and use the voluntary 
standard process to develop safety standards for ROVs. Yet it 
seems the Commission continues to disregard numerous calls to 
open the rulemaking process to greater technical engagement, in 
favor of pushing a mandatory rule. The Committee believes the 
Commission should incorporate further meaningful technical 
engagement with manufactures in its rulemaking.
    Import Safety.--The Committee remains supportive of the 
Import Safety initiative which places CPSC investigators at key 
ports of entry in order to stop defective products from 
entering the United States. The CPSC's coordination with U.S. 
Customs and Border Patrol is a cost effective and efficient use 
of CPSC resources and enforcement capabilities. The Committee 
believes resources in this area are being spent in a targeted 
and effective way and expects the CPSC to continue to devote 
resources to this program.
    Window Coverings.--The Committee continues to support the 
cooperative efforts of CPSC and the window coverings industry 
to educate consumers on window covering safety. The Committee 
encourages continued cooperation between CPSC and industry on 
developing voluntary standards for its products through the 
current voluntary standards setting process.
    Pool and Spa Safety.--The Committee commends the CPSC for 
continuing to provide resources for the national and grassroots 
``Pool Safety'' campaign, a safety information and education 
program designed to reduce child drownings and neardrowning 
injuries and maintain a zero fatality rate for drain 
entrapments. This multifaceted initiative includes consumer and 
industry education efforts, press events, partnerships, 
outreach, and advertising. In fiscal year 2014, the Committee 
provided $1,000,000 for the pool and spa safety grants program 
established by the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety 
Act. The Committee expects CPSC to expeditiously administer 
grant funding to eligible entities.

                     Election Assistance Commission


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................       $10,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................         9,600,000
Recommended in the bill...............................         4,800,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................        -5,200,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................        -4,800,000
 

    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.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $4,800,000 for 
the Salaries and Expenses of the EAC.
    The Committee strongly supports the successful 
administration of Federal elections and the Help America Vote 
Act (HAVA) of 2002. However, the Committee believes the EAC is 
no longer effectively carrying out its mandate. At present, one 
seat remains vacant and the agency has been operating without 
legislative authorization since 2005. Out of the over three 
billion in funds appropriated for HAVA grants since 2003, all 
but $5,463,932 has been distributed to the States, and for six 
years the Administration has not requested additional grant 
funding. With so few HAVA grants left to distribute, the work 
of the EAC consists of auditing HAVA grant money previously 
distributed, a task carried out by the EAC Inspector General, 
and examining new voting technologies, a task largely performed 
by the National Institute of Standards and Technology and 
private testing laboratories.
    In February 2013, rather than turn to the EAC, the 
President chose to form a new ad hoc commission to review and 
propose best practices related to concerns from the 2012 
elections regarding polling place wait times, and military and 
oversees voting.
    This Committee is not advocating doing away with the 
changes made to voting law in HAVA. Rather, the Committee 
believes these laws do not require an independent Federal 
agency. The Committee supports legislation that has been 
introduced in the 114th Congress and reported by the Committee 
on House Administration to terminate the EAC.

                   Federal Communications Commission


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................      $339,844,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................       388,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       314,844,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................       -25,000,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................       -73,156,000
 

    The mission of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) 
is to implement the Communications Act of 1934 and assure the 
availability of high quality communications services for all 
Americans.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $314,844,000 
for the Salaries and Expenses of the FCC for fiscal year 2016, 
all of which is to be derived from offsetting collections.
    The Committee recommendation includes bill language, 
similar to language included in previous Appropriations Acts, 
which allows: (1) up to $4,000 for official reception and 
representation expenses; (2) purchase and hire of motor 
vehicles; (3) special counsel fees; (4) collection of 
$314,844,000 in section 9 fees; (5) a prohibition on amounts 
collected in excess of $314,844,000 from being available for 
obligation; (6) a prohibition on remaining offsetting 
collections from prior years from being available for 
obligation; (7) a cap of $117,000,000 for the administration 
and implementation of incentive auctions, as required by P.L. 
112-96; and (8) provides not less than $12,253,600 for the 
Office of the Inspector General.
    Net Neutrality/Open Internet.--The Committee has 
purposefully kept funding for the FCC flat since fiscal year 
2012 in hopes that limited resources would encourage the agency 
to prioritize mission-critical work. Instead, the FCC has 
prioritized politically polarizing rulemakings at the expense 
of the important work the Commission has to do. This is a 
misguided use of congressionally appropriated funding. The U.S. 
has four times more capital investment in broadband, twice as 
much investment in mobile services, and more competition and 
access to high-speed networks than Europe. At a time when U.S. 
innovation, investment, and demand in this area is expanding, 
it is truly concerning that the FCC would act to limit both 
future investment and, potentially, consumer choice. With an 
increased level of competition in the marketplace, there should 
be less need for regulation. The internet has been an 
unparalleled catalyst for innovation, yet the FCC has voted to 
constrain and control something that has brought about 
innumerable technological advancements and American jobs. The 
Committee believes on an issue as important as this, it should 
be Congress who writes the rules for how to protect consumers 
and encourage innovation, not a five-member commission.
    The Committee has included Sections 628, 629, and 630 to 
address some of these concerns.
    Positive Train Control (PTC).--The Committee is aware of 
the FCC's efforts to expedite and approve PTC spectrum swaps or 
purchases, as well as historic preservation and environmental 
reviews, in order to accelerate the deployment of PTC on all 
U.S. rail lines. The deadline for PTC implementation is 
December 2015 and the Committee will continue to monitor this 
issue closely.
    Field Office Closures.--The Committee has received the 
Commission's response to the Committee's letter dated April 28, 
2015 regarding the closure of FCC field offices. The Committee 
will carefully review the revised proposal and will take the 
Commission's responses into account when considering any 
reprogramming. The Committee expects the Commission to maintain 
a reasonable presence across the U.S. to address harmful 
interference issues.
    Incentive Auction.--The Middle Class Tax Relief and Job 
Creation Act of 2012 (P.L. 112-96) authorized the FCC to 
conduct a voluntary broadcast incentive auction and Congress 
allocated $1.75 billion to reimburse the service and equipment 
costs of channel relocation incurred by the television 
broadcast industry, such as changes to antennas, transmitters, 
transmission lines, and towers. However, the FCC has adopted 
repacking rules that will almost certainly lead to far more 
broadcasters being repacked than Congress envisioned. Estimates 
have shown that the costs to broadcasters will be significantly 
more than originally estimated. In addition, the process by 
which channels will be relocated could take years. The 
Committee is concerned that broadcasters will be burdened with 
additional and excessive relocation costs due to the 
realignment of channels and spectrum during the incentive 
auction. This Committee has consistently supported the 
incentive auction and expects the FCC to continue to work 
toward its success. The Committee strongly encourages the FCC 
to continue to work with broadcasters to develop a reasonable 
framework for repacking to ensure a successful voluntary 
auction.
    Video Relay Service.--Video Relay Service (VRS) provides 
functionally equivalent telecommunication services to people 
who are deaf and hard-of-hearing. The Committee recognizes that 
the FCC has been working diligently with the disabled community 
and the Committee urges the FCC to continue its important work 
in continuing to help provide access to the hearing impaired 
community. The Committee is aware of the FCC's development of 
an outreach team to further address concerns from the signing 
community. However, the Committee believes the Commission needs 
to engage all VRS providers to ensure service standards and 
interoperability does not deteriorate due to the Commission's 
VRS rate reductions set by the 2013 VRS Reform Order. The 
Committee instructs the Commission to work with all VRS 
providers to increase the speed with which calls are answered, 
improve interoperability among providers, engage new service 
offerings, and improve the quality of services among all VRS 
providers. The Committee directs the FCC to report to the 
Committees on Appropriations of the House and Senate, the House 
Committee on Energy and Commerce, and the Senate Committee on 
Commerce, Science, and Transportation, within 60 days of 
enactment of this Act, outlining the steps the Commission will 
take to develop a market-based approach to a new compensation 
rate methodology over the fiscal year.
    Do Not Call Program.--The Committee is aware and closely 
monitoring the establishment of the FCC's ``Do Not Call'' 
program intended specifically to protect official law 
enforcement phone numbers. In setting up the database, the 
Committee strongly encourages the FCC to take into account not 
only cost, but also vendor experience in delivering similar 
programs for the defense, intelligence, and public safety 
communities.
    Auction Administration.--The Committee has been supportive 
of the FCC's administration of incentive auctions, as required 
by Public Law 112-96, and recognizes the substantial work 
associated with the implementation of these auctions. The 
Committee believes greater budget transparency is still needed 
in order to better understand how the use of these revenues 
fits into the Commission's overall budget request. In fiscal 
year 2015, the Committee directed the Commission to provide 
annually in the budget submission a detailed justification on 
how the Commission intends to spend these funds, including FTE 
levels and programmatic initiatives, to the Committees on 
Appropriations in the House and Senate. The Committee believes 
the disclosures of how auction administration funds are spent 
is an important part of its oversight of the Commission and 
expects the FCC to continue to include a detailed justification 
in its annual budget submission and to make the detailed report 
on the use of auction funds publically available on the 
Commission's website.
    Quadrennial Review of Media Ownership Rules.--The Committee 
is concerned that since the FCC started the 2014 Quadrennial 
Review last year there have been few signs of progress towards 
its completion. In previous reviews, the FCC has commissioned 
independent scholarly research, held public workshops, and 
hired outside experts to lead a review of the media industry. 
The Committee is disappointed to see that the Commission 
appears to have few plans to develop additional data or 
research. The Committee believes that this information is vital 
to the Review, and expects the Commission develop, announce, 
and fund a research agenda within 90 days of enactment of this 
Act. This will ensure that the 2014 Quadrennial Review can be 
completed on time and consistent with legal obligations.
    Ownership Diversity Data Collection.--The Committee is 
concerned that technological improvements already adopted by 
the Commission have not been directed toward improving the form 
323 ownership data collection. The failure to improve the form 
323 process is a burden on both broadcasters and the public. 
The Committee directs the Commission to improve the form 323 
data collection by the next collection date, including 
fulfilling the Commission's commitment to create a searchable, 
public database, and take actions to increase response rates.
    Broadband Access.--The Committee encourages the FCC to 
continue to allocate Universal Service Funds for broadband 
expansion through the Connect America Fund (CAF), especially in 
areas that could most benefit from increased job opportunities 
that can come from access to broadband.
    Territories.--The Committee is concerned about the 
disparity in access to broadband between the territories and 
the 50 states. The Committee encourages the Commission to 
implement policies that increase broadband access and adoption 
in the territories.

                 Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation


                    OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................       $34,568,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................        34,568,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        34,568,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................             - - -
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................             - - -
 

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

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $34,568,000 from the Deposit 
Insurance Fund and the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance 
Corporation (FSLIC) Resolution Fund to finance the OIG for 
fiscal year 2016.

                      Federal Election Commission


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................       $67,500,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................        76,119,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        76,119,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................        +8,619,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................             - - -
 

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

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $76,119,000 
for the Salaries and Expenses of the FEC.

                   Federal Labor Relations Authority


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................       $25,548,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................        26,550,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        26,550,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................        +1,002,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................             - - -
 

    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 staff support for the Foreign Service Impasse 
Disputes Panel and the Foreign Service Labor Relations Board.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $26,550,000 
for the FLRA for fiscal year 2016.

                        Federal Trade Commission


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................      $293,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................       309,206,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       302,500,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................        +9,500,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................        -6,706,000
 

    The mission of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is to 
enforce a variety of Federal antitrust and consumer protection 
laws. Appropriations for both the Antitrust Division of the 
Department of Justice and the Commission are partially financed 
by Hart-Scott-Rodino Act pre-merger filing fees. The 
Commission's appropriation is also partially offset by Do-Not-
Call registry fees.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $302,500,000 
for the Salaries and Expenses of the FTC for fiscal year 2016. 
The Congressional Budget Office estimates $124,000,000 of 
collections from Hart-Scott-Rodino premerger filing fees and 
$14,000,000 of collections from Do-Not-Call list fees will 
partially offset the appropriation requirement for this 
account.
    Competition and Consumer Harms.--The Committee is concerned 
certain market conditions create incentives for consumer 
deception within affiliate distribution networks that dominate 
the mobile consumer booking market and incentivize affiliates 
to engage in deceptive marketing practices that harm consumers. 
The Committee understands the FTC and Department of Justice 
antitrust divisions are considering the cumulative present and 
future anti-competitive implications of consolidation on 
consumers, including anti-competitive and deceptive consumer 
marketing. The Committee encourages the Commission to apply 
appropriate remedies in this area to protect consumers.
    Minority Consumer Protection.--The FTC has determined that 
African-Americans and Hispanics are the two most likely groups 
to become fraud victims in the U.S. and more than twice as 
likely than non-Hispanic whites to be fraud victims. While the 
Committee appreciates what the agency has done to date, the 
Committee believes that a comprehensive strategy is required to 
better address these issues. For that reason, the Committee 
directs the FTC, within 180 days of enactment of this Act, to 
submit to the Committees on Appropriations of the House and 
Senate a comprehensive strategy to reduce fraud in these 
communities--including recommendations on preventive 
strategies, effective law enforcement actions, and language-
accessible educational campaigns. The report should also 
include information regarding current educational and law 
enforcement efforts on this matter and their results should 
also be provided, and analyzed for what further steps need to 
be taken.
    Agency Overlap.--The creation of the Bureau of Consumer 
Financial Protection (CFPB) transferred some areas of consumer 
protection jurisdiction that were once the sole purview of the 
FTC to the CFPB. The Committee is aware of the Memorandum of 
Understanding signed by both the CFPB and the FTC and 
understands that the agencies consult on areas of common 
jurisdiction, such as debt collection. However, the Committee 
intends to continue to monitor this issue as duplicative 
efforts in regulatory rulemaking and enforcement activities 
waste agency resources, and could place unnecessary burdens on 
businesses, the economy, and the American taxpayer. The 
Committee expects the FTC to continue to ensure duplicative 
efforts on rulemakings are avoided before agency resources are 
wasted.

                    General Services Administration

    The Committee continues several reporting requirements for 
the General Services Administration (GSA) for fiscal year 2016.
    Takings and Exchanges.--Using existing statutory 
authorities, GSA has been working to dispose of properties that 
no longer meet the needs of Federal agencies in exchange for 
assets of like value. Some of these exchanges are very complex 
in nature and involve multi-year, multi-party, and multi-
billion dollar contracts. In addition, GSA also has the 
statutory authority to take properties. The Committee believes 
in some instances employing such authorities can result in 
savings to the taxpayer when appropriately executed and wants 
to be kept informed of these activities. In order to provide 
increased transparency for the use of these authorities, the 
Administrator is directed to report to the Committees on 
Appropriations of the House and Senate not later than 30 days 
after the end of each quarter on the use of these authorities. 
The report shall include a description of all takings and 
exchange actions that occurred during the most recently 
completed quarter of the fiscal year, including the costs, 
benefits, and risks for each action. The report shall also 
include the planned use of takings and exchange authorities 
during the remainder of the fiscal year, including the costs, 
benefits, and risks of each action.
    Spending Report.--Within 50 days after the end of each 
quarter, GSA shall submit spending reports to the Committees on 
Appropriations of the House and Senate. The reports shall 
include actual obligations incurred and estimated obligations 
for the remainder of the fiscal year for each appropriation in 
the Federal Buildings Fund and regular discretionary 
appropriations. The reports shall include obligations by object 
class, program, project and activity.
    State of the Portfolio.--Not later than 45 days after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit 
to the Committees on Appropriations of the House and Senate a 
report on the state of the Public Buildings Service's real 
estate portfolio for fiscal year 2015. The content included in 
the report shall be comparable to the tabular information 
provided in past State of the Portfolio reports, including, but 
not limited to, the number of leases; the number of buildings; 
amount of square feet, revenue, expenses by type, and vacant 
space; top customers by square feet and annual rent; completed 
new construction, completed major repairs and alternations, and 
disposals, in total and by region where appropriate.
    Activities Report.--The Committee directs GSA to submit a 
report no later than 120 days after the enactment of this Act 
regarding how it ensures an appropriate level of minority, 
women, and veteran owned firms' participation in its facilities 
and procurement activities.
    Alternative Financing Report.--The Committee encourages GSA 
to work collaboratively with the Office of Management and 
Budget, the Government Accountability Office, and other 
relevant Federal agencies, together with the appropriate 
Congressional committees, to explore the feasibility of 
employing new funding mechanisms to meet the need for new 
facilities. GSA shall report to the Appropriations Committee 
within 90 days after the enactment of this Act on their 
findings.
    Federal Supply Schedule Report.--The Committee recognizes 
there is great complexity in GSA's work in administering the 
Federal Supply Schedules. In order to provide greater clarity 
for vendors and Federal departments and agencies which rely on 
the Schedules, the Committee directs GSA to report to Congress 
outlining the methodology it uses to determine the values of 
the Schedule contracts within 120 days after the enactment of 
this Act.

                        REAL PROPERTY ACTIVITIES

                         FEDERAL BUILDINGS FUND

                 LIMITATIONS ON AVAILABILITY OF REVENUE

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

 
 
 
Limitations on Availability of Revenue:...............
Limitation on availability, fiscal year 2015..........    $9,238,310,000
Limitation on availability, budget request, fiscal        10,372,195,000
 year 2016............................................
Recommended in the bill...............................     8,435,055,000
Bill compared with:
  Availability limitation, fiscal year 2015...........      -803,255,000
  Availability limitation, fiscal year 2016 request...    -1,937,140,000
 

    The Federal Buildings Fund (FBF) finances the activities of 
the Public Buildings Service (PBS), 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.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a limitation on the availability 
of funds of $8,435,055,000 for the FBF.
    To carry out the purposes of the FBF, the revenues and 
collections deposited into the FBF shall be available for 
necessary expenses in the aggregate amount of $8,435,055,000 of 
which: $0 is for construction and acquisition, $675,000,000 is 
for repairs and alterations, $5,500,055,000 is for rental of 
space, and $2,260,000,000 is for building operations.
    Historically, prior to obligating funding for prospectus-
level construction, alterations or leases, the Administration 
has waited for the project to be authorized through a 
resolution approved by the Committee on Transportation and 
Infrastructure in the House and the Committee on Environment 
and Public Works in the Senate as required by title 40 of the 
United States Code and in accordance with the proviso included 
in the FBF appropriations limiting the obligation of funds to 
prospectus-level projects approved by the authorizing 
committees. The Committee supports this process and believes 
that prospectus-level projects warrant a thorough review from 
both the Appropriations Committee and the authorizing 
committees. The Committee expects the Administration to 
continue to follow this process.

                      CONSTRUCTION AND ACQUISITION

 
 
 
Limitations on Availability of Revenue:...............
Limitation on availability, fiscal year 2015..........      $509,670,000
Limitation on availability, budget request, fiscal         1,257,997,000
 year 2016............................................
Recommended in the bill...............................             - - -
Bill compared with:
  Availability limitation, fiscal year 2015...........      -509,670,000
  Availability limitation, fiscal year 2016 request...    -1,257,997,000
 

    The construction and acquisition fund finances the project 
cost of design, construction, and management and inspection 
costs of new Federal facilities.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a limitation of $0 for 
construction and acquisition. The Committee recognizes the 
importance of mitigating bird deaths due to collisions, and 
encourages the incorporation of bird safe materials and design 
features for each public building constructed, acquired, or 
altered by GSA.

                        REPAIRS AND ALTERATIONS

 
 
 
Limitations on Availability of Revenue:
Limitation on availability, fiscal year 2015..........      $818,160,000
Limitation on availability, budget request, fiscal         1,247,067,000
 year 2016............................................
Recommended in the bill...............................       675,000,000
Bill compared with:
  Availability limitation, fiscal year 2015...........      -143,160,000
  Availability limitation, fiscal year 2016 request...      -572,067,000
 

    The repairs and alterations activity funds the project cost 
of design, construction, management and inspection for the 
repair, alteration, and modernization of existing real estate 
assets in addition to various special programs.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a limitation of $675,000,000 to 
remain available until expended for repairs and alterations.
    Major Repairs and Alterations.--The Committee recommends 
$265,000,000 for repairs and alterations projects that exceed 
the prospectus threshold. The funds are provided to address 
GSA's highest priority facility needs. The Committee directs 
GSA to submit a detailed plan, by project, regarding the use of 
Major Repairs and Alterations funds, not later than 45 days 
after enactment. GSA is directed to provide notification to the 
Committees on Appropriations of the House and Senate within 15 
days prior to any changes in the use of these funds.
    Basic Repairs and Alterations.--The Committee recommends 
$300,000,000 for non-recurring repairs and alterations projects 
between $10,000 and the current prospectus threshold of 
$2,850,000.
    Fire and Life Safety.--The Committee recommends $20,000,000 
to improve building safety, abate hazardous material, and 
repair structural deficiencies. These projects include, but are 
not limited to, fire alarm, sprinkler, electrical, ventilation, 
heating, and elevator systems.
    Consolidation Activities.--The Committee recommends 
$70,000,000 for the cost of consolidating space. Given the 
reduction in the Federal workforce and Federal agency budgets, 
the Committee believes that it is prudent to reduce the GSA 
building inventory, particularly with regard to the thousands 
of surplus and underutilized buildings. The Committee 
appreciates the Administration's commitment to ``freeze the 
footprint'' of the Federal government (OMB management 
procedures memorandum 2013-02) by prohibiting increases in the 
total square footage of domestic offices and warehouses. 
Projects selected for consolidation should result in reduced 
annual rent paid by the agency, not exceed $20,000,000 in 
costs, and have an approved prospectus. GSA is required to 
submit a spend plan and explanation for each project including 
estimated savings to the Committees on Appropriations of the 
House and Senate before obligating funds.
    Judiciary Court Security Program.--The Committee recommends 
$20,000,000 for the construction, acquisition, repair, 
alteration, and security projects for the Judiciary as 
prioritized by the Judicial Conference of the United States.
    New Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Headquarters.--
The Committee is concerned that the financing strategy and 
project timeline being pursued by GSA may not adequately 
satisfy FBI security and operational requirements for the new 
FBI Headquarters building. Because it will house one of the 
principal members of the U.S. Intelligence Community, the new 
FBI Headquarters must comply with specific security and 
infrastructure requirements that are not typical for most other 
government office buildings. Additionally, the new FBI 
Headquarters facility must provide an operational work 
environment that allows the FBI to be successful in performing 
its national security, intelligence, and criminal investigative 
missions. Further, given the nature of the FBI's mission and 
the cost of this project, the integrity of the facility cannot 
be short-changed by a project management approach aimed more at 
maintaining a timeline and schedule than ensuring the right 
design for protecting national security information and 
operations. As such, the Committee directs GSA to incorporate 
all FBI security, transportation, and consolidation 
requirements into all programming for the new building. In 
addition, the Committee strongly encourages the FBI, GSA and 
the Administration to explore the feasibility of employing all 
available funding mechanisms to ensure the goals of full 
consolidation and a work environment consistent with FBI 
operational requirements are achieved.

                            RENTAL OF SPACE

 
 
 
Limitations on Availability of Revenue:
Limitation on availability, fiscal year 2015..........    $5,666,348,000
Limitation on availability, budget request, fiscal         5,579,055,000
 year 2016............................................
Recommended in the bill...............................     5,500,055,000
Bill compared with:
  Availability limitation, fiscal year 2015...........      -166,293,000
  Availability limitation, fiscal year 2016 request...       -79,000,000
 

    The rental of space program funds lease payments made to 
privately-owned buildings, 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 $5,500,055,000 for 
rental of space. The Committee appreciates that GSA estimates 
it will slightly reduce the amount of leased space in its 
inventory in fiscal year 2016. However, given the reduction in 
staffing in parts of the Federal government and the space 
consolidation program, the Committee encourages GSA to reduce 
the amount of leased space in its inventory at a faster pace.

                          BUILDING OPERATIONS

 
 
 
Limitations on Availability of Revenue:
Limitation on availability, fiscal year 2015..........    $2,244,132,000
Limitation on availability, budget request, fiscal         2,288,076,000
 year 2016............................................
Recommended in the bill...............................     2,260,000,000
Bill compared with:
  Availability limitation, fiscal year 2015...........       +15,868,000
  Availability limitation, fiscal year 2016 request...       -28,076,000
 

    The building operations account funds services that Federal 
agencies in GSA-owned buildings and occasionally in GSA-leased 
buildings, when not provided by the lessor, directly benefit 
from such as building security, cleaning, utilities, window 
washing, snow removal, pest control, and maintenance of 
heating, air conditioning, ventilating, plumbing, sewage, 
electrical, elevator, escalator, and fire protection systems. 
In addition, this account funds all the personnel and 
administrative expenses for carrying out construction and 
acquisition, repair and alteration, and leasing activities.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a limitation of $2,260,000,000 for 
Building Operations and Maintenance. Within this amount, 
$1,130,661,000 is for building services and $1,129,339,000 is 
for salaries and expenses. Up to five percent of the funds may 
be transferred between these activities upon the advance 
notification to the Committees on Appropriations of the House 
and Senate. Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment, 
the Administrator shall submit a spend plan, by region, 
regarding the use of these funds to the Committees on 
Appropriations of the House and Senate.

                           GENERAL ACTIVITIES

                         GOVERNMENT WIDE POLICY

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................       $58,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................        62,022,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        58,000,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................             - - -
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................        -4,022,000
 

    The Office of Government-Wide Policy provides Federal 
agencies with guidelines, best practices, and performance 
measures for complying with all the laws, regulations, and 
executive orders related to: acquisition and procurement, 
personal and real property management, travel and 
transportation management, electronic customer service 
delivery, and use of Federal advisory committees.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $58,000,000 
for Government-wide Policy.
    Green Buildings.--The Committee shares the GSA's goal of 
reducing building expenses through the efficient use of energy 
and water. The Committee encourages energy efficiency to be 
considered when purchasing construction and building materials. 
The Committee is concerned, however, that GSA's current green 
building policies and practices are tailored to reflect the 
standards of a specific third-party certification system rather 
than the public interest in greater energy and water 
efficiency. All agencies should be wary of becoming captured; 
no third-party certification program has a monopoly on how to 
attain efficiency, much less sustainability. For example, 
efficiency and sustainability can be achieved not just through 
the design of buildings or major renovations and the selection 
of materials, but also through proper building maintenance and 
usage, building codes, energy codes, energy efficiency rating 
systems, or a combination thereof.
    Where multiple green building rating systems have been 
recommended by GSA as suitable for government use, GSA should 
encourage competition among systems and savings for Federal 
agencies and U.S. taxpayers by directly and clearly encouraging 
Federal agencies to use any recommended system that meets their 
needs on a project-by-project basis. When recommended systems 
are equivalent with respect to ease of use and other features, 
the Federal government should select the system with the lowest 
operation and certification cost for each project so that 
agencies and taxpayers can fully realize cost savings. The 
Federal government should evaluate certification systems 
consistent with the National Technology Transfer and 
Advancement Act of 1996 (P.L. 104-113) and OMB Circular A-119, 
and a strong preference should always be expressed for systems 
that are developed as voluntary consensus standards.
    Greening projects for Federal buildings should not be 
undertaken unless GSA can clearly justify that the additional 
expenses will be more than offset by a reduction in subsequent 
operating expenses as a result of the project. The Committee 
recognizes sustainable roofing systems as a viable option for 
government buildings.
    Federal Fleet Maintenance.--The Committee understands that 
GSA uses re-manufactured vehicle components to maintain Federal 
vehicles when it is timely, maintains quality, and is cost 
effective. The Committee encourages the continued use of this 
practice.
    AbilityOne.--The Committee appreciates the benefits that 
the AbilityOne program provides to persons with disabilities 
and the impact it has on the U.S. economy. However, the 
Committee is concerned about GSA markups to the price of 
AbilityOne products and the considerable frequency at which GSA 
vendors sell ``Essentially the Same'' (ETS) products. The 
Committee understands that GSA, in collaboration with 
AbilityOne, National Industries for the Blind, and 
SourceAmerica, has reduced the number of ETS products available 
for purchase. However, the Committee believes that more can be 
done to reduce markups to AbilityOne products and ensure ETS 
products are not replacing AbilityOne products. The Committee 
directs GSA to report to the Committees on Appropriations of 
the House and Senate within 90 days of enactment of this Act on 
its efforts to price AbilityOne products and services according 
to approved Fair Market Prices established by the U.S. Ability 
One Commission and certify that GSA contractors are barred from 
selling products on their contracts that are equivalent as 
AbilityOne products and services.
    Government Travel.--The Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB) Memorandum M-12-12 placed caps on conference spending and 
reduced non-mission-critical travel budgets. GSA and OMB are 
charged with monitoring and continuing implementation of this 
policy. The Committee directs GSA to report to the Committees 
on Appropriations of the House and Senate on the impact of 
implementation of this policy on agency mission and 
recommendations for improving Memorandum M-12-12 to improve 
agency missions, functions, and productivity. The selection 
criteria must place primary emphasis on maximizing the value of 
the federal taxpayer resources used to fund the event, meeting, 
or conference. Areas of cost evaluation should include cost of 
travel, lodging, facility, and food and beverage service 
proposed charges.
    Government Charge Cards.--The Committee supports current 
safeguards and internal controls of government charge cards and 
believes the prevention of waste, fraud, and abuse should 
continue to be a primary focus. The Committee believes that 
regular risk assessments and audits are important to identify 
and prevent improper use of government charge cards. However, 
the Committee believes more can be done to limit charge card 
abuse and hold agencies accountable for implementing and 
enforcing the required internal controls. In addition, the 
Committee believes greater transparency of agency-wide charge 
card use and policies is necessary to reduce waste, fraud, and 
abuse; and provide the Federal government and taxpayers the 
greatest return and cost savings.
    Relocation Policy.--The Committee expects that policies 
related to the relocation of Federal employees are both 
efficient and cost-effective for taxpayers. The Committee 
directs GSA to review its policies with respect to relocating 
Federal employees and report its findings to the Committees on 
Appropriations of the House and Senate within 90 days of 
enactment of this Act.

                           OPERATING EXPENSES

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................       $61,049,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................        58,560,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        58,550,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................        -2,499,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................           -10,000
 

    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 of the Federal Acquisition Service; real property 
utilization and disposal activities of the Public Buildings 
Service; the activities of the Civilian Board of Contract 
Appeals; select management and administration activities 
including support of government-wide emergency management 
activities; and top-level, agency-wide management communication 
activities.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $58,550,000 
for operating expenses. Within the amount provided under this 
heading, $25,979,000 is for Real and Personal Property 
Management and Disposal, $23,387,000 is for the Office of the 
Administrator, and $9,184,000 is for the Civilian Board of 
Contract Appeals.
    Federal Real Property Profile.--GSA is charged with 
compiling the Federal Real Property Profile (FRPP). Numerous 
studies have found that this profile contains a significant 
amount of inaccurate information. The Committee is outraged 
that the Federal government cannot provide an accurate 
accounting to the American public of all the property that it 
owns. The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) has named 
managing Federal real property to its 2015 High Risk List 
again. The Committee is extremely frustrated with the slow pace 
at which GSA and other Federal agencies are improving the 
accuracy of the FRPP. The Committee is also concerned that 
despite language in the fiscal year 2015 report, GSA has not 
made progress on the value and accuracy of its inventory, taken 
steps to include public lands as required by Executive Order 
13327, made the FRPP available to the public, or geo-enabling 
the FRPP. The Committee expects GSA to work with agencies 
across government and utilize geographic information technology 
to improve the data contained in this report and enhance 
transparency to the American taxpayer. The Committee directs 
GSA to report to the Committees on Appropriations of the House 
and Senate on steps taken to improve the quality and 
transparency of the profile within 60 days after the enactment 
of this Act.

                      OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................       $65,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................        67,803,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        65,000,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................             - - -
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................        -2,803,000
 

    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 and 
contract audits. 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. 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. The investigative 
function provides for the detection and investigation of 
improper and illegal activities involving GSA programs, 
personnel, and operations.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $65,000,000 
for the Office of Inspector General.

           ALLOWANCES AND OFFICE STAFF FOR FORMER PRESIDENTS

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................        $3,250,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................         3,277,000
Recommended in the bill...............................         1,625,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................        -1,625,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................        -1,652,000
 

    This appropriation provides pensions, office staff, and 
related expenses for former Presidents Jimmy Carter, George 
H.W. Bush, William Clinton, and George W. Bush, and for postal 
franking privileges for the widow of former President Ronald 
Reagan.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,625,000 for 
allowances and office staff for former Presidents.

                  PRE-ELECTION PRESIDENTIAL TRANSITION

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................            $- - -
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................        13,278,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        13,278,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................             - - -
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................             - - -
 

    In accordance with the Pre-Election Transition Act of 2010, 
this appropriation provides for transition services to eligible 
major party candidates before the general election.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $13,278,000 
for pre-election presidential transition.

                     FEDERAL CITIZEN SERVICES FUND

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................       $53,294,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................        58,428,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        54,000,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................          +706,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................        -4,428,000
 

    The Federal Citizen Services Fund (the Fund) appropriation 
provides for the salaries and expenses of GSA's Office of 
Citizen Services and Innovative Technologies (OCSIT). The Fund 
enables citizen access and engagement with government through 
an array of operational programs and direct citizen facing 
services. The Fund provides electronic or other methods of 
access to and understanding of Federal information, benefits, 
and services to citizens, businesses, local governments, and 
the media.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $54,000,000 
for the Federal Citizen Services Fund. The Committee expects 
the funds provided for these activities, combined with 
efficiency gains and resource prioritization will result in 
increased delivery of information to the public and in the ease 
of transaction with the government.
    All the income collected by the Office of Citizen Services 
and Innovative Technologies (OCSIT) in the form of 
reimbursements from Federal agencies, user fees for 
publications ordered by the public, payments from private 
entities for services rendered, and gifts from the public is 
available to the OCSIT without regard to fiscal year 
limitations, but is subject to an annual limitation of 
$90,000,000. Any revenues accruing 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 TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

    Section 505. The Committee continues the provision 
providing authority for the use of funds for the hire of motor 
vehicles.
    Section 506. 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 Committees on 
Appropriations of the House and Senate.
    Section 507. The Committee continues the provision 
requiring funds proposed for developing courthouse construction 
requests to meet appropriate standards and the priorities of 
the Judicial Conference.
    Section 508. 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 assessed rent.
    Section 509. The Committee continues the provision that 
permits GSA to pay small claims (up to $250,000) made against 
the Federal government.
    Section 510. 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 of jurisdiction.
    Section 511. The Committee continues the provision 
requiring a spend plan for certain accounts and programs.

                     Merit Systems Protection Board


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................       $45,085,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................        47,415,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        47,415,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................        +2,330,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................             - - -
 

    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 $47,415,000 
for the MSPB. The recommendation includes a transfer of 
$2,345,000 from the Civil Service Retirement and Disability 
Fund.

              National Archives and Records Administration


                           OPERATING EXPENSES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................      $365,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................       372,393,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       369,000,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................        +4,000,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................        -3,393,000
 

    This appropriation provides NARA with funds for its basic 
operations for management of the Federal government's archives 
and records, services to the public, operation of Presidential 
libraries, review for declassification of classified security 
information, and includes funding for the Electronic Records 
Archives which preserves, stores, and manages digital Federal 
records for archival purposes, ensuring long-term access.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $369,000,000 
for the Operating Expenses of NARA for fiscal year 2016.
    Records Management.--The Committee encourages NARA to 
leverage private sector records management capabilities, where 
private vendors have invested their own capital to develop 
facilities that are compliant with NARA's stringent building 
standards. The Committee encourages NARA to identify NARA 
records management storage facilities that can be cost 
effectively managed by private records management companies, 
especially those housing temporary Federal records.

                      OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................        $4,130,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................         4,180,000
Recommended in the bill...............................         4,180,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................           +50,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................             - - -
 

    The Office of Inspector General (OIG) provides audits and 
investigations and serves as an independent, internal advocate 
to promote economy, efficiency, and effectiveness within NARA.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $4,180,000 for 
the OIG for fiscal year 2016.

                        REPAIRS AND RESTORATION

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................        $7,600,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................         7,500,000
Recommended in the bill...............................         7,500,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................          -100,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................             - - -
 

    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 $7,500,000 for 
repairs and restoration for fiscal year 2016.

 NATIONAL HISTORICAL PUBLICATIONS AND RECORDS COMMISSION GRANTS PROGRAM

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................        $5,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................         5,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................         5,000,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................             - - -
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................             - - -
 

    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 $5,000,000 
NHPRC for fiscal year 2016.

                  National Credit Union Administration


               COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT REVOLVING LOAN FUND

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................        $2,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................         2,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................         2,000,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................             - - -
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................             - - -
 

    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

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $2,000,000 for 
the National Credit Union Administration's CDRLF for technical 
assistance grants for fiscal year 2016. 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.
    Risk-Based Capital Rule.--The Committee is aware that the 
agency has released a revised risk-based capital proposal and 
that there were a large number of comments received. Consistent 
with safety and soundness and before finalizing the rule, the 
Committee encourages NCUA to give careful consideration to the 
comments, including those related to risk weights, to ensure 
credit is readily available to consumers, family farms, and 
small businesses to support job creation.

                      Office of Government Ethics


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................       $15,420,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................        15,742,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        15,742,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................          +322,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................             - - -
 

    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. The OGE is also responsible for creating and running 
an electronic financial disclosure system under the Stop 
Trading on Congressional Knowledge (STOCK) Act.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $15,742,000 
for the OGE.

                     Office of Personnel Management


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

                  (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF TRUST FUNDS)

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................      $214,464,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................       245,238,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       245,156,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................       +30,692,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................           -82,000
 

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

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $120,606,000 
for the General Fund. The Committee also recommends 
$124,550,000 for administrative expenses, to be transferred 
from the appropriate trust funds.
    As part of OPM's mission to recruit and hire the most 
talented and diverse Federal workforce, the Committee 
encourages Federal agencies to increase recruitment efforts 
within the United States and the territories utilizing Hispanic 
Serving Institutions and Historically Black Colleges and 
Universities.
    OPM has struggled for decades to process Federal retirees' 
pension claims quickly and accurately. As a result, tens of 
thousands of new retirees wait months to receive their complete 
annuities--some wait more than a year--and in the meantime they 
struggle to get by on reduced interim pensions. The Committee 
expects OPM to make retirement processing a priority and is 
pleased with OPM's recent efforts to correct this problem 
through the implementation of its strategic plan. Still, the 
Committee believes that the backlog and delays in retirement 
processing are unacceptable and directs OPM to provide the 
Committees on Appropriations of the House and Senate with 
monthly reports on its progress in addressing the backlog in 
claims. The Committee is astounded by the continued use of 
outdated paper processing and directs OPM to prioritize moving 
to a fully-automated electronic filing system.
    In the wake of two massive data breaches affecting millions 
of individuals, OPM must take all steps to secure the 
personally identifiable information and material relating to 
security clearances of all current, former, and prospective 
federal government employees. The Committee has provided full 
funding for the Administration's requests for cyber and 
information technology upgrades of OPM's networks in prior 
fiscal years. The Committee expects OPM to provide transparency 
regarding the recent data breaches and keep the Committee 
updated on its efforts and resource needs to secure OPM 
networks against future attacks.

                      OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

                  (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF TRUST FUNDS)

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................       $25,724,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................        26,844,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        26,844,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................        +1,120,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................             - - -
 

    This appropriation provides for the Office of Inspector 
General's (OIG) agency-wide audit, investigative, evaluation, 
and inspection functions, which identify management and 
administrative deficiencies, fraud, waste and mismanagement. 
The OIG performs internal agency audits and insurance audits, 
and offers contract audit services. 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. Contract 
auditors provide professional advice to agency contracting 
officials on accounting and financial matters regarding the 
negotiation, award, administration, repricing, and settlement 
of contracts. 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 
$4,365,000 for the OIG. In addition, the recommendation 
provides $22,479,000 from appropriate trust funds.

                       Office of Special Counsel


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................       $22,939,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................        24,119,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        24,119,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................        +1,180,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................             - - -
 

    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. Additionally, the Office 
enforces the civilian employment and reemployment rights of 
military service members under the Uniformed Services 
Employment and Re-employment Rights Act.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $24,119,000 
for the OSC.

                      Postal Regulatory Commission


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................       $14,700,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................        15,500,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        15,200,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................          +500,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................          -300,000
 

    The Commission establishes and maintains the U.S. Postal 
Service's ratemaking systems, measures service and performance, 
ensures accountability, and has enforcement mechanisms, 
including the authority to issue subpoenas.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation, out of the 
Postal Fund, of $15,200,000 for the Postal Regulatory 
Commission.

              Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................        $7,500,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................        23,297,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        19,500,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................       +12,000,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................        -3,797,000
 

    The Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board (the Board) 
is an independent agency within the Executive Branch whose 
purpose 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. The Board consists of four part-time members and 
full-time chairman.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $19,500,000 for the Board.
    The Committee is frustrated that such a young agency is 
already burdened with very old Federal management problems. 
After salaries and benefits, the largest expense for agencies 
is space and facilities. As such, staffing and space needs must 
be carefully evaluated and managed with the objective of 
achieving the agency's mission in a cost-effective manner. The 
Committee understands that the Board has specialized space 
needs, but is disappointed that the agency is relocating after 
less than three years in its current location, incurring 
additional moving expenses, and is requesting a significant 
amount of funds for build-out of new space, when existing 
government-owned Secure Compartmentalized Information Facility 
(SCIF) space is currently available and would accommodate the 
Board's needs. The Committee directs the Board to work with the 
General Services Administration to find the most cost-effective 
solution for re-locating and minimizing future moves and to 
provide quarterly joint briefings to the Committees on 
Appropriations of the House and Senate on progress towards 
meeting this goal.
    The Committee notes that the Board is a Federal agency of 
five Presidentially appointed and Senate confirmed Members. The 
Committee believes it is important the Board's budget 
allocations take into account and respect the rights and 
responsibilities of each Board Member as an independent, Senate 
confirmed officer.

             Recovery Accountability and Transparency Board


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................       $18,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................             - - -
Recommended in the bill...............................             - - -
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................       -18,000,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................             - - -
 

    The Recovery Accountability and Transparency Board 
(Recovery Board) was authorized in the American Recovery and 
Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111 5) (Recovery Act). The 
Disaster Relief Appropriations Act of 2013 extended the Board's 
authorization for two years and expanded its responsibilities 
to process, track, and oversee the $60.2 billion in Hurricane 
Sandy spending. In addition, the Board assists other government 
entities investigate fraud, waste, and abuse by providing data 
analytic support through the Board's Recovery Operations 
Center.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The board is scheduled to sunset on September 30, 2015.

                   Securities and Exchange Commission


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................    $1,500,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................     1,722,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................     1,500,000,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................             - - -
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................      -222,000,000
 

    The primary mission of the Securities and Exchange 
Commission (SEC) is to protect investors, maintain the 
integrity of the securities markets, and assure adequate 
information on the capital markets is made available to market 
participants and policy makers. This includes monitoring the 
rapid evolution of the capital markets, ensuring full 
disclosure of all appropriate financial information, regulating 
the Nation's securities markets, and preventing fraud and 
malpractice in the securities and financial markets.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,500,000,000 
for the SEC for fiscal year 2016. The Committee designates not 
less than $11,315,971 for Office of Inspector General and 
$68,223,000 for the Division of Economic and Risk Analysis.
    Reserve Fund/Information Technology.--The Committee is 
supportive of the SEC's prioritization of robust and effective 
information technology (IT) systems within the Commission. The 
SEC has indicated that the planned use of the Dodd-Frank 
mandatory Reserve Fund is to support the Commission's IT 
initiatives. However, this fund is not overseen by Congress and 
it is left to the discretion of the Commission as to its use. 
The Committee believes emergency reserve funds should be used 
for natural disaster emergencies and other crises, not 
discretionary priorities within a Federal agency. While the 
Committee does not support the use of the Reserve Fund, an 
increase to IT funding is provided through the Commission's 
overall appropriation. The Committee's recommended funding 
level for IT initiatives increases the overall funding level by 
$50,000,000 specifically to support IT funding priorities. The 
Committee includes a limitation (Section 624) prohibiting funds 
from the Reserve Fund from being used by the Commission.
    Fiduciary Standard.--The Committee has serious concerns 
with the Department of Labor (DOL) proposed rule regarding 
fiduciary standards for broker-dealers. This rule overlaps 
perilously with SEC jurisdiction and the implications for 
regulatory conflict and investor harm are far reaching. The DOL 
is neither an expert in the area of overseeing investment 
advisors, nor the primary regulator for broker-dealers. The 
Committee knows of no peer-reviewed studies that have 
established causation between a fiduciary standard and returns 
on investment. Further, the impact on low to moderate income 
retail investors is of significant concern. The Committee will 
continue to closely monitor any SEC rulemaking in this area and 
expects the SEC to take into consideration the impact on retail 
investors and the availability of affordable investment advice.
    Liquidity.--The Committee believes the SEC is the expert 
regulator with regard to the U.S. capital markets. Since the 
passage of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer 
Protection Act (Dodd-Frank Act), prudential regulators, through 
the Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC), have been 
able to influence and, in many cases, impair the U.S. markets' 
functionality. Although both the banking sector and capital 
markets affect the U.S. and global economy, prudential 
regulation and market regulation are inherently different and 
should be treated as such.
    The Committee has strong concerns about the effect that the 
Dodd-Frank Act and other wholesale regulations have had, and 
will continue to have, on overall market liquidity. The 
Committee believes that layers of regulation have resulted in 
an alarming lack of liquidity in U.S. markets, particularly 
fixed income markets. The Committee directs the SEC's Division 
of Economic and Risk Analysis (DERA) to report to the 
Committees on Appropriations of the House and Senate, the 
Committee on Financial Services in the House and the Committee 
on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs in the Senate, within 
one year of enactment of this Act, on the combined impacts that 
the Dodd-Frank Act--especially Section 619--and other financial 
regulations, such as Basel III, have had on: (1) access to 
capital for consumers, investors, and businesses, and (2) 
market liquidity, to include U.S. Treasury markets and 
corporate debt.
    The Committee has been especially supportive of DERA in 
order for the SEC to have increased resources to provide expert 
economic analysis for its proposed regulations. The Committee 
expects DERA, when it performs economic analysis for proposed 
SEC regulations, to consider the overall economic effects of 
all financial regulations--not just those proposed by the SEC--
and their effect on the U.S. markets.
    Internal Risk Management Transactions.--The Committee is 
concerned that there is a lack of global coordination between 
domestic and foreign regulators on the treatment of internal 
trades between affiliated entities to manage risk acquired from 
customer facing transactions. The Committee notes that the BCBS 
IOSCO Working Group on Margining Requirements left this to the 
discretion of national governments. As such, the European 
Market Infrastructure Regulation (EMIR) and Japanese financial 
rules provide an exemption from margin requirements, with 
certain conditions, for internal trades between affiliates. In 
contrast, the U.S. market and prudential regulators have 
proposed rules that would impose margin requirements on trades 
between affiliates. The Committee notes that this will 
discourage prudent risk management by increasing the costs of 
these internal trades. These increased costs will be borne by 
the customers in the form of increased transaction costs and 
reduced liquidity. The Committee urges the SEC to recognize 
that such internal risk management transactions benefit 
customers. Without these efficiencies, costs to customers will 
increase, derivatives activity and corresponding risks will 
become more isolated in local jurisdictions, and there will be 
less liquidity for end-users seeking to prudently manage 
commercial risks. The Committee directs the Commission to 
report to the Committees on Appropriations of the House and 
Senate, the House Financial Services Committee, and the Senate 
Banking Committee, within 60 days of enactment of this Act, on 
the impact of the proposed rules on consumers and industries.
    Crowdfunding.--The Committee is concerned that the SEC's 
proposed crowdfunding rule by the SEC will be inoperable. The 
Committee believes that the Commission has an obligation to 
consider the effects of the proposed rule upon the efficiency, 
transparency, and affordability for small companies and 
investors seeking crowdfunding offerings. Impairing or 
restricting the use of crowdfunding offerings could potentially 
result in limiting small businesses from securing much needed, 
early-stage capital formation and liquidity. The Committee 
believes that before the final crowdfunding rule is 
promulgated, the Commission should ensure that the regulations 
neither disproportionately stifle small company growth, nor 
create barriers to entry for investors, thereby hindering 
diversified investment options. Specifically, the final rules 
should carefully consider how the proposed changes would affect 
the following: (1) the burden and costs associated with 
providing audited or reviewed financial statements; (2) the 
harm caused by increasing liability for the platforms, portals, 
and intermediaries' and thereby their ability to curate and 
effectuate crowdfunding offerings; (3) restricting the economic 
interests of the intermediaries from revenue derived from 
crowdfunding offerings; (4) burdensome disclosure report 
requirements; and (5) the investors and companies' capacity to 
aggregate and diversify through investment vehicles to heighten 
investor and issuer protections.
    Business Development Companies.--Congress created Business 
Development Companies (BDCs) in 1980 to facilitate capital 
formation in small and medium-sized businesses. In late 2005, 
the SEC adopted rules relating to Securities Offering Reform, 
which modernized the registration offering process for public 
companies. BDCs were left out of these reforms leaving them on 
an uneven playing field with other public companies seeking to 
access the capital markets. Relieving the current restrictions 
on BDCs will make the capital raising process for BDCs more 
flexible, more efficient, and less expensive--while also saving 
time and resources. The Committee recommends that the SEC issue 
proposed rules making several offering reforms for BDCs.
    Economic Analysis.--Since 2001, the SEC's budget has 
increased almost over 250 percent. Based on the increases 
Congress has provided, the Commission should be able to provide 
for comprehensive economic analysis before promulgating rules 
that affect the capital markets. The Committee's recommendation 
fully funds the Division of Economic and Risk Analysis to 
support increased hiring of economists to perform economic 
analysis before and after Commission rulemakings to better 
enhance the understanding of the economic impacts of Commission 
rulemakings. The Committee expects the SEC to expand this 
division and prioritize nonpartisan economic analysis as a 
fundamental part of the Commission's rulemaking process, 
especially with regard to how SEC rulemakings affect the 
overall U.S. economy.
    Data Transparency.--The Committee encourages the SEC to 
continue its efforts to implement consistent and searchable 
open data standards for information filed and submitted by 
publicly-traded companies and financial firms. The Committee 
further recommends that financial regulatory agencies across 
the U.S. government take similar steps to update reporting 
standards commensurate with currently available technology.
    Disclosures.--Effective disclosures are at the core of 
investor protection and must be timely, accurate, and 
understandable to both retail and institutional investors. 
Corporate disclosures should also be provided in an easily 
accessible format. The current disclosure regime system must be 
overhauled in order to eliminate obsolete and onerous 
disclosures, which the SEC has previously acknowledged. The 
Committee directs the SEC submit a report, within 90 days of 
enactment of this Act, to the Committees on Appropriations of 
the House and Senate outlining the Commission's efforts to 
modernize the disclosure requirements.
    Organizational Structure.--The Committee remains concerned 
that a lack of managerial accountability, focus, 
prioritization, and internal communication hampers the 
effectiveness of the SEC. The Committee has concurred with the 
recommendation put forth in the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) 
report that the SEC must reorganize in order to become more 
efficient. While progress has been made in reorganizing certain 
offices, the Committee believes there is more to be done to 
make the Commission better able to respond to dynamic markets. 
The Committee again directs the SEC to provide an updated 
report on a reorganization plan outlining areas of improvement. 
Within the report the Committee directs the SEC to undertake a 
review of the overall organizational structure. This report is 
to be delivered to the Committees on Appropriations of the 
House and Senate within 90 days of enactment of this Act.
    Financial Accounting Standards.--The Committee continues to 
be concerned about maintaining U.S. sovereignty over financial 
accounting standards for U.S. publicly traded companies, and 
finds that the use of International Financial Reporting 
Standards (IFRS) could contribute to foreign governments and 
non-governmental organizations exerting influence over U.S. 
financial reporting, impacting the cost of capital and 
investment in the United States. Additionally, the Committee is 
concerned that without adequate input from stakeholders and 
Congress, any SEC rule mandating the use of IFRS would have 
attendant impacts on U.S. tax and accounting policies. The 
Committee recognizes that there are significant unreconciled, 
and possibly irreconcilable, differences between U.S. Generally 
Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and IFRS. The Committee 
expects any decision on IFRS to include significant input from 
Congress, U.S. institutions, investors and other stakeholders.
    Proxy advisory guidance.--The Committee directs the SEC, 
within 90 days of enactment of this Act, to report back to the 
Committees on Appropriations of the House and Senate, the House 
Committee on Financial Services and the Senate Committee on 
Banking, an analysis and evaluation regarding the Commission's 
staff issue guidance of June 30, 2014 (Proxy Voting 
Responsibilities of Investment Advisers and Availability of 
Exemptions from the Proxy Rules for Proxy Advisory Firms, Staff 
Legal Bulletin No. 20) on what additional Commission actions 
and activities may be needed to increase proxy advisory firm 
transparency and implement procedures and guidance requiring 
proxy advisory firms to disclose if a client is also a 
proponent of a shareholder proposal or competing director 
slate. The SEC report shall also include information on the 
impact of not disclosing specific conflicts of interest 
including a detailed analysis and evaluation of the costs, 
benefits and risks associated with such non-disclosure of 
specific conflicts of interest.
    Industry 7 Guide.--The Committee strongly encourages the 
SEC to update the Industry Guide 7 containing the SEC's basic 
disclosure policy for mining in accordance with international 
modern practices.
    Rulemaking.--The Committee is concerned that rules 
promulgated by the SEC have been previously thrown out in court 
in part due to the Commission's failure to meet statutory 
requirements to thoroughly review the potential economic 
repercussions of its rules. The Committee believes that the 
Commission has an obligation to consider the effects of new 
rules upon efficiency, competition, and capital formation. The 
Committee strongly encourages the Commission to undertake a 
review of the analysis used during the Commission's rulemaking 
process to be sure the tangible economic impacts of its rules 
are considered before issuing final rules.
    The Committee directs the SEC to work cooperatively with 
the CFTC on all joint rulemakings as required by the Dodd-Frank 
Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.

                        Selective Service System


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................       $22,500,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................        22,900,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        22,500,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................             - - -
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................          -400,000
 

    The Selective Service System was established by the 
Selective Service Act of 1948. The 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

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $22,500,000 
for the Selective Service System.

                     Small Business Administration

    The Small Business Administration (SBA) assists small 
businesses through programs including 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 these small business enterprises may 
overcome economic and social obstacles to success.
    The recommendation provides a total of $852,542,000 for the 
SBA for fiscal year 2016. Detailed guidance for the SBA 
appropriations accounts is presented below.

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................      $257,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................       281,938,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       257,000,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................             - - -
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................       -24,938,000
 

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $257,000,000 for the salaries and 
expenses of the SBA for fiscal year 2016.
    The Committee will continue to monitor the SBA's use of the 
COMPETES Act to award prizes for certain programs. The 
Committee expects the SBA to carefully consider the 
appropriateness of the use of any diversion from Federal 
contracting.
    LINC program.--The Committee directs the SBA to make 
available on its website for each quarter of fiscal year 2016: 
(1) data collected from Leveraging Information and Networks to 
access Capital (LINC) program business applicants (excluding 
personally identifying applicant data); (2) data collected 
regarding the number, type and location of SBA intermediaries 
participating in the LINC program; and (3) data regarding 
matches and outcomes including loans closed between business 
applicants and participating intermediaries in the LINC 
program.
    SBIC Program Licensing.--The Committee believes the SBA 
Investment Division should consider reorganizing the Small 
Business Investment Company (SBIC) licensing process and 
personnel to more efficiently use the resources allocated. In 
particular, SBA should: combine the licensing and Management 
Assessment Questionnaire (MAQ) staff; reduce the number of 
licensing committees and steps for all applicants;and create a 
meaningful fast track process for repeat licensees that takes 
no longer than six weeks, which will allow SBA to focus their 
resources on first funds and ensure that there is a written 
record of the decisions made by the Investment Division for 
applicants and any court that might review such licensing 
decisions.
    Hiring.--The Committee expects the SBA to quickly fill open 
positions within SBA processing centers in order to keep up 
with loan processing demand. Consistent levels of staffing at 
these centers will keep the SBA loan program operating at the 
most efficient and effective level of service.
    The Committee recognizes the value of the 8(a) program in 
helping small and disadvantaged businesses compete in the 
marketplace. The bill provides sufficient funding to execute 
the 8(a) program.

                  ENTREPRENEURIAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................      $220,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................       206,250,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       223,600,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................        +3,600,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................       +17,350,000
 

    The SBA's Entrepreneurial Development Programs support non-
credit business assistance to entrepreneurs. The appropriation 
includes funding for a network of resource partners located 
throughout the United States that provide training, counseling, 
and technical assistance to small business entrepreneurs.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommendations for Entrepreneurial 
Development Programs, by program, are displayed in the 
following table:

                  ENTREPRENEURIAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS

                        [In thousands of dollars]

7(j) Technical Assistance.....................................    $2,800
Entrepreneurship Education....................................    11,000
HUBZone Program...............................................     3,000
Microloan Technical Assistance................................    25,000
National Women's Business Council.............................     1,500
Native American Outreach......................................     2,000
PRIME Technical Assistance....................................     5,000
SCORE.........................................................     9,000
Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs)....................   117,000
State & Trade Export Promotion (STEP).........................    18,000
Veterans Outreach*............................................    12,300
Women's Business Centers (WBC)................................    17,000
                    --------------------------------------------------------------
                    ____________________________________________________

        Total, Entrepreneurial Development Programs             $223,600

*Veterans' Programs includes funding for: Boots to Business, Veterans 
Business Outreach Centers (VBOC), Veteran Women Igniting the Spirit of 
Entrepreneurship (V Wise), Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with 
Disabilities (EBV), and Boots to Business reboot.

    The SBA shall not reduce these non-credit programs from the 
amounts specified above and the SBA shall not merge any of the 
non-credit programs without advance written approval from the 
Committee. The Committee strongly supports the development 
programs listed in the table above and will carefully monitor 
SBA support of these programs.
    Women's Business Centers (WBC).--The Committee directs the 
Administrator to seek advice, input, and recommendations for 
policy changes from the association of women's business centers 
to develop: (1) a training program for the staff of such 
centers, and (2) recommendations to improve the policies and 
procedures for governing the general operations and 
administration of the women's business center program.
    The Committee notes the absence of WBCs serving many of the 
U.S. territories and other U.S. insular areas, and recommends 
that the SBA consider including these areas in WBC services.
    Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs).--The Committee 
recognizes the important collaboration that is currently taking 
place between a number of small business development centers 
and local higher education institutions to provide technical 
assistance to small businesses. This collaboration provides 
students with practical experience in analyzing all aspects of 
business development and management, while enhancing the 
capacity of small business development centers to meet demand 
for their services. The Committee encourages SBDCs to further 
identify opportunities to provide work-study and internship 
experiences to higher education students.

                      OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................       $19,400,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................        19,900,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        19,900,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................          +500,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................             - - -
 

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $19,900,000 for the Office of 
Inspector General of the SBA for fiscal year 2016.

                           OFFICE OF ADVOCACY

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................        $9,120,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................         9,120,000
Recommended in the bill...............................         9,120,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................             - - -
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................             - - -
 

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $9,120,000 for the Office of 
Advocacy of the SBA for fiscal year 2016. The Committee 
supports the Office's mission to reduce regulatory burdens that 
Federal policies impose on small businesses and to maximize the 
benefits small businesses receive from the government.

                     BUSINESS LOANS PROGRAM ACCOUNT

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................      $195,226,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................       156,064,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       156,064,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................       -39,162,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................             - - -
 

    The SBA Business Loans Program serves as an important 
source of capital for America's small businesses. The 
recommendation supports the 7(a) business loan program, the 504 
certified development company program, Small Business 
Investment Company (SBIC) debentures, and the Secondary Market 
Guarantee Program.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a total of $156,064,000 for the 
Business Loans Program Account for fiscal year 2016. Of the 
amount appropriated, $152,725,828 is for administrative 
expenses related to business loan programs. 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 amount provided for loan subsidies is reduced from the 
fiscal year 2016 level because subsidy rates have declined. The 
amount provided will support the same level or higher of 
lending but requires fewer government subsidy dollars. Funding 
is included to fully support the Microloan program.
    The Committee notes the mission of the Surety Bond 
Guarantee (SBG) program is to provide and manage surety bond 
guarantees for qualified small and emerging businesses, in 
direct partnership with surety companies and their agents, 
utilizing the most efficient and effective operational policies 
and procedures. The Committee is supportive of SBG's efforts to 
encourage surety companies to bond small businesses who 
otherwise would have difficulty obtaining bonding on their own.

                     DISASTER LOANS PROGRAM ACCOUNT

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................      $186,858,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016*.....................       186,858,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       186,858,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................             - - -
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................             - - -
 
 
*The Committee funds this program within its discretionary allocation.
  The Administration proposed funding most of these costs with a
  disaster cap adjustment.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    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 
2016, as well as the administrative expenses of the loan 
programs. The Committee recommends a total of $186,858,000 for 
administrative expenses for fiscal year 2016. The Committee 
provides $1,000,000 for the Office of Inspector General for 
audits and reviews of the disaster loans program and $9,000,000 
may be transferred to Salaries and Expenses for administrative 
expenses.
    The Committee wants to ensure that disaster victims have 
full access to SBA's programs. The Committee has been very 
supportive of the SBA Disaster Loan Program in past fiscal 
years, including appropriating $804,000,000 for the Hurricane 
Sandy disaster in fiscal year 2013. However, SBA has not 
obligated all the funds appropriated for the Sandy Disaster and 
has continued to carry over large amounts of no-year funding 
for disaster subsidy. The Committee expects the SBA to take 
into consideration these balances in future requests.
    The Committee directs the SBA to continue providing updates 
on available resources for the disaster loans program on a 
monthly basis.
    Pre-mitigation activities within the Disaster Loan 
Program.--The Committee urges the SBA to coordinate with the 
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to evaluate the 
feasibility of expanding the SBA Disaster Loan Program to allow 
applicants in areas of high flood or natural disaster risk to 
utilize loans for pre-disaster mitigation projects that adhere 
to FEMA's standards of mitigation activities that significantly 
reduce a structure's long-term flood risk. The SBA shall 
coordinate with FEMA to weigh the financial exposure of the SBA 
against the potential reduction of claims payments from the 
NFIP.

        ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS--SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

    Section 512. The Committee continues a provision for the 
SBA authorizing transfers of up to five percent of any SBA 
appropriation to other appropriations, provided that transfers 
do not increase an appropriation by more than 10 percent. The 
provision also requires that transfers be treated as a 
reprogramming of funds.
    Section 513. The Committee continues a provision waiving 
7(a) loan guarantee fees for veterans and their spouses.

                      United States Postal Service


                   PAYMENT TO THE POSTAL SERVICE FUND

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................       $70,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................        67,234,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        55,075,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................       -14,925,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................       -12,159,000
 

    The United States Postal Service (USPS) is funded almost 
entirely by Postal ratepayers rather than taxpayers. Funds 
provided to the Postal Service in the Payment to the Postal 
Service Fund include appropriations for revenue forgone 
including providing free mail for the blind, and for overseas 
absentee voting.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends appropriations totaling 
$55,075,000 for Payment to the Postal Service Fund. In prior 
years, these funds were provided as an advance. The Committee 
believes that the funding provided in this appropriation should 
be provided in the year in which the estimated costs occur.
    The recommendation provides for the USPS' estimate of free 
mail for the blind and overseas voting ($49,923,000), 
reconciliation of prior year cost adjustment (-$23,848,000) and 
$29,000,000 for revenue forgone as authorized by 39 U.S.C. 
2401(d). The recommendation includes language requiring the 
Postal Service to maintain and comply with service standards 
for First Class Mail and periodicals effective on July 1, 2012.
    The Committee appreciates the work of the Postal Service 
Office of Inspector General (OIG) and the Advisory Council on 
Historic Preservation (ACHP) in reviewing the Postal Service's 
relocation and disposal process for historic properties. The 
Committee believes the Postal Service should refrain from the 
relocation of services from historic post offices, and should 
suspend the sale of any historic post office until it is has 
implemented the recommendations of the OIG and ACHP.
    Title 39 of the U.S. Code requires the Postal Service to 
provide the public with notice prior to closing or 
consolidating a post office. The Committee understands that it 
is the Postal Service's policy to inform Member of Congress' 
district and Washington, D.C. offices when the public receives 
notice. The Committee directs the Postal Service to keep 
Members of Congress informed of Postal Service activities 
impacting their constituents and expects the Postal Service to 
ensure that Members of Congress are appropriately informed 
simultaneously or prior to all public notices.
    The Committee is pleased with the passage of the 
Multinational Species Conservation Fund Semi-postal Stamp 
Reauthorization Act, but is concerned that sales of the stamp 
will not improve without support from the USPS. The Committee 
directs the Postmaster General to submit a report, within 90 
days of enactment of this Act, on the actions planned and taken 
by the USPS to increase sales of the stamp. Last September, 
P.L. 113-165 reauthorized the printing of the Multinational 
Species Conservation Fund semi-postal stamp for an additional 4 
years. Although the US Postal Service reissued the stamp as 
directed by Congress, little effort was made to make the public 
aware of the stamp's return and sales during the holiday season 
were disappointing.
    The Committee is concerned by reports that the Postal 
Service is not fully engaging with states and other units of 
government that are seeking to acquire non-historic and 
underutilized Postal Service owned or leased properties and 
spaces. The Committee believes that all parties should make 
every effort to negotiate in good faith, and to facilitate the 
use of these properties and spaces by state and local 
governments, especially when the transaction is intended for a 
public purpose or for public infrastructure expansion.

                      OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................      $243,883,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................       250,729,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       243,883,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................             - - -
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................        -6,846,000
 

    The Office of Inspector General (OIG) conducts audits, 
reviews and investigations, and keeps Congress informed on the 
efficiency and economy of United States Postal Service (USPS) 
programs and operations.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $243,883,000 
for the OIG.

                        United States Tax Court


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.......................       $51,300,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2016......................        53,800,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        51,000,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2015.....................          -300,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2016....................        -2,800,000
 

    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 and exemptions 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 an appropriation of $51,000,000 
for the U.S. Tax Court.

                 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 
procurement contracts for consulting service expenditures to 
contracts that are matters of public record and available for 
public inspection.
    Section 604. The Committee continues the provision 
prohibiting transfer of funds in this Act 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 directs 
agencies funded by this Act to consult with the Committee prior 
to any significant reorganization. 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 through September 30, 2017, for certain purposes.
    Section 610. The Committee continues the provision 
prohibiting funding for the Executive Office of the President 
to request either a Federal Bureau of Investigation background 
investigation or Internal Revenue Service determination with 
respect to section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, 
except with the express consent of the individual involved in 
an investigation or in extraordinary circumstances involving 
national security.
    Section 611. The Committee continues the provision 
regarding cost accounting standards for contracts 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 abortion under the 
Federal Employees Health Benefits Program.
    Section 614. The Committee continues the provision making 
exceptions to the preceding provision where 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 carried 
annually since 2004 waiving restrictions on the purchase of 
non-domestic articles, materials, and supplies in the case of 
acquisition of information technology by the Federal 
Government.
    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 continues the provision 
permitting the Securities and Exchange Commission and 
Commodities Futures Trading Commission to fund a joint advisory 
committee to advise on emerging regulatory issues, 
notwithstanding Section 708 of this Act.
    Section 618. The Committee continues the provision 
requiring certain agencies in this Act to consult with the 
General Services Administration before seeking new office space 
or making alterations to existing office space.
    Section 619. The Committee continues language providing for 
several appropriated mandatory accounts. These are accounts 
where authorizing language requires the payment of funds. The 
Congressional Budget Office estimates the cost for the 
following programs addressed in this provision: $450,000 for 
Compensation of the President including $50,000 for expenses, 
$132,000,000 for the Judicial Retirement Funds (Judicial 
Officers' Retirement Fund, Judicial Survivors' Annuities Fund, 
and the United States Court of Federal Claims Judges' 
Retirement Fund), $11,908,000,000 for the Government Payment 
for Annuitants, Employee Health Benefits, $49,000,000 for the 
Government Payment for Annuitants, Employee Life Insurance, and 
$8,872,000,000 for the Payment to the Civil Service Retirement 
and Disability Fund.
    Section 620. The Committee continues the provision 
prohibiting funds for the Federal Trade Commission to complete 
the draft report entitled ``Interagency Working Group on Food 
Marketed to Children: Preliminary Proposed Nutrition Principles 
to Guide Industry Self-Regulatory Efforts'' unless the 
Interagency Working Group on Food Marketed to Children complies 
with Executive Order 13563, including the requirement in it to 
provide quantified present and future benefits and costs.
    Section 621. The Committee modifies the provision 
prohibiting funding for certain czars including the Director of 
the White House Office of Health Reform, the Assistant to the 
President for Energy and Climate Change, the Senior Advisor to 
the Secretary of the Treasury assigned to the Presidential Task 
Force on the Auto Industry and Senior Counselor for 
Manufacturing Policy, and the White House Director of Urban 
Affairs, or any substantially similar positions.
    Section 622. The Committee continues the provision 
prohibiting funds in contravention of the Federal Records Act.
    Section 623. The Committee includes language requiring 
certain regulatory agencies to provide a report on increasing 
public participation in rulemaking, improving coordination 
among Federal agencies, and identifying ineffective or 
excessively burdensome regulations.
    Section 624. The Committee includes language prohibiting 
the obligation of funds in fiscal year 2016 from the Securities 
and Exchange Commission Reserve Fund established by the Dodd-
Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. The 
Committee believes the Commission should request the level of 
funding it believes is necessary in any given fiscal year and 
not have access to reserve funding that is outside of the 
Congressional review process.
    Section 625. The Committee includes language prohibiting 
funds for the Securities and Exchange Commission to require the 
disclosure of political contributions, contributions to tax 
exempt organizations, or dues paid to trade associations.
    Section 626. The Committee includes a provision repealing 
the indemnification agreement for swap data repositories and 
replaces it with a confidentiality agreement.
    Section 627. The Committee includes language prohibiting 
agencies from requiring Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to 
disclose electronic communications information in a manner that 
violates the Fourth Amendment.
    Section 628. The Committee includes language prohibiting 
the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from implementing, 
administering, or enforcing any rule unless the FCC publishes 
the text of the rule 21 days before a vote on the rule.
    Section 629. The Committee includes language prohibiting 
the Federal Communications Commission from regulating rates for 
either broadband or wireless internet providers.
    Section 630. The Committee includes language prohibiting 
the Federal Communications Commission from implementing FCC 
Order 15-24 regarding open internet until specific court 
challenges have been resolved.
    Section 631. The Committee includes a new provision 
prohibiting the Financial Stability Oversight Council from 
designating nonbanks as systemically important financial 
institutions until it identifies the risks to financial 
stability presented by the nonbank and allows the nonbank to 
present a plan to modify its business, structure, or operation 
to mitigate the identified risk prior to final designation.
    Section 632. The Committee includes a new provision 
prohibiting the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection from 
implementing a rule regarding the use of arbitration until the 
Bureau addresses certain requirements.
    Section 633. The Committee includes a new provision 
prohibiting, in fiscal year 2016, implementation of a rule 
adopted by the Federal Communications Commission on March 31, 
2014 (FCC 14-28) related to joint sales agreements.

             TITLE VII--GENERAL PROVISIONS--GOVERNMENT-WIDE


                Departments, Agencies, and Corporations


                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

    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 
establishing price limitations on vehicles to be purchased by 
the Federal Government with an exemption for the purchase of 
electric, plug-in hybrid electric, and hydrogen fuel cell 
vehicles.
    Section 703. The Committee continues the provision allowing 
funds made available to agencies for travel to also be used for 
quarters allowances and cost-of-living allowances.
    Section 704. The Committee continues the provision 
prohibiting the employment of noncitizens with certain 
exceptions.
    Section 705. The Committee continues, with modification, 
the provision giving agencies the authority to pay General 
Services Administration 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 made available to corporations and 
agencies subject to 31 U.S.C. 91 may 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 amount of funds that can be used for redecoration of 
offices under certain circumstances.
    Section 711. The Committee continues the provision to allow 
for interagency funding of national security and emergency 
telecommunications initiatives.
    Section 712. The Committee continues the provision 
requiring agencies to certify that a Schedule C appointment was 
not created solely or primarily to detail the employee to the 
White House.
    Section 713. The Committee continues the provision 
prohibiting the payment of any employee who prohibits, 
threatens or prevents another employee from communicating with 
Congress.
    Section 714. The Committee continues the provision 
prohibiting Federal training not directly related to the 
performance of official duties.
    Section 715. 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 716. The Committee continues the provision 
prohibiting any Federal agency from disclosing an employee's 
home address, telephone number, or email to any labor 
organization, absent employee authorization or court order.
    Section 717. The Committee continues the provision 
prohibiting funds to be used to provide non-public information 
such as mailing, telephone, or electronic mailing lists to any 
person or organization outside the government without the 
approval of the Committees on Appropriations.
    Section 718. The Committee continues the provision 
prohibiting the use of funds for propaganda and publicity 
purposes not authorized by Congress.
    Section 719. The Committee continues the provision 
directing agency employees to use official time in an honest 
effort to perform official duties.
    Section 720. The Committee continues the provision 
authorizing the use of funds to finance an appropriate share of 
the Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board.
    Section 721. The Committee continues the provision 
authorizing agencies to transfer $17,000,000 to the Government-
wide Policy account of the General Services Administration to 
finance an appropriate share of various government-wide boards 
and councils.
    Section 722. The Committee continues the provision that 
permits breastfeeding in a Federal building or on Federal 
property if the woman and child are authorized to be there.
    Section 723. 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.
    Section 724. The Committee continues the provision, with 
modification, requiring documents involving the distribution of 
Federal funds to indicate the agency providing the funds and 
the amount provided.
    Section 725. The Committee continues the provision 
prohibiting the use of funds to monitor personal access or use 
of Internet sites or to collect, review, or obtain any 
personally identifiable information relating to access to or 
use of an Internet site.
    Section 726. The Committee continues a provision requiring 
health plans participating in the Federal Employees Health 
Benefits Program to provide contraceptive coverage and provides 
exemptions to certain religious plans.
    Section 727. The Committee continues language supporting 
strict adherence to anti-doping activities.
    Section 728. 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 729. The Committee continues a provision 
prohibiting funds for implementation of Office of Personnel 
Management regulations limiting detailees to the Legislative 
Branch, and implementing limitations on the Coast Guard 
Congressional Fellowship Program.
    Section 730. The Committee continues the provision that 
restricts the use of funds for Federal law enforcement training 
facilities.
    Section 731. 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 such 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 732. The Committee continues the provision 
prohibiting use of funds in contravention of section 552a of 
title 5, United States Code (the Privacy Act) and regulations 
implementing that section.
    Section 733. The Committee continues the provision 
prohibiting funds from being used for any Federal Government 
contract with any foreign incorporated entity which is treated 
as an inverted domestic corporation.
    Section 734. The Committee continues the provision 
requiring agencies to pay a fee to the Office of Personnel 
Management for processing retirement of employees who separate 
under Voluntary Early Retirement Authority or who receive 
Voluntary Separation Incentive payments.
    Section 735. The Committee includes language prohibiting 
funds to require any entity submitting an offer for a Federal 
contract or participating in an acquisition to disclose 
political contributions.
    Section 736. The Committee continues the provision 
prohibiting funds for the painting of a portrait of an employee 
of the Federal Government including the President, the Vice 
President, a Member of Congress, the head of an executive 
branch agency, or the head of an office of the legislative 
branch.
    Section 737. The Committee continues the provision limiting 
the pay increases of certain prevailing rate employees.
    Section 738. The Committee continues a provision 
eliminating automatic statutory pay increases for the Vice 
President, political appointees paid under the executive 
schedule, ambassadors who are not career members of the Foreign 
Service, politically appointed (noncareer) Senior Executive 
Service employees, and any other senior political appointee 
paid at or above level IV of the executive schedule.
    Section 739. The Committee continues a provision requiring 
agencies to submit reports to Inspectors General concerning 
expenditures for agency conferences.
    Section 740. The Committee continues a provision, with 
modification, prohibiting funds to be used to increase, 
eliminate, or reduce funding for a program or project unless 
such change is made pursuant to reprogramming or transfer 
provisions.
    Section 741. The Committee continues the provision ensuring 
contractors are not prevented from reporting waste, fraud, or 
abuse by signing confidentiality agreements that would prohibit 
such disclosure.
    Section 742. The Committee continues the provision 
prohibiting the expenditure of funds for the implementation of 
certain nondisclosure agreements unless certain provisions are 
included in the agreements.
    Section 743. The Committee continues the provision 
prohibiting funds to any corporation with certain unpaid 
Federal tax liabilities unless an agency has considered 
suspension or debarment of the corporation and made a 
determination that further action is not necessary to protect 
the interests of the Government.
    Section 744. The Committee continues the provision 
prohibiting funds to any corporation that was convicted of a 
felony criminal violation within the preceding 24 months unless 
an agency has considered suspension or debarment of the 
corporation and made a determination that further action is not 
necessary to protect the interests of the Government.
    Section 745. The Committee includes a provision prohibiting 
funds from implementing, administering, carrying out, 
modifying, revising, or enforcing Executive Order 13690.
    Section 746. The Committee continues the provision 
concerning the non-application of these general provisions to 
title IV and to title VIII.

          TITLE VIII--GENERAL PROVISIONS--DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA


                     (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

    Section 801. The Committee continues language that 
appropriates funds for refunding overpayments of taxes 
collected and for paying settlements and judgments against the 
District of Columbia government.
    Section 802. The Committee continues language prohibiting 
the use of Federal funds for publicity or propaganda purposes.
    Section 803. The Committee continues language establishing 
reprogramming procedures for Federal and local funds.
    Section 804. The Committee continues language prohibiting 
the use of Federal funds to provide salaries or other costs 
associated with the offices of United States Senator or 
Representative.
    Section 805. The Committee continues modified language 
restricting the use of official vehicles to official duties.
    Section 806. The Committee continues language prohibiting 
the use of Federal funds for any petition drive or civil action 
which seeks to require Congress to provide for voting 
representation in Congress for the District of Columbia.
    Section 807. The Committee includes language prohibiting 
the use of Federal funds for needle exchange programs.
    Section 808. The Committee continues language providing for 
a ``conscience clause'' on legislation that pertains to 
contraceptive coverage by health insurance plans.
    Section 809. The Committee continues language prohibiting 
the use of Federal funds to legalize or reduce penalties 
associated with the possession, use, or distribution on any 
schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act or any 
tetrahydrocannabinols derivative.
    Language is also included prohibiting local and Federal 
funds to legalize or reduce penalties associated with the 
possession, use, or distribution of any schedule I substance 
under the Controlled Substance Act or any tetrahydrocannabinols 
derivative for recreational use.
    Section 810. The Committee continues the provision that 
prohibits the use of funds for abortion except in the cases of 
rape or incest or if necessary to save the life of the mother.
    Section 811. The Committee continues language requiring the 
Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to submit a revised operating 
budget for all agencies in the D.C. government, no later than 
30 calendar days after the enactment of this Act that realigns 
budgeted data with anticipated actual expenditures.
    Section 812. The Committee continues language requiring the 
CFO to submit a revised operating budget for D.C. Public 
Schools, no later than 30 calendar days after the enactment of 
this Act, that realigns school budgets to actual school 
enrollment.
    Section 813. The Committee continues language allowing the 
transfer of local funds and capital and enterprise funds.
    Section 814. The Committee continues language prohibiting 
the obligation of Federal funds beyond the current fiscal year 
and transfers of funds unless expressly provided herein.
    Section 815. The Committee continues language providing 
that not to exceed 50 percent of unobligated balances from 
Federal appropriations for salaries and expenses may remain 
available for certain purposes. This provision will apply to 
the District of Columbia Courts, the Court Services and 
Offender Supervision Agency and the District of Columbia Public 
Defender Service.
    Section 816. The Committee continues language appropriating 
local funds during fiscal year 2017 if there is an absence of a 
continuing resolution or regular appropriation for the District 
of Columbia. Funds are provided under the same authorities and 
conditions and in the same manner and extent as provided for in 
fiscal year 2016.
    Section 817. The Committee continues language limiting 
references to ``this Act'' as referring to only this title and 
title IV.
    Section 818. The Committee includes a new provision 
prohibiting funds from being used to carry out the Reproductive 
Health Non-Discrimination Amendment Act of 2014 (D.C. Law 20-
261) or to implement any rule or regulation promulgated to 
carry out such Act.

                TITLE IX--ADDITIONAL GENERAL PROVISIONS

    Section 901. The Committee includes a new provision 
prohibiting funds to pay for an abortion or the administrative 
expenses in connection with a multi-State qualified health plan 
offered under a contract under section 1334 of the Patient 
Protection and Affordable Care Act which provides any benefits 
or coverage for abortions with exceptions where the life of the 
mother would be endangered if the fetus were carried to term, 
or the pregnancy is the result of an act of rape or incest.

                       SPENDING REDUCTION ACCOUNT

    Section 902. The Committee includes a provision 
establishing a ``Spending Reduction Account'' in the bill.

              HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES REPORT REQUIREMENTS

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

[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]

         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.

                          Rescission of Funds

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

 
 
 
Treasury Forfeiture Fund..............................      $720,000,000
 

                           Transfer of Funds

    Pursuant to clause 3(f)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the 
House of Representatives, the following is submitted describing 
the transfer of funds provided in the accompanying bill:

               UNDER TITLE I--DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

    Under the Department of the Treasury, ``Departmental 
Offices, Salaries and Expenses'', transfers are allowed from 
unobligated funding provided to the ``Department-wide Systems 
and Capital Investments Programs'' to ``Departmental Offices, 
Salaries and Expenses''.
    Section 101 allows the transfer of five percent of any 
appropriation made available to the Internal Revenue Service 
(IRS) to any other IRS appropriation, subject to prior 
congressional approval.
    Section 116 authorizes transfers, up to two percent, 
between Departmental Offices, Office of Inspector General, 
Special Inspector General for Troubled Asset Relief Program, 
Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, Bureau of the Fiscal 
Service, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, and 
Community Development Financial Institutions Fund Program Fund 
Account appropriations under certain circumstances.
    Section 117 authorizes transfers, up to two percent, 
between the IRS and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax 
Administration under certain circumstances.
    Section 119 authorizes the transfer of funds from the 
``Bureau of the Fiscal Service'' 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 Federal Drug Control Programs, 
``High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program'', which allows 
for the transfer of funds to Federal departments or agencies 
and State and local entities.
    Language is included under ``Other Federal Drug Control 
Programs'', allowing the transfer of funds to other Federal 
departments and agencies to carry out activities.
    Language is included under ``Information Technology 
Oversight and Reform'', allowing the transfer of funds to other 
agencies to carry out projects.
    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 permits the Executive Office of the President 
to transfer up to 10 percent of any appropriation, subject to 
approval of the Committee.

                     UNDER TITLE III--THE JUDICIARY

    Language is included under ``Courts of Appeals, District 
Courts, and Other Judicial Services, Court Security'', allowing 
funds to be transferred to the United States Marshals Service 
for courthouse security.
    Section 302 permits 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) Under the General Services Administration, amounts may 
be transferred within the Federal Buildings Fund, under certain 
circumstances, after approval of the Committee on 
Appropriations.
    (2) Under the General Services Administration, ``Operating 
Expenses'', amounts not to exceed five percent may be 
transferred to the appropriation for ``Real and Personal 
Property Management and Disposal''.
    (3) Under the General Services Administration, ``Federal 
Citizens Services Fund'', transfers are allowed from the 
Federal Citizens Services Fund to Federal agencies.
    (4) Under the General Services Administration, ``Federal 
Citizens Services Fund'', transfers are allowed from 
unobligated funding provided to the ``Electronic Government 
Fund'' to the Federal Citizens Services Fund.
    (5) Under the General Services Administration, ``Pre-
Election Presidential Transition'', transfers are allowed from 
the ``Acquisition Services Fund'' or ``Federal Buildings Fund'' 
to Pre-Election Presidential Transition.
    (6) Section 506 permits the General Services Administration 
to transfer funds in the Federal Buildings Fund after approval 
of the Committee on Appropriations.
    (7) Under Merit Systems Protection Board, an amount is 
transferred from the Civil Service Retirement and Disability 
Fund.
    (8) Under Office of Personnel Management, amounts from 
certain trust funds are transferred to the Salaries and 
Expenses and Office of Inspector General accounts for 
administrative expenses;
    (9) Under the Postal Regulatory Commission, amounts are 
transferred from the Postal Service Fund;
    (10) Under Small Business Administration, Business Loans 
Program Account, amounts may be transferred to and merged with 
Salaries and Expenses.
    (11) Under Small Business Administration, Disaster Loans 
Program Account, amounts may be transferred to and merged with 
the Office of Inspector General, and Salaries and Expenses.
    (12) Section 509 permits the Small Business Administration, 
to transfer funds between appropriations of the Small Business 
Administration.
    (13) Under United States Postal Service, Office of 
Inspector General, amounts are transferred from the Postal 
Service Fund.

                    UNDER TITLE VII--GOVERNMENT-WIDE

    Section 721 authorizes departments and agencies to transfer 
funds to the General Services Administration to support certain 
financial, information technology, procurement and other 
management initiatives.

       UNDER TITLE VIII--GENERAL PROVISIONS, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

    Section 803 authorizes the District of Columbia to transfer 
local funds and section 813 allows transfer funds between 
operations and capital accounts.

   Disclosure of Earmarks and Congressionally Directed Spending Items

    Neither the bill nor the report contains any Congressional 
earmarks, limited tax benefits, or limited tariff benefits as 
defined in clause 9 of rule XXI of the Rules of the House of 
Representatives.

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

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

       DODD-FRANK WALL STREET REFORM AND CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT


(Public Law 111-203)

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


TITLE I--FINANCIAL STABILITY

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Subtitle B--Office of Financial Research

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 155. FUNDING.

  (a) Financial Research Fund.--
          (1) Fund established.--There is established in the 
        Treasury of the United States a separate fund to be 
        known as the ``Financial Research Fund''.
          (2) Fund receipts.--All amounts provided to the 
        Office under subsection (c), and all assessments that 
        the Office receives under subsection (d) shall be 
        deposited into the Financial Research Fund.
          (3) Investments authorized.--
                  (A) Amounts in fund may be invested.--The 
                Director may request the Secretary to invest 
                the portion of the Financial Research Fund that 
                is not, in the judgment of the Director, 
                required to meet the needs of the Office.
                  (B) Eligible investments.--Investments shall 
                be made by the Secretary in obligations of the 
                United States or obligations that are 
                guaranteed as to principal and interest by the 
                United States, with maturities suitable to the 
                needs of the Financial Research Fund, as 
                determined by the Director.
          (4) Interest and proceeds credited.--The interest on, 
        and the proceeds from the sale or redemption of, any 
        obligations held in the Financial Research Fund shall 
        be credited to and form a part of the Financial 
        Research Fund.
  (b) Use of Funds.--
          (1) In general.--Funds obtained by, transferred to, 
        or credited to the Financial Research Fund shall be 
        [immediately] available to the Office as provided for 
        in appropriations Acts, and shall remain available 
        until expended, to pay the expenses of the Office in 
        carrying out the duties and responsibilities of the 
        Office.
          [(2) Fees, assessments, and other funds not 
        government funds.--Funds obtained by, transferred to, 
        or credited to the Financial Research Fund shall not be 
        construed to be Government funds or appropriated 
        moneys.]
          [(3)] (2) Amounts not subject to apportionment.--
        Notwithstanding any other provision of law, amounts in 
        the Financial Research Fund shall not be subject to 
        apportionment for purposes of chapter 15 of title 31, 
        United States Code, or under any other authority, or 
        for any other purpose.
  (c) Interim Funding.--During the 2-year period following the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Board of Governors shall 
provide to the Office an amount sufficient to cover the 
expenses of the Office.
  (d)  [Permanent Self-funding.--] Assessment ScheduleBeginning 
2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary 
shall establish, by regulation, and with the approval of the 
Council, an assessment schedule, including the assessment base 
and rates, applicable to bank holding companies with total 
consolidated assets of 50,000,000,000 or greater and nonbank 
financial companies supervised by the Board of Governors, that 
takes into account differences among such companies, based on 
the considerations for establishing the prudential standards 
under section 115, to collect assessments equal to the total 
expenses of the Office.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


TITLE X--BUREAU OF CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Subtitle A--Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 1017. FUNDING; PENALTIES AND FINES.

  (a) Transfer of Funds From Board Of Governors.--
          (1) In general.--Each year (or quarter of such year), 
        beginning on the designated transfer date, and each 
        quarter thereafter, the Board of Governors shall 
        transfer to the Bureau from the combined earnings of 
        the Federal Reserve System, the amount determined by 
        the Director to be reasonably necessary to carry out 
        the authorities of the Bureau under Federal consumer 
        financial law, taking into account such other sums made 
        available to the Bureau from the preceding year (or 
        quarter of such year).
          (2) Funding cap.--
                  (A) In general.--Notwithstanding paragraph 
                (1), and in accordance with this paragraph, the 
                amount that shall be transferred to the Bureau 
                in each fiscal year shall not exceed a fixed 
                percentage of the total operating expenses of 
                the Federal Reserve System, as reported in the 
                Annual Report, 2009, of the Board of Governors, 
                equal to--
                          (i) 10 percent of such expenses in 
                        fiscal year 2011;
                          (ii) 11 percent of such expenses in 
                        fiscal year 2012; and
                          (iii) 12 percent of such expenses in 
                        fiscal year 2013, and in each year 
                        thereafter.
                  (B) Adjustment of amount.--The dollar amount 
                referred to in subparagraph (A)(iii) shall be 
                adjusted annually, using the percent increase, 
                if any, in the employment cost index for total 
                compensation for State and local government 
                workers published by the Federal Government, or 
                the successor index thereto, for the 12-month 
                period ending on September 30 of the year 
                preceding the transfer.
                  [(C) Reviewability.--Notwithstanding any 
                other provision in this title, the funds 
                derived from the Federal Reserve System 
                pursuant to this subsection shall not be 
                subject to review by the Committees on 
                Appropriations of the House of Representatives 
                and the Senate.]
          (3) Transition period.--Beginning on the date of 
        enactment of this Act and until the designated transfer 
        date, the Board of Governors shall transfer to the 
        Bureau the amount estimated by the Secretary needed to 
        carry out the authorities granted to the Bureau under 
        Federal consumer financial law, from the date of 
        enactment of this Act until the designated transfer 
        date.
          (4) Budget and financial management.--
                  (A) Financial operating plans and 
                forecasts.--The Director shall provide to the 
                Director of the Office of Management and Budget 
                copies of the financial operating plans and 
                forecasts of the Director, as prepared by the 
                Director in the ordinary course of the 
                operations of the Bureau, and copies of the 
                quarterly reports of the financial condition 
                and results of operations of the Bureau, as 
                prepared by the Director in the ordinary course 
                of the operations of the Bureau.
                  (B) Financial statements.--The Bureau shall 
                prepare annually a statement of--
                          (i) assets and liabilities and 
                        surplus or deficit;
                          (ii) income and expenses; and
                          (iii) sources and application of 
                        funds.
                  (C) Financial management systems.--The Bureau 
                shall implement and maintain financial 
                management systems that comply substantially 
                with Federal financial management systems 
                requirements and applicable Federal accounting 
                standards.
                  (D) Assertion of internal controls.--The 
                Director shall provide to the Comptroller 
                General of the United States an assertion as to 
                the effectiveness of the internal controls that 
                apply to financial reporting by the Bureau, 
                using the standards established in section 
                3512(c) of title 31, United States Code.
                  (E) Rule of construction.--This subsection 
                may not be construed as implying any obligation 
                on the part of the Director to consult with or 
                obtain the consent or approval of the Director 
                of the Office of Management and Budget with 
                respect to any report, plan, forecast, or other 
                information referred to in subparagraph (A) or 
                any jurisdiction or oversight over the affairs 
                or operations of the Bureau.
                  (F) Financial statements.--The financial 
                statements of the Bureau shall not be 
                consolidated with the financial statements of 
                either the Board of Governors or the Federal 
                Reserve System.
          (5) Audit of the bureau.--
                  (A) In general.--The Comptroller General 
                shall annually audit the financial transactions 
                of the Bureau in accordance with the United 
                States generally accepted government auditing 
                standards, as may be prescribed by the 
                Comptroller General of the United States. The 
                audit shall be conducted at the place or places 
                where accounts of the Bureau are normally kept. 
                The representatives of the Government 
                Accountability Office shall have access to the 
                personnel and to all books, accounts, 
                documents, papers, records (including 
                electronic records), reports, files, and all 
                other papers, automated data, things, or 
                property belonging to or under the control of 
                or used or employed by the Bureau pertaining to 
                its financial transactions and necessary to 
                facilitate the audit, and such representatives 
                shall be afforded full facilities for verifying 
                transactions with the balances or securities 
                held by depositories, fiscal agents, and 
                custodians. All such books, accounts, 
                documents, records, reports, files, papers, and 
                property of the Bureau shall remain in 
                possession and custody of the Bureau. The 
                Comptroller General may obtain and duplicate 
                any such books, accounts, documents, records, 
                working papers, automated data and files, or 
                other information relevant to such audit 
                without cost to the Comptroller General, and 
                the right of access of the Comptroller General 
                to such information shall be enforceable 
                pursuant to section 716(c) of title 31, United 
                States Code.
                  (B) Report.--The Comptroller General shall 
                submit to the Congress a report of each annual 
                audit conducted under this subsection. The 
                report to the Congress shall set forth the 
                scope of the audit and shall include the 
                statement of assets and liabilities and surplus 
                or deficit, the statement of income and 
                expenses, the statement of sources and 
                application of funds, and such comments and 
                information as may be deemed necessary to 
                inform Congress of the financial operations and 
                condition of the Bureau, together with such 
                recommendations with respect thereto as the 
                Comptroller General may deem advisable. A copy 
                of each report shall be furnished to the 
                President and to the Bureau at the time 
                submitted to the Congress.
                  (C) Assistance and costs.--For the purpose of 
                conducting an audit under this subsection, the 
                Comptroller General may, in the discretion of 
                the Comptroller General, employ by contract, 
                without regard to section 3709 of the Revised 
                Statutes of the United States (41 U.S.C. 5), 
                professional services of firms and 
                organizations of certified public accountants 
                for temporary periods or for special purposes. 
                Upon the request of the Comptroller General, 
                the Director of the Bureau shall transfer to 
                the Government Accountability Office from funds 
                available, the amount requested by the 
                Comptroller General to cover the full costs of 
                any audit and report conducted by the 
                Comptroller General. The Comptroller General 
                shall credit funds transferred to the account 
                established for salaries and expenses of the 
                Government Accountability Office, and such 
                amount shall be available upon receipt and 
                without fiscal year limitation to cover the 
                full costs of the audit and report.
  (b) Consumer Financial Protection Fund.--
          (1) Separate fund in federal reserve established.--
        There is established in the Federal Reserve a separate 
        fund, to be known as the ``Bureau of Consumer Financial 
        Protection Fund'' (referred to in this section as the 
        ``Bureau Fund''). The Bureau Fund shall be maintained 
        and established at a Federal reserve bank, in 
        accordance with such requirements as the Board of 
        Governors may impose.
          (2) Fund receipts.--All amounts transferred to the 
        Bureau under subsection (a) shall be deposited into the 
        Bureau Fund.
          (3) Investment authority.--
                  (A) Amounts in bureau fund may be invested.--
                The Bureau may request the Board of Governors 
                to direct the investment of the portion of the 
                Bureau Fund that is not, in the judgment of the 
                Bureau, required to meet the current needs of 
                the Bureau.
                  (B) Eligible investments.--Investments 
                authorized by this paragraph shall be made in 
                obligations of the United States or obligations 
                that are guaranteed as to principal and 
                interest by the United States, with maturities 
                suitable to the needs of the Bureau Fund, as 
                determined by the Bureau.
                  (C) Interest and proceeds credited.--The 
                interest on, and the proceeds from the sale or 
                redemption of, any obligations held in the 
                Bureau Fund shall be credited to the Bureau 
                Fund.
  (c) Use of Funds.--
          (1) In general.--Funds obtained by, transferred to, 
        or credited to the Bureau Fund shall be immediately 
        available to the Bureau and under the control of the 
        Director, and shall remain available until expended, to 
        pay the expenses of the Bureau in carrying out its 
        duties and responsibilities. The compensation of the 
        Director and other employees of the Bureau and all 
        other expenses thereof may be paid from, obtained by, 
        transferred to, or credited to the Bureau Fund under 
        this section.
          (2) Funds that are not government funds.--Funds 
        obtained by or transferred to the Bureau Fund shall not 
        be construed to be Government funds or appropriated 
        monies.
          (3) Amounts not subject to apportionment.--
        Notwithstanding any other provision of law, amounts in 
        the Bureau Fund and in the Civil Penalty Fund 
        established under subsection (d) shall not be subject 
        to apportionment for purposes of chapter 15 of title 
        31, United States Code, or under any other authority.
  (d) Penalties and Fines.--
          (1) Establishment of victims relief fund.--There is 
        established in the Federal Reserve a separate fund, to 
        be known as the ``Consumer Financial Civil Penalty 
        Fund'' (referred to in this section as the ``Civil 
        Penalty Fund''). The Civil Penalty Fund shall be 
        maintained and established at a Federal reserve bank, 
        in accordance with such requirements as the Board of 
        Governors may impose. If the Bureau obtains a civil 
        penalty against any person in any judicial or 
        administrative action under Federal consumer financial 
        laws, the Bureau shall deposit into the Civil Penalty 
        Fund, the amount of the penalty collected.
          (2) Payment to victims.--Amounts in the Civil Penalty 
        Fund shall be available to the Bureau, without fiscal 
        year limitation, for payments to the victims of 
        activities for which civil penalties have been imposed 
        under the Federal consumer financial laws. To the 
        extent that such victims cannot be located or such 
        payments are otherwise not practicable, the Bureau may 
        use such funds for the purpose of consumer education 
        and financial literacy programs.
  (e) Authorization of Appropriations; Annual Report.--
          (1) Determination regarding need for appropriated 
        funds.--
                  (A) In general.--The Director is authorized 
                to determine that sums available to the Bureau 
                under this section will not be sufficient to 
                carry out the authorities of the Bureau under 
                Federal consumer financial law for the upcoming 
                year.
                  (B) Report required.--When making a 
                determination under subparagraph (A), the 
                Director shall prepare a report regarding the 
                funding of the Bureau, including the assets and 
                liabilities of the Bureau, and the extent to 
                which the funding needs of the Bureau are 
                anticipated to exceed the level of the amount 
                set forth in subsection (a)(2). The Director 
                shall submit the report to the President and to 
                the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate 
                and the Committee on Appropriations of the 
                House of Representatives.
          (2) Authorization of appropriations.--If the Director 
        makes the determination and submits the report pursuant 
        to paragraph (1), there are hereby authorized to be 
        appropriated to the Bureau, for the purposes of 
        carrying out the authorities granted in Federal 
        consumer financial law, $200,000,000 for each of fiscal 
        years 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014.
          (3) Apportionment.--Notwithstanding any other 
        provision of law, the amounts in paragraph (2) shall be 
        subject to apportionment under section 1517 of title 
        31, United States Code, and restrictions that generally 
        apply to the use of appropriated funds in title 31, 
        United States Code, and other laws.
          (4) Annual report.--The Director shall prepare and 
        submit a report, on an annual basis, to the Committee 
        on Appropriations of the Senate and the Committee on 
        Appropriations of the House of Representatives 
        regarding the financial operating plans and forecasts 
        of the Director, the financial condition and results of 
        operations of the Bureau, and the sources and 
        application of funds of the Bureau, including any funds 
        appropriated in accordance with this subsection.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


JUDICIAL IMPROVEMENTS ACT OF 1990

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *



TITLE II--FEDERAL JUDGESHIPS

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 203. DISTRICT JUDGES FOR THE DISTRICT COURTS.

  (a) In General.--The President shall appoint, by and with the 
advice and consent of the Senate--
          (1) 1 additional district judge for the western 
        district of Arkansas;
          (2) 2 additional district judges for the northern 
        district of California;
          (3) 5 additional district judges for the central 
        district of California;
          (4) 1 additional district judge for the southern 
        district of California;
          (5) 2 additional district judges for the district of 
        Connecticut;
          (6) 2 additional district judges for the middle 
        district of Florida;
          (7) 1 additional district judge for the northern 
        district of Florida;
          (8) 1 additional district judge for the southern 
        district of Florida;
          (9) 1 additional district judge for the middle 
        district of Georgia;
          (10) 1 additional district judge for the northern 
        district of Illinois;
          (11) 1 additional district judge for the southern 
        district of Iowa;
          (12) 1 additional district judge for the western 
        district of Louisiana;
          (13) 1 additional district judge for the district of 
        Maine;
          (14) 1 additional district judge for the district of 
        Massachusetts;
          (15) 1 additional district judge for the southern 
        district of Mississippi;
          (16) 1 additional district judge for the eastern 
        district of Missouri;
          (17) 1 additional district judge for the district of 
        New Hampshire;
          (18) 3 additional district judges for the district of 
        New Jersey;
          (19) 1 additional district judge for the district of 
        New Mexico;
          (20) 1 additional district judge for the southern 
        district of New York;
          (21) 3 additional district judges for the eastern 
        district of New York;
          (22) 1 additional district judge for the middle 
        district of North Carolina;
          (23) 1 additional district judge for the southern 
        district of Ohio;
          (24) 1 additional district judge for the northern 
        district of Oklahoma;
          (25) 1 additional district judge for the western 
        district of Oklahoma;
          (26) 1 additional district judge for the district of 
        Oregon;
          (27) 3 additional district judges for the eastern 
        district of Pennsylvania;
          (28) 1 additional district judge for the middle 
        district of Pennsylvania;
          (29) 1 additional district judge for the district of 
        South Carolina;
          (30) 1 additional district judge for the eastern 
        district of Tennessee;
          (31) 1 additional district judge for the western 
        district of Tennessee;
          (32) 1 additional district judge for the middle 
        district of Tennessee;
          (33) 2 additional district judges for the northern 
        district of Texas;
          (34) 1 additional district judge for the eastern 
        district of Texas;
          (35) 5 additional district judges for the southern 
        district of Texas;
          (36) 3 additional district judges for the western 
        district of Texas;
          (37) 1 additional district judge for the district of 
        Utah;
          (38) 1 additional district judge for the eastern 
        district of Washington;
          (39) 1 additional district judge for the northern 
        district of West Virginia;
          (40) 1 additional district judge for the southern 
        district of West Virginia; and
          (41) 1 additional district judge for the district of 
        Wyoming.
  (b) Existing Judgeships.--(1) The existing district 
judgeships for the western district of Arkansas, the northern 
district of Illinois, the northern district of Indiana, the 
district of Massachusetts, the western district of New York, 
the eastern district of North Carolina, the northern district 
of Ohio, and the western district of Washington authorized by 
section 202(b) of the Bankruptcy Amendments and Federal 
Judgeship Act of 1984 (Public Law 98-353, 98 Stat. 347-348) 
shall, as of the effective date of this title, be authorized 
under section 133 of title 28, United States Code, and the 
incumbents in those offices shall hold the office under section 
133 of title 28, United States Code, as amended by this title.
  (2)(A) The existing 2 district judgeships for the eastern and 
western districts of Arkansas (provided by section 133 of title 
28, United States Code, as in effect on the day before the 
effective date of this title) shall be district judgeships for 
the eastern district of Arkansas only, and the incumbents of 
such judgeships shall hold the offices under section 133 of 
title 28, United States Code, as amended by this title.
  (B) The existing district judgeship for the northern and 
southern districts of Iowa (provided by section 133 of title 
28, United States Code, as in effect on the day before the 
effective date of this title) shall be a district judgeship for 
the northern district of Iowa only, and the incumbent of such 
judgeship shall hold the office under section 133 of title 28, 
United States Code, as amended by this title.
  (C) The existing district judgeship for the northern, 
eastern, and western districts of Oklahoma (provided by section 
133 of title 28, United States Code, as in effect on the day 
before the effective date of this title) and the occupant of 
which has his or her official duty station at Oklahoma City on 
the date of the enactment of this title, shall be a district 
judgeship for the western district of Oklahoma only, and the 
incumbent of such judgeship shall hold the office under section 
133 of title 28, United States Code, as amended by this title.
  (c) Temporary Judgeships.--The President shall appoint, by 
and with the advice and consent of the Senate--
          (1) 1 additional district judge for the eastern 
        district of California;
          (2) 1 additional district judge for the district of 
        Hawaii;
          (3) 1 additional district judge for the central 
        district of Illinois;
          (4) 1 additional district judge for the southern 
        district of Illinois;
          (5) 1 additional district judge for the district of 
        Kansas;
          (6) 1 additional district judge for the western 
        district of Michigan;
          (7) 1 additional district judge for the eastern 
        district of Missouri;
          (8) 1 additional district judge for the district of 
        Nebraska;
          (9) 1 additional district judge for the northern 
        district of New York;
          (10) 1 additional district judge for the northern 
        district of Ohio;
          (11) 1 additional district judge for the eastern 
        district of Pennsylvania; and
          (12) 1 additional district judge for the eastern 
        district of Virginia.
Except with respect to the district of Kansas, the western 
district of Michigan, the eastern district of Pennsylvania, the 
district of Hawaii, 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 [24 years and 6 months] 25 
years and 6 months 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 19 years or more after the confirmation date of the 
judge named to fill the temporary judgeship created under this 
subsection shall not be filled. The first vacancy in the office 
of the district judge in the district of Hawaii occurring 21 
years and 6 months 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.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


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

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


  Sec. 406. The existing judgeship for the eastern district of 
Missouri authorized by section 203(c) of the Judicial 
Improvements Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-650, 104 Stat. 5089) 
as amended by Public Law 105-53, as of the effective date of 
this Act, shall be extended. The first vacancy in the office of 
district judge in this district occurring [22 years and 6 
months] 23 years and 6 months or more after the confirmation 
date of the judge named to fill the temporary judgeship created 
by section 203(c) shall not be filled.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


21ST CENTURY DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE APPROPRIATIONS AUTHORIZATION ACT

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *



     DIVISION A--21ST CENTURY DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE APPROPRIATIONS 
AUTHORIZATION ACT

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *



TITLE III--MISCELLANEOUS

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *



SEC. 312. ADDITIONAL FEDERAL JUDGESHIPS.

  (a) Permanent District Judges for the District Courts.--
          (1) In general.--The President shall appoint, by and 
        with the advice and consent of the Senate--
                  (A) 5 additional district judges for the 
                southern district of California;
                  (B) 1 additional district judge for the 
                western district of North Carolina; and
                  (C) 2 additional district judges for the 
                western district of Texas.
          (2) [Omitted--Amendatory]
  (b) District Judgeships for the Central and Southern 
Districts of Illinois, the Northern District of New York, and 
the Eastern District of Virginia.--
          (1) Conversion of temporary judgeships to permanent 
        judgeships.--The existing district judgeships for the 
        central district and the southern district of Illinois, 
        the northern district of New York, and the eastern 
        district of Virginia authorized by section 203(c) (3), 
        (4), (9), and (12) of the Judicial Improvements Act of 
        1990 (Public Law 101-650, 28 U.S.C. 133 note) shall be 
        authorized under section 133 of title 28, United States 
        Code, and the incumbents in such offices shall hold the 
        offices under section 133 of title 28, United States 
        Code (as amended by this section).
          (2) [Omitted--Amendatory]
          (3) Effective date.--With respect to the central or 
        southern district of Illinois, the northern district of 
        New York, or the eastern district of Virginia, this 
        subsection shall take effect on the earlier of--
                  (A) the date on which the first vacancy in 
                the office of district judge occurs in such 
                district; or
                  (B) July 15, 2003.
  (c) Temporary Judgeships.--
          (1) In general.--The President shall appoint, by and 
        with the advice and consent of the Senate--
                  (A) 1 additional district judge for the 
                northern district of Alabama;
                  (B) 1 additional judge for the district of 
                Arizona;
                  (C) 1 additional judge for the central 
                district of California;
                  (D) 1 additional judge for the southern 
                district of Florida;
                  (E) 1 additional district judge for the 
                district of New Mexico;
                  (F) 1 additional district judge for the 
                western district of North Carolina; and
                  (G) 1 additional district judge for the 
                eastern district of Texas.
          (2) Vacancies not filled.--The first vacancy in the 
        office of district judge in each of the offices of 
        district judge authorized by this subsection, except in 
        the case of the central district of California and the 
        western district of North Carolina, occurring [13 
        years] 14 years or more after the confirmation date of 
        the judge named to fill the temporary district 
        judgeship created in the applicable district by this 
        subsection, shall not be filled. The first vacancy in 
        the office of district judge in the central district of 
        California occurring [12 years and 6 months] 13 years 
        and 6 months or more after the confirmation date of the 
        judge named to fill the temporary district judgeship 
        created in that district by this subsection, shall not 
        be filled. The first vacancy in the office of district 
        judge in the western district of North Carolina 
        occurring [11 years] 12 years or more after the 
        confirmation date of the judge named to fill the 
        temporary district judgeship created in that district 
        by this subsection, shall not be filled.
          (3) Effective date.--This subsection shall take 
        effect on July 15, 2003.
  (d) Extension of Temporary Federal District Court Judgeship 
for the Northern District of Ohio.--
          (1)  In general.--[Omitted--Amendatory]
          (2) Effective date.--The amendments made by this 
        subsection shall take effect on the date of enactment 
        of this Act.
  (e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to 
be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this 
section, including such sums as may be necessary to provide 
appropriate space and facilities for the judicial positions 
created by this section.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


                    SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934


TITLE I--REGULATION OF SECURITIES EXCHANGES

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *



                      periodical and other reports

  Sec. 13. (a) Every issuer of a security registered pursuant 
to section 12 of this title shall file with the Commission, in 
accordance with such rules and regulations as the Commission 
may prescribe as necessary or appropriate for the proper 
protection of investors and to insure fair dealing in the 
security--
          (1) such information and documents (and such copies 
        thereof) as the Commission shall require to keep 
        reasonably current the information and documents 
        required to be included in or filed with an application 
        or registration statement filed pursuant to section 12, 
        except that the Commission may not require the filing 
        of any material contract wholly executed before July 1, 
        1962.
          (2) such annual reports (and such copies thereof), 
        certified if required by the rules and regulations of 
        the Commission by independent public accountants, and 
        such quarterly reports (and such copies thereof), as 
        the Commission may prescribe.
Every issuer of a security registered on a national securities 
exchange shall also file a duplicate original of such 
information, documents, and reports with the exchange. In any 
registration statement, periodic report, or other reports to be 
filed with the Commission, an emerging growth company need not 
present selected financial data in accordance with section 
229.301 of title 17, Code of Federal Regulations, for any 
period prior to the earliest audited period presented in 
connection with its first registration statement that became 
effective under this Act or the Securities Act of 1933 and, 
with respect to any such statement or reports, an emerging 
growth company may not be required to comply with any new or 
revised financial accounting standard until such date that a 
company that is not an issuer (as defined under section 2(a) of 
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (15 U.S.C. 7201(a))) is required 
to comply with such new or revised accounting standard, if such 
standard applies to companies that are not issuers.
  (b)(1) The Commission may prescribe, in regard to reports 
made pursuant to this title, the form or forms in which the 
required information shall be set forth, the items or details 
to be shown in the balance sheet and the earnings statement, 
and the methods to be followed in the preparation of reports, 
in the appraisal or valuation of assets and liabilities, in the 
determination of depreciation and depletion, in the 
differentiation of recurring and nonrecurring income, in the 
differentiation of investment and operating income, and in the 
preparation, where the Commission deems it necessary or 
desirable, of separate and/or consolidated balance sheets or 
income accounts of any person directly or indirectly 
controlling or controlled by the issuer, or any person under 
direct or indirect common control with the issuer; but in the 
case of the reports of any person whose methods of accounting 
are prescribed under the provisions of any law of the United 
States, or any rule or regulation thereunder, the rules and 
regulations of the Commission with respect to reports shall not 
be inconsistent with the requirements imposed by such law or 
rule or regulation in respect of the same subject matter 
(except that such rules and regulations of the Commission may 
be inconsistent with such requirements to the extent that the 
Commission determines that the public interest or the 
protection of investors so requires).
  (2) Every issuer which has a class of securities registered 
pursuant to section 12 of this title and every issuer which is 
required to file reports pursuant to section 15(d) of this 
title shall--
          (A) make and keep books, records, and accounts, 
        which, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly 
        reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets 
        of the issuer;
          (B) devise and maintain a system of internal 
        accounting controls sufficient to provide reasonable 
        assurances that--
                  (i) transactions are executed in accordance 
                with management's general or specific 
                authorization;
                  (ii) transactions are recorded as necessary 
                (I) to permit preparation of financial 
                statements in conformity with generally 
                accepted accounting principles or any other 
                criteria applicable to such statements, and 
                (II) to maintain accountability for assets;
                  (iii) access to assets is permitted only in 
                accordance with management's general or 
                specific authorization; and
                  (iv) the recorded accountability for assets 
                is compared with the existing assets at 
                reasonable intervals and appropriate action is 
                taken with respect to any differences; and
          (C) notwithstanding any other provision of law, pay 
        the allocable share of such issuer of a reasonable 
        annual accounting support fee or fees, determined in 
        accordance with section 109 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act 
        of 2002.
  (3)(A) With respect to matters concerning the national 
security of the United States, no duty or liability under 
paragraph (2) of this subsection shall be imposed upon any 
person acting in cooperation with the head of any Federal 
department or agency responsible for such matters if such act 
in cooperation with such head of a department or agency was 
done upon the specific, written directive of the head of such 
department or agency pursuant to Presidential authority to 
issue such directives. Each directive issued under this 
paragraph shall set forth the specific facts and circumstances 
with respect to which the provisions of this paragraph are to 
be invoked. Each such directive shall, unless renewed in 
writing, expire one year after the date of issuance.
  (B) Each head of a Federal department or agency of the United 
States who issues a directive pursuant to this paragraph shall 
maintain a complete file of all such directives and shall, on 
October 1 of each year, transmit a summary of matters covered 
by such directives in force at any time during the previous 
year to the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the 
House of Representatives and the Select Committee on 
Intelligence of the Senate.
  (4) No criminal liability shall be imposed for failing to 
comply with the requirements of paragraph (2) of this 
subsection except as provided in paragraph (5) of this 
subsection.
  (5) No person shall knowingly circumvent or knowingly fail to 
implement a system of internal accounting controls or knowingly 
falsify any book, record, or account described in paragraph 
(2).
  (6) Where an issuer which has a class of securities 
registered pursuant to section 12 of this title or an issuer 
which is required to file reports pursuant to section 15(d) of 
this title holds 50 per centum or less of the voting power with 
respect to a domestic or foreign firm, the provisions of 
paragraph (2) require only that the issuer proceed in good 
faith to use its influence, to the extent reasonable under the 
issuer's circumstances, to cause such domestic or foreign firm 
to devise and maintain a system of internal accounting controls 
consistent with paragraph (2). Such circumstances include the 
relative degree of the issuer's ownership of the domestic or 
foreign firm and the laws and practices governing the business 
operations of the country in which such firm is located. An 
issuer which demonstrates good faith efforts to use such 
influence shall be conclusively presumed to have complied with 
the requirements of paragraph (2).
  (7) For the purpose of paragraph (2) of this subsection, the 
terms ``reasonable assurances'' and ``reasonable detail'' mean 
such level of detail and degree of assurance as would satisfy 
prudent officials in the conduct of their own affairs.
  (c) If in the judgment of the Commission any report required 
under subsection (a) is inapplicable to any specified class or 
classes of issuers, the Commission shall require in lieu 
thereof the submission of such reports of comparable character 
as it may deem applicable to such class or classes of issuers.
  (d)(1) Any person who, after acquiring directly or indirectly 
the beneficial ownership of any equity security of a class 
which is registered pursuant to section 12 of this title, or 
any equity security of an insurance company which would have 
been required to be so registered except for the exemption 
contained in section 12(g)(2)(G) of this title, or any equity 
security issued by a closed-end investment company registered 
under the Investment Company Act of 1940 or any equity security 
issued by a Native Corporation pursuant to section 37(d)(6) of 
the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, or otherwise becomes 
or is deemed to become a beneficial owner of any of the 
foregoing upon the purchase or sale of a security-based swap 
that the Commission may define by rule, and is directly or 
indirectly the beneficial owner of more than 5 per centum of 
such class shall, within ten days after such acquisition or 
within such shorter time as the Commission may establish by 
rule, file with the Commission, a statement containing such of 
the following information, and such additional information, as 
the Commission may by rules and regulations, prescribe as 
necessary or appropriate in the public interest or for the 
protection of investors--
          (A) the background, and identity, residence, and 
        citizenship of, and the nature of such beneficial 
        ownership by, such person and all other persons by whom 
        or on whose behalf the purchases have been or are to be 
        effected;
          (B) the source and amount of the funds or other 
        consideration used or to be used in making the 
        purchases, and if any part of the purchase price is 
        represented or is to be represented by funds or other 
        consideration borrowed or otherwise obtained for the 
        purpose of acquiring, holding, or trading such 
        security, a description of the transaction and the 
        names of the parties thereto, except that where a 
        source of funds is a loan made in the ordinary course 
        of business by a bank, as defined in section 3(a)(6) of 
        this title, if the person filing such statement so 
        requests, the name of the bank shall not be made 
        available to the public;
          (C) if the purpose of the purchases or prospective 
        purchases is to acquire control of the business of the 
        issuer of the securities any plans or proposals which 
        such persons may have to liquidate such issuer, to sell 
        its assets to or merge it with any other persons, or to 
        make any other major change in its business or 
        corporate structure;
          (D) the number of shares of such security which are 
        beneficially owned, and the number of shares concerning 
        which there is a right to acquire, directly or 
        indirectly, by (i) such person, and (ii) by each 
        associate of such person, giving the background, 
        identity, residence, and citizenship of each such 
        associate; and
          (E) information as to any contracts, arrangements, or 
        understandings with any person with respect to any 
        securities of the issuer, including but not limited to 
        transfer of any of the securities, joint ventures, loan 
        or option arrangements, puts or calls, guaranties of 
        loans, guaranties against loss or guaranties of 
        profits, division of losses or profits, or the giving 
        or withholding of proxies, naming the persons with whom 
        such contracts, arrangements, or understandings have 
        been entered into, and giving the details thereof.
  (2) If any material change occurs in the facts set forth in 
the statement filed with the Commission, an amendment shall be 
filed with the Commission, in accordance with such rules and 
regulations as the Commission may prescribe as necessary or 
appropriate in the public interest or for the protection of 
investors.
  (3) When two or more persons act as a partnership, limited 
partnership, syndicate, or other group for the purpose of 
acquiring, holding, or disposing of securities of an issuer, 
such syndicate or group shall be deemed a ``person'' for the 
purposes of this subsection.
  (4) In determining, for purposes of this subsection, any 
percentage of a class of any security, such class shall be 
deemed to consist of the amount of the outstanding securities 
of such class, exclusive of any securities of such class held 
by or for the account of the issuer or a subsidiary of the 
issuer.
  (5) The Commission, by rule or regulation or by order, may 
permit any person to file in lieu of the statement required by 
paragraph (1) of this subsection or the rules and regulations 
thereunder, a notice stating the name of such person, the 
number of shares of any equity securities subject to paragraph 
(1) which are owned by him, the date of their acquisition and 
such other information as the Commission may specify, if it 
appears to the Commission that such securities were acquired by 
such person in the ordinary course of his business and were not 
acquired for the purpose of and do not have the effect of 
changing or influencing the control of the issuer nor in 
connection with or as a participant in any transaction having 
such purpose or effect.
  (6) The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to--
          (A) any acquisition or offer to acquire securities 
        made or proposed to be made by means of a registration 
        statement under the Securities Act of 1933;
          (B) any acquisition of the beneficial ownership of a 
        security which, together with all other acquisitions by 
        the same person of securities of the same class during 
        the preceding twelve months, does not exceed 2 per 
        centum of that class;
          (C) any acquisition of an equity security by the 
        issuer of such security;
          (D) any acquisition or proposed acquisition of a 
        security which the Commission, by rules or regulations 
        or by order, shall exempt from the provisions of this 
        subsection as not entered into for the purpose of, and 
        not having the effect of, changing or influencing the 
        control of the issuer or otherwise as not comprehended 
        within the purposes of this subsection.
  (e)(1) It shall be unlawful for an issuer which has a class 
of equity securities registered pursuant to section 12 of this 
title, or which is a closed-end investment company registered 
under the Investment Company Act of 1940, to purchase any 
equity security issued by it if such purchase is in 
contravention of such rules and regulations as the Commission, 
in the public interest or for the protection of investors, may 
adopt (A) to define acts and practices which are fraudulent, 
deceptive, or manipulative, and (B) to prescribe means 
reasonably designed to prevent such acts and practices. Such 
rules and regulations may require such issuer to provide 
holders of equity securities of such class with such 
information relating to the reasons for such purchase, the 
source of funds, the number of shares to be purchased, the 
price to be paid for such securities, the method of purchase, 
and such additional information, as the Commission deems 
necessary or appropriate in the public interest or for the 
protection of investors, or which the Commission deems to be 
material to a determination whether such security should be 
sold.
  (2) For the purpose of this subsection, a purchase by or for 
the issuer or any person controlling, controlled by, or under 
common control with the issuer, or a purchase subject to 
control of the issuer or any such person, shall be deemed to be 
a purchase by the issuer. The Commission shall have power to 
make rules and regulations implementing this paragraph in the 
public interest and for the protection of investors, including 
exemptive rules and regulations covering situations in which 
the Commission deems it unnecessary or inappropriate that a 
purchase of the type described in this paragraph shall be 
deemed to be a purchase by the issuer for purposes of some or 
all of the provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection.
  (3) At the time of filing such statement as the Commission 
may require by rule pursuant to paragraph (1) of this 
subsection, the person making the filing shall pay to the 
Commission a fee at a rate that, subject to paragraph (4), is 
equal to $92 per $1,000,000 of the value of securities proposed 
to be purchased. The fee shall be reduced with respect to 
securities in an amount equal to any fee paid with respect to 
any securities issued in connection with the proposed 
transaction under section 6(b) of the Securities Act of 1933, 
or the fee paid under that section shall be reduced in an 
amount equal to the fee paid to the Commission in connection 
with such transaction under this paragraph.
          (4) Annual adjustment.--For each fiscal year, the 
        Commission shall by order adjust the rate required by 
        paragraph (3) for such fiscal year to a rate that is 
        equal to the rate (expressed in dollars per million) 
        that is applicable under section 6(b) of the Securities 
        Act of 1933 for such fiscal year.
          (5) Fee collections.--Fees collected pursuant to this 
        subsection for fiscal year 2012 and each fiscal year 
        thereafter shall be deposited and credited as general 
        revenue of the Treasury and shall not be available for 
        obligation.
          (6) Effective date; publication.--In exercising its 
        authority under this subsection, the Commission shall 
        not be required to comply with the provisions of 
        section 553 of title 5, United States Code. An adjusted 
        rate prescribed under paragraph (4) shall be published 
        and take effect in accordance with section 6(b) of the 
        Securities Act of 1933 (15 U.S.C. 77f(b)).
          (7) Pro rata application.--The rates per $1,000,000 
        required by this subsection shall be applied pro rata 
        to amounts and balances of less than $1,000,000.
  (f)(1) Every institutional investment manager which uses the 
mails, or any means or instrumentality of interstate commerce 
in the course of its business as an institutional investment 
manager and which exercises investment discretion with respect 
to accounts holding equity securities of a class described in 
section 13(d)(1) of this title having an aggregate fair market 
value on the last trading day in any of the preceding twelve 
months of at least $100,000,000 or such lesser amount (but in 
no case less than $10,000,000) as the Commission, by rule, may 
determine, shall file reports with the Commission in such form, 
for such periods, and at such times after the end of such 
periods as the Commission, by rule, may prescribe, but in no 
event shall such reports be filed for periods longer than one 
year or shorter than one quarter. Such reports shall include 
for each such equity security held on the last day of the 
reporting period by accounts (in aggregate or by type as the 
Commission, by rule, may prescribe) with respect to which the 
institutional investment manager exercises investment 
discretion (other than securities held in amounts which the 
Commission, by rule, determines to be insignificant for 
purposes of this subsection), the name of the issuer and the 
title, class, CUSIP number, number of shares or principal 
amount, and aggregate fair market value of each such security. 
Such reports may also include for accounts (in aggregate or by 
type) with respect to which the institutional investment 
manager exercises investment discretion such of the following 
information as the Commission, by rule, prescribes--
          (A) the name of the issuer and the title, class, 
        CUSIP number, number of shares or principal amount, and 
        aggregate fair market value or cost or amortized cost 
        of each other security (other than an exempted 
        security) held on the last day of the reporting period 
        by such accounts;
          (B) the aggregate fair market value or cost or 
        amortized cost of exempted securities (in aggregate or 
        by class) held on the last day of the reporting period 
        by such accounts;
          (C) the number of shares of each equity security of a 
        class described in section 13(d)(1) of this title held 
        on the last day of the reporting period by such 
        accounts with respect to which the institutional 
        investment manager possesses sole or shared authority 
        to exercise the voting rights evidenced by such 
        securities;
          (D) the aggregate purchases and aggregate sales 
        during the reporting period of each security (other 
        than an exempted security) effected by or for such 
        accounts; and
          (E) with respect to any transaction or series of 
        transactions having a market value of at least $500,000 
        or such other amount as the Commission, by rule, may 
        determine, effected during the reporting period by or 
        for such accounts in any equity security of a class 
        described in section 13(d)(1) of this title--
                  (i) the name of the issuer and the title, 
                class, and CUSIP number of the security;
                  (ii) the number of shares or principal amount 
                of the security involved in the transaction;
                  (iii) whether the transaction was a purchase 
                or sale;
                  (iv) the per share price or prices at which 
                the transaction was effected;
                  (v) the date or dates of the transaction;
                  (vi) the date or dates of the settlement of 
                the transaction;
                  (vii) the broker or dealer through whom the 
                transaction was effected;
                  (viii) the market or markets in which the 
                transaction was effected; and
                  (ix) such other related information as the 
                Commission, by rule, may prescribe.
          (2) The Commission shall prescribe rules providing 
        for the public disclosure of the name of the issuer and 
        the title, class, CUSIP number, aggregate amount of the 
        number of short sales of each security, and any 
        additional information determined by the Commission 
        following the end of the reporting period. At a 
        minimum, such public disclosure shall occur every 
        month.
  (3) The Commission, by rule or order, may exempt, 
conditionally or unconditionally, any institutional investment 
manager or security or any class of institutional investment 
managers or securities from any or all of the provisions of 
this subsection or the rules thereunder.
  (4) The Commission shall make available to the public for a 
reasonable fee a list of all equity securities of a class 
described in section 13(d)(1) of this title, updated no less 
frequently than reports are required to be filed pursuant to 
paragraph (1) of this subsection. The Commission shall tabulate 
the information contained in any report filed pursuant to this 
subsection in a manner which will, in the view of the 
Commission, maximize the usefulness of the information to other 
Federal and State authorities and the public. Promptly after 
the filing of any such report, the Commission shall make the 
information contained therein conveniently available to the 
public for a reasonable fee in such form as the Commission, by 
rule, may prescribe, except that the Commission, as it 
determines to be necessary or appropriate in the public 
interest or for the protection of investors, may delay or 
prevent public disclosure of any such information in accordance 
with section 552 of title 5, United States Code. 
Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, any such information 
identifying the securities held by the account of a natural 
person or an estate or trust (other than a business trust or 
investment company) shall not be disclosed to the public.
  (5) In exercising its authority under this subsection, the 
Commission shall determine (and so state) that its action is 
necessary or appropriate in the public interest and for the 
protection of investors or to maintain fair and orderly markets 
or, in granting an exemption, that its action is consistent 
with the protection of investors and the purposes of this 
subsection. In exercising such authority the Commission shall 
take such steps as are within its power, including consulting 
with the Comptroller General of the United States, the Director 
of the Office of Management and Budget, the appropriate 
regulatory agencies, Federal and State authorities which, 
directly or indirectly, require reports from institutional 
investment managers of information substantially similar to 
that called for by this subsection, national securities 
exchanges, and registered securities associations, (A) to 
achieve uniform, centralized reporting of information 
concerning the securities holdings of and transactions by or 
for accounts with respect to which institutional investment 
managers exercise investment discretion, and (B) consistently 
with the objective set forth in the preceding subparagraph, to 
avoid unnecessarily duplicative reporting by, and minimize the 
compliance burden on, institutional investment managers. 
Federal authorities which, directly or indirectly, require 
reports from institutional investment managers of information 
substantially similar to that called for by this subsection 
shall cooperate with the Commission in the performance of its 
responsibilities under the preceding sentence. An institutional 
investment manager which is a bank, the deposits of which are 
insured in accordance with the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, 
shall file with the appropriate regulatory agency a copy of 
every report filed with the Commission pursuant to this 
subsection.
  (6)(A) For purposes of this subsection the term 
``institutional investment manager'' includes any person, other 
than a natural person, investing in or buying and selling 
securities for its own account, and any person exercising 
investment discretion with respect to the account of any other 
person.
  (B) The Commission shall adopt such rules as it deems 
necessary or appropriate to prevent duplicative reporting 
pursuant to this subsection by two or more institutional 
investment managers exercising investment discretion with 
respect to the same amount.
  (g)(1) Any person who is directly or indirectly the 
beneficial owner of more than 5 per centum of any security of a 
class described in subsection (d)(1) of this section or 
otherwise becomes or is deemed to become a beneficial owner of 
any security of a class described in subsection (d)(1) upon the 
purchase or sale of a security-based swap that the Commission 
may define by ruleshall file with the Commission a statement 
setting forth, in such form and at such time as the Commission 
may, by rule, prescribe--
          (A) such person's identity, residence, and 
        citizenship; and
          (B) the number and description of the shares in which 
        such person has an interest and the nature of such 
        interest.
  (2) If any material change occurs in the facts set forth in 
the statement filed with the Commission, an amendment shall be 
filed with the Commission, in accordance with such rules and 
regulations as the Commission may prescribe as necessary or 
appropriate in the public interest or for the protection of 
investors.
  (3) When two or more persons act as a partnership, limited 
partnership, syndicate, or other group for the purpose of 
acquiring, holding, or disposing of securities of an issuer, 
such syndicate or group shall be deemed a ``person'' for the 
purposes of this subsection.
  (4) In determining, for purposes of this subsection, any 
percentage of a class of any security, such class shall be 
deemed to consist of the amount of the outstanding securities 
of such class, exclusive of any securities of such class held 
by or for the account of the issuer or a subsidiary of the 
issuer.
  (5) In exercising its authority under this subsection, the 
Commission shall take such steps as it deems necessary or 
appropriate in the public interest or for the protection of 
investors (A) to achieve centralized reporting of information 
regarding ownership, (B) to avoid unnecessarily duplicative 
reporting by and minimize the compliance burden on persons 
required to report, and (C) to tabulate and promptly make 
available the information contained in any report filed 
pursuant to this subsection in a manner which will, in the view 
of the Commission, maximize the usefulness of the information 
to other Federal and State agencies and the public.
  (6) The Commission may, by rule or order, exempt, in whole or 
in part, any person or class of persons from any or all of the 
reporting requirements of this subsection as it deems necessary 
or appropriate in the public interest or for the protection of 
investors.
  (h) Large Trader Reporting.--
          (1) Identification requirements for large traders.--
        For the purpose of monitoring the impact on the 
        securities markets of securities transactions involving 
        a substantial volume or a large fair market value or 
        exercise value and for the purpose of otherwise 
        assisting the Commission in the enforcement of this 
        title, each large trader shall--
                  (A) provide such information to the 
                Commission as the Commission may by rule or 
                regulation prescribe as necessary or 
                appropriate, identifying such large trader and 
                all accounts in or through which such large 
                trader effects such transactions; and
                  (B) identify, in accordance with such rules 
                or regulations as the Commission may prescribe 
                as necessary or appropriate, to any registered 
                broker or dealer by or through whom such large 
                trader directly or indirectly effects 
                securities transactions, such large trader and 
                all accounts directly or indirectly maintained 
                with such broker or dealer by such large trader 
                in or through which such transactions are 
                effected.
          (2) Recordkeeping and reporting requirements for 
        brokers and dealers.--Every registered broker or dealer 
        shall make and keep for prescribed periods such records 
        as the Commission by rule or regulation prescribes as 
        necessary or appropriate in the public interest, for 
        the protection of investors, or otherwise in 
        furtherance of the purposes of this title, with respect 
        to securities transactions that equal or exceed the 
        reporting activity level effected directly or 
        indirectly by or through such registered broker or 
        dealer of or for any person that such broker or dealer 
        knows is a large trader, or any person that such broker 
        or dealer has reason to know is a large trader on the 
        basis of transactions in securities effected by or 
        through such broker or dealer. Such records shall be 
        available for reporting to the Commission, or any self-
        regulatory organization that the Commission shall 
        designate to receive such reports, on the morning of 
        the day following the day the transactions were 
        effected, and shall be reported to the Commission or a 
        self-regulatory organization designated by the 
        Commission immediately upon request by the Commission 
        or such a self-regulatory organization. Such records 
        and reports shall be in a format and transmitted in a 
        manner prescribed by the Commission (including, but not 
        limited to, machine readable form).
          (3) Aggregation rules.--The Commission may prescribe 
        rules or regulations governing the manner in which 
        transactions and accounts shall be aggregated for the 
        purpose of this subsection, including aggregation on 
        the basis of common ownership or control.
          (4) Examination of broker and dealer records.--All 
        records required to be made and kept by registered 
        brokers and dealers pursuant to this subsection with 
        respect to transactions effected by large traders are 
        subject at any time, or from time to time, to such 
        reasonable periodic, special, or other examinations by 
        representatives of the Commission as the Commission 
        deems necessary or appropriate in the public interest, 
        for the protection of investors, or otherwise in 
        furtherance of the purposes of this title.
          (5) Factors to be considered in commission actions.--
        In exercising its authority under this subsection, the 
        Commission shall take into account--
                  (A) existing reporting systems;
                  (B) the costs associated with maintaining 
                information with respect to transactions 
                effected by large traders and reporting such 
                information to the Commission or self-
                regulatory organizations; and
                  (C) the relationship between the United 
                States and international securities markets.
          (6) Exemptions.--The Commission, by rule, regulation, 
        or order, consistent with the purposes of this title, 
        may exempt any person or class of persons or any 
        transaction or class of transactions, either 
        conditionally or upon specified terms and conditions or 
        for stated periods, from the operation of this 
        subsection, and the rules and regulations thereunder.
          (7) Authority of commission to limit disclosure of 
        information.--Notwithstanding any other provision of 
        law, the Commission shall not be compelled to disclose 
        any information required to be kept or reported under 
        this subsection. Nothing in this subsection shall 
        authorize the Commission to withhold information from 
        Congress, or prevent the Commission from complying with 
        a request for information from any other Federal 
        department or agency requesting information for 
        purposes within the scope of its jurisdiction, or 
        complying with an order of a court of the United States 
        in an action brought by the United States or the 
        Commission. For purposes of section 552 of title 5, 
        United States Code, this subsection shall be considered 
        a statute described in subsection (b)(3)(B) of such 
        section 552.
          (8) Definitions.--For purposes of this subsection--
                  (A) the term ``large trader'' means every 
                person who, for his own account or an account 
                for which he exercises investment discretion, 
                effects transactions for the purchase or sale 
                of any publicly traded security or securities 
                by use of any means or instrumentality of 
                interstate commerce or of the mails, or of any 
                facility of a national securities exchange, 
                directly or indirectly by or through a 
                registered broker or dealer in an aggregate 
                amount equal to or in excess of the identifying 
                activity level;
                  (B) the term ``publicly traded security'' 
                means any equity security (including an option 
                on individual equity securities, and an option 
                on a group or index of such securities) listed, 
                or admitted to unlisted trading privileges, on 
                a national securities exchange, or quoted in an 
                automated interdealer quotation system;
                  (C) the term ``identifying activity level'' 
                means transactions in publicly traded 
                securities at or above a level of volume, fair 
                market value, or exercise value as shall be 
                fixed from time to time by the Commission by 
                rule or regulation, specifying the time 
                interval during which such transactions shall 
                be aggregated;
                  (D) the term ``reporting activity level'' 
                means transactions in publicly traded 
                securities at or above a level of volume, fair 
                market value, or exercise value as shall be 
                fixed from time to time by the Commission by 
                rule, regulation, or order, specifying the time 
                interval during which such transactions shall 
                be aggregated; and
                  (E) the term ``person'' has the meaning given 
                in section 3(a)(9) of this title and also 
                includes two or more persons acting as a 
                partnership, limited partnership, syndicate, or 
                other group, but does not include a foreign 
                central bank.
  (i) Accuracy of Financial Reports.--Each financial report 
that contains financial statements, and that is required to be 
prepared in accordance with (or reconciled to) generally 
accepted accounting principles under this title and filed with 
the Commission shall reflect all material correcting 
adjustments that have been identified by a registered public 
accounting firm in accordance with generally accepted 
accounting principles and the rules and regulations of the 
Commission.
  (j) Off-Balance Sheet Transactions.--Not later than 180 days 
after the date of enactment of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 
the Commission shall issue final rules providing that each 
annual and quarterly financial report required to be filed with 
the Commission shall disclose all material off-balance sheet 
transactions, arrangements, obligations (including contingent 
obligations), and other relationships of the issuer with 
unconsolidated entities or other persons, that may have a 
material current or future effect on financial condition, 
changes in financial condition, results of operations, 
liquidity, capital expenditures, capital resources, or 
significant components of revenues or expenses.
  (k) Prohibition on Personal Loans to Executives.--
          (1) In general.--It shall be unlawful for any issuer 
        (as defined in section 2 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 
        2002), directly or indirectly, including through any 
        subsidiary, to extend or maintain credit, to arrange 
        for the extension of credit, or to renew an extension 
        of credit, in the form of a personal loan to or for any 
        director or executive officer (or equivalent thereof) 
        of that issuer. An extension of credit maintained by 
        the issuer on the date of enactment of this subsection 
        shall not be subject to the provisions of this 
        subsection, provided that there is no material 
        modification to any term of any such extension of 
        credit or any renewal of any such extension of credit 
        on or after that date of enactment.
          (2) Limitation.--Paragraph (1) does not preclude any 
        home improvement and manufactured home loans (as that 
        term is defined in section 5 of the Home Owners' Loan 
        Act (12 U.S.C. 1464)), consumer credit (as defined in 
        section 103 of the Truth in Lending Act (15 U.S.C. 
        1602)), or any extension of credit under an open end 
        credit plan (as defined in section 103 of the Truth in 
        Lending Act (15 U.S.C. 1602)), or a charge card (as 
        defined in section 127(c)(4)(e) of the Truth in Lending 
        Act (15 U.S.C. 1637(c)(4)(e)), or any extension of 
        credit by a broker or dealer registered under section 
        15 of this title to an employee of that broker or 
        dealer to buy, trade, or carry securities, that is 
        permitted under rules or regulations of the Board of 
        Governors of the Federal Reserve System pursuant to 
        section 7 of this title (other than an extension of 
        credit that would be used to purchase the stock of that 
        issuer), that is--
                  (A) made or provided in the ordinary course 
                of the consumer credit business of such issuer;
                  (B) of a type that is generally made 
                available by such issuer to the public; and
                  (C) made by such issuer on market terms, or 
                terms that are no more favorable than those 
                offered by the issuer to the general public for 
                such extensions of credit.
          (3) Rule of construction for certain loans.--
        Paragraph (1) does not apply to any loan made or 
        maintained by an insured depository institution (as 
        defined in section 3 of the Federal Deposit Insurance 
        Act (12 U.S.C. 1813)), if the loan is subject to the 
        insider lending restrictions of section 22(h) of the 
        Federal Reserve Act (12 U.S.C. 375b).
  (l) Real Time Issuer Disclosures.--Each issuer reporting 
under section 13(a) or 15(d) shall disclose to the public on a 
rapid and current basis such additional information concerning 
material changes in the financial condition or operations of 
the issuer, in plain English, which may include trend and 
qualitative information and graphic presentations, as the 
Commission determines, by rule, is necessary or useful for the 
protection of investors and in the public interest.
  (m) Public Availability of Security-based Swap Transaction 
Data.--
          (1) In general.--
                  (A) Definition of real-time public 
                reporting.--In this paragraph, the term ``real-
                time public reporting'' means to report data 
                relating to a security-based swap transaction, 
                including price and volume, as soon as 
                technologically practicable after the time at 
                which the security-based swap transaction has 
                been executed.
                  (B) Purpose.--The purpose of this subsection 
                is to authorize the Commission to make 
                security-based swap transaction and pricing 
                data available to the public in such form and 
                at such times as the Commission determines 
                appropriate to enhance price discovery.
                  (C) General rule.--The Commission is 
                authorized to provide by rule for the public 
                availability of security-based swap 
                transaction, volume, and pricing data as 
                follows:
                          (i) With respect to those security-
                        based swaps that are subject to the 
                        mandatory clearing requirement 
                        described in section 3C(a)(1) 
                        (including those security-based swaps 
                        that are excepted from the requirement 
                        pursuant to section 3C(g)), the 
                        Commission shall require real-time 
                        public reporting for such transactions.
                          (ii) With respect to those security-
                        based swaps that are not subject to the 
                        mandatory clearing requirement 
                        described in section 3C(a)(1), but are 
                        cleared at a registered clearing 
                        agency, the Commission shall require 
                        real-time public reporting for such 
                        transactions.
                          (iii) With respect to security-based 
                        swaps that are not cleared at a 
                        registered clearing agency and which 
                        are reported to a security-based swap 
                        data repository or the Commission under 
                        section 3C(a)(6), the Commission shall 
                        require real-time public reporting for 
                        such transactions, in a manner that 
                        does not disclose the business 
                        transactions and market positions of 
                        any person.
                          (iv) With respect to security-based 
                        swaps that are determined to be 
                        required to be cleared under section 
                        3C(b) but are not cleared, the 
                        Commission shall require real-time 
                        public reporting for such transactions.
                  (D) Registered entities and public 
                reporting.--The Commission may require 
                registered entities to publicly disseminate the 
                security-based swap transaction and pricing 
                data required to be reported under this 
                paragraph.
                  (E) Rulemaking required.--With respect to the 
                rule providing for the public availability of 
                transaction and pricing data for security-based 
                swaps described in clauses (i) and (ii) of 
                subparagraph (C), the rule promulgated by the 
                Commission shall contain provisions--
                          (i) to ensure such information does 
                        not identify the participants;
                          (ii) to specify the criteria for 
                        determining what constitutes a large 
                        notional security-based swap 
                        transaction (block trade) for 
                        particular markets and contracts;
                          (iii) to specify the appropriate time 
                        delay for reporting large notional 
                        security-based swap transactions (block 
                        trades) to the public; and
                          (iv) that take into account whether 
                        the public disclosure will materially 
                        reduce market liquidity.
                  (F) Timeliness of reporting.--Parties to a 
                security-based swap (including agents of the 
                parties to a security-based swap) shall be 
                responsible for reporting security-based swap 
                transaction information to the appropriate 
                registered entity in a timely manner as may be 
                prescribed by the Commission.
                  (G) Reporting of swaps to registered 
                security-based swap data repositories.--Each 
                security-based swap (whether cleared or 
                uncleared) shall be reported to a registered 
                security-based swap data repository.
                  (H) Registration of clearing agencies.--A 
                clearing agency may register as a security-
                based swap data repository.
          (2) Semiannual and annual public reporting of 
        aggregate security-based swap data.--
                  (A) In general.--In accordance with 
                subparagraph (B), the Commission shall issue a 
                written report on a semiannual and annual basis 
                to make available to the public information 
                relating to--
                          (i) the trading and clearing in the 
                        major security-based swap categories; 
                        and
                          (ii) the market participants and 
                        developments in new products.
                  (B) Use; consultation.--In preparing a report 
                under subparagraph (A), the Commission shall--
                          (i) use information from security-
                        based swap data repositories and 
                        clearing agencies; and
                          (ii) consult with the Office of the 
                        Comptroller of the Currency, the Bank 
                        for International Settlements, and such 
                        other regulatory bodies as may be 
                        necessary.
                  (C) Authority of commission.--The Commission 
                may, by rule, regulation, or order, delegate 
                the public reporting responsibilities of the 
                Commission under this paragraph in accordance 
                with such terms and conditions as the 
                Commission determines to be appropriate and in 
                the public interest.
  (n) Security-based Swap Data Repositories.--
          (1) Registration requirement.--It shall be unlawful 
        for any person, unless registered with the Commission, 
        directly or indirectly, to make use of the mails or any 
        means or instrumentality of interstate commerce to 
        perform the functions of a security-based swap data 
        repository.
          (2) Inspection and examination.--Each registered 
        security-based swap data repository shall be subject to 
        inspection and examination by any representative of the 
        Commission.
          (3) Compliance with core principles.--
                  (A) In general.--To be registered, and 
                maintain registration, as a security-based swap 
                data repository, the security-based swap data 
                repository shall comply with--
                          (i) the requirements and core 
                        principles described in this 
                        subsection; and
                          (ii) any requirement that the 
                        Commission may impose by rule or 
                        regulation.
                  (B) Reasonable discretion of security-based 
                swap data repository.--Unless otherwise 
                determined by the Commission, by rule or 
                regulation, a security-based swap data 
                repository described in subparagraph (A) shall 
                have reasonable discretion in establishing the 
                manner in which the security-based swap data 
                repository complies with the core principles 
                described in this subsection.
          (4) Standard setting.--
                  (A) Data identification.--
                          (i) In general.--In accordance with 
                        clause (ii), the Commission shall 
                        prescribe standards that specify the 
                        data elements for each security-based 
                        swap that shall be collected and 
                        maintained by each registered security-
                        based swap data repository.
                          (ii) Requirement.--In carrying out 
                        clause (i), the Commission shall 
                        prescribe consistent data element 
                        standards applicable to registered 
                        entities and reporting counterparties.
                  (B) Data collection and maintenance.--The 
                Commission shall prescribe data collection and 
                data maintenance standards for security-based 
                swap data repositories.
                  (C) Comparability.--The standards prescribed 
                by the Commission under this subsection shall 
                be comparable to the data standards imposed by 
                the Commission on clearing agencies in 
                connection with their clearing of security-
                based swaps.
          (5) Duties.--A security-based swap data repository 
        shall--
                  (A) accept data prescribed by the Commission 
                for each security-based swap under subsection 
                (b);
                  (B) confirm with both counterparties to the 
                security-based swap the accuracy of the data 
                that was submitted;
                  (C) maintain the data described in 
                subparagraph (A) in such form, in such manner, 
                and for such period as may be required by the 
                Commission;
                  (D)(i) provide direct electronic access to 
                the Commission (or any designee of the 
                Commission, including another registered 
                entity); and
                  (ii) provide the information described in 
                subparagraph (A) in such form and at such 
                frequency as the Commission may require to 
                comply with the public reporting requirements 
                set forth in subsection (m);
                  (E) at the direction of the Commission, 
                establish automated systems for monitoring, 
                screening, and analyzing security-based swap 
                data;
                  (F) maintain the privacy of any and all 
                security-based swap transaction information 
                that the security-based swap data repository 
                receives from a security-based swap dealer, 
                counterparty, or any other registered entity; 
                and
                  (G) on a confidential basis pursuant to 
                section 24, upon request, and after notifying 
                the Commission of the request, make available 
                [all] security-based swap data obtained by the 
                security-based swap data repository, including 
                individual counterparty trade and position 
                data, to--
                          (i) each appropriate prudential 
                        regulator;
                          (ii) the Financial Stability 
                        Oversight Council;
                          (iii) the Commodity Futures Trading 
                        Commission;
                          (iv) the Department of Justice; and
                          (v) any other person that the 
                        Commission determines to be 
                        appropriate, including--
                                  (I) foreign financial 
                                supervisors (including foreign 
                                futures authorities);
                                  (II) foreign central banks; 
                                [and]
                                  (III) foreign ministries[.]; 
                                and
                                  (IV) other foreign 
                                authorities.
                  [(H) Confidentiality and indemnification 
                agreement.--Before the security-based swap data 
                repository may share information with any 
                entity described in subparagraph (G)--
                          [(i) the security-based swap data 
                        repository shall receive a written 
                        agreement from each entity stating that 
                        the entity shall abide by the 
                        confidentiality requirements described 
                        in section 24 relating to the 
                        information on security-based swap 
                        transactions that is provided; and
                          [(ii) each entity shall agree to 
                        indemnify the security-based swap data 
                        repository and the Commission for any 
                        expenses arising from litigation 
                        relating to the information provided 
                        under section 24.]
                  (H) Confidentiality agreement.--Before the 
                security-based swap data repository may share 
                information with any entity described in 
                subparagraph (G), the security-based swap data 
                repository shall receive a written agreement 
                from each entity stating that the entity shall 
                abide by the confidentiality requirements 
                described in section 24 relating to the 
                information on security-based swap transactions 
                that is provided.
          (6) Designation of chief compliance officer.--
                  (A) In general.--Each security-based swap 
                data repository shall designate an individual 
                to serve as a chief compliance officer.
                  (B) Duties.--The chief compliance officer 
                shall--
                          (i) report directly to the board or 
                        to the senior officer of the security-
                        based swap data repository;
                          (ii) review the compliance of the 
                        security-based swap data repository 
                        with respect to the requirements and 
                        core principles described in this 
                        subsection;
                          (iii) in consultation with the board 
                        of the security-based swap data 
                        repository, a body performing a 
                        function similar to the board of the 
                        security-based swap data repository, or 
                        the senior officer of the security-
                        based swap data repository, resolve any 
                        conflicts of interest that may arise;
                          (iv) be responsible for administering 
                        each policy and procedure that is 
                        required to be established pursuant to 
                        this section;
                          (v) ensure compliance with this title 
                        (including regulations) relating to 
                        agreements, contracts, or transactions, 
                        including each rule prescribed by the 
                        Commission under this section;
                          (vi) establish procedures for the 
                        remediation of noncompliance issues 
                        identified by the chief compliance 
                        officer through any--
                                  (I) compliance office review;
                                  (II) look-back;
                                  (III) internal or external 
                                audit finding;
                                  (IV) self-reported error; or
                                  (V) validated complaint; and
                          (vii) establish and follow 
                        appropriate procedures for the 
                        handling, management response, 
                        remediation, retesting, and closing of 
                        noncompliance issues.
                  (C) Annual reports.--
                          (i) In general.--In accordance with 
                        rules prescribed by the Commission, the 
                        chief compliance officer shall annually 
                        prepare and sign a report that contains 
                        a description of--
                                  (I) the compliance of the 
                                security-based swap data 
                                repository of the chief 
                                compliance officer with respect 
                                to this title (including 
                                regulations); and
                                  (II) each policy and 
                                procedure of the security-based 
                                swap data repository of the 
                                chief compliance officer 
                                (including the code of ethics 
                                and conflict of interest 
                                policies of the security-based 
                                swap data repository).
                          (ii) Requirements.--A compliance 
                        report under clause (i) shall--
                                  (I) accompany each 
                                appropriate financial report of 
                                the security-based swap data 
                                repository that is required to 
                                be furnished to the Commission 
                                pursuant to this section; and
                                  (II) include a certification 
                                that, under penalty of law, the 
                                compliance report is accurate 
                                and complete.
          (7) Core principles applicable to security-based swap 
        data repositories.--
                  (A) Antitrust considerations.--Unless 
                necessary or appropriate to achieve the 
                purposes of this title, the swap data 
                repository shall not--
                          (i) adopt any rule or take any action 
                        that results in any unreasonable 
                        restraint of trade; or
                          (ii) impose any material 
                        anticompetitive burden on the trading, 
                        clearing, or reporting of transactions.
                  (B) Governance arrangements.--Each security-
                based swap data repository shall establish 
                governance arrangements that are transparent--
                          (i) to fulfill public interest 
                        requirements; and
                          (ii) to support the objectives of the 
                        Federal Government, owners, and 
                        participants.
                  (C) Conflicts of interest.--Each security-
                based swap data repository shall--
                          (i) establish and enforce rules to 
                        minimize conflicts of interest in the 
                        decision-making process of the 
                        security-based swap data repository; 
                        and
                          (ii) establish a process for 
                        resolving any conflicts of interest 
                        described in clause (i).
                  (D) Additional duties developed by 
                commission.--
                          (i) In general.--The Commission may 
                        develop 1 or more additional duties 
                        applicable to security-based swap data 
                        repositories.
                          (ii) Consideration of evolving 
                        standards.--In developing additional 
                        duties under subparagraph (A), the 
                        Commission may take into consideration 
                        any evolving standard of the United 
                        States or the international community.
                          (iii) Additional duties for 
                        commission designees.--The Commission 
                        shall establish additional duties for 
                        any registrant described in section 
                        13(m)(2)(C) in order to minimize 
                        conflicts of interest, protect data, 
                        ensure compliance, and guarantee the 
                        safety and security of the security-
                        based swap data repository.
          (8) Required registration for security-based swap 
        data repositories.--Any person that is required to be 
        registered as a security-based swap data repository 
        under this subsection shall register with the 
        Commission, regardless of whether that person is also 
        licensed under the Commodity Exchange Act as a swap 
        data repository.
          (9) Rules.--The Commission shall adopt rules 
        governing persons that are registered under this 
        subsection.
  (o) Beneficial ownership.--For purposes of this section and 
section 16, a person shall be deemed to acquire beneficial 
ownership of an equity security based on the purchase or sale 
of a security-based swap, only to the extent that the 
Commission, by rule, determines after consultation with the 
prudential regulators and the Secretary of the Treasury, that 
the purchase or sale of the security-based swap, or class of 
security-based swap, provides incidents of ownership comparable 
to direct ownership of the equity security, and that it is 
necessary to achieve the purposes of this section that the 
purchase or sale of the security-based swaps, or class of 
security-based swap, be deemed the acquisition of beneficial 
ownership of the equity security.
  (p) Disclosures Relating to Conflict Minerals Originating in 
the Democratic Republic of the Congo.--
          (1) Regulations.--
                  (A) In general.--Not later than 270 days 
                after the date of the enactment of this 
                subsection, the Commission shall promulgate 
                regulations requiring any person described in 
                paragraph (2) to disclose annually, beginning 
                with the person's first full fiscal year that 
                begins after the date of promulgation of such 
                regulations, whether conflict minerals that are 
                necessary as described in paragraph (2)(B), in 
                the year for which such reporting is required, 
                did originate in the Democratic Republic of the 
                Congo or an adjoining country and, in cases in 
                which such conflict minerals did originate in 
                any such country, submit to the Commission a 
                report that includes, with respect to the 
                period covered by the report--
                          (i) a description of the measures 
                        taken by the person to exercise due 
                        diligence on the source and chain of 
                        custody of such minerals, which 
                        measures shall include an independent 
                        private sector audit of such report 
                        submitted through the Commission that 
                        is conducted in accordance with 
                        standards established by the 
                        Comptroller General of the United 
                        States, in accordance with rules 
                        promulgated by the Commission, in 
                        consultation with the Secretary of 
                        State; and
                          (ii) a description of the products 
                        manufactured or contracted to be 
                        manufactured that are not DRC conflict 
                        free (``DRC conflict free'' is defined 
                        to mean the products that do not 
                        contain minerals that directly or 
                        indirectly finance or benefit armed 
                        groups in the Democratic Republic of 
                        the Congo or an adjoining country), the 
                        entity that conducted the independent 
                        private sector audit in accordance with 
                        clause (i), the facilities used to 
                        process the conflict minerals, the 
                        country of origin of the conflict 
                        minerals, and the efforts to determine 
                        the mine or location of origin with the 
                        greatest possible specificity.
                  (B) Certification.--The person submitting a 
                report under subparagraph (A) shall certify the 
                audit described in clause (i) of such 
                subparagraph that is included in such report. 
                Such a certified audit shall constitute a 
                critical component of due diligence in 
                establishing the source and chain of custody of 
                such minerals.
                  (C) Unreliable determination.--If a report 
                required to be submitted by a person under 
                subparagraph (A) relies on a determination of 
                an independent private sector audit, as 
                described under subparagraph (A)(i), or other 
                due diligence processes previously determined 
                by the Commission to be unreliable, the report 
                shall not satisfy the requirements of the 
                regulations promulgated under subparagraph 
                (A)(i).
                  (D) DRC conflict free.--For purposes of this 
                paragraph, a product may be labeled as ``DRC 
                conflict free'' if the product does not contain 
                conflict minerals that directly or indirectly 
                finance or benefit armed groups in the 
                Democratic Republic of the Congo or an 
                adjoining country.
                  (E) Information available to the public.--
                Each person described under paragraph (2) shall 
                make available to the public on the Internet 
                website of such person the information 
                disclosed by such person under subparagraph 
                (A).
          (2) Person described.--A person is described in this 
        paragraph if--
                  (A) the person is required to file reports 
                with the Commission pursuant to paragraph 
                (1)(A); and
                  (B) conflict minerals are necessary to the 
                functionality or production of a product 
                manufactured by such person.
          (3) Revisions and waivers.--The Commission shall 
        revise or temporarily waive the requirements described 
        in paragraph (1) if the President transmits to the 
        Commission a determination that--
                  (A) such revision or waiver is in the 
                national security interest of the United States 
                and the President includes the reasons 
                therefor; and
                  (B) establishes a date, not later than 2 
                years after the initial publication of such 
                exemption, on which such exemption shall 
                expire.
          (4) Termination of disclosure requirements.--The 
        requirements of paragraph (1) shall terminate on the 
        date on which the President determines and certifies to 
        the appropriate congressional committees, but in no 
        case earlier than the date that is one day after the 
        end of the 5-year period beginning on the date of the 
        enactment of this subsection, that no armed groups 
        continue to be directly involved and benefitting from 
        commercial activity involving conflict minerals.
          (5) Definitions.--For purposes of this subsection, 
        the terms ``adjoining country'', ``appropriate 
        congressional committees'', ``armed group'', and 
        ``conflict mineral'' have the meaning given those terms 
        under section 1502 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform 
        and Consumer Protection Act.
  (q) Disclosure of Payments by Resource Extraction Issuers.--
          (1) Definitions.--In this subsection--
                  (A) the term ``commercial development of oil, 
                natural gas, or minerals'' includes 
                exploration, extraction, processing, export, 
                and other significant actions relating to oil, 
                natural gas, or minerals, or the acquisition of 
                a license for any such activity, as determined 
                by the Commission;
                  (B) the term ``foreign government'' means a 
                foreign government, a department, agency, or 
                instrumentality of a foreign government, or a 
                company owned by a foreign government, as 
                determined by the Commission;
                  (C) the term ``payment''--
                          (i) means a payment that is--
                                  (I) made to further the 
                                commercial development of oil, 
                                natural gas, or minerals; and
                                  (II) not de minimis; and
                          (ii) includes taxes, royalties, fees 
                        (including license fees), production 
                        entitlements, bonuses, and other 
                        material benefits, that the Commission, 
                        consistent with the guidelines of the 
                        Extractive Industries Transparency 
                        Initiative (to the extent practicable), 
                        determines are part of the commonly 
                        recognized revenue stream for the 
                        commercial development of oil, natural 
                        gas, or minerals;
                  (D) the term ``resource extraction issuer'' 
                means an issuer that--
                          (i) is required to file an annual 
                        report with the Commission; and
                          (ii) engages in the commercial 
                        development of oil, natural gas, or 
                        minerals;
                  (E) the term ``interactive data format'' 
                means an electronic data format in which pieces 
                of information are identified using an 
                interactive data standard; and
                  (F) the term ``interactive data standard'' 
                means standardized list of electronic tags that 
                mark information included in the annual report 
                of a resource extraction issuer.
          (2) Disclosure.--
                  (A) Information required.--Not later than 270 
                days after the date of enactment of the Dodd-
                Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer 
                Protection Act, the Commission shall issue 
                final rules that require each resource 
                extraction issuer to include in an annual 
                report of the resource extraction issuer 
                information relating to any payment made by the 
                resource extraction issuer, a subsidiary of the 
                resource extraction issuer, or an entity under 
                the control of the resource extraction issuer 
                to a foreign government or the Federal 
                Government for the purpose of the commercial 
                development of oil, natural gas, or minerals, 
                including--
                          (i) the type and total amount of such 
                        payments made for each project of the 
                        resource extraction issuer relating to 
                        the commercial development of oil, 
                        natural gas, or minerals; and
                          (ii) the type and total amount of 
                        such payments made to each government.
                  (B) Consultation in rulemaking.--In issuing 
                rules under subparagraph (A), the Commission 
                may consult with any agency or entity that the 
                Commission determines is relevant.
                  (C) Interactive data format.--The rules 
                issued under subparagraph (A) shall require 
                that the information included in the annual 
                report of a resource extraction issuer be 
                submitted in an interactive data format.
                  (D) Interactive data standard.--
                          (i) In general.--The rules issued 
                        under subparagraph (A) shall establish 
                        an interactive data standard for the 
                        information included in the annual 
                        report of a resource extraction issuer.
                          (ii) Electronic tags.--The 
                        interactive data standard shall include 
                        electronic tags that identify, for any 
                        payments made by a resource extraction 
                        issuer to a foreign government or the 
                        Federal Government--
                                  (I) the total amounts of the 
                                payments, by category;
                                  (II) the currency used to 
                                make the payments;
                                  (III) the financial period in 
                                which the payments were made;
                                  (IV) the business segment of 
                                the resource extraction issuer 
                                that made the payments;
                                  (V) the government that 
                                received the payments, and the 
                                country in which the government 
                                is located;
                                  (VI) the project of the 
                                resource extraction issuer to 
                                which the payments relate; and
                                  (VII) such other information 
                                as the Commission may determine 
                                is necessary or appropriate in 
                                the public interest or for the 
                                protection of investors.
                  (E) International transparency efforts.--To 
                the extent practicable, the rules issued under 
                subparagraph (A) shall support the commitment 
                of the Federal Government to international 
                transparency promotion efforts relating to the 
                commercial development of oil, natural gas, or 
                minerals.
                  (F) Effective date.--With respect to each 
                resource extraction issuer, the final rules 
                issued under subparagraph (A) shall take effect 
                on the date on which the resource extraction 
                issuer is required to submit an annual report 
                relating to the fiscal year of the resource 
                extraction issuer that ends not earlier than 1 
                year after the date on which the Commission 
                issues final rules under subparagraph (A).
          (3) Public availability of information.--
                  (A) In general.--To the extent practicable, 
                the Commission shall make available online, to 
                the public, a compilation of the information 
                required to be submitted under the rules issued 
                under paragraph (2)(A).
                  (B) Other information.--Nothing in this 
                paragraph shall require the Commission to make 
                available online information other than the 
                information required to be submitted under the 
                rules issued under paragraph (2)(A).
          (4) Authorization of appropriations.--There are 
        authorized to be appropriated to the Commission such 
        sums as may be necessary to carry out this subsection.
  (r) Disclosure of Certain Activities Relating to Iran.--
          (1) In general.--Each issuer required to file an 
        annual or quarterly report under subsection (a) shall 
        disclose in that report the information required by 
        paragraph (2) if, during the period covered by the 
        report, the issuer or any affiliate of the issuer--
                  (A) knowingly engaged in an activity 
                described in subsection (a) or (b) of section 5 
                of the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 (Public Law 
                104-172; 50 U.S.C. 1701 note);
                  (B) knowingly engaged in an activity 
                described in subsection (c)(2) of section 104 
                of the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, 
                Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2010 (22 
                U.S.C. 8513) or a transaction described in 
                subsection (d)(1) of that section;
                  (C) knowingly engaged in an activity 
                described in section 105A(b)(2) of that Act; or
                  (D) knowingly conducted any transaction or 
                dealing with--
                          (i) any person the property and 
                        interests in property of which are 
                        blocked pursuant to Executive Order No. 
                        13224 (66 Fed. Reg. 49079; relating to 
                        blocking property and prohibiting 
                        transactions with persons who commit, 
                        threaten to commit, or support 
                        terrorism);
                          (ii) any person the property and 
                        interests in property of which are 
                        blocked pursuant to Executive Order No. 
                        13382 (70 Fed. Reg. 38567; relating to 
                        blocking of property of weapons of mass 
                        destruction proliferators and their 
                        supporters); or
                          (iii) any person or entity identified 
                        under section 560.304 of title 31, Code 
                        of Federal Regulations (relating to the 
                        definition of the Government of Iran) 
                        without the specific authorization of a 
                        Federal department or agency.
          (2) Information required.--If an issuer or an 
        affiliate of the issuer has engaged in any activity 
        described in paragraph (1), the issuer shall disclose a 
        detailed description of each such activity, including--
                  (A) the nature and extent of the activity;
                  (B) the gross revenues and net profits, if 
                any, attributable to the activity; and
                  (C) whether the issuer or the affiliate of 
                the issuer (as the case may be) intends to 
                continue the activity.
          (3) Notice of disclosures.--If an issuer reports 
        under paragraph (1) that the issuer or an affiliate of 
        the issuer has knowingly engaged in any activity 
        described in that paragraph, the issuer shall 
        separately file with the Commission, concurrently with 
        the annual or quarterly report under subsection (a), a 
        notice that the disclosure of that activity has been 
        included in that annual or quarterly report that 
        identifies the issuer and contains the information 
        required by paragraph (2).
          (4) Public disclosure of information.--Upon receiving 
        a notice under paragraph (3) that an annual or 
        quarterly report includes a disclosure of an activity 
        described in paragraph (1), the Commission shall 
        promptly--
                  (A) transmit the report to--
                          (i) the President;
                          (ii) the Committee on Foreign Affairs 
                        and the Committee on Financial Services 
                        of the House of Representatives; and
                          (iii) the Committee on Foreign 
                        Relations and the Committee on Banking, 
                        Housing, and Urban Affairs of the 
                        Senate; and
                  (B) make the information provided in the 
                disclosure and the notice available to the 
                public by posting the information on the 
                Internet website of the Commission.
          (5) Investigations.--Upon receiving a report under 
        paragraph (4) that includes a disclosure of an activity 
        described in paragraph (1) (other than an activity 
        described in subparagraph (D)(iii) of that paragraph), 
        the President shall--
                  (A) initiate an investigation into the 
                possible imposition of sanctions under the Iran 
                Sanctions Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-172; 50 
                U.S.C. 1701 note), section 104 or 105A of the 
                Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, 
                and Divestment Act of 2010, an Executive order 
                specified in clause (i) or (ii) of paragraph 
                (1)(D), or any other provision of law relating 
                to the imposition of sanctions with respect to 
                Iran, as applicable; and
                  (B) not later than 180 days after initiating 
                such an investigation, make a determination 
                with respect to whether sanctions should be 
                imposed with respect to the issuer or the 
                affiliate of the issuer (as the case may be).
          (6) Sunset.--The provisions of this subsection shall 
        terminate on the date that is 30 days after the date on 
        which the President makes the certification described 
        in section 401(a) of the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, 
        Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2010 (22 U.S.C. 
        8551(a)).

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


               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. 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. Language is also included in 
several instances permitting funding for services authorized by 
5 U.S.C. 3109 and for the hire of passenger motor vehicles.

                  Title I--Department of the Treasury

    Language is included for Departmental Offices, ``Salaries 
and Expenses'', that provides funds for operation and 
maintenance of the Treasury Building Annex; hire of passenger 
motor vehicles; maintenance, repairs, and improvements of, and 
purchase of commercial insurance policies for real properties 
leased or owned overseas. Language is also included providing 
for a transfer of funds.
    Language is also included designating funds for official 
reception and representation expenses; unforeseen emergencies 
of a confidential nature; and extending the period of 
availability for certain funds.
    Language is included for the Office of Terrorism and 
Financial Intelligence, ``Salaries and Expenses'' that provides 
funds combating threats to national security.
    Language is 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 
official reception and representation expenses, the hire of 
vehicles, and provides funds for unforeseen emergencies of a 
confidential nature.
    Language is 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, including consulting services, official reception and 
representation expenses, the purchase and hire of motor 
vehicles, unforeseen emergencies of a confidential nature, and 
specifies the period of availability for certain funds.
    Language is included for the Special Inspector General for 
the Troubled Asset Relief Program, ``Salaries and Expenses'', 
that provides funds for the necessary expenses of the SIGTARP 
in carrying out the provisions of the Emergency Economic 
Stabilization Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-343).
    Language is included for the Financial Crimes Enforcement 
Network, ``Salaries and Expenses'', that provides funds for the 
hire of motor vehicles; travel and training of non-federal and 
foreign government personnel attending meetings involving 
domestic or foreign financial law enforcement, intelligence, 
and regulation; official reception and representation expenses; 
and assistance to Federal law enforcement agencies with or 
without reimbursement. Language is also included that extends 
the availability of certain amounts.
    Language is included under the heading ``Treasury 
Forfeiture Fund'' rescinding certain funds.
    Language is included for the Bureau of the Fiscal Service, 
``Salaries and Expenses'', that provides a certain amount for 
official reception and representation expenses, and extends the 
availability for systems modernization funds. Language is also 
included specifying an amount to be derived from the Oil Spill 
Liability Trust Fund.
    Language is 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 is included for the U.S. Mint, ``United States 
Mint Public Enterprise Fund'', which 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 is included for the Community Development 
Financial Institutions Fund Program Account that provides 
specific amounts for: financial and technical assistance, 
Native American initiatives, the Bank Enterprise Award program, 
administrative expenses, and the cost of direct loans. Language 
is included clarifying the cost of direct loans and the cost of 
modifying direct loans, and specifying the limitation on gross 
obligations for the principal amount of direct loans.
    Language is included under Internal Revenue Service, 
``Taxpayer Services'', that provides funds for pre-filing 
assistance and education, filing and account services, and 
taxpayer advocacy services, and dedicating funding for the Tax 
Counseling for the Elderly Program, low-income taxpayer clinic 
grants, and Community Volunteer Income Tax Assistance grants.
    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; and designates funding for the 
Interagency Crime and Drug Enforcement program. Language is 
included specifying the period of availability for certain 
funds.
    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; and official reception and 
representation expenses. Language is included specifying the 
period of availability for certain funds and requiring reports 
on information technology.
    Language is 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, 
provides for an extended availability of the funds and requires 
quarterly reports.
    In addition, the bill provides the following administrative 
provisions:
    Section 101. Language is included that allows for the 
transfer of five percent of any appropriation made available to 
the IRS to any other IRS appropriation, upon the advance 
approval of the Committees on Appropriations.
    Section 102. Language is included that requires the IRS to 
maintain a training program in taxpayers' rights, dealing 
courteously with taxpayers, cross-cultural relations, and the 
impartial application of tax law.
    Section 103. Language is included that requires the IRS to 
institute and enforce policies and procedures that will 
safeguard the confidentiality of taxpayer information and 
protect taxpayers against identity theft.
    Section 104. Language is included that makes funds 
available for improved facilities and increased staffing to 
provide efficient and effective 1-800 number help line service 
for taxpayers.
    Section 105. Language is included requiring videos produced 
by the IRS to be approved in advance by the Service-Wide Video 
Editorial Board.
    Section 106. Language is included to require the IRS to 
issue notices to employers of any address change request and to 
give special consideration to offers in compromise for 
taxpayers who have been victims of payroll tax preparer fraud.
    Section 107. Language is included to prohibit the use of 
funds by the IRS to target citizens of the United States for 
exercising any right guaranteed under the First Amendment to 
the Constitution of the United States.
    Section 108. Language is included to prohibit the use of 
funds by the IRS to target groups for regulatory scrutiny based 
on their ideological beliefs.
    Section 109. Language is included to prohibit the use of 
funds by the IRS on conferences that do not adhere to 
recommendations made by the Treasury Inspector General for Tax 
Administration.
    Section 110. Language is included prohibiting funds made 
available in the healthcare reform act from being transferred 
to the IRS for implementing the healthcare reform act.
    Section 111. Language is included prohibiting funds from 
being used to implement the individual mandate of the 
Affordable Care Act.
    Section 112. Language is included prohibiting funds for IRS 
employee awards or hiring programs that do not consider 
employee conduct and Federal tax compliance.
    Section 113. Language included to prohibit the use of funds 
in contravention of section 6103 of the Internal Revenue Code 
of 1986 (relating to confidentiality and disclosure of returns 
and return information).
    Section 114. Language is included to prohibit pre-populated 
returns.
    Section 115. Language is included that authorizes the 
Department to purchase uniforms, insurance for motor vehicles 
that are overseas, and motor vehicles that are overseas without 
regard to the general purchase price limitations; to enter into 
contracts with the State Department for health and medical 
services for Treasury employees that are overseas; and to hire 
experts or consultants.
    Section 116. Language is included that authorizes 
transfers, up to two percent, between ``Departmental Offices--
Salaries and Expenses'', ``Office of Inspector General'', 
``Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief 
Program'', ``Financial Crimes Enforcement Network'', ``Bureau 
of the Fiscal Service'', ``Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade 
Bureau'', and ``Community Development Financial Institutions 
Fund Program Account'' appropriations under certain 
circumstances.
    Section 117. Language is included that authorizes 
transfers, up to two percent, between the Internal Revenue 
Service and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax 
Administration under certain circumstances.
    Section 118. Language is included prohibiting the 
Department of the Treasury from undertaking a redesign of the 
one dollar Federal Reserve note.
    Section 119. Language is included providing for transfers 
from and reimbursements to ``Bureau of the Fiscal Service, 
Salaries and Expenses'' for the purposes of debt collection.
    Section 120. Language is included requiring congressional 
approval for the construction and operation of a museum by the 
United States Mint.
    Section 121. Language is included prohibiting funds in this 
or any other Act from being used to merge the U.S. Mint and the 
Bureau of Engraving and Printing without the approval of the 
House and Senate committees of jurisdiction.
    Section 122. Language is included deeming that funds for 
the Department of the Treasury's intelligence-related 
activities are specifically authorized in fiscal year 2016 
until enactment of the Intelligence Authorization Act for 
fiscal year 2016.
    Section 123. Language is included permitting the Bureau of 
Engraving and Printing to use $5,000 from the Industrial 
Revolving Fund for reception and representation expenses.
    Section 124. Language is included requiring the Department 
of the Treasury to submit a capital investment plan.
    Section 125. Language is included requiring a quarterly 
report from both the Office of Financial Research and Office of 
Financial Stability Oversight.
    Section 126. Language is included limiting the fees 
available for obligation by the Office of Financial Research.
    Section 127. Language is included requiring the Department 
of the Treasury to submit a report on its Franchise Fund.
    Section 128. Language is included to require the Department 
to submit a report on economic warfare and financial terrorism.
    Section 129. Language is included to prohibit the 
Department from finalizing any regulation related to the 
standards used to determine the tax-exempt status of a 
501(c)(4) organization.
    Section 130. Language is included with respect to the 
people-to-people category of travel to Cuba.
    Section 131. Language is included with respect to the 
importation of property confiscated by the Cuban Government.
    Section 132. Language is included with respect to financial 
transactions with the Cuban military or intelligence service.
    Section 133. Language is included prohibit the Department 
from enforcing guidance for U.S. positions on multilateral 
development banks engaging with developing countries on coal-
fired power generation.
    Section 134. Language is included requiring the Office of 
Financial Research to provide public notice of not less than 90 
days before issuing a rule, report, or regulation.
    Section 135. Language is included to prohibit funds for the 
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to determine that a church is 
not exempt from taxation for participating in, or intervening 
in, any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) 
any candidates for public office unless the IRS Commissioner 
consents to such determination, the Commissioner notifies the 
tax committees of Congress, and the determination is effective 
90 days after such notification.

              Title II--Executive Office of the President

    Language under The White House, ``Salaries and Expenses'', 
provides funds for services authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109 and 3 
U.S.C. 103, 105 and 107, hire of vehicles, and official 
reception and representation expenses; and the Office of Policy 
Development.
    Language under the Executive Residence at the White House, 
``Operating Expenses'', provides funds for necessary expenses 
as authorized by 3 U.S.C. 105, 109, 110, and 112-114.
    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 and improvement of 
the Executive Residence at the White House; and allows funds to 
remain available until expended.
    Language under Council of Economic Advisors ``Salaries and 
Expenses'' is provided for necessary expenses in carrying out 
the Employment Act of 1946.
    Language under National Security Council and Homeland 
Security Council ``Salaries and Expenses'' provides for 
services authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109.
    Language under Office of Administration, ``Salaries and 
Expenses'', provides funds for continued modernization of the 
information resources within the Executive Office of the 
President, to remain available until expended, and provides for 
services authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109 and 3 U.S.C. 107, and for 
the hire of vehicles.
    Language under Office of Management and Budget, ``Salaries 
and Expenses'', provides funds for expenses, services 
authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109, the hire of vehicles; carrying out 
provisions of chapter 35 of 44 U.S.C., and to prepare the 
budget request; specifies funds for official representation 
expense; prohibits the review of agricultural marketing orders; 
prohibits the use of funds for the purpose of altering the 
transcript of testimony except for 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; requires 
consultation with House and Senate standing committees with 
respect to the number of printed and electronic versions of the 
fiscal year 2017 budget that should be provided by OMB.
    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 under Federal Drug Control Programs, ``High 
Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program'', provides for the 
transfer of funds to State, local and Federal entities. 
Language is also included regarding the availability of funds, 
specifying the amount of funds for auditing and associated 
activities, providing for the reprogramming of certain balances 
requiring, each designated High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area 
to receive not less than the fiscal year 2015 base allocation 
unless the Director of the Office of National Drug Control 
Policy determines otherwise and submits a report to the 
Committees on Appropriations, and requiring reports regarding 
initial allocations and discretionary funding.
    Language under Federal Drug Control Programs, ``Other 
Federal Drug Control Programs'' provides funds for 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), anti-doping activities, the U.S. 
membership dues to the World Anti-Doping Agency, drug courts 
and a competitive grant program. Language also allows for the 
transfer of funds and makes funds available until expended.
    Language under ``Information Technology Oversight and 
Reform'' provides funds for the furtherance of integrated, 
efficient, secure, and effective uses of information 
technology, to remain available until expended; allows funding 
to be transferred to agencies to carry out projects; and 
requires quarterly reports on identified savings by fiscal 
year, agency and appropriation.
    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, and the hire of 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, expenses authorized by 3 U.S.C. 106(b)(2) 
and provides for the transfer of funds as necessary.
    In addition, the bill provides the following administrative 
provisions:
    Section 201. Language is included permitting the transfer 
of not to exceed ten percent of funds between various accounts 
within the Executive Office of the President, with advance 
approval of the Committees on Appropriations. The amount of an 
appropriation shall not be increased by more than 50 percent.
    Section 202. Language is included requiring the Director of 
the Office of Management and Budget to report on the costs of 
implementing the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer 
Protection Act (Public Law 111-203).
    Section 203. Language is included requiring the Director of 
the Office of Management and Budget to include a statement of 
budgetary impact with any Executive Order or Presidential 
Memorandum issued during fiscal year 2016.
    Section 204. Language is included prohibiting funds to 
prepare, sign or approve statements abrogating legislation 
passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate and 
signed by the President.
    Section 205. Language is included prohibiting funding to 
prepare or implement Executive Orders or Presidential 
Memorandums in contravention of existing law.

                        Title III--The Judiciary

    Language is included under Supreme Court, ``Salaries and 
Expenses'', providing for certain funds to remain available 
until expended; the hire of passenger motor vehicles, official 
reception and representation, and miscellaneous expenses. 
Language is included providing funds for salaries of judges as 
authorized by law.
    Language is included under Supreme Court, ``Care of the 
Building and Grounds'', permitting funds to remain available 
until expended.
    Language is included under United States Court of Appeals 
for the Federal Circuit, ``Salaries and Expenses'', for 
necessary expenses of the court. Language is included providing 
funds for salaries of judges as authorized by law.
    Language is included under United States Court of 
International Trade, ``Salaries and Expenses'', for necessary 
expenses of the court. Language is included providing funds for 
salaries of judges as authorized by law.
    Language is included under Courts of Appeals, District 
Courts, and Other Judicial Services, ``Salaries and Expenses'', 
providing funds for the salaries of certain judges, and all 
other employees not otherwise provided for; necessary expenses; 
the purchase, rental, repair and cleaning of uniforms for 
Probation and Pretrial Services Office staff; firearms and 
ammunition; and specifies certain funds remain available for 
certain periods for specific purposes. Language is included 
providing funds for salaries of judges as authorized by law. 
Language is also included providing funding from the Vaccine 
Injury Compensation Trust Fund for certain purposes.
    Language is included under Defender Services, providing for 
the compensation and reimbursement of expenses for attorneys, 
investigative, expert and other services, the operation of 
Federal Defender organizations, travel, training, general 
administrative expenses and permitting funds to remain 
available until expended.
    Language is included under Fees of Jurors and 
Commissioners, permitting funds to remain available until 
expended and specifying limitations for the compensation of 
land commissioners.
    Language is included under Court Security, providing for 
protective guard services and procurement, installation and 
maintenance of security systems and equipment, building 
ingress-egress control, inspection of mail and packages, 
directed security patrols, perimeter security and services 
provided by the Federal Protective Services. Language is 
included permitting certain funds to remain available until 
expended, which may be transferred to the United States 
Marshals Service.
    Language is included under Administrative Office of the 
United States Courts, ``Salaries and Expenses'', providing for 
travel, the hire of passenger motor vehicles, advertising and 
rent in the District of Columbia. Language is included 
specifying certain amounts for official reception and 
representation expenses.
    Language is included under Federal Judicial Center, 
``Salaries and Expenses'', extending the availability of 
certain funds for education and training, and specifying 
certain amounts for official reception and representation 
expenses.
    Language is included under United States Sentencing 
Commission, ``Salaries and Expenses'', specifying certain 
amounts for official reception and representation expenses.
    In addition, the bill provides the following administrative 
provisions:
    Section 301. Language is included permitting funds for 
salaries and expenses to be available for the employment of 
experts and consultant services as authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109.
    Section 302. Language is included permitting up to five 
percent of any appropriation made available for fiscal year 
2016 to be transferred between Judiciary appropriations 
provided that no appropriation shall be decreased by more than 
five percent or increased by more than ten percent by any such 
transfer except in certain circumstances. In addition, the 
language provides that any such transfer shall be treated as a 
reprogramming of funds under sections 604 and 608 of the 
accompanying bill and shall not be available for obligation or 
expenditure except in compliance with the procedures set forth 
in those sections.
    Section 303. Language is included allowing 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. Language is included allowing the delegation 
of authority to the Judiciary for contracts for repairs of less 
than $100,000 through fiscal year 2016.
    Section 305. Language is included allowing a court security 
pilot program.
    Section 306. Language is included requested by the Judicial 
Conference of the United States extending temporary judgeships 
in the eastern district of Missouri, Kansas, Arizona, the 
northern district of Alabama, the central district of 
California, the western district of North Carolina, the 
southern district of Florida, New Mexico and the eastern 
district of Texas.

                     Title IV--District of Columbia

    Language is included under ``Federal Payment for Resident 
Tuition Support'', permitting the amount appropriated to remain 
available until expended; specifying conditions for the use, 
award, and financial accounting of funds; and requiring 
quarterly reports.
    Language is included under ``Federal Payment for Emergency 
Planning and Security Costs in the District of Columbia'', 
providing that the amount appropriated shall remain available 
until expended for providing public safety at events, including 
support of the United States Secret Service, and to respond to 
terrorist threats or attacks.
    Language is included under ``Federal Payment to the 
District of Columbia Courts'', authorizing official reception 
and representation expenses; specifying certain amounts for 
specific purposes; providing 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; allowing funds made available for capital 
improvements to remain available until September 30, 2017; 
providing for the reallocation of funds and providing for 
certain payments.
    Language is included under ``Defender Services in the 
District of Columbia Courts'', providing that the amount 
appropriated shall remain available until expended; specifying 
who shall administer these funds; and providing that all 
amounts under this heading shall be apportioned quarterly by 
the Office of Management and Budget and obligated and expended 
in the same manner as funds appropriated for salaries and 
expenses of other Federal agencies.
    Language is included under ``Federal Payment to the Court 
Services and Offender Supervision Agency for the District of 
Columbia'', allowing the transfer and hire of motor vehicles; 
authorizing official reception and representation expenses; 
specifying certain amounts for specific purposes and programs; 
allowing $3,159,000 to remain available until September 30, 
2018; providing 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; allowing the use of programmatic incentives for 
offenders and defendants who successfully meet the terms of 
their supervision; authorizing the Director to accept, solicit 
and use on the behalf of the Agency any monetary or nonmentary 
gift to support offenders and defendants successfully meeting 
terms of supervision; specifying for recording the acceptance 
of such gifts; and authorizing the acceptance and use of space 
and services on a cost reimbursable basis from the District of 
Columbia Government.
    Language is included under ``Federal Payment to District of 
Columbia Public Defender Service'', allowing the transfer and 
hire of motor vehicles; providing 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 authorizing the acceptance and use of 
voluntary and uncompensated services to facilitate the work of 
the District of Columbia Public Defender Service.
    Language is included under ``Federal Payment to the 
Criminal Justice Coordinating Council'', specifying that the 
amount appropriated shall remain available until expended to 
support initiatives related to the coordination of Federal and 
local criminal justice resources.
    Language is included under ``Federal Payment for Judicial 
Commissions'', specifying certain amounts for certain 
commissions and allowing for appropriations to remain available 
until September 30, 2017.
    Language is included under ``Federal Payment for School 
Improvement'', allowing for appropriations to remain available 
until expended for payments authorized under the Scholarship 
for Opportunity and Results Act.
    Language is included under ``Federal Payment for the 
District of Columbia National Guard'', providing funds for the 
National Guard Retention and College Access Program to remain 
available until expended.
    Language is included under ``Federal Payment for Testing 
and Treatment of HIV/AIDS'' for testing and treatment.
    Language is included under ``District of Columbia Funds'': 
(1) providing funds as proposed in the Fiscal Year 2016 Budget 
Request Act of 2015 submitted to Congress by the District of 
Columbia; (2) limits the amount provided in this Act for the 
District of Columbia to the amount of the proposed budget or 
the sum of total revenues; (3) providing conditions for 
increasing the amount provided; and (4) directing the Chief 
Financial Officer to ensure the District of Columbia meets all 
requirements, but prohibits the reprogramming of capital 
projects.

                     Title V--Independent Agencies

    Language is included for the Administrative Conference of 
the United States, ``Salaries and Expenses'', providing for 
expenses, including official reception and representation and 
allowing funds to be available until September 30, 2017.
    The bill includes the following administrative provisions 
under the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (CFPB):
    Section 501. Language is included repealing the prohibition 
against the Committees on Appropriations reviewing transfers 
from the Federal Reserve System to the CFPB.
    Section 502. Language is included changing CFPB's source of 
funding from transfers from the Federal Reserve System to 
annual appropriations beginning in fiscal year 2017.
    Section 503. Language is included requiring CFPB to make 
transfer requests to the Federal Reserve System and the 
response from Federal Reserve System available on the Bureau's 
public website, in addition to requiring CFPB to notify 
Congress of when it makes such a request and to describe how 
the funds will be used in the course of protecting consumers.
    Section 504. Language is included requiring CFPB to submit 
quarterly reports on its activities and to testify on its 
activities when requested.
    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), and 
official reception and representation expenses.
    Language is included for the Election Assistance 
Commission, ``Salaries and Expenses'', that provides necessary 
funds to carry out the Help America Vote Act of 2002.
    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, 
special counsel fees, and services as authorized by 5 U.S.C. 
3109. Language provides for the assessment and collection of 
offsetting collections, authorizes retention of such 
collections, and provides that they remain available until 
expended. Language prohibits the availability for obligation of 
excess collections. Language limits the use of proceeds from 
the use of a competitive bidding system. Language provides 
funding for the Office of Inspector General.
    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.
    Language is included for the Federal Election Commission, 
``Salaries and Expenses'', providing for expenses, including 
official reception and representation.
    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, reception and 
representation expenses 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 spent from the Fund; specifies 
the conditions under which funds made available can be used; 
limits the availability of funds for certain purposes; 
specifies funding for construction and acquisition projects; 
specifies funding for special emphasis programs; provides for 
certain transfers of funds; requires spending plans; and 
prohibits excess funds from being available.
    Language is included for the 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, motor vehicles, information 
technology management, and related technology activities; and 
services authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109.
    Language is included for the General Services 
Administration, ``Operating Expenses'' that provides funds for 
Government-wide activities associated with personal and real 
property disposal, and services authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109; 
for expenses for activities associated with agency-wide policy 
direction and management; for necessary expenses of the 
Civilian Board of Contract Appeals; for official reception and 
representation; designates funds for certain purposes; and 
provides for certain transfers.
    Language is included for the General Services 
Administration, ``Office of Inspector General'' that makes 
certain funds available until expended and provides for awards 
in recognition of efforts that enhance the office. Language is 
included for services authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109 and 
designates funds for information and detection of fraud.
    Language is included for the General Services 
Administration, ``Allowances and Office Staff for Former 
Presidents'', for carrying out the provisions of 3 U.S.C. 102 
note and Public Law 95-138.
    Language is included for the General Services 
Administration, ``Pre-Election Presidential Transition'' for 
activities authorized by Public Law 111-238.
    Language is also included for the General Services 
Administration, ``Pre-Election Presidential Transition'' 
allowing for certain transfers to the Pre-Election Presidential 
Transition.
    Language is included for the General Services 
Administration, ``Federal Citizen Services Fund'', that 
provides funds for the Office of Citizen Services and other 
information technology costs. Language is included allowing for 
certain transfers to the Federal Citizen Services Fund. 
Language is also included for the ``Federal Citizen Services 
Fund'' that authorizes funds to be deposited in the Fund and 
limits the availability of funds in the Fund.
    In addition, the bill includes the following administrative 
provisions under the General Services Administration (GSA):
    Section 505. Language is included providing authority for 
the use of funds for the hire of motor vehicles.
    Section 506. Language is included providing that funds made 
available for activities of the Federal Buildings Fund may be 
transferred between appropriations with advance approval of the 
Congress to apply to funds provided in prior appropriations 
Acts.
    Section 507. Language is included requiring funds proposed 
for developing courthouse construction requests to meet 
appropriate standards and the priorities of the Judicial 
Conference.
    Section 508. Language is included 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 
assessed rent.
    Section 509. Language is included permitting GSA to pay 
small claims (up to $250,000) made against the Federal 
Government.
    Section 510. Language is included 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 511. Language is included requiring a spend plan 
for certain accounts and programs.
    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, specifies the period of availability for certain 
funds, provides for administration expenses to adjudicate 
retirement appeals, and provides for the transfer of some 
funds.
    Language is included for the 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, the review and declassification of 
documents, and the operations and maintenance of the electronic 
records archive.
    Language is included for the National Archives and Records 
Administration, ``Office of Inspector General'', that provides 
funds for the hire of motor vehicles.
    Language is included for the 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 under the 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; 
and provides that funds remain available until expended.
    Language is included under the National Credit Union 
Administration, ``Community Development Credit Union Revolving 
Loan Fund'', that provides funds for technical assistance and 
extends the availability of funds.
    Language is included under the 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 the 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, and the transfer of administrative 
expenses; 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 the Office of Personnel 
Management, 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 a transfer for administrative expenses.
    Language is included for the 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 of funds 
from the Postal Service Fund.
    Language is included for the Securities and Exchange 
Commission, ``Salaries and Expenses'', that provides for rental 
of space, services, 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 designating funds for 
information technology initiatives and the economics division. 
Language is included that provides for the crediting of 
offsetting collections. Language provides for the assessment 
and collection of offsetting collections, authorizes retention 
of such collections, and provides that they remain available 
until expended.
    Language is included for the Selective Service System, 
``Salaries and Expenses'', that provides funds for attendance 
of meetings, training, hire of passenger motor vehicles, 
services authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109, and official reception 
and representation expenses; authorizes certain exemptions 
under certain conditions; and prohibits funds used in 
connection with the induction of any person into the Armed 
Forces of the United States.
    Language is included for the 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 designating funds for 
lender oversight. Language is also included for the Loan 
Modernization and Accounting System and co-sponsor activities.
    Language is included for the Small Business Administration, 
``Entrepreneurial Development Programs'', that provides for 
supporting entrepreneurial and small business development grant 
programs. Language is included extending the availability of 
funds.
    Language is included for the Small Business Administration, 
``Office of Inspector General'', that provides funds to carry 
out the provisions of the Inspector General Act of 1978.
    Language is included for the Small Business Administration, 
``Office of Advocacy'', that provides funds to carry out the 
provisions of the Independent Office of Advocacy Act of 2003 
and the Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 and allows funds to 
remain available until expended.
    Language is included for the 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 
authorizing the transfer of funds to ``Salaries and Expenses'' 
for administrative expenses.
    Language is included for the Small Business Administration 
``Disaster Loan Program Account'', that provides for 
administrative expenses, the transfer of funds to the ``Office 
of Inspector General'' and to ``Salaries and Expenses'' and 
allows funds to remain available until expended.
    Section 512 allows for the transfer of funds between Small 
Business Administration appropriations.
    Section 513 prohibits the Small Business Administration 
from charging fees on loans to veterans or their spouses.
    Language is included for the United States Postal Service, 
``Payment to the Postal Service Fund'', that provides funds for 
revenue foregone; stipulates that mail for overseas voting and 
mail for the blind is free; provides that 6-day delivery shall 
continue at not less than the 1983 level; prohibits funds in 
this Act from being used to charge a fee to a child support 
enforcement agency seeking the address of a postal customer; 
prohibits funds from being used to consolidate or close small 
rural and other small post offices; and requires the Postal 
Service to maintain and comply with service standards for First 
Class Mail and periodicals effective on July 1, 2012.
    Language is included for the 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 the written 
certificate of the judge.

                 Title VI--General Provisions--This Act

    In addition, the bill provides the following provisions 
under this title:
    Section 601. Language is included prohibiting pay and other 
expenses for non-Federal parties in regulatory or adjudicatory 
proceedings funded in this Act.
    Section 602. Language is included prohibiting obligations 
beyond the current fiscal year and prohibits transfers of funds 
unless expressly so provided herein.
    Section 603. Language is included limiting procurement 
contracts for consulting service expenditures to contracts that 
are matters of public record and available for public 
inspection.
    Section 604. Language is included prohibiting transfer of 
funds in this Act without express authority.
    Section 605. Language is included prohibiting the use of 
funds to engage in activities that would prohibit the 
enforcement of section 307 of the 1930 Tariff Act.
    Section 606. Language is included concerning compliance 
with the Buy American Act.
    Section 607. Language is included prohibiting the use of 
funds by any person or entity convicted of violating the Buy 
American Act.
    Section 608. Language is included 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. Language is included providing that fifty 
percent of unobligated balances may remain available for 
certain purposes.
    Section 610. Language is included prohibiting funding for 
the Executive Office of the President to request either a 
Federal Bureau of Investigation background investigation or 
Internal Revenue Service determination with respect to section 
501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, except with the 
express consent of the individual involved in an investigation 
or in extraordinary circumstances involving national security.
    Section 611. Language is included regarding cost accounting 
standards for contracts under the Federal Employee Health 
Benefits Program.
    Section 612. Language is included regarding non-foreign 
area cost of living allowances.
    Section 613. Language is included prohibiting the 
expenditure of funds for abortion under the Federal Employees 
Health Benefits program.
    Section 614. Language is included making exceptions to the 
preceding provision where the life of the mother is in danger 
or the pregnancy is a result of an act of rape or incest.
    Section 615. Language is included waiving restrictions on 
the purchase of non-domestic articles, materials, and supplies 
in the case of acquisition of information technology by the 
Federal government.
    Section 616. Language is included 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. Language is included permitting the Securities 
and Exchange Commission and Commodities Futures Trading 
Commission to fund a joint advisory committee to advise on 
emerging regulatory issues, notwithstanding Section 708 of this 
Act.
    Section 618. Language is included requiring certain 
agencies in this Act to consult with the General Services 
Administration before seeking new office space or making 
alterations to existing office space.
    Section 619. Language is included providing for several 
appropriated mandatory accounts. These are accounts where 
authorizing language requires the payment of funds. The 
Congressional Budget Office estimates the cost for the 
following programs addressed in this provision: $450,000 for 
Compensation of the President including $50,000 for expenses, 
$132,000,000 for the Judicial Retirement Funds (Judicial 
Officers' Retirement Fund, Judicial Survivors' Annuities Fund, 
and the United States Court of Federal Claims Judges' 
Retirement Fund), $11,908,000,000 for the Government Payment 
for Annuitants, Employee Health Benefits, $49,000,000 for the 
Government Payment for Annuitants, Employee Life Insurance, and 
$8,872,000,000 for the Payment to the Civil Service Retirement 
and Disability Fund.
    Section 620. Language is included prohibiting funds for the 
Federal Trade Commission to complete the draft report entitled 
``Interagency Working Group on Food Marketed to Children: 
Preliminary Proposed Nutrition Principles to Guide Industry 
Self-Regulatory Efforts'' unless the Interagency Working Group 
on Food Marketed to Children complies with Executive Order 
13563, including the requirement to provide quantified present 
and future benefits and costs.
    Section 621. Language is included prohibiting funding for 
certain czars including the Director of the White House Office 
of Health Reform, the Assistant to the President for Energy and 
Climate Change, the Senior Advisor to the Secretary of the 
Treasury assigned to the Presidential Task Force on the Auto 
Industry and Senior Counselor for Manufacturing Policy, and the 
White House Director of Urban Affairs, or any substantially 
similar positions.
    Section 622. Language is included prohibiting funds in 
contravention of the Federal Records Act.
    Section 623. Language is included requiring certain 
regulatory agencies to provide a report on increasing public 
participation in rulemaking, improving coordination among 
Federal agencies, and identifying ineffective or excessively 
burdensome regulations.
    Section 624. Language is included prohibiting the 
obligation of funds in fiscal year 2016 from the Securities and 
Exchange Commission Reserve Fund established by the Dodd-Frank 
Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.
    Section 625. Language is included prohibiting funds for the 
Securities and Exchange Commission to require the disclosure of 
political contributions, contributions to tax exempt 
organizations, or dues paid to trade associations.
    Section 626. Language is included repealing the 
indemnification requirement for swap data repositories and 
replaces it with a confidentiality agreement.
    Section 627. Language is included prohibiting agencies from 
requiring Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to disclose 
electronic communications information in a manner that violates 
the Fourth Amendment.
    Section 628. Language is included prohibiting the Federal 
Communications Commission (FCC) from implementing, 
administering, or enforcing any rule unless the FCC publishes 
the text of the rule 21 days before a vote on the rule.
    Section 629. Language is included prohibiting the Federal 
Communications Commission from regulating rates for either 
broadband or wireless internet providers.
    Section 630. Language is included prohibiting the Federal 
Communications Commission from implementing FCC Order 15-24 
regarding open internet until specific court challenges have 
been resolved.
    Section 631. Language is included prohibiting the Financial 
Stability Oversight Council from designating nonbanks as 
systemically important financial institutions until it 
identifies the risks to financial stability presented by the 
nonbank and allows the nonbank to present a plan to modify its 
business, structure, or operation to mitigate the identified 
risk prior to final designation.
    Section 632. Language is included prohibiting the Bureau of 
Consumer Financial Protection from implementing a rule 
regarding the use of arbitration until the Bureau addresses 
certain requirements.
    Section 633. Language is included prohibiting, in fiscal 
year 2016, implementation of a rule adopted by the Federal 
Communications Commission on March 31, 2014 (FCC 14-28) related 
to joint sales agreements.

             Title VII--General Provisions--Government-Wide

    In addition, the bill provides the following provisions 
under this title:
    Section 701. Language is included 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. Language is included establishing price 
limitations on vehicles to be purchased by the Federal 
Government with certain exceptions.
    Section 703. Language is included allowing funds made 
available to agencies for travel to also be used for quarters 
allowances and cost-of-living allowances.
    Section 704. Language is included prohibiting the 
employment of noncitizens with certain exceptions.
    Section 705. Language is included giving agencies the 
authority to pay General Services Administration bills for 
space renovation and other services.
    Section 706. Language is included 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. Language is included providing that funds made 
available to corporations and agencies subject to 31 U.S.C. 91 
may pay rent and other service costs in the District of 
Columbia.
    Section 708. Language is included prohibiting interagency 
financing of groups absent prior statutory approval.
    Section 709. Language is included prohibiting the use of 
funds for enforcing regulations disapproved in accordance with 
the applicable law of the U.S.
    Section 710. Language is included limiting the amount of 
funds that can be used for redecoration of offices under 
certain circumstances.
    Section 711. Language is included allowing for interagency 
funding of national security and emergency telecommunications 
initiatives.
    Section 712. Language is included requiring agencies to 
certify that a Schedule C appointment was not created solely or 
primarily to detail the employee to the White House.
    Section 713. Language is included prohibiting the payment 
of any employee who prohibits, threatens or prevents another 
employee from communicating with Congress.
    Section 714. Language is included prohibiting Federal 
training not directly related to the performance of official 
duties.
    Section 715. Language is included 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 716. Language is included prohibiting any Federal 
agency from disclosing an employee's home address to any labor 
organization, absent employee authorization or court order.
    Section 717. Language is included prohibiting funds to be 
used to provide non-public information such as mailing, 
telephone, or electronic mailing lists to any person or 
organization outside the government without the approval of the 
Committees on Appropriations.
    Section 718. Language is included prohibiting the use of 
funds for propaganda and publicity purposes not authorized by 
Congress.
    Section 719. Language is included directing agency 
employees to use official time in an honest effort to perform 
official duties.
    Section 720. Language is included allowing the use of funds 
to finance an appropriate share of the Federal Accounting 
Standards Advisory Board.
    Section 721. Language is included allowing agencies to 
transfer $17,000,000 to the Government-wide Policy account of 
the General Services Administration to finance an appropriate 
share of various government-wide boards and councils.
    Section 722. Language is included permitting breast feeding 
in a Federal building or on Federal property if the woman and 
child are authorized to be there.
    Section 723. Language is included permitting 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.
    Section 724. Language is included requiring documents 
involving the distribution of Federal funds to indicate the 
agency providing the funds and the amount provided.
    Section 725. Language is included prohibiting the use of 
funds to monitor personal access or use of Internet sites or to 
collect, review, or obtain any personally identifiable 
information relating to access to or use of an Internet site.
    Section 726. Language is included requiring health plans 
participating in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program 
to provide contraceptive coverage and provides exemptions to 
certain religious plans.
    Section 727. Language is included supporting strict 
adherence to anti-doping activities.
    Section 728. Language is included 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 729. Language is included prohibiting funds for 
implementation of Office of Personnel Management regulations 
limiting detailees to the Legislative Branch, and implementing 
limitations on the Coast Guard Congressional Fellowship 
Program.
    Section 730. Language is included restricting the use of 
funds for Federal law enforcement training facilities.
    Section 731. Language is included prohibiting 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.
    Section 732. Language is included prohibiting use of funds 
in contravention of section 552a of title 5, United States Code 
(the Privacy Act) and regulations implementing that section.
    Section 733. Language is included prohibiting funds from 
being used for any Federal Government contract with any foreign 
incorporated entity which is treated as an inverted domestic 
corporation.
    Section 734. Language is included requiring agencies to pay 
a fee to the Office of Personnel Management for processing 
retirement of employees who separate under Voluntary Early 
Retirement Authority or who receive Voluntary Separation 
Incentive payments.
    Section 735. Language is included prohibiting funds to 
require any entity submitting an offer for a Federal contract 
or participating in an acquisition to disclose political 
contributions.
    Section 736. Language is included prohibiting funds for the 
painting of a portrait of an employee of the Federal government 
including the President, the Vice President, a Member of 
Congress, the head of an executive branch agency, or the head 
of an office of the legislative branch.
    Section 737. Language is included limiting the pay 
increases of certain prevailing rate employees.
    Section 738. Language is included eliminating automatic 
statutory pay increases for the Vice President, political 
appointees paid under the executive schedule, ambassadors who 
are not career members of the Foreign Service, politically 
appointed (noncareer) Senior Executive Service employees, and 
any other senior political appointee paid at or above level IV 
of the executive schedule.
    Section 739. Language is included requiring agencies to 
submit reports to Inspectors General concerning expenditures 
for agency conferences.
    Section 740. Language is included prohibiting funds to be 
used to increase, eliminate, or reduce funding for a program or 
project unless such change is made pursuant to reprogramming or 
transfer provisions.
    Section 741. Language is included ensuring contractors are 
not prevented from reporting waste, fraud, or abuse by signing 
confidentiality agreements that would prohibit such disclosure.
    Section 742. Language is included prohibiting the 
expenditure of funds for the implementation of certain 
nondisclosure agreements unless certain provisions are included 
in the agreements.
    Section 743. Language is included prohibiting funds to any 
corporation with certain unpaid Federal tax liabilities unless 
an agency has considered suspension or debarment of the 
corporation and made a determination that further action is not 
necessary to protect the interests of the Government.
    Section 744. Language is included prohibiting funds to any 
corporation that was convicted of a felony criminal violation 
within the preceding 24 months unless an agency has considered 
suspension or debarment of the corporation and made a 
determination that further action is not necessary to protect 
the interests of the Government.
    Section 745. Language is included prohibiting funds from 
implementing, administering, carrying out, modifying, revising, 
or enforcing Executive Order 13690.
    Section 746. Language is included concerning the non-
application of these general provisions to title IV and to 
title VIII.

          Title VIII--General Provisions--District of Columbia

    In addition, the bill provides the following provisions 
under this title:
    Section 801. Language is included that appropriates funds 
for refunding overpayments of taxes collected and for paying 
settlements and judgments against the District of Columbia 
government.
    Section 802. Language is included prohibiting the use of 
Federal funds for publicity or propaganda purposes.
    Section 803. Language is included establishing 
reprogramming procedures for Federal and local funds.
    Section 804. Language is included prohibiting the use of 
Federal funds to provide salaries or other costs associated 
with the offices of United States Senator or Representative.
    Section 805. Language is included restricting the use of 
official vehicles to official duties.
    Section 806. Language is included prohibiting the use of 
Federal funds for any petition drive or civil action which 
seeks to require Congress to provide for voting representation 
in Congress for the District of Columbia.
    Section 807. Language is included prohibiting the use of 
Federal funds for needle exchange programs.
    Section 808. Language is included providing for a 
``conscience clause'' on legislation that pertains to 
contraceptive coverage by health insurance plans.
    Section 809. Language is included prohibiting the use of 
Federal funds to legalize or reduce penalties associated with 
the possession, use, or distribution on any schedule I 
substance under the Controlled Substances Act or any 
tetrahydrocannabinols derivative.
    Language is also included prohibiting local and Federal 
funds to legalize or reduce penalties associated with the 
possession, use, or distribution of any schedule I substance 
under the Controlled Substance Act or any tetrahydrocannabinols 
derivative for recreational use.
    Section 810. Language is included prohibiting the use of 
funds for abortion except in the cases of rape or incest or if 
necessary to save the life of the mother.
    Section 811. Language is included requiring the Chief 
Financial Officer (CFO) to submit a revised operating budget 
for all agencies in the D.C. government, no later than 30 
calendar days after the enactment of this Act that realigns 
budgeted data with anticipated actual expenditures.
    Section 812. Language is included requiring the CFO to 
submit a revised operating budget for D.C. Public Schools, no 
later than 30 calendar days after the enactment of this Act, 
that realigns school budgets to actual school enrollment.
    Section 813. Language is included allowing the transfer of 
local funds and capital and enterprise funds.
    Section 814. Language is included prohibiting the 
obligation of Federal funds beyond the current fiscal year and 
transfers of funds unless expressly provided herein.
    Section 815. Language is included providing that not to 
exceed 50 percent of unobligated balances from Federal 
appropriations for salaries and expenses may remain available 
for certain purposes.
    Section 816. Language is included appropriating local funds 
during fiscal year 2017 if there is an absence of a continuing 
resolution or regular appropriation for the District of 
Columbia. Funds are provided under the same authorities and 
conditions and in the same manner and extent as provided for in 
fiscal year 2016.
    Section 817. Language is included limiting references to 
``this Act'' as referring to only this title and title IV.
    Section 818. Language is included prohibiting funds from 
being used to carry out the Reproductive Health Non-
Discrimination Amendment Act of 2014 (D.C. Law 20-261) or to 
implement any rule or regulation promulgated to carry out such 
Act.

                 Title IX--Additional General Provision

    Section 901. Language is included prohibiting funds to pay 
for an abortion or the administrative expenses in connection 
with a multi-State qualified health plan offered under a 
contract under section 1334 of the Patient Protection and 
Affordable Care Act which provides any benefits or coverage for 
abortions with exceptions where the life of the mother would be 
endangered if the fetus were carried to term, or the pregnancy 
is the result of an act of rape or incest.
    Section 902. Language is included establishing a Spending 
Reduction Account.

                  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 which are not 
authorized by law for the period concerned:

                                             [Dollars in thousands]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                           Appropriation in
                                     Last Year of        Authorization       Last Year of      Appropriations in
                                     Authorization           Level           Authorization         this bill
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title I--Department of the
 Treasury
    Departmental Offices........                 n/a                 n/a                 n/a             200,000
    Office of Terrorism and                      n/a                 n/a                 n/a             116,000
     Financial Intelligence.....
    Office of Inspector General.                 n/a                 n/a                 n/a              35,461
    Inspector General for Tax                    n/a                 n/a                 n/a             167,275
     Administration.............
    Special Inspector General                    n/a                 n/a                 n/a              40,671
     for the Troubled Asset
     Relief Program.............
    Financial Crimes Enforcement                2013             100,419             110,788             112,979
     Network....................
    Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and                  n/a                 n/a                 n/a             105,000
     Trade Bureau...............
    Bureau of the Fiscal Service                 n/a                 n/a                 n/a             360,000
    Community Development and                   1998             111,000              45,000             233,523
     Financial Institutions Fund
Internal Revenue Service:
    Taxpayer Services...........                 n/a                 n/a                 n/a           2,231,609
    Enforcement.................                 n/a                 n/a                 n/a           4,325,000
    Operations Support..........                 n/a                 n/a                 n/a           3,300,000
    Business Systems                             n/a                 n/a                 n/a             250,000
     Modernization..............
Title II--Executive Office of
 the President
    Office of Management and                    2003             various              61,988              91,000
     Budget.....................
    Office of National Drug
     Control Policy
    Salaries and Expenses.......                2010                 n/a              29,575              22,047
    Other Federal Drug Control               various             various             105,550             109,310
     Programs...................
    High Intensity Drug                         2011             280,000             238,522             250,000
     Trafficking Areas..........
    Information Technology                       n/a                 n/a                 n/a              20,000
     Oversight and Reform.......
Title IV--District of Columbia
    Federal Payment for the DC                   n/a                 n/a                 n/a                 435
     National Guard.............
    Federal Payment for Judicial                 n/a                 n/a                 n/a                 565
     Commissions................
    Federal Payment for Testing                  n/a                 n/a                 n/a               5,000
     and Treatment of HIV/AIDs..
    Federal Payment for Resident                2012           such sums              30,000              20,000
     Tuition Support............
Title V--Independent Agencies
    Election Assistance                         2005                 n/a              13,888               4,800
     Commission.................
    Federal Communications                      1991           such sums             115,794             314,884
     Commission.................
    Federal Election Commission.                1981               9,400               9,662              76,119
    Federal Trade Commission....                1998             111,000             106,500             302,500
    General Services                             n/a                 n/a                 n/a          -1,122,214
     Administration\1\..........
    National Historical                         2009              10,000              11,250               5,000
     Publications and Records
     Commission.................
    Office of Government Ethics.                2007           such sums              11,148              15,742
    Office of Special Counsel...                2007           such sums              15,524              24,119
    Merit Systems Protection                    2007           such sums              29,110              47,415
     Board......................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\Deposits into the Federal Buildings Fund are available for real property management and related activities in
  the amounts specified in annual appropriations laws, as provided by 40 USC 592. Various provisions of law
  authorized other GSA activities including Operating Expenses, Government-Wide Policy, Federal Citizens Service
  Fund, and allowances for former Presidents, many of which have expired.

                 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 
the appropriate allocation under section 302(b) of the Budget 
Act.

       SUBCOMMITTEE ON FINANCIAL SERVICES AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT

                                            [In Millions of Dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                              302b allocation                            This bill
                                 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   Budget Authority         Outlays        Budget Authority        Outlays*
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
General purpose discretionary...              20,250              22,092              20,250              21,957
Mandatory.......................              21,512              21,505              21,512              21,505
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Includes outlays from prior year budget authority.

                      Five-Year Outlay Projections

    Pursuant to clause 3(c)(2) of rule XIII and section 
308(a)(1)(B) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, the 
following table contains five-year projections of outlays 
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
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2016................................................             *38,008
2017................................................               3,149
2018................................................                -180
2019................................................                -647
2020 and future years...............................              -4,781
------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Excludes outlays from prior-year budget authority.

          Financial Assistance to State and Local Governments

    Pursuant to clause 3(c)(2) of rule XIII and 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                 434               *432
 local governments for 2016.......
------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Excludes outlays from prior-year budget authority.

                          Program Duplication

    No provision of this bill establishes or reauthorizes a 
program of the Federal Government known to be duplicative of 
another Federal program, a program that was included in any 
report from the Government Accountability Office to Congress 
pursuant to section 21 of Public Law 111-139, or a program 
related to a program identified in the most recent Catalog of 
Federal Domestic Assistance.

                          Directed Rule Making

    The bill does not direct any rule making.

      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 amounts enacted for fiscal year 2015 and budget 
estimates presented for fiscal year 2016.

[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]


    DISSENTING VIEWS OF THE HON. NITA LOWEY AND HON. JOSE E. SERRANO

    We thank Chairman Crenshaw and his staff for their work in 
sharing information and keeping a professional process in 
place. It is a testament to our relationships that we are able 
to work through controversial issues in a respectful manner, 
despite clear differences on this bill.
    As a result of the Majority's refusal to come together to 
work on a reasonable, realistic appropriations allocation, this 
subcommittee took the largest percentage cut from last year's 
level. The fiscal year (FY) 2016 bill approved by the Committee 
provides net budget authority of $20.250 billion, a cut of $1.3 
billion (6%) below the FY 2015 level and $4.8 billion (19%) 
below the Administration's request. This grossly inadequate 
allocation creates unworkable shortcomings that will hurt 
programs that protect families, investors, and consumers, while 
rewarding tax cheats--not honest, hardworking Americans--by 
failing to provide sufficient funding to enforce tax law and 
assist taxpayers.
    At the same time, the bill is used as a vehicle for the 
most extreme policy priorities of the Republican majority. It 
would undermine key elements of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) 
and Dodd-Frank financial reform, diminish women's access to 
legal health services, meddle in the District of Columbia's 
internal affairs, undermine the President's Cuba policy, and 
prevent fair treatment of internet content to benefit the 
interests of a few large corporations.

                           WALL STREET REFORM

    Without crucial resources for the Securities and Exchange 
Commission (SEC) to police financial markets, this bill invites 
mischief by bad actors that could again hurt American 
investors. A cut of $222 million below the President's request 
leads to less enforcement and hinders the ongoing 
implementation of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and 
Consumer Protection Act. Dodd-Frank is the law of the land and 
was enacted to deter truly outrageous behavior in our financial 
sector. Without proper SEC enforcement, we cannot expect to 
prevent the exact malfeasance Dodd-Frank set out to stop.
    Because the SEC is deficit-neutral, as a fee-funded agency, 
full funding at the President's request would not cost a dime 
in taxpayer dollars, but would make significant strides in 
greater enforcement and promulgation of Dodd-Frank required 
rules as well as vast improvements to the agency's information 
technology infrastructure. We offered an amendment during 
Committee consideration to fully fund the SEC, but it was 
rejected by the majority.

                           TAXPAYER SERVICES

    The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is slashed by almost 
$900 million below the 2015 level and an astounding $2.8 
billion below the level requested by the President. The IRS's 
funding has been artificially low due to the sequester, the 
budget deal made to end the government shutdown, and last 
year's draconian cuts of $345.6 million below the FY 2014 
level. This bill's further cuts will bring the IRS to below FY 
2004 levels and, in real terms, less than the 1991 budget--25 
years ago when there were 38 million fewer individual taxpayers 
and a far less complicated tax code.
    As a result, the IRS will operate with 7,000 fewer staff, 
thereby ensuring that tax cheats will not be pursued as 
vigorously and resulting in approximately $12 billion less in 
enforcement revenue than the IRS could have collected if FY 
2010 staffing levels had been maintained. Also, although the 
bill allocates a $75 million increase for phone level of 
service, correspondence, and identity theft work, these funds 
would at best prevent further degradation to the taxpayer 
experience by allowing the IRS to maintain the current year's 
unacceptable phone level of service of 38% with waiting times 
still averaging half an hour for those who do get answers. As 
many as 28 million taxpayers would be unable to reach the IRS 
for assistance. That is unacceptable.
    Taxpayer questions will go unanswered, tax cheats will go 
unchecked, revenue will go uncollected, and the deficit will 
increase due to these cuts. It simply does not make economic or 
budgetary sense.

                       INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT

    This bill dramatically cuts investment in our Nation's 
infrastructure at a moment when our buildings and facilities 
are aging rapidly and are in serious need of improvement. The 
General Services Administration (GSA) receives no new 
construction funding in this bill. This will prevent the agency 
from moving forward on important projects across the country, 
including the Department of Homeland Security consolidation at 
St. Elizabeth's; Columbus, New Mexico Land Port of Entry; 
Alexandria Bay, New York Land Port of Entry; and a Federal 
Courthouse in Nashville, Tennessee. GSA's projects are critical 
for Federal agencies to accomplish their missions and provide 
needed construction jobs across the country.

                             WOMEN'S RIGHTS

    This bill has become the central target for the majority's 
efforts to remove women's reproductive health choices in the 
District of Columbia (DC) and across the country. Restrictions 
in the bill attack the ACA, which is providing millions more 
Americans with access to affordable health care, as well as the 
provision of the full range of reproductive services coverage 
for all health benefits programs provided under the Act. ACA is 
the law of the land, upheld by the Supreme Court, and should 
not be under attack year after year in this bill. In addition, 
restrictions on DC using its own tax revenue to provide access 
to legal abortion services for low-income women are outrageous. 
To make matters worse, the Committee adopted a majority-
sponsored amendment that allows DC employers to discriminate 
against employees if they disagree with the employee's 
reproductive health decisions, including use of contraception, 
in-vitro fertilization, medically necessary abortion, and even 
the decision to have children outside of marriage.

                               CONCLUSION

    Democrats attempted to address many of these inadequacies 
through the amendment process in Committee. We even offered an 
amendment in Committee to remove twenty-one partisan riders, 
including those affecting the SEC, CFPB and other agencies, the 
District of Columbia, efforts to improve diplomatic relations 
with Cuba, the FCC's order on open internet, and federal 
employee health benefits. The majority strongly rejected these 
efforts. Instead, more controversial riders were added during 
Committee mark-up including those prohibiting funds for the 
Financial Stability Oversight Council to designate non-banks as 
systemically important financial institutions (SIFIs) without 
allowing non-banks to change their business practices prior to 
designation, prohibiting funds for the IRS to audit churches 
that are 501(c)(3)s unless that audit is approved by the 
Commissioner and certain notifications are made to Congress; 
prohibiting the CFPB from issuing a final rule on arbitration 
until the Bureau conducts further studies; stopping 
implementation of the FCC's joint sales agreement rule; 
prohibiting DC from using federal or local funds to implement 
or enforce the Reproductive Health Non-Discrimination Amendment 
Act; and banning funds for abortion in multi-state health plans 
under the ACA.
    A rare bright spot in the mark-up was an amendment offered 
by Representative Chaka Fattah (D-PA) requiring the United 
States Postal Service to maintain and comply with July 2012 
service standards for First Class Mail and periodicals. It 
passed with bipartisan support. The amendment requires the 
Postal Service to restore the service standards that were in 
place before it degraded mail delivery standards by virtually 
eliminating overnight delivery of First-Class mail on January 
5th of this year. Our constituents deserve a Postal Service 
that works, and delayed mail harms businesses, rural America, 
and our economy.
    We appreciate the Chairman's efforts to adequately fund the 
Small Business Administration, the Community Development 
Financial Institutions Fund, the Federal Judiciary, and anti-
terrorism programs at the Department of Treasury. However, this 
dismal bill remains marred by unacceptably low funding levels 
and controversial riders. The functions carried out by agencies 
in this bill are vital to taxpayers, consumers, businesses, and 
the economy as a whole. Shortchanging these functions does 
nothing to help our economic growth, create jobs, or reduce the 
deficit; in fact, this bill makes our markets less secure, 
reduces spending on infrastructure, and increases the deficit. 
In its current form, we cannot support the bill.

                                   Nita M. Lowey.
                                   Jose E. Serrano.

                                  [all]