[House Report 114-594]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]


114th Congress     {                                }        Report
                        HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
 2d Session        {                                }        114-594
======================================================================


 
              LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS BILL, 2017

                                _______
                                

  May 25, 2016.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the 
              State of the Union and ordered to be printed

                                _______
                                

     Mr. Graves of Georgia, from the Committee on Appropriations, 
                        submitted the following

                              R E P O R T

                             together with

                             MINORITY VIEWS

                        [To accompany H.R. 5325]

    The Committee on Appropriations submits the following 
report in explanation of the accompanying bill making 
appropriations for the Legislative Branch for the fiscal year 
ending September 30, 2017, and for other purposes.

                        INDEX TO BILL AND REPORT

_______________________________________________________________________


                                                            Page number

                                                            Bill Report
Highlights of Bill.........................................
                                                                      2
Title I--Legislative Branch Appropriations.................     2
                                                                      3
        House of Representatives...........................     2
                                                                      3
        Joint Items:  
                Joint Economic Committee...................    11
                                                                      6
                Joint Committee on Taxation................    11
                                                                      7
                Office of the Attending Physician..........    12
                                                                      7
                Office of Congressional Accessibility 
                    Services...............................    13
                                                                      7
        Capitol Police.....................................    13
                                                                      8
        Office of Compliance...............................    15
                                                                      9
        Congressional Budget Office........................    15
                                                                      9
        Architect of the Capitol (except Senate Office 
            Buildings).....................................    16
                                                                      9
        Library of Congress................................    25
                                                                     15
        Government Publishing Office.......................    33
                                                                     19
        Government Accountability Office...................    37
                                                                     20
        Open World Leadership Center Trust Fund............    38
                                                                     21
        John C. Stennis Center for Public Service Training 
            and Development................................    38
                                                                     21
Title II--General Provisions...............................    39
                                                                     21
Bill-wide Reporting Requirements...........................
                                                                     21
Minority Views.............................................
                                                                     43

                            SUMMARY OF BILL

    The accompanying bill contains recommendations for new 
budget (obligational) authority for fiscal year 2017 for the 
Legislative Branch. The following table summarizes these 
recommendations and reflects comparisons with the budget and 
with amounts appropriated to date for fiscal year 2016:

                                               SUMMARY OF THE BILL
         [Note: Excludes Senate items, including those Senate items under the Architect of the Capitol]
                                             (Amounts in Thousands)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      FY 2016         FY 2017                        Bill vs.        Bill vs.
         Recapitulation               enacted         request          Bill           enacted         request
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
House of Representatives
    Salaries & Expenses.........       1,180,734       1,187,309       1,189,049           8,315           1,740
Joint Items.....................          20,732          21,010          19,565          -1,167          -1,445
Capitol Police..................         375,000         409,588         391,300          16,300         -18,288
Office of Compliance............           3,959           4,315           3,959           - - -            -356
Congressional Budget Office.....          46,500          47,637          46,500           - - -          -1,137
Architect of the Capitol........         528,683         605,895         551,735          23,052         -54,160
Library of Congress.............         599,912         667,215         628,912          29,000         -38,303
Government Publishing Office....         117,068         117,068         117,068           - - -           - - -
Government Accountability Office         531,000         567,825         533,100           2,100         -34,725
Open World Leadership Center....           5,600           5,800           1,000          -4,600          -4,800
                                             430             430             430           - - -           - - -
Scorekeeping Adjustment.........          -1,000           1,000          -1,000           - - -          -2,000
        Grand Total.............       3,408,618       3,635,092       3,481,618          73,000        -153,474
    Payment to Widows and Heirs              174           - - -           - - -            -174           - - -
     of Deceased Members of
     Congress...................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                         HIGHLIGHTS OF THE BILL

    The Committee recommends $3,481,620,499 in discretionary 
resources for operations of the Legislative Branch of 
government (excluding Senate items). The fiscal year 2017 
recommendation is $73,000,000 above the current fiscal year 
level and is a decrease of $152,472,652 below the budget 
request.
    Conforming to longstanding practice under which each body 
of Congress determines its own housekeeping requirements and 
the other concurs without intervention, funds for the Senate 
are not included in the bill as reported to the House. The 
budget request for the Senate for fiscal year 2017 including 
those under the Architect of the Capitol totals $1,024,092,420.
    This bill reflects a continued acknowledgment that the 
Legislative Branch must set itself as an example for fiscal 
restraint while continuing to serve the Nation. This bill will 
require strict fiscal discipline on the part of all 
Congressional offices and all agency heads in the Legislative 
Branch.

                    Legislative Branch-Wide Matters

    Staffing Data in Budget Documents: Legislative branch FTE 
data is not consistently reported across the Legislative Branch 
agencies when submitting their budget justifications. The 
Committee directs the legislative branch agencies to include 
data on FTE levels that would actually be supported by the 
associated request or enacted funding levels. The Committee 
further directs the Legislative Branch Financial Managers 
Council to coordinate on a plan for aligning FTE levels with 
the Legislative branch agencies for consistency in reporting.
    Zero Base Budgeting: The Committee continues to direct all 
agencies of the Legislative Branch to develop budget requests 
from a zero base. The Committee believes that this valuable 
budgeting process has given agencies the opportunity to take a 
fresh look at all areas of their operations and make funding 
reductions and alignments within the current budget base. The 
Committee believes that there are continued opportunities to 
realize meaningful savings by carefully reviewing each agency's 
budget requirements from a zero base.
    Committee Requests, Furloughs and Performance Based Merit 
Increases: The Committee directs that adherence to the language 
carried in House Reports 112-148, 112-511 and 113-417 
pertaining to Committee Requests and Furloughs to be continued 
unless otherwise so directed. Performance Based Merit Increases 
are not to exceed the maximum allowable for agencies with a 
certified SES performance appraisal system.

               TITLE I--LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS


                        HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES


                         Salaries and Expenses

    The Committee recommends $1,189,050,766 for the operations 
and maintenance of the House of Representatives. This amount is 
$8,314,766 above the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and is 
$1,740,766 above the budget request.

                        House Leadership Offices


 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2016.......................       $22,278,891
Budget request, fiscal year 2017......................        22,278,891
Recommended in the bill...............................        22,278,891
 

    The Committee recommends $22,278,891 for salaries and 
expenses of staff in House leadership offices. This amount is 
the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and is the same 
as the budget request.
    The allocation by office follows:

 
 
 
Office of the Speaker.................................        $6,645,417
Office of the Majority Floor Leader...................         2,180,048
Office of the Majority Whip...........................         1,886,632
Republican Conference.................................         1,505,426
Office of the Minority Floor Leader...................         7,114,471
Office of the Minority Whip...........................         1,459,639
Democratic Caucus.....................................         1,487,258
                                                       -----------------
    Total.............................................       $22,278,891
 

                  Members' Representational Allowances


 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2016.......................      $554,317,732
Budget request, fiscal year 2017......................       554,317,732
Recommended in the bill...............................       562,632,498
 

    The Committee recommends $562,632,498 for the 
representational allowances of the Members of the House (MRAs). 
This amount is $8,314,766 above the fiscal year 2016 enacted 
level and is $8,314,766 above the budget request. This level of 
funding will allow the MRAs to operate at current authorized 
levels as approved by the Committee on House Administration.

                            House Committees


 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2016.......................      $147,174,177
Budget request, fiscal year 2017......................       150,324,377
Recommended in the bill...............................       150,324,377
 

    The Committee recommends $150,324,377 in total for House 
Committees. This amount is $3,150,200 above the fiscal year 
2016 enacted level and the same as the budget request.
    This account includes funding for staff salaries and 
official expenses of Committees including equipment, 
telecommunications, printing, and contract services. Funding is 
available until December 31, 2018.
    This amount includes $3,150,200 made available for 
committee room renovations.
    Included in the total is $23,271,004 for the Committee on 
Appropriations. The amount is the same as the fiscal year 2016 
enacted level and the budget request.

                    Salaries, Officers and Employees


 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2016.......................      $178,531,768
Budget request, fiscal year 2017......................       181,756,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       181,487,000
 

    The Committee recommends $181,487,000 for the salaries and 
expenses of House officers and employees of the various 
activities funded through this consolidated item. This amount 
is $2,955,232 above the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and is 
$269,000 below the budget request.
    The following table summarizes the funding allocation 
provided to each component of the account:

 
 
 
Office of the Clerk...................................       $26,268,000
Office of the Sergeant-At-Arms........................        15,505,000
 

    Parking for Pregnant Women: The Committee recognizes the 
value of and supports parking accommodations for Members and 
Staff during pregnancy. The Committee supports efforts by the 
Office of the Sergeant at Arms, in conjunction with the 
Committee on House Administration to provide accommodating 
temporary parking for Members and Staff during their pregnancy.
    Garage Security Implementation Plan: The Committee commends 
the Sergeant at Arms of the House of Representatives and the 
Capitol Police for their work to secure the Capitol Complex. 
The Committee notes that a plan to install magnetometers at the 
entrances to the House office buildings leading from the 
garages is a significant step forward in closing one of the 
last gaps in internal building security. Having said that, it 
is clear that the garage magnetometer program as presented will 
not be operational in all of the House office buildings, making 
it less effective than a program in which all three buildings 
could be secured simultaneously. Nonetheless, comprehensive 
garage security should move forward and the Committee expects 
the Sergeant at Arms and the Capitol Police to implement those 
security efforts after providing a plan that will outline how 
the program will be implemented in all garages. Furthermore the 
Committee encourages the Sergeant at Arms and the Capitol 
Police to hold additional briefings to re-introduce and re-
orient offices to the details of the plan required above, 
including providing information to new Members who will join 
the 115th Congress.

 
 
 
Office of the Chief Administrative Officer............       117,165,000
 

    Continuity of Operations: The Committee continues to be 
concerned about internal risks due to the complexities of the 
House of Representative's network and application 
infrastructures. The Committee encourages the House to adopt 
solutions based on existing IT infrastructures and security 
controls that isolate and segment sensitive application 
information and maintains architecturally sound and secured 
separation among networks. The Committee also encourages the 
House to look at existing commercial solutions that provides 
resiliency, automation and ensures the continuity of operations 
for the House of Representatives' systems.
    Food Service: In August of 2015 Sodexo Government Services 
began operating House food services, which includes eateries, 
vending services, and the in-house catering operation through 
the subcontractor Capitol Host. Sodexo is taking over House 
food service operations after 7 years of Restaurant Associates' 
management. The Committee recognizes and understands the many 
challenges of delivering affordable high quality food options 
to the House community. The Committee also believes it is 
important to obtain input from food service patrons. The Chief 
Administrative Officer is directed to have food service vendors 
establish a point of contact for Members, staff and visitors to 
easily contact when they have issues with the food service, 
recommendations or suggestions on cafeteria or dining room 
operations. As part of establishing a point of contact and 
mechanisms to contact them, follow up procedures should be a 
part of the plan.
    Donating Computer Equipment: The Committee is aware of 
several Member's desire to review the regulations that outline 
the eligibility of, and process by which, House equipment can 
be donated to local and State governments as well as 501(c)(3) 
charities. The Committee believes this is a worthwhile review 
and that the Committee on House Administration is the proper 
committee of jurisdiction to address any specific regulation 
changes.

 
 
 
Office of the Inspector General.......................         4,963,000
Office of General Counsel.............................         1,444,000
Office of the Parliamentarian.........................         1,999,000
Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the House.......         3,167,000
Office of the Legislative Counsel of the House........         8,979,000
Office of Interparliamentary Affairs..................           814,000
Other authorized employees............................         1,183,000
                                                       -----------------
    Total.............................................      $181,487,000
 

                        Allowances and Expenses


 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2016.......................      $278,433,432
Budget request, fiscal year 2017......................       278,633,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       272,328,000
 

    The Committee recommends a total of $272,328,000 for 
allowances and expenses. This amount is $6,105,432 below the 
fiscal year 2016 enacted level and is $6,305,000 below the 
budget request.
    These funds include supplies, materials, administrative 
costs, and Federal tort claims; the costs of official mail for 
the Committees, leadership, and administrative offices; 
employee benefits; miscellaneous items; Business Continuity and 
Disaster Recovery, and Office of Congressional Ethics.
    The following table summarizes the funding allocation 
provided to each major component of the account:

 
 
 
Supplies, materials, administrative costs and Federal         $3,625,000
 tort claims..........................................
Official mail (committees, administrative, and                   190,000
 leadership offices)..................................
Government contributions..............................       245,334,000
Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery.............        16,217,000
Transition Activities.................................         2,084,000
Wounded Warrior Program...............................         2,500,000
Office of Congressional Ethics........................         1,658,000
Miscellaneous items...................................           720,000
                                                       -----------------
    Total, allowances and expenses....................      $272,328,000
 

                       Administrative Provisions

    Section 101 provides for unspent amounts remaining in 
Members' Representational Allowances account to be used for 
deficit or debt reduction.
    Section 102 prohibits the delivery of bills and 
resolutions.
    Section 103 prohibits the delivery of printed copies of the 
Congressional Record.
    Section 104 places a limitation on amount available to 
lease vehicles.
    Section 105 places a limitation on printed copies of the 
U.S. Code.
    Section 106 prohibits the delivery of reports of 
disbursements.
    Section 107 prohibits the delivery of the daily calendar.
    Section 108 prohibits delivery of congressional pictorial 
directory.
    Section 109 prohibits cost of living adjustment for Members 
of Congress.
    Section 110 allows USCP dignitary protection detail to 
travel overseas with Members of the Leadership.

                              JOINT ITEMS

    The Committee recommends $19,565,000 for the various joint 
committees and activities carried under this heading. The 
recommendation is $1,167,000 below the fiscal year 2016 enacted 
level and is $1,445,000 below the budget request.

                        JOINT ECONOMIC COMMITTEE


 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2016.......................        $4,203,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2017......................         4,203,000
Recommended in the bill...............................         4,203,000
 

    The Committee recommends $4,203,000 for the Joint Economic 
Committee. This recommendation is the same as the fiscal year 
2016 enacted level and the budget request.
    The Joint Economic Committee was created by the Employment 
Act of 1946. The primary tasks of the Committee are to review 
economic conditions and to recommend improvements in economic 
policy. The Committee performs research and economic analysis 
and monitors and analyzes current economic, financial, and 
employment conditions.

                      JOINT COMMITTEE ON TAXATION


 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2016.......................       $10,095,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2017......................        11,540,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        10,095,000
 

    The Committee recommends $10,095,000 for the Joint 
Committee on Taxation (JCT). This recommendation is the same as 
the fiscal 2016 enacted level and is $1,445,000 below the 
budget request.
    The Joint Committee on Taxation operates under the Internal 
Revenue Code of 1986 and its predecessors dating to the Revenue 
Act of 1926. It has responsibility to (1) investigate the 
operation and effects of internal revenue taxes and the 
administration of such taxes; (2) investigate measures and 
methods for the simplification of such taxes; (3) make reports 
to the House Committee on Ways and Means and the Senate 
Committee on Finance (or to the House and the Senate) on the 
results of such investigations and studies and to make 
recommendations; and (4) review any proposed refund or credit 
of income or estate and gift taxes or certain other taxes set 
forth in Code section 6405 in excess of $2,000,000 ($5,000,000 
in the case of a C corporation). In addition to these functions 
that are specified in the Internal Revenue Code, the 
Congressional Budget Act of 1974 requires the Joint Committee 
to provide revenue estimates for all tax legislation considered 
by either the House or the Senate.

                   OFFICE OF THE ATTENDING PHYSICIAN


 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2016.......................        $3,784,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2017......................         3,838,000
Recommended in the bill...............................         3,838,000
 

    The Committee recommends $3,838,000 for the Office of the 
Attending Physician. This amount is $54,000 above the fiscal 
year 2016 enacted level and the same as the request. The 
increase above the current level provides for the increase for 
the reimbursement to the Navy.

             OFFICE OF CONGRESSIONAL ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES


 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2016.......................        $1,400,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2017......................         1,429,000
Recommended in the bill...............................         1,429,000
 

    The Committee recommends $1,429,000 for the operation of 
the Office of Congressional Accessibility Services. This amount 
is $29,000 above the fiscal 2016 enacted level and is the same 
as the budget request.
    The Office of Congressional Accessibility Services provides 
and coordinates a variety of accessibility services for 
individuals with disabilities including Members of Congress, 
staff and visitors in the United States Capitol Complex.

                             CAPITOL POLICE

    The Committee recommends a total of $391,300,000 for the 
Capitol Police (USCP). This amount is $16,300,000 above the 
fiscal year 2016 level and is $18,288,000 below the budget 
request.
    The Committee withholds $7,000,000 pending approval of an 
obligation plan.
    Firing Range: The Committee understands the newly opened 
firing range for the Capitol Police was closed due to safety 
concerns after complaints by officers of unsafe conditions. The 
Committee is aware that the Architect of the Capitol is working 
with USCP and the contractor to determine the cause or causes 
of the identified problems. However, the Committee expects a 
full accounting of how such an error could happen. As AOC and 
USCP work to reopen the firing range, both agencies shall 
report any additional costs to taxpayers that may be incurred 
due to this incident 45 days after reopening.

                                Salaries


 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2016.......................      $309,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2017......................       333,128,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       325,300,000
 

    The Committee recommends $325,300,000 for the salaries and 
benefits authorized for police services throughout the USCP 
jurisdiction. This amount is $16,300,000 above the fiscal year 
2016 enacted level and is $7,828,000 below the budget request.
    Based on the rise in terrorist events and the tactics 
displayed by the assailants, USCP reviewed its operational and 
tactical posture, they believe that additional screening must 
be used. The increase includes full year funding for hires 
added in FY2016 and half year costs of hires expected to 
address implementation of additional screening and pre-
screening at various building access points.
    New Posts: The Committee continues to direct the USCP to 
notify the Committee on Appropriations of the House when new 
posts are created, including the annualized cost of maintaining 
the new post, and how the cost will be offset.
    Use of Grounds: The Committee understands the need to 
maintain safety and order on the Capitol grounds and commends 
the Capitol Police for their efforts. Given the family-style 
neighborhood that the Capitol shares with the surrounding 
community the Committee continues to instruct the Capitol 
Police to forebear enforcement of 2 U.S.C. 1963 (``An act to 
protect the public property, turf, and grass of the Capitol 
Grounds from injury'') and the Traffic Regulations for the 
United States Capitol Grounds when encountering snow sledders 
on the grounds.

                            General Expenses


 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2016.......................       $66,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2017......................        76,460,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        66,000,000
 

    The Committee recommends $66,000,000 for general expenses 
of the USCP. This amount is the same as the fiscal year 2016 
enacted level and is $10,460,000 below the budget request.

                        Administrative Provision

    Section 1001 provides for disposal of lost and found 
property and acceptance of property from other Federal 
agencies.

                          OFFICE OF COMPLIANCE


                         Salaries and Expenses


 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2016.......................        $3,959,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2017......................         4,315,151
Recommended in the bill...............................         3,959,000
 

    The Committee recommends $3,959,000 for the Office of 
Compliance. This amount is the same as the fiscal year 2016 
enacted level and is $356,151 below the budget request.
    The Office of Compliance was established to administer and 
enforce the Congressional Accountability Act (Public Law 104-
91). The Act applies various employment and workplace safety 
laws to Congress and certain Legislative Branch entities.

                      CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE


                         Salaries and Expenses


 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2016.......................       $46,500,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2017......................        47,637,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        46,500,000
 

    The Committee recommends $46,500,000 for the Congressional 
Budget Office. This is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted 
level and is $1,137,000 below the budget request.

                        Administrative Provision

    Sec. 1101 authorizes senior level positions.

                        ARCHITECT OF THE CAPITOL


 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2016.......................      $528,683,499
Budget request, fiscal year 2017......................       605,895,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       551,735,733
 
\1\Does not include Senate Office Buildings

    The Committee recommends $551,735,733 for the activities of 
the Architect of the Capitol (AOC). Excluded are Senate items 
which are traditionally left for consideration by that body. 
This amount is $23,052,234 above the fiscal year 2016 enacted 
level and is $54,159,267 below the budget request.
    Within the recommended level the Committee continues its 
prioritization of projects that: (1) promote the safety and 
health of workers and occupants, (2) decrease the deferred 
maintenance backlog, and (3) invest to achieve future energy 
savings. In addition, by including $17,000,000 for the House 
Historic Buildings Revitalization Trust Fund, the bill 
continues the Committee's commitment to advance planning for 
major capital renewal projects which will be essential to 
sustaining the performance of historic House buildings.
    The AOC is responsible for the maintenance, operation, 
development, and preservation of the United States Capitol 
Complex. This includes mechanical and structural maintenance of 
the Capitol, Congressional office buildings, the Library of 
Congress buildings, the U.S. Botanic Garden, the Capitol Power 
Plant, and other facilities, as well as the upkeep and 
improvement of the grounds surrounding the Capitol complex.
    Working Capital Fund: The Committee has created a working 
capital fund (WCF) for the Architect of the Capitol. The WCF 
provides a tool to ensure that its appropriated funds are being 
used in the most efficient manner possible to support Congress 
and the Supreme Court. Specifically, the WCF will ensure that 
the AOC's Construction Division can continue to operate in the 
most efficient and economical manner. The AOC will establish 
standard operating procedures to administer and operate the 
WCF. The WCF will also be subject to AOC policies, internal 
controls, and auditing requirements to ensure that the WCF is 
operating within the parameters of appropriations law 
requirements.
    Baby Changing Stations: The Committee recognizes the 
importance of providing designated baby changing stations for 
members of the public and Members and staffers who visit the 
Capitol Complex, including in both male and female publicly 
accessible bathrooms. The Committee encourages the Architect of 
the Capitol to take steps to provide baby changing stations at 
easily accessible locations throughout the Capitol Complex in 
both male and female bathrooms.
    The following table summarizes the allocation of funds by 
appropriation account:

 
 
 
Architect of the Capitol:
    Capital Construction and Operations...............       $88,542,234
    Capitol Building..................................        33,005,499
    Capitol Grounds...................................        12,826,000
    House Office Buildings subtotal...................       204,481,000
        House Office Buildings........................     (187,481,000)
        House Historic Buildings Revitalization Trust       (17,000,000)
 Fund.................................................
    Capitol Power Plant...............................       104,480,000
    Library Buildings and Grounds.....................        47,080,000
    Capitol Police Buildings, Grounds and Security....        26,697,000
    Botanic Garden....................................        14,067,000
    Capitol Visitor Center............................        20,557,000
                                                       -----------------
        Total.........................................      $551,735,733
 

                  Capital Construction and Operations


 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2016.......................       $91,589,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2017......................       103,650,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        88,542,234
 

    The Committee recommends $88,542,234 for personnel 
services, equipment, communications, and other central support 
activities of the AOC. This amount is $3,046,766 below the 
fiscal year 2016 enacted level and is $15,107,766 below the 
budget request.
    The recommendation supports an operating budget of 
$83,274,234.
    The recommended project budget of $5,268,000 includes the 
following projects:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Committee
                         Item                            recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Legislative Call System Installation.............         $1,368,000
AOC Backup Data Center...............................          3,900,000
                                                      ------------------
    Total............................................         $5,268,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                            Capitol Building


 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2016.......................       $46,737,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2017......................        44,010,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        33,005,499
 

    The Committee recommends $33,005,499 for the operation, 
maintenance, and care of the Capitol building. This amount is 
$13,731,501 below the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and is 
$11,004,501 below the budget request.
    Flag Office Modernization: The Committee recognizes the 
flag flying service available to House and Senate Offices and 
their Constituents as an important and popular service the AOC 
provides.
    While the Flag Office operates as efficiently and 
effectively as they can with their current operating 
procedures, the process is often cumbersome and antiquated.
    Numerous studies in the past have looked at the entire 
life-cycle of the flag flying process, the results of which 
have been little or no change to current operations. The AOC is 
directed to perform an analysis of the current flag process and 
identify improvements in order to make the process more 
efficient and effective, including but not limited to 
identifying ways to automate processes, streamline ordering and 
delivery of flags. The automation approach shall take into 
consideration several key aspects of the process such as order 
entry and submission, order tracking, consolidated delivery of 
flags from office supply, and payment for this service. Since 
the flag flying process involves other House and Senate 
organizations, the AOC shall coordinate the analysis with the 
Chief Administrative Officer of the House of Representatives 
and the Secretary of the Senate in order to streamline one 
agreed upon process.
    The AOC shall complete the analysis and provide 
recommendations to the Committee in 120 days. The 
recommendations shall include but not be limited to a detailed 
description of the options, associated implementation costs for 
each option, and timeline for their implementation.
    The recommendation supports an operating budget of 
$24,000,000.
    The recommended project budget of $9,005,499 includes the 
following projects:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Committee
                         Item                            recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Exterior Stone and Metal Preservation, West Facade,           $4,906,499
 Phase III...........................................
Conservation of Fine and Architectural Art...........            599,000
Minor Construction...................................          3,500,000
                                                      ------------------
    Total............................................         $9,005,499
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                            Capitol Grounds


 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2016.......................       $11,880,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2017......................        13,083,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        12,826,000
 

    The Committee recommends $12,826,000 for the care of the 
grounds surrounding the Capitol. This amount is $946,000 above 
the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and is $257,000 below the 
budget request.
    The recommendation supports an operating budget of 
$9,880,000.
    The recommended project budget of $2,946,000 includes the 
following projects:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Committee
                         Item                            recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capitol Square Infrastructure Repair.................           $946,000
Minor Construction...................................          2,000,000
                                                      ------------------
    Total............................................         $2,946,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                         House Office Buildings


 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2016.......................      $174,962,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2017......................       189,528,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       187,481,000
 

    The Committee recommends $187,481,000 for the operation, 
maintenance, and care of the House office buildings. This 
amount is $12,519,000 above the fiscal year 2016 enacted level 
and $2,047,000 below the budget request.
    This amount includes $15,000,000 for the full year lease 
cost of the Thomas P. O'Neill, Jr. Federal Office Building.
    House Historic Buildings Revitalization Trust Fund: The 
bill includes $10,000,000 for the House Historic Buildings 
Revitalization Trust Fund. Public Law 111-68 established the 
Fund to finance major repairs and renovations to facilities of 
the House. Subject to approval of the Committee on 
Appropriations of the House, the AOC may use these funds for 
major renovation projects to preserve and maintain the 
performance of the iconic buildings of the House of 
Representatives.
    Cannon House Office Building: The Committee is pleased with 
the progress that the Architect of the Capitol has made 
advancing the much needed renovation of the Cannon House Office 
Building. Using an integrated project delivery method, the AOC 
has successfully managed this project in collaboration with 
congressional oversight to keep the renewal on time and on 
budget. As Phase 0 concludes and Phase 1 begins, the Committee 
is confident the AOC will continue to utilize best practice 
methods and procedures to deliver the project in an efficient 
manner to meet the needs of Congress and the public.
    Rayburn House Office Building Garage Rehabilitation: The 
Committee provides $30,789,000 for the second phase of a four 
phased rehabilitation program for the Rayburn House Office 
Building garage. There is severe corrosion of the reinforcing 
steel and spalling and delaminating of the concrete slabs and 
columns. This project provides structural and architectural 
modifications for life safety, accessibility, lighting, 
electrical, mechanical, plumbing, fire protection, and security 
system upgrades.
    Security: The Committee understands additional phases of 
the Rayburn garage security project and the security storm 
window installation for the Cannon House Office Building will 
be necessary and expects the Architect of the Capitol to keep 
the Committee apprised of cost estimates and progress. Future 
requests of this nature should be included in the regular 
budget process.
    The recommendation supports an operating budget of 
$64,077,000.
    The recommended project budget of $123,404,000 includes the 
following projects:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Committee
                         Item                            recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Garage Rehabilitation, Phase II, RHOB................        $30,789,000
Emergency Power Upgrades, RHOB & HUG's...............         19,955,000
CAO Project Support..................................          3,660,000
Restoration and Renovation, CHOB.....................         62,000,000
Minor Construction...................................          7,000,000
                                                      ------------------
    Total............................................       $123,404,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                          Capitol Power Plant


 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2016.......................       $94,722,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2017......................       105,765,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       104,480,000
Offsetting collections................................         9,000,000
                                                       -----------------
    Total available...................................      $113,480,000
 

    The Committee recommends $104,480,000 for the Capitol Power 
Plant. This amount is $9,757,501 above the fiscal year 2016 
enacted level and is $1,285,000 below the budget request.
    The recommendation supports an operating budget of 
$86,141,000.
    The recommended project budget of $27,339,000 includes the 
following projects:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Committee
                         Item                            recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
West Refrigeration Plant Chiller System Replacement,         $17,834,000
 RPR, Phase IIIA.....................................
Roof Replacement, PPBP & PPGP........................          3,805,000
Cogeneration Management Program, CPP.................          1,700,000
Minor Construction...................................          4,000,000
                                                      ------------------
    Total............................................        $27,339,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                     Library Buildings and Grounds


 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2016.......................       $40,689,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2017......................        65,959,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        47,080,000
 

    The Committee recommends $47,080,000 for the care and 
maintenance of the Library buildings and grounds. This amount 
is $6,391,000 above the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and is 
$18,879,000 below the budget request.
    The recommendation supports an operating budget of 
$24,943,000.
    The recommended project budget of $22,137,000 includes the 
following projects:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Committee
                         Item                            recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Garage Structural Repairs & Entry Improvements, JAB..         $8,722,000
Emergency Generator Replacement, TJB.................          4,901,000
Elevator Modernization, JMMB MC1-MC4, JAB 13-14......          4,292,000
East and West Main Pavilion Roof Replacement, TJB....          2,222,000
Minor Construction...................................          2,000,000
                                                      ------------------
    Total............................................        $22,137,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

            Capitol Police Buildings, Grounds, and Security


 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2016.......................       $25,434,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2017......................        37,513,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        26,697,000
 

    The Committee recommends $26,697,000 for Capitol Police 
buildings, grounds, and security. This amount is $1,263,000 
above the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and is $10,816,000 
below the budget request.
    The recommendation supports an operating budget of 
$17,533,000.
    The recommended project budget of $9,164,000 includes the 
following projects:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Committee
                         Item                            recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chiller Replacement and Chilled Water System                  $7,664,000
 Expansion, Phase I, ACF.............................
Minor Construction...................................          1,500,000
                                                      ------------------
    Total............................................         $9,164,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                             Botanic Garden


 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2016.......................       $12,113,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2017......................        15,081,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        14,067,000
 

    The Committee recommends $14,067,000 for the Botanic 
Garden. This amount is $1,954,000 above the fiscal year 2016 
enacted level and is $1,014,000 below the budget request.
    The recommendation supports an operating budget of 
$10,013,000.
    The recommended project budget of $4,054,000, includes the 
following projects:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Committee
                         Item                            recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Production Facility Renewal..........................         $1,954,000
Minor Construction...................................          2,100,000
                                                      ------------------
    Total............................................         $4,054,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Education Opportunities: Again the Committee congratulates 
the Botanic Garden on the accomplishments of its education and 
outreach programs, which have leveraged the Garden's 
unparalleled expertise to provide unique educational 
opportunities. The Committee continues to urge the Garden to 
continue forming partnerships with national and local 
organizations with a particular focus to increase urban 
horticulture educational opportunities, and to utilize House 
Office Buildings for visitors and constituents in order to 
advance educational goals.

                         Capitol Visitor Center


 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2016.......................       $20,557,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2017......................        21,306,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        20,557,000
 

    The CVC was established to improve security for all persons 
working in or visiting the U.S. Capitol and to enhance the 
educational experience of visitors.
    The Committee recommends $20,557,000 for the operation of 
the Capitol Visitor Center (CVC). This amount is the same as 
the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and $749,000 below the 
budget request.
    There are no capital projects in fiscal year 2017.

                       Administrative Provisions

    Section 1201 prohibits payment of bonuses to contractors 
behind schedule or over budget.
    Section 1202 prohibits expenditure of funds for scrims for 
projects performed by the Architect of the Capitol.
    Section. 1203 establishes a working capital fund.
    Section 1204 provides the Architect of the Capitol House 
Office Buildings jurisdiction authority to operate shuttle 
service between the House Office Buildings, O'Neill Building 
and Capitol.
    Section 1205 authorizes use of expired funds for 
unemployment compensation payments.
    Section 1206 establishes a flag office revolving fund.

                          LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

    Established by Congress in 1800, the Library of Congress is 
one of the largest libraries in the world, with a collection of 
more than 162,000,000 print, audio, and video items in 470 
languages. Among its major programs are acquisitions, 
preservation, administration of U.S. copyright laws by the 
Copyright Office, research and analysis of policy issues for 
the Congress by the Congressional Research Service, and 
administration of a national program to provide reading 
material to the blind and physically handicapped. The Library 
maintains a significant number of collections and provides a 
range of services to libraries in the United States and abroad.
    Primary Computing Facility (PCF): The Committee includes 
$24,000,000 to migrate the Library's Primary Computing Facility 
in the James Madison Building to an alternate facility. The 
Library's current PCF, built in the 1970's can no longer 
provide the level of data center reliability and availability 
that is needed. The current PCF is vulnerable in general to 
environment threats such as weather and earthquakes; a prime 
target for physical acts of terrorism and threats to 
Washington, DC as well as the facility power and cooling 
infrastructure to provide uninterrupted services are lacking.
    National Collection Stewardship Fund: As stewards of the 
national collection, the Committee supports the ongoing need to 
provide secure, state-of-the art facilities in which to store 
and preserve the Library's holdings. Costs for new Fort Meade 
modules, upgrades to the Library's Capitol Hill facilities, and 
related collections preservation work can, however, exceed 
amounts available in annual budget allocations. To stabilize 
the funding stream for collections preservation and storage 
across fiscal years, the Committee includes a provision 
establishing a National Collection Stewardship Trust Fund into 
which the Congress may appropriate funds, the Library may 
transfer funds, and funds may be donated to remain available 
until expended. The trust fund will be available for 
collections storage construction or leasing upon the approval 
of the Joint Committee on the Library and the Committees on 
Appropriations. The Library will report to the Committees 
annually on use of the fund.
    Veterans History Project: The Committee expects the 
Veterans History Project to be funded at least at the fiscal 
year 2016 level. The Committee recognizes the critical 
importance of the Veterans History Project as a way to collect, 
preserve and make accessible the personal accounts of American 
war veterans for the benefit of future generations. As the 
Veterans History Project relies on volunteers to collect and 
submit veteran's stories, the Committee encourages the Library 
of Congress to do further outreach with schools, Girl and Boy 
Scout programs, and other potential partners to enhance the 
project.
    Mass Deacidification Program: Recognizing that the 
Library's extremely diverse collections require a well balanced 
approach of preservation assessment, treatment, reformatting, 
environmental storage, and protective housing. The Committee 
directs that the $5,500,000 base provided for the mass 
deacidification program be maintained for the fiscal year as a 
reasonable level of activity at this time for a balanced 
preservation program. Other preservation approaches should not 
be compromised by this investment in mass deacidification and 
the Committee further recognizes that adjustments to long-term 
program targets are necessary to reflect changes in overall 
collection condition and other preservation alternatives.
    Computer Network Activity: Section 208 of the general 
provisions is not intended to limit the Library of Congress or 
the Copyright Office from carrying out their work as required 
under law.
    Outreach: The Committee encourages the Library of Congress 
to increase cooperative partnerships, fellowship opportunities, 
and curriculum program associations with post-secondary 
institutions that have significant percentages of minority 
students including Hispanic Serving Institutions and 
Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
    Teaching with Primary Sources Program: The goal of the 
Teaching with Primary Sources (TPS) program is to teach 
educators and librarians how to incorporate the digital 
collections of the Library of Congress into educational 
curricula. To help meet this goal, in the most recent fiscal 
years, the Library's National and International Outreach Office 
has launched a competitive program within the TPS for the 
development of online and interactive apps for classroom use on 
Congress and civic participation. The Committee applauds the 
National and International Outreach Office for their efforts in 
this regard and recognizes that these projects require 
significant time and professional skills. As such, the 
Committee directs the Library of Congress to prioritize the 
support and expansion of existing projects rather than 
initiating new ones. Additionally, the Library of Congress is 
reminded that the original intention of the competitive program 
was to facilitate the development of programs focused on 
Congress and citizen participation, and existing programs 
should reflect these priorities.
    To the extent practicable, the Committee instructs the 
Library to maintain certain subject headings that reflect 
terminology used in title 8, United States Code.
    Survey: The Committee directs the Library of Congress to 
conduct a survey of ethnic collections of populations displaced 
as a result of World War II conflict found throughout the 
United States, and to share the results of the survey with the 
Committee.

                         Salaries and Expenses


 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2016.......................      $419,621,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2017......................       472,885,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       443,621,000
Offsetting collections................................         6,350,000
                                                       -----------------
    Total available...................................       449,971,000
 

    The Committee recommends $443,621,000, plus authority to 
spend $6,350,000 in receipts, for the salaries and expenses 
appropriation. This amount is $24,000,000 above the fiscal year 
2016 enacted level and is $29,264,000 below the budget request.

                            Copyright Office


 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2016.......................       $23,098,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2017......................        28,331,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        27,098,000
Offsetting collections................................        37,198,000
Prior Year Unobligated Balances.......................         4,531,000
                                                       -----------------
    Total available...................................       $68,827,000
 

    Copyright Modernization: The Committee recognizes and 
strongly supports the need for a robust information technology 
modernization effort within the Copyright Office to support the 
growth of creativity and commercial artistic activity in our 
nation and to effectively serve users and copyright owners in 
the 21st century.
    Last year the Committee required the Copyright Office to 
provide a plan on necessary IT upgrades to the Copyright Office 
and to seek public comments on efforts to modernize. The 
provisional report was received on February 29, 2016 with 
public comments to be provided later.
    The Committee directs the Copyright Office, in 
collaboration with the Library of Congress Chief Information 
Officer, to modify the plan to include cost estimates and a 
timeline to execute this much needed improvement of the 
Copyright Office in alignment with the Library's Strategic Plan 
and Information Technology Strategic Plan. This report should 
also include funding strategies based on the comments received 
from the public. We expect these comments will give Congress a 
path to move forward on a funding strategy to implement 
modernization. The Committee remains convinced that the 
Copyright community will support a fee structure change 
alongside a commitment from Congress to improve the Copyright 
system. Finally, the report shall include a comparison between 
the software and requirements used by the recently modernized 
Patent and Trademark Office's Trademark processes and the 
software the Copyright Office plans to implement. This modified 
plan is to be provided to the Committee within 90 days.
    Therefore the Committee appropriates an additional 
$4,000,000 above last year to support modernization totaling 
$68,827,000, which includes authority to spend $37,198,000 in 
receipts, and authority to spend $4,531,000 in prior year 
unobligated balances for the Copyright Office. This is 
$9,952,000 above the fiscal year 2016 level and is $5,199,000 
below the budget request. The increase above the current level 
is comprised of $5,952,000, offset with increased authority to 
spend receipts of $1,421,000, and prior year unobligated 
balances of $4,531,000. The increase of $1,421,000 in 
offsetting collections authority will fund 5 FTEs for 
supervision and staffing for emerging registration policies, 6 
FTEs for public records and repositories staffing, and 
mandatory pay related and price level increases for Copyright 
Licensing Division and the Copyright Royalty Judges. The 
authority to spend prior year unobligated balances of 
$4,531,000 will fund the contract portion of the Data 
Management Initiative ($1,091,000) and the Searchable Historic 
Copyright Records Project ($3,440,000).
    To be consistent with the Legislative Branch mandate on 
shared services to achieve efficiencies and savings where 
practical and GAO findings on the Library's information 
technology investment management, the House directs the 
Copyright Office to utilize the new hosting facility as the 
primary data center for infrastructure support including data 
storage and mission oriented software applications. 
Additionally, any development or use of commodity information 
technology services not provided by the Library should be done 
only by exception after collaboration with the Library's Office 
of the Chief Information Officer and approval of the Chief 
Information Officer. Furthermore, all efforts by the Copyright 
Office to modernize its mission critical software applications 
should be accomplished in close collaboration with the 
Library's Chief Information Officer to ensure there is no 
duplication of any shared services currently supported by the 
Library. The Committee expects to see savings from taking a 
shared services approach.
    The Committee understands the Copyright Office has offered 
its expertise on copyright matters to the Executive Branch, 
including participation in international discussions, and 
expects the Office to continue that important role.
    Consistent with historical practice, the Committee expects 
the Library to continue to defer to the copyright expertise of 
the Register of Copyrights.

                     Congressional Research Service


 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2016.......................      $106,945,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2017......................       114,408,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       107,945,000
 

    The Committee recommends $107,945,000 for salaries and 
expenses of the Congressional Research Service (CRS). This 
amount is $1,000,000 above the fiscal year 2016 enacted level 
and is $6,463,000 below the budget request.
    CRS works for Members and committees of Congress to support 
their legislative, oversight, and representational functions by 
providing nonpartisan and confidential research and policy 
analysis.

             Books for the Blind and Physically Handicapped


 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2016.......................       $50,248,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2017......................        51,591,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        50,248,000
 

    The Committee recommends $50,248,000 for salaries and 
expenses of the National Library Service for the Blind and 
Physically Handicapped (NLS). This amount is the same as the 
fiscal year 2016 enacted level and is $1,343,000 below the 
budget request.
    The NLS administers a free national reading program for 
blind and physically handicapped residents of the United States 
and U.S. citizens living abroad since 1931. NLS provides 
direction for the production of books and magazines in braille 
and recorded formats and audio playback machines for 
distribution through a nationwide network of 55 regional and 33 
sub-regional libraries.

                       Administrative Provisions

    Section 1301 authorizes obligational authority for 
reimbursable and revolving funds.
    Section 1302 establishes a national collection stewardship 
fund.
    Section 1303 continues to authorize the National Film 
Preservation Program.
    Section 1304 continues to authorize the Sound Recording 
Preservation Program.

                      GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE

    GPO provides publishing and dissemination services for 
Federal government publications to Congress, Federal agencies, 
Federal depository libraries, and the American public.
    The Committee commends GPO for its continuing use of 
digital technology to support the information requirements of 
Congress, including support for the development of the 
Constitution, Jefferson's Manual, and the Rules of the House of 
Representatives in XML format; the introduction of a new 
website, govinfo, for providing permanent access to public 
documents including congressional information; and the agency's 
ongoing work to digitize all issues of the Congressional Record 
dating back to its introduction in 1873. GPO's skilled use of 
digital technology has allowed the agency to constrain the 
costs of its operations while expanding Government information 
access options to the American people, bringing greater 
openness and transparency to the operations of the Government 
and Congress.

                        Congressional Publishing


 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2016.......................       $79,736,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2017......................        79,736,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        79,736,000
 

    The Committee recommends $79,736,000 for Congressional 
Publishing. This amount is the same as the fiscal year 2016 
enacted level and is the same as the budget request.
    This account funds the costs of publishing congressional 
information products in both digital and print formats. The 
amount is provided as a lump sum to cover various categories of 
printing.

     Public Information Programs of the Superintendent of Documents


 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2016.......................       $30,500,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2017......................        29,500,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        29,500,000
 

    The Committee recommends $29,500,000 for the salaries and 
expenses of the Public Information Programs of the 
Superintendent of Documents. This amount is $1,000,000 below 
the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and is the same as the 
budget request.
    The Public Information Programs of the Superintendent of 
Documents account funds the mailing of government documents for 
Members of Congress and Federal agencies, as statutorily 
authorized; the compilation of catalogs and indexes of 
government publications; and the cataloging, indexing, and 
providing of government publications in digital and tangible 
formats to the Federal Depository and International Exchange 
libraries and to other individuals and entities, as authorized 
by law.

                   Business Operations Revolving Fund


 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2016.......................        $6,832,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2017......................         7,832,000
Recommended in the bill...............................         7,832,000
 

    The Committee recommends $7,832,000 for the Business 
Operations Revolving Fund. This is an increase of $1,000,000 
above the fiscal 2016 level and the same as the budget request.
    The operations of the Government Publishing Office are 
financed through the Business Operations Revolving Fund. This 
business-like fund is used to pay GPO's costs in performing 
congressional and agency publishing, information product 
procurement, and publications dissemination activities. The 
fund is reimbursed from payments from customer agencies, sales 
to the public, appropriations to the fund, and transfers from 
GPO's two annual appropriations.
    The bill continues language authorizing the operation of 
the revolving fund and authority to hire or purchase 
automobiles, advisory councils, and consultants.

                    GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE


                         Salaries and Expenses


 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2017.......................      $531,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2017......................       567,825,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       533,100,000
Offsetting Collections................................        23,350,000
                                                       -----------------
    Total available...................................      $556,450,000
 

    The Committee recommends $533,100,000 in direct 
appropriations for the Government Accountability Office (GAO), 
plus $23,350,000 in offsetting collections derived from 
reimbursements for conducting financial audits of government 
corporations and rental of space in the GAO building. This 
amount is an increase of $2,100,000 above the fiscal year 2016 
enacted level, and is $34,725,000 below the budget request.
    GAO was established by the Budget and Accounting Act of 
1921. GAO works for Congress by responding to requests for 
studies of Federal Government programs and expenditures. GAO 
may also initiate its own work.
    The Committee recognizes the important work that the 
Government Accountability Office does on a daily basis to 
provide oversight, transparency, and accountability for 
Congress and the American people.

                Open World Leadership Center Trust Fund


 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2016.......................        $5,600,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2017......................         5,800,000
Recommended in the bill...............................         1,000,000
 

    The Committee recommends $1,000,000 for shut down costs. 
This amount is $4,600,000 below the fiscal year 2016 enacted 
level and $4,800,000 below the budget request.
    For many years the Committee has had concern with the 
placement of the Open World Leadership Center (OWLC) in the 
Legislative Branch with it mirroring numerous similar or nearly 
identical programs administered by other Federal agencies. In 
this fiscal environment where our national debt exceeds $19 
trillion, it is important to eliminate duplicative programs. 
The Committee has provided $1,000,000 to cover the cost 
associated with the shutdown of the OWLC. The Committee directs 
the Director to retain any necessary prior year funds in the 
Trust to cover any cost in excess of the $1,000,000 provided in 
this bill to be utilized for the orderly shutdown. The Director 
is further directed that the program termination is to be 
finalized within one year of enactment of the Legislative 
Branch fiscal year 2017 appropriation bill.

   John C. Stennis Center for Public Service Training and Development


 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2016.......................          $430,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2017......................           430,000
Recommended in the bill...............................           430,000
 

    The Committee recommends $430,000 for fiscal year 2017. 
This amount is the same as the fiscal year 2016 enacted level 
and is the same as the budget request.

                      TITLE II--GENERAL PROVISIONS

    Includes language regarding maintenance and care of private 
vehicles, fiscal year limitation, rates of compensation and 
designation, consulting services, the Legislative Branch 
Financial Managers Council, a limitation on transfers, guided 
tours of the Capitol, computer network activity, and the 
spending reduction account.

              HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES REPORT REQUIREMENTS

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

                 Comparison With the Budget Resolution

    Section 308(a)(1)(A) of the Congressional Budget Act 
requires the report accompanying a bill providing new budget 
authority to contain a statement comparing the levels in the 
bill to the suballocations submitted under section 302(b) of 
the Act for the most recently agreed to concurrent resolution 
on the budget for the applicable fiscal year. That information 
is provided in the table headed ``Comparison of Reported Bill 
to Section 302(b) Suballocation.''

                                            [In millions of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               302(b) Allocation              This bill--
                                                         -------------------------------------------------------
                                                              Budget                      Budget
                                                             authority      Outlays      authority      Outlays
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Comparison of amounts in the bill with Committee
    allocations to its subcommittees: Subcommittee on
                   Legislative Branch
Discretionary...........................................          $4,436      $4,336          $3,482   $3,600\1\
Mandatory...............................................             139         139             139      139\1\
Total...................................................          $4,575      $4,475          $3,621      $3,739
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\Includes outlays from both House and Senate prior-year budget authority.
Note.--Bill amounts excludes discretionary Senate related items.

                      Five-Year Outlay Projections

    In compliance with section 308(a)(1)(B) of the 
Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (Public Law 93-344), as 
amended, the following table contains five-year projections 
prepared by the Congressional Budget Office of outlays 
associated with the budget authority provided in the 
accompanying bill:

                        [In millions of dollars]
 
 
 
Budget Authority......................................            $3,621
Outlays:
    2017..............................................          \2\3,008
    2018..............................................               396
    2019..............................................                99
    2020..............................................                48
    2021..............................................                33
 
\2\Excludes outlays from prior-year budget authority.

               Assistance to State and Local Governments

    Pursuant to section 308(a)1)(C) of the Congressional Budget 
Act of 1974, (Public Law 93-344), as amended, the amount of 
financial assistance to State and local governments is as 
follows:
    The accompanying bill contains no funding for State and 
local assistance programs.

                          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 to the Executive 
Branch.

                           Transfer of Funds

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

                              Rescissions

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

         Statement of General Performance Goals and Objectives

    Pursuant to clause 3(c)(4) of rule XIII of the Rules of the 
House of Representatives, the following is a statement of 
general performance goals and objectives for which this measure 
authorizes funding:
    The Committee on Appropriations considers program 
performance, including a program's success in developing and 
attaining outcome-related goals and objectives, in developing 
funding recommendations.

                  Appropriations Not Authorized by Law

    Pursuant to clause 3(f)(1) of rule XIII of the Rules of the 
House of Representatives, the following lists the 
appropriations in the accompanying bill which are not 
authorized by law for the period concerned:
    The accompanying bill contains no appropriations not 
authorized by law.

                                Earmarks

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

               Changes in the Application of Existing Law

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

          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):

LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 1977

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *



TITLE VI--ARCHITECT OF THE CAPITOL

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *



Capitol Buildings and Grounds

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *



                            CAPITOL GROUNDS

  For care and improvement of grounds surrounding the Capitol, 
the Senate and House Office Buildings, and the Capitol Power 
Plant; personal and other services; care of trees; planting; 
fertilizer; repairs to pavements, walks, and roadways; 
waterproof wearing apparel; maintenance of signal lights; and 
for snow removal by hire of men and equipment or under contract 
without regard to section 3709 of the Revised Statutes, as 
amended, $1,832,800: Provided, That hereafter, funds 
[appropriated under this heading] appropriated for any 
available account of the Architect of the Capitol shall be 
available for the purchase or rental, maintenance and operation 
of passenger motor vehicles to provide shuttle service for 
Members and employees of Congress to and from the buildings in 
the Legislative group.
   Not to exceed $94,500 of the unobligated balance of the 
appropriation under this head for the fiscal year 1976 is 
hereby continued available until September 30, 1977.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


    SECTION 1003 OF THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2003

  Sec. 1003. Disposal of Surplus Property. (a) In General.--
Within the limits of available appropriations, the Capitol 
Police may dispose of [surplus or obsolete property of the 
Capitol Police] surplus or obsolete property of the Capitol 
Police, and property which is in the possession of the Capitol 
Police because it has been disposed, forfeited, voluntarily 
abandoned, or unclaimed, by interagency transfer, donation, 
sale, trade-in, or other appropriate method.
  (b) Amounts Received.--Any amounts received by the Capitol 
Police from the disposition of property under subsection (a) 
shall be credited to the account established for the general 
expenses of the Capitol Police, and shall be available to carry 
out the purposes of such account during the fiscal year in 
which the amounts are received and the following fiscal year.
  (c) Effective Date.--This section shall apply to fiscal year 
2003 and each fiscal year thereafter.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


                 NATIONAL FILM PRESERVATION ACT OF 1996


TITLE I--REAUTHORIZATION OF THE NATIONAL FILM PRESERVATION BOARD

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 112. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

  There are authorized to be appropriated to the Librarian for 
the first fiscal year beginning on or after the date of the 
enactment of this Act and each succeeding fiscal year [through 
fiscal year 2016] through fiscal year 2026 such sums as may be 
necessary to carry out the purposes of this title, but in no 
fiscal year shall such sum exceed $250,000.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


TITLE 36, UNITED STATES CODE

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *



SUBTITLE II--PATRIOTIC AND NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


PART B--ORGANIZATIONS

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


CHAPTER 1517--NATIONAL FILM PRESERVATION FOUNDATION

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *



Sec. 151711. Authorization of appropriations

  (a) Authorization of Appropriations.--
          (1) In general.--There are authorized to be 
        appropriated to the Library of Congress amounts 
        necessary to carry out this chapter, not to exceed--
                  (A) $530,000 for each of the fiscal years 
                2005 through 2009;
                  (B) $750,000 for each of the fiscal years 
                2010 through 2011; and
                  (C) $1,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 
                2012 [through 2016] through 2026.
          (2) Matching.--The amounts authorized to be 
        appropriated under this subsection are to be made 
        available to the corporation to match any private 
        contributions (whether in currency, services, or 
        property) made to the corporation by private persons 
        and State and local governments.
  (b) Limitation Related to Administrative Expenses.--Amounts 
authorized under this section may not be used by the 
corporation for management and general or fundraising expenses 
as reported to the Internal Revenue Service as part of an 
annual information return required under the Internal Revenue 
Code of 1986.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


CHAPTER 1524--NATIONAL RECORDING PRESERVATION FOUNDATION

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *



Sec. 152403. Board of directors

  (a) General.--The board of directors is the governing body of 
the corporation.
  (b) Members and Appointment.--(1) The Librarian of Congress 
(hereafter in this chapter referred to as the ``Librarian'') is 
an ex officio nonvoting member of the board. Not later than 90 
days after the date of the enactment of this chapter, the 
Librarian shall appoint the directors to the board in 
accordance with paragraph (2).
  (2)(A) The board consists of [nine directors] 12 directors.
  (B) Each director shall be a United States citizen.
  (C) At least six directors shall be knowledgeable or 
experienced in sound recording production, distribution, 
preservation, or restoration, including two who are sitting 
members of the National Recording Preservation Board. These six 
directors shall, to the extent practicable, represent diverse 
points of view from the sound recording community.
  (3) A director is not an employee of the Library of Congress 
and appointment to the board does not constitute appointment as 
an officer or employee of the United States Government for the 
purpose of any law of the United States.
  (4) The terms of office of the directors are 4 years.
  (5) A vacancy on the board shall be filled in the manner in 
which the original appointment was made.
  (c) Chair.--The Librarian shall appoint one of the directors 
as the initial chair of the board for a 2-year term. 
Thereafter, the chair shall be appointed and removed in 
accordance with the bylaws of the corporation.
  (d) Quorum.--The number of directors constituting a quorum of 
the board shall be established under the bylaws of the 
corporation.
  (e) Meetings.--The board shall meet at the call of the 
Librarian for regularly scheduled meetings.
  (f) Reimbursement of Expenses.--Directors shall serve without 
compensation but may receive travel expenses, including per 
diem in lieu of subsistence, in accordance with sections 5702 
and 5703 of title 5.
  (g) Liability of Directors.--Directors are not personally 
liable, except for gross negligence.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Sec. 152411. Authorization of appropriations

  (a) Authorization.--There are authorized to be appropriated 
to the corporation for the first fiscal year beginning on or 
after the date of the enactment of this chapter and each 
succeeding fiscal year [through fiscal year 2016] through 
fiscal year 2026 an amount not to exceed the amount of private 
contributions (whether in currency, services, or property) made 
to the corporation by private persons and State and local 
governments.
  (b) Limitation Related to Administrative Expenses.--Amounts 
authorized under this section may not be used by the 
corporation for management and general or fundraising expenses 
as reported to the Internal Revenue Service as part of an 
annual information return required under the Internal Revenue 
Code of 1986.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


NATIONAL RECORDING PRESERVATION ACT OF 2000

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *



TITLE I--SOUND RECORDING PRESERVATION BY THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Subtitle D--General Provisions

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 133. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS

  There are authorized to be appropriated to the Librarian for 
the first fiscal year beginning on or after the date of the 
enactment of this Act and each succeeding fiscal year [through 
fiscal year 2016] through fiscal year 2026 such sums as may be 
necessary to carry out this title, except that the amount 
authorized for any fiscal year may not exceed $250,000.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *




       MINORITY VIEWS OF NITA LOWEY AND DEBBIE WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

    For the first time in many years, the subcommittee received 
a fair allocation of $3.48 billion, $72 million more than the 
fiscal year 2016 enacted level. However this bill continues to 
neglect areas that would rebuild Congressional capacity and 
continues to fund areas that promote politics over policy. 
Congress must invest in itself to ultimately improve its 
service to the Country. This bill is instrumental in what 
should be a bipartisan goal of rebuilding Congress.
    A small change in full committee improves the bill in small 
measure. Representative Farr's amendment to increase the 
Members Representational Allowance (MRA) by $8.3 million, or 
1.5%, was adopted by voice vote after a group of bipartisan 
Members gave examples of how additional resources for staff are 
needed. According to the 2010 Census, the average congressional 
district is a little over 710,000 people, which is 63,815 more 
than the average sized based on Census 2000. As districts grow, 
their representatives in Congress must keep pace to properly 
serve their constituents. The MRA allows Members to provide 
constituents with vital services in their districts and to 
adequately analyze policy decisions while ensuring the 
Legislative Branch of government remains an equal branch of 
government. After three years of flat MRA budgets, the Farr 
amendment is a small step toward strengthening the capacity of 
Members' ability to serve their constituents.
    Representative McCollum offered an amendment, which failed 
20-28, which would have saved taxpayer dollars by defunding the 
Select Investigative Panel of the Committee on Energy and 
Commerce. This Select Panel is engaging in reckless and 
political actions, through unilateral subpoenas, the public 
release of names despite privacy and security concerns, and 
denial of minority access to documents.
    Unfortunately this is but one example of the House majority 
using official taxpayer dollars to engage in partisan politics. 
The Benghazi Committee has spent more than $6.5 million in 
taxpayer funds to engage in partisan politics during the 
Presidential election. House Republicans have also used 
resources from the Legislative Branch Appropriations bill to 
defend the Defense of Marriage Act, to sue the President over 
the Affordable Care Act, and to hire an outside attorney to 
work on a case against the President regarding his Guantanamo 
Bay policy. The political parties have legitimate disagreements 
about these important policy areas, but both should draw the 
line at using taxpayer dollars to further political causes. It 
is no wonder public approval of Congress, along with Congress' 
policy-making capacity, are both at an all-time low. The 
McCollum amendment would have allowed the House Energy and 
Commerce Committee to focus on passing legislation rather than 
engaging in McCarthyism, improving the public's view of 
Congress.
    As Member and Committee budgets have been cut, Congress has 
had to rely on support agencies to fill the gaps in staff 
expertise. One of those agencies is the Congressional Research 
Service (CRS). The bill funds the agency at $107.9 million, $1 
million above the fiscal year 2016 enacted level. At that 
level, CRS remains $4.6 million below the fiscal year 2010 
level. According to CRS, recent funding levels have led to a 
loss of 13 percent of its purchasing power since 2010. The $1 
million increase will not even cover mandatory pay for CRS' 
current staff.
    CRS's budget request sought to rebuild the agency. They 
asked for two defense policy staff, five health policy staff, 
three education policy staff, two budget/appropriations staff, 
four technology policy staff, and two data management and 
analysis staff. None of those staff would be funded under the 
current bill, depriving Congress of a non-biased analysis of 
these critical policy areas.
    In addition to inadequate funding priorities, this bill 
wades unnecessarily into the Nation's immigration debate by 
including report language that seeks to influence the Library 
of Congress to continue to use the term ``Illegal Alien'' in 
its subject headings. Ranking Member Wasserman Schultz had an 
amendment to remove the contentious language that failed on a 
close vote of 24-25.
    Subject headings serve as the mechanism for how the Library 
catalogs or groups information--something the Library of 
Congress is well positioned to understand. They use headings 
that reflect current day uses of words and phrases so 
information is easily accessible by its users. There was a time 
when the Library used the subject heading ``Insanity;'' today 
it uses ``Mental Illness.'' The Library once had the subject 
heading ``Negro,'' then moved to ``Afro American,'' and now 
uses ``African American.'' In March 2016, the Library found 
that the term ``Illegal Aliens'' had become pejorative and 
decided to use the terms ``Noncitizen'' and ``Unauthorized 
Immigration.''
    Four Republicans joined with the Democrats to strip this 
language from the report. While the amendment did not pass, it 
showed there is bipartisan support to reduce the political 
rhetoric surrounding immigration and to allow the Library of 
Congress to remain free of political influence.
    While we appreciate increases to areas such as the 
Copyright Office and the Historic Buildings Revitalization 
Trust Fund, we remain disappointed by the inclusion of the 
report language on ``Illegal Aliens.'' As this bill continues, 
we stand ready to work with the majority to remove partisan 
obstacles and return the Legislative Branch Appropriations bill 
to a bipartisan endeavor with the goal of better serving our 
constituents and passing legislation for the good of the 
American people.

                                   Nita M. Lowey.
                                   Debbie Wasserman Schultz.

                                  [all]