[Senate Report 114-258]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
Calendar No. 473
114th Congress } { Report
SENATE
2d Session } { 114-258
======================================================================
LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS, 2017
_______
May 19, 2016.--Ordered to be printed
_______
Mrs. Shelley Moore Capito, from the Committee on Appropriations,
submitted the following
REPORT
[To accompany S. 2955]
The Committee on Appropriations reports the bill (S. 2955)
making appropriations for the legislative branch for the fiscal
year ending September 30, 2017, and for other purposes, reports
favorably thereon and recommends that the bill do pass.
Amount of new budget (obligational) authority
Total of bill as reported to the Senate................. $3,020,783,000
Amount of 2016 appropriations........................... 2,997,302,000
Amount of 2017 budget estimate.......................... 3,272,347,571
Bill as recommended to Senate compared to--
2016 appropriations................................. +23,481,000
2017 budget estimate................................ -251,564,571
CONTENTS
----------
Page
General Statement and Summary.................................... 4
Title I:
Legislative Branch Appropriations:
Senate:
Expense Allowances................................... 6
Representation Allowances for the Majority and
Minority Leaders................................... 6
Salaries, Officers, and Employees.................... 7
Office of the Legislative Counsel of the Senate...... 12
Office of Senate Legal Counsel....................... 12
Expense Allowances of the Secretary of the Senate,
Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate, and
Secretaries for the Majority and Minority of the
Senate............................................. 12
Contingent Expenses of the Senate.................... 13
Joint Items:
Joint Economic Committee............................. 23
Joint Committee on Taxation.......................... 23
Office of the Attending Physician.................... 23
Office of Congressional Accessibility Services....... 24
Capitol Police:
Salaries............................................. 25
General Expenses..................................... 26
Office of Compliance: Salaries and Expenses.............. 26
Congressional Budget Office: Salaries and Expenses....... 27
Architect of the Capitol:
Capital Construction and Operations.................. 29
Capitol Building..................................... 30
Capitol Grounds...................................... 31
Senate Office Buildings.............................. 32
Capitol Power Plant.................................. 32
Library Buildings and Grounds........................ 33
Capitol Police Buildings, Grounds and Security....... 34
Botanic Garden....................................... 35
Capitol Visitor Center............................... 35
Library of Congress:
Salaries and Expenses................................ 37
Copyright Office..................................... 39
Congressional Research Service....................... 40
Books for the Blind and Physically Handicapped....... 41
Government Publishing Office:
Congressional Publishing............................. 42
Public Information Programs of the Office of
Superintendent of Documents........................ 42
Government Publishing Office Business Operations
Revolving Fund..................................... 43
Government Accountability Office: Salaries and Expenses.. 43
Open World Leadership Center Trust Fund.................. 44
John C. Stennis Center for Public Service Training and
Develop-
ment................................................... 44
Title II: General Provisions..................................... 46
Compliance With Paragraph 7, Rule XVI, of the Standing Rules of
the Sen-
ate............................................................ 47
Compliance With Paragraph 7(c), Rule XXVI of the Standing Rules
of the Senate.................................................. 47
Compliance With Paragraph 12, Rule XXVI, of the Standing Rules of
the Senate..................................................... 48
Budgetary Impact of Bill......................................... 50
Comparative Statement of Budget Authority........................ 51
GENERAL STATEMENT AND SUMMARY
The Legislative Branch appropriations bill provides funding
for the Congress and for the agencies that serve the Congress.
The agencies funded through this bill provide oversight of
executive branch agencies, including objective, nonpartisan,
and timely audits and analysis of Federal programs. The funding
in this bill also ensures that the public has permanent access
to printed and electronic information products of the Federal
Government.
All accounts in the bill have been examined in detail to
ensure that the funding provided is appropriate for the
agencies to carry out their responsibilities and to continue to
respond to Congress in a timely and accurate manner. Details on
the accounts, the funding levels provided, and the Committee's
justification for the funding levels are included in the
report.
Conforming to longstanding practice under which each body
of Congress determines its own housekeeping requirements and
the other concurs without intervention, funds for the House are
not included in the bill as reported to the Senate.
The Committee recommends new budget (obligational)
authority of $3,020,783,000 for the legislative branch for
fiscal year 2017. This amount excludes House items as per
normal protocol. This total is $251,564,571 below the budget
request and $23,481,000 above the fiscal year 2016
appropriation.
The bill includes $871,176,081 for the operations of the
Senate, which is $64,510,339 below the fiscal year 2017
request. The bill includes $419,255,000 for the Architect of
the Capitol to maintain, improve, and construct buildings and
facilities for the Congress. The recommendation for the
Architect of the Capitol is $75,518,000 below the fiscal year
2017 request. The recommendation would allow for comprehensive
repairs and life-safety systems improvements. The bill also
includes $387,000,000 for the Capitol Police; $542,405,919 for
the Government Accountability Office; $608,907,000 for the
Library of Congress; and $117,068,000 for the Government
Publishing Office.
Reprogramming Guidelines.--The Committee expects all
agencies to notify the Committee of any significant departures
from budget plans presented to the Committee in any agency's
budget justifications. In particular, agencies funded through
this bill are required to notify the Committee prior to each
reprogramming of funds in excess of the lesser of 10 percent or
$750,000 between programs, projects or activities, or in excess
of $750,000 between object classifications (except for shifts
within the pay categories, object class 11, 12, and 13 or as
further specified in each agency's respective section). This
includes cumulative reprogrammings that together total at least
$750,000 from or to a particular program, activity, or object
classification as well as reprogramming of FTEs or funds to
create new organizational entities within the Agency or to
restructure entities which already exist. The Committee desires
to be notified of reprogramming actions which involve less than
the above-mentioned amounts if such actions would have the
effect of changing an agency's funding requirements in future
years or if programs or projects specifically cited in the
Committee's reports are affected.
Full-Time Equivalents.--The Committee is dismayed by the
presentation of total full-time equivalents [FTEs] included in
each agency's fiscal year 2017 budget justification. This year,
the presentation of FTEs included more than could be supported
by either the fiscal year 2016 enacted level or the fiscal year
2017 requested level. The primary concern of the Committee is
to understand the number of FTEs that can be supported by
specific funding levels. Therefore, in fiscal year 2018 and
each fiscal year thereafter, the budget justifications sent to
the Committee shall include a comparison of FTEs based on the
number of FTEs supported by the funding provided in the current
enacted appropriations legislation and the number of FTEs that
would be supported by the funding requested for the following
fiscal year.
Cybersecurity.--The Committee recognizes that the universe
of information technology hardware and software is an ever
evolving, fast paced environment in which the Federal
Government operates. Therefore, the Government must be prepared
to make the annual investments necessary for its departments
and agencies to stay current with the constantly changing world
of technology. As such, this bill provides additional funding
to agencies of the Legislative Branch for information
technology infrastructure and security enhancements.
The Committee is concerned, however, that a lack of
standard operating procedures and known best practices related
to technological investments, especially in the area of
cybersecurity, may lead to wasteful spending by the government
as numerous vendors claiming to have the latest and greatest
cybersecurity solutions regularly approach Federal departments
and agencies to sell their products. There are challenges
associated with different departments and agencies of the
government pursuing differing and potentially incompatible
methods of data security. Therefore, the Committee directs the
Government Accountability Office [GAO] to conduct studies
evaluating the effectiveness of cybersecurity programs,
including risk management frameworks, cybersecurity
technologies, cybersecurity standard operating procedures, and
staffing and training of personnel related to the protection of
Federal Government information systems. The Committee also
directs the Government Accountability Office to conduct a study
that addresses types of technologies that do not create ``lock-
in'' to a specific vendor; allow sharing and collaboration of
protected data; enable capabilities and standards that can be
leveraged for data protection across the Federal Government;
enable the sharing of protected data among Federal departments
and agencies, as well as applicable private sector entities;
and include other capabilities and recommendations as
determined appropriate by GAO. This report shall be submitted
to the Senate Appropriations Committee no later than 18 months
after the date of enactment of this act.
TITLE I
LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS
SENATE
Expense Allowances
Appropriations, 2016.................................... $174,840
Budget estimate, 2017................................... 174,840
Committee recommendation................................ 174,840
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $174,840 for
the expense allowances of the Vice President, the President pro
tempore of the Senate, the majority and minority leaders, the
majority and minority whips, the chairmen of the majority and
minority conference committees, and the chairmen of the
majority and minority policy committees. The recommendation is
identical to both the fiscal year 2017 request and the fiscal
year 2016 appropriation. The recommended allowances are as
follows:
For the expense allowance of the Vice President, the
Committee recommends an amount of $18,760.
For the expense allowance of the President pro tempore, the
Committee recommends an amount of $37,520.
For the expense allowance of the majority and minority
leaders, the Committee recommends $39,920 for each leader, for
a total of $79,840.
For the expense allowance of the majority and minority
whips, the Committee recommends $9,980 for each whip, for a
total of $19,960.
For the expense allowance for the chairmen of the majority
and minority conference committees, the Committee recommends
$4,690 for each chairman, for a total of $9,380.
For the expense allowance for the chairmen of the majority
and minority policy committees, the Committee recommends $4,690
for each chairman, for a total of $9,380.
Expenditures from all the foregoing allowances are made
upon certification from the individuals for whom the allowances
are authorized, and are reported semiannually in the report of
the Secretary of the Senate.
Representation Allowances for the Majority and Minority Leaders
Appropriations, 2016.................................... $28,140
Budget estimate, 2017................................... 28,140
Committee recommendation................................ 28,140
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $28,140 for
representation allowances for the majority and minority
leaders. The recommendation is identical to both the fiscal
year 2017 request and the fiscal year 2016 appropriation.
This allowance was established in the Supplemental
Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 1985 (Public Law 99-88). The
funds were authorized to be used by the majority and minority
leaders solely for the discharge of their appropriate
responsibilities in connection with official visits to the
United States by members of foreign legislative bodies and
representatives of foreign governments and intergovernmental
agencies. The recommended amount is to be divided equally
between the two leaders.
Expenditures from this allowance are made upon
certification of the leaders and are reported in the semiannual
report of the Secretary of the Senate.
Salaries, Officers, and Employees
Appropriations, 2016.................................... $179,185,311
Budget estimate, 2017................................... 186,260,812
Committee recommendation................................ 182,287,812
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $182,287,812
for the subaccounts funded under the overall account for the
salaries of officers and employees of the Senate. The
recommendation is $3,102,501 above the fiscal year 2016
appropriation and $3,973,000 below the fiscal year 2017
request.
It should be noted that except for a handful of positions
in the Offices of the Secretary and the Sergeant at Arms that
are required by statute, specific staffing levels are not
stipulated either by the budget request or by the Committee's
recommendation. Rather, lump-sum allowances are provided to
fund staffing levels each office finds necessary and
appropriate for the performance of its duties. Estimated
staffing levels for offices funded under this appropriation for
fiscal year 2017 are approximately 1,360 positions.
SALARIES, OFFICERS, AND EMPLOYEES
[Estimated staffing levels--fiscal years 2016 and 2017]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year
Fiscal year 2017 Committee
2016 recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Office of the Vice President............ 45 45
Office of the President Pro Tempore..... 11 11
Offices of the majority and minority 43 43
leaders................................
Offices of the majority and minority 30 30
whips..................................
Conference committees................... 48 48
Offices of the secretaries of the 12 12
conference of the majority and the
conference of the minority.............
Policy Committees....................... 55 55
Office of the Chaplain.................. 4 4
Office of the Secretary................. 248 248
Office of the Sergeant at Arms and 892 846
Doorkeeper.............................
Offices of the secretaries for the 18 18
majority and minority..................
-------------------------------
Totals............................ 1,406 1,360
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Any change from the allocation of funds in the subaccounts
within this appropriation is subject to the approval of the
Committee.
The total amount appropriated is allocated to the various
offices of the Senate as displayed under the headings for the
offices that follow.
OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT
Appropriations, 2016.................................... $2,417,248
Budget estimate, 2017................................... 2,474,248
Committee recommendation................................ 2,417,248
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $2,417,248 to
fund the salaries of the administrative and clerical staff of
the Office of the Vice President in connection with his duties
as the President of the Senate.
OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE
Appropriations, 2016.................................... $723,466
Budget estimate, 2017................................... 741,466
Committee recommendation................................ 723,466
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $723,466 for
the Office of the President Pro Tempore.
OFFICES OF THE MAJORITY AND MINORITY LEADERS
Appropriations, 2016.................................... $5,255,576
Budget estimate, 2017................................... 5,377,576
Committee recommendation................................ 5,255,576
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $5,255,576 for
the offices of the majority and minority leaders. The amount
recommended is to be equally divided, providing $2,627,788 for
each office.
The administrative and clerical staffs funded by this
appropriation were authorized under the provisions of Public
Law 91-145, effective November 1, 1969.
OFFICES OF THE MAJORITY AND MINORITY WHIPS
Appropriations, 2016.................................... $3,359,424
Budget estimate, 2017................................... 3,439,424
Committee recommendation................................ 3,359,424
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $3,359,424 for
the offices of the majority and minority whips. It is to be
equally divided, providing $1,679,712 for each office.
The authority for the administrative and clerical staff
funded by this appropriation was created by Public Law 84-242,
effective July 1, 1955.
COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
Appropriations, 2016.................................... $15,142,000
Budget estimate, 2017................................... 15,142,000
Committee recommendation................................ 15,142,000
For the salaries of the staff of the Committee on
Appropriations, the Committee recommends an appropriation of
$15,142,000.
CONFERENCE COMMITTEES
Appropriations, 2016.................................... $3,316,000
Budget estimate, 2017................................... 3,396,000
Committee recommendation................................ 3,316,000
For the administrative and clerical staffs of the majority
and minority conference committees, the Committee recommends an
appropriation of $3,316,000. The appropriation provides
$1,658,000 in salaries for the staff of each conference
committee. The chairman of each conference committee may
transfer to or from amounts provided for salaries of each
conference to the account for conference committee expenses
within the ``Miscellaneous Items'' appropriation.
OFFICES OF THE SECRETARIES OF THE CONFERENCE OF THE MAJORITY AND THE
CONFERENCE OF THE MINORITY
Appropriations, 2016.................................... $817,402
Budget estimate, 2017................................... 839,402
Committee recommendation................................ 817,402
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $817,402 for
the majority and minority conference secretaries.
These offices were created by section 6 of Senate
Resolution 17, agreed to January 10, 1977, and two positions in
each office were first funded in the Supplemental
Appropriations Act, 1977 (Public Law 95-26).
Section 102 of the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1979
(Public Law 96-38), abolished the specific positions and
established a lump-sum allowance for the employment of staff,
effective October 1, 1979. The amount recommended is to be
divided equally between the majority secretary and the minority
secretary.
POLICY COMMITTEES
Appropriations, 2016.................................... $3,385,810
Budget estimate, 2017................................... 3,465,810
Committee recommendation................................ 3,385,810
For the salaries of the administrative and clerical staffs
of the majority and minority policy committees, the Committee
recommends an appropriation of $3,385,810. The appropriation
provides $1,692,905 in salaries for the staff of each
committee.
The chairman of each policy committee may transfer to or
from amounts provided for salaries of each policy committee to
the account for policy committee expenses within the
``Miscellaneous Items'' appropriation.
OFFICE OF THE CHAPLAIN
Appropriations, 2016.................................... $436,886
Budget estimate, 2017................................... 447,886
Committee recommendation................................ 436,886
For the Office of the Chaplain, the Committee recommends an
appropriation of $436,886. The amount recommended provides the
salaries for the Chaplain of the Senate and support staff to
assist the Chaplain with his pastoral duties. The Fiscal Year
1988 Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, Public Law 100-202,
established the rate of pay for the Chaplain at Executive Level
IV.
The Office of the Chaplain may transfer to or from amounts
provided for salaries to the account for expenses within the
``Miscellaneous Items'' appropriation.
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY
Appropriations, 2016.................................... $24,772,000
Budget estimate, 2017................................... 25,339,000
Committee recommendation................................ 24,772,000
The Committee recommends $24,772,000 for salaries of the
Office of the Secretary. Fiscal year 2017 staffing levels are
estimated at 248 positions.
This appropriation provides funds for four statutory
positions (Secretary of the Senate, Assistant Secretary of the
Senate, Financial Clerk of the Senate, and Parliamentarian of
the Senate) and lump-sum allowances for the employment and
adjustment of salaries of personnel in the Office of the
Secretary of the Senate, as authorized by Public Law 97-51,
effective October 1, 1981 (2 U.S.C. 6539).
The following departmental guidelines for fiscal year 2017
have been submitted by the Secretary to the Committee. The
departmental budgets grouped in the apportionment schedule
under executive offices include: the Executive Office of the
Secretary of the Senate, Page School, Senate Security,
Information Systems, and Web Technology. The departmental
budgets grouped in the apportionment schedule under
administrative services include: conservation and preservation,
curator, disbursing office, gift shop, historical office, human
resources, interparliamentary services, library, printing and
document services, public records, chief counsel for
employment, and the stationery room. The departmental budgets
grouped in the apportionment schedule under legislative and
legal services include: the bill clerk, daily digest, enrolling
clerk, journal clerk, legislative clerk, Official Reporters of
Debate, captioning services, executive clerk, LIS project
office, and Parliamentarian.
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF THE SENATE
[Estimated staffing levels--fiscal years 2016 and 2017]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year
Fiscal year 2017 Committee
2016 recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Executive offices....................... 32 32
Administrative services................. 167 168
Legislative and legal services.......... 49 48
-------------------------------
Totals............................ 248 248
------------------------------------------------------------------------
OFFICE OF THE SERGEANT AT ARMS AND DOORKEEPER
Appropriations, 2016.................................... $69,000,000
Budget estimate, 2017................................... 72,500,000
Committee recommendation................................ 70,900,000
This appropriation provides funds for the salaries of three
statutory positions (Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper, Deputy
Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper, and Administrative Assistant
to the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper) and lump-sum allowances
for employment and adjustments of salaries of personnel in the
Office of the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate, as
authorized by Public Law 97-51, effective October 1, 1981 (2
U.S.C. 6597).
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $70,900,000
for fiscal year 2017, which supports a staffing level of 846
FTEs.
The Sergeant at Arms structure reflects five major
divisions: Capitol Division, Operations Division, Technology
Development Services Division, IT Support Services Division,
and Staff Offices Division. The Capitol Division consists of
the Executive Office of the Sergeant at Arms, the Office of
Security and Emergency Preparedness, and the Recording Studio.
These offices provide the executive management and leadership
of the Sergeant at Arms for day-to-day operations; for security
of the Senate side of the Capitol complex; and recording studio
services. The Operations Division provides printing and
photographic services; furnishes and maintains the Senate side
of the Capitol Building; offers mailing and package delivery
services; and State office liaison. The Technology Development
Services Division supports enterprise information technology
systems, applications development, and network engineering. The
IT Support Services Division provides desktop computer support;
correspondence management system acquisition, maintenance and
support; telecommunications equipment and services; and general
office equipment. The Staff Offices Division includes Financial
Management, Human Resources, Office of Education and Training,
Process Management and Innovation and Cybersecurity.
The offices and personnel covered by this appropriation are
shown in the following table.
OFFICE OF THE SERGEANT AT ARMS AND DOORKEEPER OF THE SENATE APPORTIONMENT SCHEDULE
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year Committee
Positions 2017 request recommendation Difference
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capitol Division................................ 206 $17,371,000 $16,916,000 -$455,000
Operations Division............................. 295 20,746,000 19,030,000 -1,716,000
Technology Development Services Division........ 130 16,162,000 15,199,000 -963,000
IT Support Services Division.................... 94 7,069,000 7,239,000 170,000
Staff Offices Division.......................... 121 11,152,000 12,516,000 1,364,000
---------------------------------------------------------------
Total..................................... 846 72,500,000 70,900,000 -1,600,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Committee expects to be notified in writing in a timely
manner of any changes to the staffing levels or distribution of
staff.
OFFICES OF THE SECRETARIES FOR THE MAJORITY AND MINORITY
Appropriations, 2016.................................... $1,762,000
Budget estimate, 2017................................... 1,804,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,762,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,762,000 for
the offices of the secretaries for the majority and minority.
The appropriation is to be equally divided, providing $881,000
for each office.
AGENCY CONTRIBUTIONS
Appropriations, 2016.................................... $48,797,499
Budget estimate, 2017................................... 51,294,000
Committee recommendation................................ 50,000,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $50,000,000
for agency contributions for employees paid under certain
appropriations, including ``Salaries, officers, and
employees,'' ``Joint Economic Committee,'' ``Office of the
Legislative Counsel of the Senate,'' and ``Office of Senate
Legal Counsel.''
Agency contributions include the Senate's contributions as
an employer to the Civil Service Retirement System, the Federal
Employees' Retirement System, the Thrift Savings Plan, Federal
employee group life insurance, Federal employee health
insurance programs, and FICA. The Senate is required by law to
make these payments, and the total required is dependent upon
the number of Senate employees, their compensation levels, the
benefit programs in which they are enrolled, and the extent of
the benefits elected.
Office of the Legislative Counsel of the Senate
Appropriations, 2016.................................... $5,408,500
Budget estimate, 2017................................... 5,842,300
Committee recommendation................................ 5,808,500
For the Office of the Legislative Counsel of the Senate,
the Committee recommends an appropriation of $5,808,500. This
amount provides for the salaries and expenses of the office.
The Committee recommendation provides the funding necessary for
agency contributions for employees paid under this
appropriation, under the heading, ``Agency Contributions''
under the appropriation, ``Salaries, officers, and employees.''
Office of Senate Legal Counsel
Appropriations, 2016.................................... $1,120,000
Budget estimate, 2017................................... 1,144,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,120,000
The Office of Senate Legal Counsel was established pursuant
to section 701 of Public Law 95-521. The Committee recommends
an appropriation of $1,120,000 for the Office of Senate Legal
Counsel. The amount provided pays for the salaries and expenses
of the office. The Committee recommendation provides the
funding necessary for agency contributions for employees paid
under this appropriation, under the heading, ``Agency
Contributions'' under the appropriation ``Salaries, officers,
and employees.''
Expense Allowances of the Secretary of the Senate, Sergeant at Arms and
Doorkeeper of the Senate, and Secretaries for the Majority and Minority
of the Senate
Appropriations, 2016.................................... $28,440
Budget estimate, 2017................................... 28,440
Committee recommendation................................ 28,440
Section 119 of Public Law 97-51 authorized an expense
allowance for the Secretary of the Senate, the Sergeant at Arms
and Doorkeeper of the Senate, the Secretary for the Majority,
and the Secretary for the Minority. Since fiscal year 1983, the
amount has been provided through a direct appropriation. The
Committee recommends an appropriation of $28,440 providing an
allowance of $7,110 for each office.
Contingent Expenses of the Senate
INQUIRIES AND INVESTIGATIONS
Appropriations, 2016.................................... $133,265,000
Budget estimate, 2017................................... 135,799,075
Committee recommendation................................ 133,265,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $133,265,000
for inquiries and investigations by Senate standing, special,
and select committees of which $26,650,000 shall be available
until September 30, 2019. The recommendation is equal to the
fiscal year 2016 appropriation and $2,534,075 below the fiscal
year 2017 request.
This appropriation funds the liquidation of obligations
incurred by committees under the authorization provided in
Committee funding resolutions.
U.S. SENATE CAUCUS ON INTERNATIONAL NARCOTICS CONTROL
Appropriations, 2016.................................... $508,000
Budget estimate, 2017................................... 520,000
Committee recommendation................................ 508,000
The Committee recommends $508,000 for the expenses of the
U.S. Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control.
Established in 1985 by the Foreign Relations Authorization Act
(Public Law 99-93), the Caucus was created to monitor and
promote international compliance with narcotics control
treaties and monitor and encourage U.S. Government and private
programs seeking to expand international cooperation against
drug abuse. The Caucus is composed of seven Senators, four from
the majority party and three from the minority party, with a
chairman from the majority party and a co-chairman from the
minority party.
SECRETARY OF THE SENATE
Appropriations, 2016.................................... $8,750,000
Budget estimate, 2017................................... 10,250,000
Committee recommendation................................ 10,250,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $10,250,000
for expenses of the Office of the Secretary. The recommendation
is $1,500,000 above the fiscal year 2016 appropriation and
equal to the fiscal year 2017 request. Of the total provided,
the Committee recommends an appropriation of $4,000,000 to
remain available until expended for the Financial Management
Information System Modernization and $4,350,000 to remain
available until September 30, 2021, for the Senate Information
Services program.
The table printed below sets forth the apportionment of
funds under this appropriation, followed by a brief description
of the line items. Any deviation of more than 10 percent
cumulatively from the stated levels for each item will require
the customary prior approval of the Committee.
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY APPORTIONMENT SCHEDULE
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year 2016 Committee
Item enacted recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Departmental operating budget:
Executive office................ $500,000 $500,000
Administrative services......... 8,101,600 9,601,600
Legislative services............ 148,400 148,400
-----------------------------------
Total operating budget........ 8,750,000 10,250,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Typical expenditures of the Secretary of the Senate
include:
Consultants.--Funding is provided for not to exceed two
individual consultants as authorized by section 110 of Public
Law 95-94, August 5, 1977, which amends section 101 of Public
Law 95-26, May 4, 1977. Consultants employed under this
authority shall not be paid in excess of the per diem
equivalent of the highest gross rate of annual compensation
which may be paid to employees of a standing committee of the
Senate.
Legal Reference Volumes.--Funding is provided to furnish
U.S. Senators with volumes of the U.S. Code Annotated or U.S.
Code service, pocket parts and supplements, as authorized by
Public Law 92-51, July 9, 1971.
The Disbursing Office is responsible for providing the U.S.
Code Annotated or the U.S. Code Service to Senators when they
assume office and upon receipt of a written request of a
Senator.
Contractual Legal and Administrative Services and
Miscellaneous Expenses.--Funding is provided for various
contractual, administrative, and miscellaneous expenses
incurred by the Office of the Secretary. In addition, the
Office of the Secretary has incurred various types of legal and
other expenses which have been authorized by the Senate.
Funding is provided for contractual and other expenses
necessary to update and publish the Senate's legislative
precedents and procedure documentation. Administrative services
and miscellaneous expenses are housekeeping expenses of the
Office of the Secretary.
Travel and Registration Fees.--Funding is provided for
travel expenses and registration fees incurred by the Secretary
of the Senate and the employees of the Office of the Secretary.
This line item excludes funding for travel expenses for the
Federal Election Campaign Act under the Office of Public
Records, which is provided separately under the authority of
Public Law 92-342.
The authority for the travel portion of this account was
provided for by section 101 of Public Law 94-59, July 25, 1975.
Orientation and Training.--Funding is provided for expenses
incurred by the Secretary of the Senate to conduct orientation
seminars or similar meetings for Senators, Senate officials, or
members of staffs of Senators or Senate officials, not to
exceed $30,000 under the authority of 2 U.S.C. 6514.
The Office of the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the
Senate is also authorized under these provisions to conduct
seminars or similar meetings in the same manner and to the same
extent as the Office of the Secretary of the Senate.
Postage.--This account also provides funding for postage
for the Office of the Secretary of the Senate for special
delivery, registered mail, and additional postage not covered
under the frank.
Education of Senate Pages.--Funding is provided for the
education of Senate pages. Senate Resolution 184, July 29,
1983, authorized the Secretary of the Senate to enter into a
contract, agreement, or other arrangement with the board of
education of the District of Columbia, or to provide such
educational services and items in such other manner as the
Secretary may deem appropriate. Public Law 98-125, October 13,
1983, amended Public Law 98-51, July 14, 1983, striking out the
heading and paragraph ``Education of Pages'' under the heading
``Joint Items'', and redesignated the funds provided in Public
Law 98-51.
Stationery.--Funding is provided for stationery supplies
for the Office of the Secretary of the Senate. The funds
provided have been allocated to the various departments of the
Office of the Secretary.
Senate Commission on Art.--Funding is provided for the
Senate Commission on Art, authorized by Public Law 100-696,
November 18, 1988, to acquire any work of art, historical
object, documents or material relating to historical matters,
or exhibits for placement or exhibition within the Senate wing
of the Capitol, any Senate office building, or in rooms,
spaces, or corridors thereof, and to publish a Senate
historical objects inventory and calendar of exhibits on
display within the Senate wing of the Capitol and Senate office
buildings.
The Senate Commission on Art was formerly the Commission on
Arts and Antiquities, which was authorized by Senate Resolution
382, October 1, 1968, as amended by Senate Resolution 95, April
1, 1977, and Senate Resolution 400, March 23, 1988.
Representation Expenses.--Funding is provided, not to
exceed $50,000, to the Secretary of the Senate to coordinate
and carry out responsibilities in connection with foreign
parliamentary groups or other foreign officials visiting the
United States. Authorized by section 2 of Public Law 101-163,
November 21, 1989.
Office of Conservation and Preservation.--Funding is
provided for the Office of Conservation and Preservation to
develop and coordinate programs directly related to the
conservation and protection of Senate records and materials for
which the Secretary of the Senate has statutory authority.
Book Preservation.--Funding is provided for the Office of
Conservation and Preservation to use outside sources for the
preservation and protection of the Senate book collection,
including historically valuable documents under the care of the
Secretary of the Senate.
Office of Public Records.--Funding is provided for expenses
of the Office of Public Records. This office has evolved
through various pieces of legislation and various
responsibilities authorized by the Federal Election Campaign
Act, as amended, the Ethics in Government Act, as amended, and
the Lobbying Disclosure Act, as amended. Public Law 92-342,
July 10, 1972, authorizes the Secretary of the Senate to
procure technical support services, consultants, use of
detailed employees and travel expenses in carrying out her
duties under the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971. The
Office of Public Records is mentioned for the first time in
Public Law 93-145, November 1, 1973, which authorizes the
Secretary of the Senate to appoint and fix the compensation of
a superintendent and other positions for the Office of Public
Records. In addition, under the authority of Public Law 95-521,
October 26, 1978 (Ethics in Government Act) reports filed under
section 101 shall be available for public inspection and a copy
of the report shall be provided to any person upon request. Any
person requesting a copy of a report may be required to pay a
reasonable fee to cover the cost of reproduction. Any moneys
received by the Secretary shall be deposited into the Office of
Public Records Revolving Fund under the authority of Public Law
101-163, November 21, 1989. The office also performs functions
such as registration of mass mailings.
Disbursing Office.--Funding is provided for expenses
incurred in the operation of the disbursing office. Typical
expenses for this office include online access charges for the
Department of the Treasury systems, notary bonds, seals and
supplies, necessary supplies in conjunction with the various
machinery maintained in the office, which are not available in
the stationery room, and necessary insurance policies required
for the protection of the disbursing officer of the Senate for
moneys assigned to his/her accountability.
Office of Captioning Services.--Funding is provided for the
closed captioning of the televised Senate floor proceedings for
the hearing impaired. Closed captioning was first authorized
under Public Law 101-163, November 21, 1989.
Senate Chief Counsel for Employment.--Funding is provided
for the Office of the Senate Chief Counsel for Employment. This
office is a nonpartisan office formed in May 1993 at the
direction of the joint leadership and is charged with providing
legal advice and representation of Senate offices in all areas
of employment law.
SERGEANT AT ARMS AND DOORKEEPER OF THE SENATE
Appropriations, 2016.................................... $130,000,000
Budget estimate, 2017................................... 128,535,000
Committee recommendation................................ 126,535,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $126,535,000
for expenses of the Sergeant at Arms, to remain available until
September 30, 2021, which is $3,465,000 below the fiscal year
2016 appropriation and $2,000,000 below the fiscal year 2017
request.
The following table compares the fiscal year 2017 Committee
recommendation for the component categories within this account
to the fiscal year 2017 budget request.
EXPENSES--OFFICE OF THE SERGEANT AT ARMS AND DOORKEEPER
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year Committee
2017 request recommendation Difference
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capitol Division................................................ $10,569,000 $10,569,000 ..............
Operations Division............................................. 24,599,000 21,599,000 -3,000,000
Technology Development Services Division........................ 41,009,000 29,212,000 -11,797,000
IT Support Services Division.................................... 49,390,000 48,390,000 -1,000,000
Staff Offices Division.......................................... 2,968,000 16,765,000 13,797,000
-----------------------------------------------
Total..................................................... 128,535,000 126,535,000 -2,000,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Any deviation of more than 10 percent cumulatively from the
level for each item in the spending plan will require the
customary approval of the Committee.
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
Appropriations, 2016.................................... $21,390,270
Budget estimate, 2017................................... 20,870,349
Committee recommendation................................ 20,870,349
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $20,870,349
for miscellaneous items to remain available until September 30,
2019. Any deviation of more than 10 percent cumulatively from
the stated levels for each item will require the customary
prior approval of the Committee.
The following table sets forth the apportionment of funds
under this appropriation:
FISCAL YEAR 2017 BUDGET--MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS APPORTIONMENT SCHEDULE
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year 2017 Committee
Item request recommendation Difference
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Resolution and reorganization reserve..................... $5,000,000 $5,000,000 ................
Unallocated............................................... 6,000,000 6,000,000 ................
Reserve for contingencies (miscellaneous items)........... 800,000 800,000 ................
Employees' compensation fund reimbursement (worker's ................ ................ ................
compensation)............................................
Reception of foreign dignitaries (S. Res. 247, dated 30,000 30,000 ................
February 7, 1962, as amended by S. Res. 370, dated
October 10, P2000).......................................
Foreign travel--Members and employees (S. Res. 179, dated 125,000 125,000 ................
May 25, 1977)............................................
Federal employees compensation account (Public Law 96-499, 1,230,000 1,230,000 ................
dated December 5, 1980) (Unemployment Compensation)......
Conferences for the Majority and Minority (Public Laws: 97- 300,000 300,000 ................
51, dated January 3, 1983; 101-250, dated November 5,
1990; and 107-68, dated November 12, 2001)...............
Policy Committees for the Majority and Minority (Public 150,000 150,000 ................
Law 104-53, dated November 19, 1995).....................
Postage\1\................................................ 6,000 6,000 ................
Stationery\2\............................................. 16,500 16,500 ................
Communications\3\......................................... 72,000 72,000 ................
Consultants--including agency contributions (2 U.S.C. 6501 5,000,000 5,000,000 ................
as amended)..............................................
National Security Working Group (S. Res. 480, November 21, 700,000 700,000 ................
2004) (expires December 31, 2012)........................
Committee on Appropriations (Public Law 105-275, dated 950,000 950,000 ................
October 21, 1998)........................................
Office of the Chaplain (Public Law 108-199, dated January 50,000 50,000 ................
23, 2004)................................................
Senate Child Care Center:
Agency Contribution costs authorized by Public Laws 420,000 420,000 ................
102-90, dated August 14, 1991 and 103-50, dated July
2, 1993..............................................
Training classes, conferences, and travel expenses as 20,849 20,849 ................
authorized by Public Law 104-197, dated September 16,
1996.................................................
-----------------------------------------------------
Total............................................. 20,870,349 20,870,349 ................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\Postage Apportionment (Fiscal year 2017):
President of the Senate.............................. $2,700
Secretary for the Majority........................... 1,100
Secretary for the Minority........................... 1,100
Chaplain............................................. 1,100
---------------
TOTAL.............................................. 6,000
\2\Stationery Apportionment (Fiscal year 2017):
President of the Senate.............................. $8,000
Conference of the Majority........................... 300
Conference of the Minority........................... 300
Chaplain............................................. 700
Senate Chamber....................................... 7,200
---------------
TOTAL.............................................. 16,500
\3\Communications Apportionment (Fiscal year 2017):
Office of the Vice President......................... $1,000
Secretary for the Majority........................... 10,000
Secretary for the Minority........................... 10,000
Office of the Chaplain............................... 1,000
Majority Leader...................................... 15,000
Minority Leader...................................... 15,000
Majority Whip........................................ 10,000
Minority Whip........................................ 10,000
---------------
TOTAL.............................................. 72,000
Veterans Hiring.--The Committee encourages Members of
Congress and their offices to look favorably on congressional
job applicants with previous United States military service.
Through their service, many veterans gain valuable leadership
skills, perseverance, and perspective that can enhance the
legislative process. The Committee encourages Members to
incorporate these veterans' unique skills by increasing the
number of veterans hired in their congressional offices. The
Committee also encourages Congress to evaluate the potential
for a congressional veterans fellowship program.
Resolution and Reorganization Reserve.--This line item is
used to cover the costs of Senate resolutions and public laws
that authorize expenditures from the contingent fund of the
Senate that do not have specific appropriations for such
purpose.
Reserve for Contingencies.--This line item includes payment
for gratuities for family members of deceased Senate employees;
damage to automobiles in the Senate parking lots; contractual,
legal, and administrative services; and miscellaneous expenses,
and is controlled by the Committee on Rules and Administration.
Employees' Compensation Fund Reimbursements (Worker's
Compensation).--Reimbursements made to the U.S. Department of
Labor for total benefits and other payments made on behalf of
Senate employees from the employees' compensation fund. A
provision has been included under general provisions allowing
this payment to be made from expired balances, a practice that
is consistent with the other agencies of the legislative
branch.
Reception of Foreign Dignitaries.--The Committee on Foreign
Relations is authorized to expend not to exceed $30,000 each
fiscal year to receive foreign dignitaries under the authority
of Senate Resolution 247, agreed to February 7, 1962, as
amended.
Foreign Travel: Members and Employees.--Senate Resolution
179, agreed to May 25, 1977, authorized payment from the
contingent fund of the Senate, of the domestic portion of
transportation costs and travel expenses incurred by Members
and employees of the Senate when engaged in authorized foreign
travel.
Federal Employees' Compensation Account (Unemployment
Compensation).--This line item provides for expenses incurred
for the Senate to reimburse the Federal employees' compensation
account, pursuant to Public Law 96-499, approved December 5,
1980, for unemployment compensation payments made to Senate
employees.
Conferences for the Majority and Minority.--The amount
recommended provides for the expenses of the majority and
minority conference committees.
Policy Committees for the Majority and Minority.--The
amount recommended provides for the expenses of the majority
and minority policy committees.
Postage.--Provides for postage allowances for the President
of the Senate, Secretary of the Majority, Secretary of the
Minority, and Senate Chaplain.
Stationery.--Provides funds for stationery and office
supplies for the President of the Senate, conference committees
of the Senate, Office of the Chaplain, and the Senate Chamber.
Communications.--Provides funds for cellular telephone and
mobile data devices and services for the Office of the Vice
President, Secretary for the Majority, Secretary for the
Minority, Office of the Chaplain, Majority Leader, Minority
Leader, Majority Whip, and Minority Whip.
Consultants: Including Agency Contributions.--Provides
authority for the appointment and payment of consultants to the
majority and minority leaders, President pro tempore, President
pro tempore emeritus and the legislative counsel. The following
summarizes the current authority and limitations:
Majority leader: Nine consultants at not to exceed the
daily rate for maximum standing committee rate. All of the
consultants may be appointed at an annual rate of compensation
not to exceed the maximum annual rate for a standing committee.
Minority leader: Nine consultants at not to exceed the
daily rate for maximum standing committee rate. All of the
consultants may be appointed at an annual rate of compensation
not to exceed the maximum annual rate for a standing committee.
Legislative counsel (subject to President Pro Tempore
approval): Two consultants at not to exceed the daily rate for
maximum standing committee rate. All of the consultants may be
appointed at an annual rate of compensation not to exceed the
maximum annual rate for a standing committee.
President Pro Tempore: Three consultants at not to exceed
the daily rate for maximum standing committee rate. The
consultants may be appointed at an annual rate of compensation
not to exceed the maximum annual rate for a standing committee.
President Pro Tempore Emeritus: One consultant at not to
exceed the daily rate for maximum standing committee rate. The
consultant may be appointed at an annual rate of compensation
not to exceed the maximum annual rate for a standing committee.
Senate National Security Working Group.--Provides funding
for the Senate National Security Working Group, under the
authority of Senate Resolution 75, agreed to March 25, 1999.
The Senate National Security Working Group was formerly the
Senate Arms Control Observer Group.
Committee on Appropriations.--Pursuant to Public Law 105-
275 provides funding for administrative expenses for the
Committee on Appropriations.
Senate Employees' Child Care Center: Agency
Contributions.--Provides for the payment of agency contribution
costs as authorized by Public Law 102-90, approved August 14,
1991, and Public Law 103-50, approved July 2, 1993, for
employees of the Senate Employees Child Care Center. The Senate
Employees' Child Care Center is intended primarily for the
children of members and employees of the Senate.
Senate Employees' Child Care Center: Training Classes and
Conference Costs.--Provides for the reimbursement of any
individual employed by the Senate Employees' Child Care Center
for the cost of training classes and conferences in connection
with the provision of child care services and for travel,
transportation, and subsistence expenses incurred in connection
with the training classes and conferences, as authorized by
Public Law 104-197, approved September 16, 1996.
Student Loan Repayment Program.--$6,000,000 is provided for
this program for fiscal year 2017 for the repayment of student
loans, for eligible employees at the discretion of the
employing office, to enhance recruitment and retention of
Senate staff.
SENATORS' OFFICIAL PERSONNEL AND OFFICE EXPENSE ACCOUNT
Appropriations, 2016.................................... $390,000,000
Budget estimate, 2017................................... 445,933,464
Committee recommendation................................ 390,000,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation for fiscal year
2017 of $390,000,000 for the Senators' Official Personnel and
Office Expense Account [SOPOEA]. The recommendation is equal to
the fiscal year 2016 appropriation and $55,933,464 below the
fiscal year 2017 request. Of the funding provided, $19,109,218
is available until September 30, 2019.
This account funds salaries and benefits of Senators'
staffs as well as the office expense allowance for Senators'
offices. The SOPOEA is comprised of three components. Two of
these are for salaries of personnel in Senators' offices.
The allowance for administrative and clerical assistance is
based on the population of States, beginning with States with a
population of fewer than 5 million people to States with a
population of 28 million or more. The table illustrates the
allowances per population category and the States which fall
into those categories. The estimate for fiscal year 2017 totals
$263,948,360.
The second component of the salaries allowance is for
legislative assistance to Senators, as authorized by Public Law
95-94. This allowance provides funding for three positions in
each Senator's office for a total of $477,874 per office, or
$47,787,400 for all 100 Senators.
The third component of the SOPOEA account is for official
office expenses and totals $18,921,218. Each Senator's office
is allocated an amount for office expenses, as displayed in the
following table. In addition, an amount of $188,000 is provided
to cover additional expenses that may be incurred in the event
of the death or resignation of a Senator, and to provide for
transitional expenses during election years subject to
regulations set by the Committee on Rules and Administration
with respect to official mail.
It should be noted that the amounts provided for the
various components of the SOPOEA are interchangeable. Amounts
provided for salaries may be used for expenses, and vice versa,
subject to regulations set by the Committee on Rules and
Administration with respect to official mail. It should also be
noted that the figures in the following table are preliminary,
and that official notification of member budgets is issued by
the Financial Clerk of the Senate after enactment of this bill.
The following table illustrates the several components of
the SOPOEA.
SENATORS' OFFICIAL PERSONNEL AND OFFICE EXPENSE ALLOWANCE FISCAL YEAR 2017
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Administrative
and clerical Legislative O.O.E.A. Total
State assistance assistance allowance 10/ allowance 10/
allowance 10/ allowance 10/ 1/2016 1/2016
1/2016 1/2016
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alabama......................................... 2,444,470 477,874 171,558 3,093,902
Alaska.......................................... 2,444,470 477,874 237,323 3,159,667
Arizona......................................... 2,588,248 477,874 196,420 3,262,542
Arkansas........................................ 2,444,470 477,874 158,433 3,080,777
California...................................... 3,884,968 477,874 452,361 4,815,203
Colorado........................................ 2,516,355 477,874 180,919 3,175,148
Connecticut..................................... 2,444,470 477,874 151,120 3,073,464
Delaware........................................ 2,444,470 477,874 121,110 3,043,454
Florida......................................... 3,517,018 477,874 301,465 4,296,357
Georgia......................................... 2,875,809 477,874 205,750 3,559,433
Hawaii.......................................... 2,444,470 477,874 264,130 3,186,474
Idaho........................................... 2,444,470 477,874 156,276 3,078,620
Illinois........................................ 3,019,587 477,874 247,137 3,744,598
Indiana......................................... 2,588,248 477,874 181,501 3,247,623
Iowa............................................ 2,444,470 477,874 159,293 3,081,637
Kansas.......................................... 2,444,470 477,874 157,514 3,079,858
Kentucky........................................ 2,444,470 477,874 165,452 3,087,796
Louisiana....................................... 2,444,470 477,874 174,612 3,096,956
Maine........................................... 2,444,470 477,874 139,115 3,061,459
Maryland........................................ 2,588,248 477,874 162,852 3,228,974
Massachusetts................................... 2,588,248 477,874 184,593 3,250,715
Michigan........................................ 2,875,809 477,874 215,930 3,569,613
Minnesota....................................... 2,516,355 477,874 176,923 3,171,152
Mississippi..................................... 2,444,470 477,874 157,638 3,079,982
Missouri........................................ 2,588,248 477,874 184,038 3,250,160
Montana......................................... 2,444,470 477,874 152,798 3,075,142
Nebraska........................................ 2,444,470 477,874 151,086 3,073,430
Nevada.......................................... 2,444,470 477,874 167,403 3,089,747
New Hampshire................................... 2,444,470 477,874 134,838 3,057,182
New Jersey...................................... 2,732,027 477,874 191,723 3,401,624
New Mexico...................................... 2,444,470 477,874 157,403 3,079,747
New York........................................ 3,471,020 477,874 301,513 4,250,407
North Carolina.................................. 2,875,809 477,874 206,086 3,559,769
North Dakota.................................... 2,444,470 477,874 141,809 3,064,153
Ohio............................................ 2,947,701 477,874 234,255 3,659,830
Oklahoma........................................ 2,444,470 477,874 169,101 3,091,445
Oregon.......................................... 2,444,470 477,874 180,488 3,102,832
Pennsylvania.................................... 3,019,587 477,874 241,428 3,738,889
Rhode Island.................................... 2,444,470 477,874 130,727 3,053,071
South Carolina.................................. 2,444,470 477,874 165,810 3,088,154
South Dakota.................................... 2,444,470 477,874 142,828 3,065,172
Tennessee....................................... 2,588,248 477,874 184,178 3,250,300
Texas........................................... 3,838,970 477,874 358,530 4,675,374
Utah............................................ 2,444,470 477,874 162,889 3,085,233
Vermont......................................... 2,444,470 477,874 128,459 3,050,803
Virginia........................................ 2,732,027 477,874 185,635 3,395,536
Washington...................................... 2,660,135 477,874 206,422 3,344,431
West Virginia................................... 2,444,470 477,874 137,586 3,059,930
Wisconsin....................................... 2,516,355 477,874 179,741 3,173,970
Wyoming......................................... 2,444,470 477,874 144,410 3,066,754
---------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL..................................... 131,974,180 23,893,700 9,460,609 165,328,489
===============================================================
x2 x2 x2 x2
---------------------------------------------------------------
GRAND TOTAL..................................... 263,948,360 47,787,400 18,921,218 330,656,978
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
According to the most recent employment data compiled by
the Secretary of the Senate, as of March 31, 2016, there were
4,093 individuals employed in Senators' offices throughout the
United States and covered by this appropriation.
In addition to providing funds for compensation of
employees within Senators' offices, this appropriation also
provides for agency contributions for those employees; that is,
the Senate's share, as an employer, of the various employee
benefit programs for which Senate employees are eligible. These
payments are mandatory, and fluctuate according to the programs
in which employees are enrolled, the level of compensation, and
the degree of participation. Budget requests for this account
prepared by the Financial Clerk must be based on both
experience and evaluation of trends. The fiscal year 2017
funding level for this account anticipates $108,665,000 in
agency contribution costs.
The amount recommended by the Committee for the SOPOEA is
less than would be required to cover all obligations that could
be incurred under the authorized allowances for all Senators.
The Committee is able to recommend an appropriation of a lesser
amount than potentially necessary because Senators typically do
not obligate funds up to the absolute ceiling of their
respective allowances.
OFFICIAL MAIL COSTS
Appropriations, 2016.................................... $300,000
Budget estimate, 2017................................... 300,000
Committee recommendation................................ 300,000
For the official mail costs of the Senate, the Committee
recommends an appropriation of $300,000 which is equal to the
fiscal year 2016 appropriation and the fiscal year 2017
request.
Administrative Provisions
Sec. 1. This provision requires that amounts remaining in
the Senators' Official Personnel and Office Expense Account be
used for deficit reduction or to reduce the Federal debt.
Sec. 2. This provision allows the Secretary of the Senate
to transfer funds from the Senate Commission on Art to the
Architect of the Capitol.
Sec. 3. This provision relates to the cost of living
adjustments for Members of Congress.
JOINT ITEMS
Joint Economic Committee
Appropriations, 2016.................................... $4,203,000
Budget estimate, 2017................................... 4,203,000
Committee recommendation................................ 4,203,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $4,203,000 for
the Joint Economic Committee [JEC]. The recommendation is equal
to the fiscal year 2016 appropriation and the fiscal year 2017
request. The Joint Economic Committee was created by the
Employment Act of 1946. The primary tasks of the JEC are to
review economic conditions and to recommend improvements in
economic policy. The JEC performs research and economic
analysis, and monitors and analyzes current economic,
financial, and employment conditions.
Joint Committee on Taxation
Appropriations, 2016.................................... $10,095,000
Budget estimate, 2017................................... 11,540,000
Committee recommendation................................ 10,095,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $10,095,000
for salaries and expenses of the Joint Committee on Taxation.
The recommendation is equal to the fiscal year 2016
appropriation and $1,445,000 below the fiscal year 2017
request.
The Joint Committee is established under the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 to:
--investigate the operation and effects of internal revenue
taxes and the administration of such taxes;
--investigate measures and methods for the simplification of
such taxes;
--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
--review any proposed refund or credit of income or estate
and gift taxes or certain other taxes set forth in Code
section 6405 in excess of $2,000,000. In addition to
these functions that are specified in the Internal
Revenue Code, the Congressional Budget Act of 1974
requires the Joint Committee to provide revenue
estimates for all tax legislation considered by either
the House of Representatives or the Senate.
Office of the Attending Physician
Appropriations, 2016.................................... $3,784,000
Budget estimate, 2017................................... 3,838,000
Committee recommendation................................ 3,784,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $3,784,000 for
the Office of the Attending Physician. The recommendation is
equal to the fiscal year 2016 appropriation and $54,000 below
the fiscal year 2017 request. The Office was first established
by House Resolution 253, adopted December 5, 1928.
Office of Congressional Accessibility Services
Appropriations, 2016.................................... $1,400,000
Budget estimate, 2017................................... 1,429,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,400,000
The Committee recommends $1,400,000 for the Office of
Congressional Accessibility Services. This office is a
successor to the Special Services Office following enactment of
the Capitol Visitor Center Act of 2008.
The Office of Congressional Accessibility Services [OCAS]
provides and coordinates accessibility services for individuals
with disabilities, including Members of Congress, staff, and
visitors to the U.S. Capitol complex. These services include
sign language interpreting, adaptive tours, and wheelchair
loans. OCAS also provides information regarding accessibility
for individuals with disabilities, as well as related training
and staff development to Members of Congress and employees of
the Senate and House of Representatives.
CAPITOL POLICE
Appropriations, 2016.................................... $375,000,000
Budget estimate, 2017................................... 409,588,000
Committee recommendation................................ 387,000,000
The United States Capitol Police [USCP] is charged with the
protection of the United States Congress, its legislative
processes, Members, employees, visitors and facilities within
the U.S. Capitol complex from crime, disruption or terrorism,
so that the Congress may fulfill its constitutional
responsibilities in a safe and open environment.
The Committee recommends $387,000,000 for the USCP. The
recommendation is $12,000,000 above the fiscal year 2016
appropriation and $22,588,000 below the fiscal year 2017
request.
Evolving Threats and Inauguration Preparation.--The core
mission and highest priority of the Capitol Police is to ensure
the safety and security of Americans and our visitors within
the Capitol Complex. In addition to ensuring the physical
safety of those under the protection of the Capitol Police, a
high level of security ensures continued open citizen
participation and transparency of our democratic process. The
Committee directs the Capitol Police to work with its partners
to ensure robust preparation for major events, such as the 2017
inauguration, in light of significant evolving and emerging
global threats and capabilities, including potential threats
posed by unmanned aircraft.
The Committee directs the Capitol Police to continue to
prepare to combat evolving and emerging threats, including to
implement emerging technology and operational capabilities that
will decrease our potential vulnerability to threats in the
future. The Committee also directs the Capitol Police to keep
the Committee immediately and fully apprised of resource and
operational needs as emerging threats to the Capitol evolve, to
robustly engage with leaders in Federal and commercial research
and development on technology to counter potential emerging
threats, and to ensure the highest level of security for major
events, such as the 2017 inauguration, foreign heads-of-state
visits, and the President's State of the Union address.
Findings of the Office of Inspector General.--The Committee
values the work of the USCP Office of Inspector General [OIG]
to investigate and report on waste, fraud, and abuse and make
recommendations to improve USCP operations. The Committee
recognizes that the OIG has made 310 recommendations to the
Department since the inception of its office in August 2006 and
commends the OIG for its diligence in identifying these areas
for improvement. The Committee understands that USCP has agreed
to implement all recommendations and to date has fully
implemented, or completed, 255 of those recommendations. The
Department and the OIG have agreed to resolve the remaining 55
recommendations and are to be commended for these efforts. It
is important to note that USCP has never resisted or objected
to oversight activities, restricted or delayed access to
information requested by the OIG, or made any attempts to
interfere with the independence of the OIG. The Committee also
commends USCP for earning an unmodified audit opinion on its
financial statements for fiscal year 2015. An unmodified
opinion is the highest rating that may be received from an
auditor and USCP has received this rating for 5 consecutive
years. The Committee will continue to monitor the resolution
and completion of all recommendations in its regularly
scheduled monthly and biweekly meetings with the Inspector
General and the Department respectively.
Salaries
Appropriations, 2016.................................... $309,000,000
Budget estimate, 2017................................... 333,128,000
Committee recommendation................................ 320,000,000
The amount provided covers salaries, benefits, and overtime
costs. USCP personnel are also eligible for hazardous duty pay
and comparability pay similar to locality pay adjustments
granted other Federal law enforcement personnel in the
Washington, DC, area.
The Committee recommends $320,000,000 for USCP salaries,
which is $11,000,000 above the fiscal year 2016 appropriation
and $13,128,000 below the fiscal year 2017 request. The total
staffing level is expected to be approximately 1,799 sworn and
370 civilian staff under the Committee recommendation.
USCP Office of Inspector General.--The Committee includes
funds to support not less than six FTEs within the USCP Office
of Inspector General. The Committee notes that additional
oversight of the USCP is conducted by the Government
Accountability Office to supplement the work of the USCP Office
of Inspector General, as needed.
Overtime.--The Committee recommends no more than
$35,305,000 for overtime in fiscal year 2017. This provides for
approximately 564,646 hours of additional duty.
The Committee notes that overtime pay is a standard
practice law enforcement entities utilize to respond to
unscheduled and unanticipated events. However, the Committee
finds that keeping overtime pay at a minimum should continue to
be a goal of the USCP. The Committee appreciates the efforts of
the USCP to better track and manage overtime pay in order to
keep overtime costs to a minimum. The Committee directs the
USCP to continue to keep the Committee apprised of these
efforts.
The Committee directs the USCP to provide for overtime in
accordance with the budget request, as provided for in the
following table.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Funding Hours (est.)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scheduled, (including training)........ $31,171,000 500,946
Unscheduled............................ 1,879,000 30,000
LOC--non-reimbursable events........... 232,000 3,700
Inauguration........................... 2,023,000 30,000
--------------------------------
Total............................ 35,305,000 564,646
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The recommendation does not include funds for USCP overtime
for requirements associated with the restoration of the U.S.
Capitol Dome, the Cannon House Renewal Project, or any other
major construction projects undertaken by the Architect of the
Capitol [AOC] as those funds are provided to the AOC as part of
the overall project costs for those major projects and are paid
to the USCP on a reimbursable basis. The Committee expects the
USCP to operate within the designated funding level for
requirements associated with each project. The Committee
directs the USCP to provide for any additional requirement
costs beyond that allocation.
General Expenses
Appropriations, 2016.................................... $66,000,000
Budget estimate, 2017................................... 76,460,000
Committee recommendation................................ 67,000,000
Expenses include office supplies and equipment,
communications, motor vehicles, uniforms and equipment,
investigations, training, and miscellaneous items.
The Committee recommends $67,000,000 for general expenses,
which is $1,000,000 above the fiscal year 2016 appropriation
and $9,460,000 below the fiscal year 2017 request.
Administrative Provision
Sec. 1001. This provision allows the Capitol Police to
accept and dispose of surplus property.
OFFICE OF COMPLIANCE
Salaries and Expenses
Appropriations, 2016.................................... $3,959,000
Budget estimate, 2017................................... 4,315,151
Committee recommendation................................ 3,959,000
The Office of Compliance [OOC] is an independent
nonpartisan agency established to administer and enforce the
Congressional Accountability Act [CAA]. The OOC administers the
dispute resolution system established to resolve disagreements
that arise under the CAA; carries out an education and training
program for the regulated community on the rights and
responsibilities of the CAA; and advises Congress on needed
changes and amendments to the CAA. The OOC General Counsel has
independent investigatory and enforcement authority for certain
violations of the CAA.
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $3,959,000 for
the salaries and expenses of the OOC, which is equal to the
fiscal year 2016 enacted level and $356,151 below the fiscal
year 2017 request.
CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE
Salaries and Expenses
Appropriations, 2016.................................... $46,500,000
Budget estimate, 2017................................... 47,637,000
Committee recommendation................................ 46,500,000
The Congressional Budget Office [CBO] is responsible for
providing to the Congress objective, nonpartisan, and timely
analyses to aid in economic and budgetary decisions on the wide
array of programs covered by the Federal budget, and the
information and estimates required for the congressional budget
process.
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $46,500,000
for the CBO. The recommendation is equal to the fiscal year
2016 appropriation and $1,137,000 below the fiscal year 2017
request.
ARCHITECT OF THE CAPITOL
The Office of the Architect of the Capitol [AOC] is
responsible to the United States Congress for the maintenance,
operation, development, and preservation of 16.5 million square
feet of buildings and more than 450 acres of land throughout
the Capitol complex. This includes the Capitol, the Capitol
Visitor Center, the House and Senate office buildings, the
Library of Congress buildings, the U.S. Botanic Garden, the
Capitol Power Plant, and other facilities. The AOC also
provides professional expertise with regard to the preservation
of architectural and artistic elements entrusted to its care,
and provides recommendations concerning design, construction,
and maintenance of the facilities and grounds.
The Committee has recommended a funding level of
$419,255,000 for activities of the Architect of the Capitol,
excluding the House Office Buildings account. The
recommendation is $8,687,000 below the fiscal year 2016
appropriation and $75,518,000 below the fiscal year 2017
request.
The following table compares the Committee recommendation
for the AOC accounts to the fiscal year 2017 request, excluding
the House Office Buildings account.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year 2017 Committee
Item request recommendation Difference
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capital Construction and Operations....................... $103,650,000 $92,957,000 -$10,693,000
Capitol Building.......................................... 44,010,000 33,082,000 -10,928,000
Capitol Grounds........................................... 13,083,000 11,712,000 -1,371,000
Senate Office Buildings................................... 88,406,000 88,406,000 ................
Capitol Power Plant....................................... 105,765,000 86,646,000 -19,119,000
Library Buildings and Grounds............................. 65,959,000 42,179,000 -23,780,000
Capitol Police Buildings, Grounds, and Security........... 37,513,000 29,649,000 -7,864,000
Botanic Garden............................................ 15,081,000 14,067,000 -1,014,000
Capitol Visitor Center.................................... 21,306,000 20,557,000 -749,000
-----------------------------------------------------
Total............................................... 494,773,000 419,255,000 -75,518,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Outdoor Recycling.--The Committee commends the efforts of
the Architect of the Capitol and the United States Capitol
Police [USCP] for implementing outdoor recycling programs on
the Capitol grounds while maintaining security of the complex.
The Committee encourages the Architect of the Capitol and the
USCP to continue to collaborate and work together to expand
these efforts where appropriate in high-traffic areas across
the Capitol complex.
Financial Management.--The Committee commends the AOC for
earning an unmodified audit opinion, without any material
weaknesses, on its financial statements for fiscal year 2015.
An unmodified opinion is the highest rating that may be
received from an external auditor, and the AOC has earned this
rating for 12 consecutive years. The AOC also successfully
eliminated material weaknesses that were identified in the
AOC's financial controls in prior years. This positive
independent assessment of the agency's financial stewardship of
taxpayer resources demonstrates the agency's strong financial
foundation as it embarks on major restoration and renovation
projects.
Working Capital Fund.--The Architect of the Capitol [AOC]
requested legislation to create a working capital fund [WCF] to
manage the salaries, benefits, employee leave, and safety
training aspects of AOC's funding for its construction
division. The Committee understands that WCF's are commonplace
throughout the Federal Government and that they have been
established for various reasons based on the specific needs of
a given agency. However, the Committee has concerns about the
reasons why the AOC would like to establish a WCF. Therefore,
the Committee directs the Government Accountability Office to
provide the Committee with alternative options for AOC's
management of the construction division that are less
cumbersome than the establishment of a no-year working capital
fund.
Senate Restaurants.--The Committee is deeply troubled by
findings by the Architect of the Capitol [AOC] that the food
service provider for the Senate underpaid many of its employees
by misclassifying their work duties. The Committee understands
that the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, which
has oversight over the food service contract managed by the
AOC, also has significant concerns. The Committee is concerned
about the possibility of continued problems with contract
compliance, especially related to treatment of employees. The
Committee directs the AOC to closely monitor contract
compliance, including routinely reviewing wage classifications.
The Committee also directs AOC to immediately report any
inconsistencies to the Committee on Appropriations and the
Committee on Rules and Administration and to consider all
recourses in ensuring compliance and accountability with the
contract.
Reform of Contract Oversight.--The AOC currently has
authority to seek recourses for contract compliance failures,
and has exercised that authority in certain situations.
However, the Government Accountability Office recently reported
(GAO-16-348) that ``While the AOC has tools for addressing poor
performance on specific contracts, it does not have a
suspension and debarment process in place that could bar
irresponsible contractors from working for the AOC or provide
notice to other government agencies. Past GAO work has shown
that having suspension and debarment procedures is critical to
ensuring that the government only does business with
responsible contractors.''
Such procedures are standard throughout the Federal
government, and the Committee finds that the AOC should
immediately update its contracting procedures to reflect such
standard practices. To ensure accountability for the
performance of contracts administered by the AOC, the Committee
has included a provision requiring the AOC to establish
suspension and debarment procedures, to provide notice to other
Federal agencies via the existing government-wide excluded
parties system, and to consult that system before awarding
future contracts.
Office of Inspector General.--The Architect of the Capitol
Inspector General Act of 2007 [AOC IG Act] requires the
Inspector General to keep the Architect and the Congress fully
and currently informed about problems and deficiencies relating
to the administration of programs and operations of the
Architect of the Capitol and to maintain an independent and
objective office to conduct and supervise audits and
investigations. The Committee notes that, other than the
Semiannual Report to Congress, the Office of Inspector General
[OIG] has not routinely provided written reports to Congress.
In accordance with the AOC IG Act, the Committee directs the
OIG to conduct timely and regular audits and investigations of
the AOC; provide written audit, investigative and other reports
to the Committee, complete with recommendations for improvement
to the agency; track the outcomes of those recommendations; and
report to the Committee with a written record on the resolution
and closure of all recommendations. The Committee also directs
the OIG to adhere to Generally Accepted Government Auditing
Standards, which provide a framework for conducting high
quality audits with competence, integrity, objectivity, and
independence. The Committee expects the OIG to operate with the
full level of independence required by the AOC IG Act.
Furthermore, the OIG shall comply with requests from Congress
for specific audits and investigations.
Capital Construction and Operations
Appropriations, 2016.................................... $91,589,000
Budget estimate, 2017................................... 103,650,000
Committee recommendation................................ 92,957,000
The Capital Construction and Operations appropriation
provides funding for salaries and related benefits of the
Architect, officers, administrative and support staff,
including engineering and architecture employees. This account
also provides for administrative items such as agency-wide
contractual services; surveys and studies; information
technology; and safety engineering operations.
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $92,957,000
for capital construction and operations. The recommendation is
$1,368,000 above the fiscal year 2016 appropriation and
$10,693,000 below the fiscal year 2017 request. Of the amount
recommended, $1,368,000 shall remain available until September
30, 2021.
The following table displays the budget detail.
CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATIONS
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amount Committee
Item requested recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal Year 2017 Operating Budget
Payroll................................. $59,545,000 $56,189,000
Administrative.......................... 7,208,000 6,161,000
Architectural and Engineering........... 2,576,000 2,078,000
Construction Services................... .............. ..............
Curator Services........................ 220,000 215,000
Electronic Systems...................... .............. ..............
Facilities Maintenance.................. 1,918,000 1,875,000
Information Resource Management......... 21,313,000 19,580,000
Inspector General....................... 978,000 958,000
Jurisdiction Centralized Activities..... 2,187,000 2,144,000
Safety Engineering Operations and 2,437,000 2,389,000
Maintenance............................
-------------------------------
Subtotal, Operating Budget........ 98,382,000 91,589,000
-------------------------------
Fiscal Year 2017 Project Budget
Ford House Office Building Data Center 3,900,000 ..............
Relocation.............................
New Legislative Call System............. 1,368,000 1,368,000
-------------------------------
Subtotal, Project Budget.......... 5,268,000 1,368,000
===============================
Total, Capital Construction and 103,650,000 92,957,000
Operations.......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capitol Building
Appropriations, 2016.................................... $46,737,000
Budget estimate, 2017................................... 44,010,000
Committee recommendation................................ 33,082,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $33,082,000
for necessary expenses for the maintenance, care and operation
of the Capitol, which is $13,655,000 below the fiscal year 2016
appropriation and $10,928,000 below the fiscal year 2017
request. Of the amount recommended, $9,082,000 shall remain
available until September 30, 2021.
Miscellaneous Improvements Notifications.--The Committee
appreciates the AOC's efforts to document and notify the
Committee of ``Miscellaneous Improvements'' projects, which are
completed projects that costs less than $5,000 for labor and
materials. The Committee directs the AOC to provide quarterly
reports on Miscellaneous Improvements projects, including a
description and cost of each project and the status of total
funding set aside for this purpose.
The following table displays the budget detail.
CAPITOL BUILDING
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amount Committee
Item requested recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal Year 2017 Operating Budget
Payroll................................. $21,740,000 $20,525,000
Facilities Maintenance.................. 3,053,000 2,911,000
Furniture Repair........................ 51,000 50,000
Jurisdiction Centralized Activities..... 615,000 514,000
-------------------------------
Subtotal, Operating Budget........ 25,459,000 24,000,000
===============================
Fiscal Year 2017 Project Budget
Exterior Stone & Metal Preservation, 5,582,000 5,582,000
West Facade, Phase III.................
Senate Reception Room Restoration & 4,025,000 ..............
Conservation...........................
Domestic Water, Storm, Sanitary & Vent 3,435,000 ..............
Piping Replacement.....................
Brumidi Corridors Restoration & 1,410,000 ..............
Conservation Plan......................
Conservation of Fine and Architectural 599,000 ..............
Art....................................
Minor Construction...................... 3,500,000 3,500,000
-------------------------------
Subtotal, Project Budget.......... 18,551,000 9,082,000
===============================
Total, Capitol Building........... 44,010,000 33,082,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capitol Grounds
Appropriations, 2016.................................... $11,880,000
Budget estimate, 2017................................... 13,083,000
Committee recommendation................................ 11,712,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $11,712,000
for Capitol Grounds for the care and improvements of the
grounds surrounding the Capitol, the Senate and House office
buildings, and the Capitol Power Plant. The recommendation is
$168,000 below the fiscal year 2016 appropriation and
$1,371,000 below the fiscal year 2017 request. Of the amount
recommended, $2,000,000 shall remain available until September
30, 2021.
The following table displays the budget detail:
CAPITOL GROUNDS
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amount Committee
Item requested recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal Year 2017 Operating Budget
Payroll................................. $7,012,000 $6,767,000
Grounds Maintenance..................... 2,745,000 2,745,000
Jurisdiction Centralized Activities..... 380,000 200,000
-------------------------------
Subtotal, Operating Budget........ 10,137,000 9,712,000
===============================
Fiscal Year 2017 Project Budget
Capitol Square Infrastructure Repair.... 946,000 ..............
Minor Construction...................... 2,000,000 2,000,000
-------------------------------
Subtotal, Project Budget.......... 2,946,000 2,000,000
===============================
Total, Capitol Grounds............ 13,083,000 11,712,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Senate Office Buildings
Appropriations, 2016.................................... $84,221,000
Budget estimate, 2017................................... 88,406,000
Committee recommendation................................ 88,406,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $88,406,000
for maintenance of the Senate office buildings. The
recommendation is $4,185,000 above the fiscal year 2016
appropriation and equal to the fiscal year 2017 request. Of the
amount recommended, $27,944,000 shall remain available until
September 30, 2021.
The following table displays the budget detail:
SENATE OFFICE BUILDINGS
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amount Committee
Item requested recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal Year 2017 Operating Budget
Payroll................................. $43,802,000 $43,802,000
Facilities Maintenance.................. 6,222,000 6,222,000
Furniture Repair........................ 1,559,000 1,559,000
Jurisdiction Centralized Activities..... 8,879,000 8,879,000
-------------------------------
Subtotal, Operating Budget........ 60,462,000 60,462,000
===============================
Fiscal Year 2017 Project Budget
Exterior Envelope Repair & Restoration, 14,439,000 14,439,000
Phases IV & V, RSOB....................
Senate Underground Garage Renovations & 8,505,000 8,505,000
Landscape Restoration, Phase IB........
Minor Construction...................... 5,000,000 5,000,000
-------------------------------
Subtotal, Project Budget.......... 27,944,000 27,944,000
===============================
Total, Senate Office Buildings.... 88,406,000 88,406,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capitol Power Plant
Appropriations, 2016.................................... $94,722,499
Budget estimate, 2017................................... 105,765,000
Committee recommendation................................ 86,646,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $86,646,000
for the operations of the Capitol Power Plant. This is
supplemented by $9,000,000 in reimbursements, for a total of
$95,646,000. The recommendation is $8,076,499 below the fiscal
year 2016 appropriation and $19,119,000 below the fiscal year
2017 request. Of the amount provided, $9,505,000 shall remain
available until September 30, 2021.
The Power Plant provides heat, light, power, and air-
conditioning for the Capitol, Senate and House office
buildings, and the Library of Congress buildings; heat, light,
and power for the Botanic Garden and the Senate and House
Garages; light for the Capitol Grounds' street, park, and
floodlighting system; steam heat for the Government Publishing
Office and Washington City Post Office, also known as Postal
Square; and steam heat and air-conditioning for the Union
Station complex, Folger Shakespeare Library, the Thurgood
Marshall Federal Judiciary Building, and the U.S. Supreme Court
Building on a reimbursable basis.
Within the operating budget, the recommended amount for the
purchase of electricity from the local private utility, payment
to the government of the District of Columbia for the provision
of water and sewer services, and the procurement of boiler
fuel, is displayed in the following table.
FISCAL YEAR 2017 ESTIMATED UTILITY COSTS
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Purchase of electrical energy........................... $31,000,000
Purchase of natural gas................................. 12,500,000
Purchase of steam....................................... 750,000
Purchase of chilled water............................... 717,000
Purchase of oil......................................... 1,477,000
Purchase of solid fuel.................................. 500,000
Water and Sewer payments................................ 7,500,000
Utilities for Postal Square............................. 725,000
Energy Saving Performance Contracts..................... 9,270,000
---------------
Energy Reduction Services Contract...................... 607,000
Total............................................. 65,046,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The balance of this appropriation supports a workforce to
operate and maintain the Power Plant.
The following table displays the budget detail:
CAPITOL POWER PLANT
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amount Committee
Item requested recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal Year 2017 Operating Budget
Payroll............................... $10,823,000 $9,761,000
Jurisdiction Centralized Activities... 247,000 242,000
Plant Operations & Maintenance........ 11,129,000 10,915,000
Safety Engineering Operations and 181,000 177,000
Maintenance..........................
Utilities............................. 56,046,000 56,046,000
---------------------------------
Subtotal, Operating Budget...... 78,426,000 77,141,000
=================================
Fiscal Year 2017 Project Budget
WRP Chiller System Replacement, RPR, 17,834,000 ...............
Phase IIIA, CPP......................
Roof Replacement, PPBP & PPGP......... 3,805,000 3,805,000
Cogeneration Management Program....... 1,700,000 1,700,000
Minor Construction.................... 4,000,000 4,000,000
---------------------------------
Subtotal, Project Budget........ 27,339,000 9,505,000
=================================
Total, Capitol Power Plant...... 105,765,000 86,646,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Library Buildings and Grounds
Appropriations, 2016.................................... $40,689,000
Budget estimate, 2017................................... 65,959,000
Committee recommendation................................ 42,179,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $42,179,000
for the care and maintenance of the Library buildings and
grounds by the Architect of the Capitol, of which $17,236,000
shall remain available until September 30, 2021. The
recommendation is $1,490,000 above the fiscal year 2016
appropriation and $23,780,000 below the fiscal year 2017
request.
The following table displays the budget detail:
LIBRARY BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amount Committee
Item requested recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal Year 2017 Operating Budget
Payroll................................. $17,176,000 $16,545,000
Facilities Maintenance.................. 9,194,000 8,163,000
Jurisdiction Centralized Activities..... 349,000 235,000
-------------------------------
Subtotal, Operating Budget........ 26,719,000 24,943,000
===============================
Fiscal Year 2017 Project Budget
North Exit Stair B, Phase II, TJB....... 16,603,000 ..............
East and West Pavilion Roof Replacement, 2,222,000 2,222,000
TJB....................................
Elevator Modernization, JMMB MC1-MC4; 4,292,000 4,292,000
JAB 13-14..............................
Emergency Generator Replacement, TJB.... 4,901,000 ..............
Garage Structural Repairs & Entry 8,722,000 8,722,000
Improvements, JAB......................
Minor Construction...................... 2,500,000 2,000,000
-------------------------------
Subtotal, Project Budget.......... 39,240,000 17,236,000
===============================
Total, Library Buildings & Grounds 65,959,000 42,179,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capitol Police Buildings, Grounds, and Security
Appropriations, 2016.................................... $25,434,000
Budget estimate, 2017................................... 37,513,000
Committee recommendation................................ 29,649,000
The Committee recommends $29,649,000 for Capitol Police
Buildings, Grounds, and Security, which is $4,215,000 above the
fiscal year 2016 appropriation and $7,864,000 below the fiscal
year 2017 request. Of this amount, $12,500,000 shall remain
available until September 30, 2021.
The following table displays the budget detail:
CAPITOL POLICE BUILDINGS, GROUNDS, AND SECURITY
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amount Committee
Item requested recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal Year 2017 Operating Budget
Payroll................................. $2,800,000 $2,141,000
Facilities Maintenance.................. 7,837,000 7,837,000
Furniture Repair........................ 51,000 51,000
Jurisdiction Centralized Activities..... 9,661,000 7,120,000
-------------------------------
Subtotal, Operating Budget........ 20,349,000 17,149,000
===============================
Fiscal Year 2017 Project Budget
Chiller Replacement and Chilled Water 14,664,000 10,000,000
System Expansion, Phase I, ACF.........
Minor Construction...................... 2,500,000 2,500,000
-------------------------------
Subtotal, Project Budget.......... 17,164,000 12,500,000
===============================
Total, Capitol Police Buildings & 37,513,000 29,649,000
Grounds..........................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Botanic Garden
Appropriations, 2016.................................... $12,113,000
Budget estimate, 2017................................... 15,081,000
Committee recommendation................................ 14,067,000
The Committee recommends $14,067,000 for salaries and
expenses of the Botanic Garden. The recommendation is
$1,954,000 above the fiscal year 2016 appropriation and
$1,014,000 below the fiscal year 2017 request. Of this amount,
$4,054,000 shall remain available until September 30, 2021.
The following table displays the budget detail:
BOTANIC GARDEN
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amount Committee
Item requested recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal Year 2017 Operating Budget
Payroll................................. $6,593,000 $6,353,000
Exhibits................................ 611,000 409,000
Facilities Maintenance.................. 2,080,000 2,038,000
Jurisdiction Centralized Activities..... 1,243,000 1,213,000
-------------------------------
Subtotal, Operating Budget........ 10,527,000 10,013,000
===============================
Fiscal Year 2017 Project Budget
Production Facility Renewal, BG......... 1,954,000 1,954,000
Minor Construction...................... 2,600,000 2,100,000
-------------------------------
Subtotal, Project Budget.......... 4,554,000 4,054,000
===============================
Total, Botanic Garden............. 15,081,000 14,067,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capitol Visitor Center
Appropriations, 2016.................................... $20,557,000
Budget estimate, 2017................................... 21,306,000
Committee recommendation................................ 20,557,000
The Committee recommends a total of $20,557,000 for the
operation of the Capitol Visitor Center. The recommendation is
equal to the fiscal year 2016 appropriation and $749,000 below
the fiscal year 2017 request.
The following table displays the budget detail:
CAPITOL VISITOR CENTER
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amount Committee
Item requested recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal Year 2017 Operating Budget
Payroll................................. $17,979,000 $17,300,000
Information Resource Management......... 1,181,000 1,160,000
Jurisdiction Centralized Activities..... 394,000 386,000
Visitor Services........................ 1,752,000 1,711,000
-------------------------------
Subtotal, Operating Budget........ 21,306,000 20,557,000
===============================
Total, Capitol Visitor Center..... 21,306,000 20,557,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Administrative Provisions
Sec. 1101. This provision prohibits payment of bonuses to
contractors behind schedule or over budget.
Sec. 1102. This provision prohibits the expenditure of
funds for scrims containing photographs of building facades for
projects performed by the Architect of the Capitol.
Sec. 1103. This provision establishes a revolving fund that
will allow the Architect of the Capitol to retain all flag
flying fees to support activities of the Flag Office.
Sec. 1104. This provision allows the use of expired funds
to pay for unemployment compensation payments.
Sec. 1105. This provision directs the AOC to establish and
follow formal procedures for suspension and debarment of
contractors.
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
The Library of Congress is the largest library in the world
and an unmatched source of information for Congress, the
American people and beyond. The Library acquires, registers,
preserves, protects and makes accessible the creative record of
the United States. It is the main research arm of the United
States Congress and its resources and services are used by
millions of people every month. Its mission is to support the
Congress in fulfilling its constitutional duties and to further
the progress of knowledge and creativity for the benefit of the
American people. The Library's collections include more than
162 million items (books, photographs, maps, sound recordings,
films, sheet music, legal materials) in 470 languages. Digital
technology is transforming the way the Library does its work,
and the institution plays an important leadership role in
superimposing digital library collections and services on those
that are analog based. The Library of Congress houses the
Congressional Research Service, U.S. Copyright Office, National
Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Law
Library of Congress, and numerous other programs and services.
The Committee recommends a total of $608,907,000 for the
Library of Congress, an increase of $8,995,000 above the fiscal
year 2016 appropriation and $58,308,000 below the fiscal year
2017 request.
In addition to the appropriation, the Library estimates
receipts of $52,045,000, funds from gifts and trusts totaling
$12,211,000, and reimbursable and revolving funds totaling
$188,188,000. Total funds available to support Library
operations, including the Architect of the Capitol account, are
expected to be approximately $903,530,000 in fiscal year 2017
under the Committee recommendation.
Salaries and Expenses
Appropriations, 2016:
Salaries and expenses............................... $425,971,000
Authority to spend receipts......................... -6,350,000
--------------------------------------------------------
____________________________________________________
Net, salaries and expenses........................ 419,621,000
========================================================
____________________________________________________
Budget estimate, 2017:
Salaries and expenses............................... 479,235,000
Authority to spend receipts......................... -6,350,000
--------------------------------------------------------
____________________________________________________
Net, salaries and expenses........................ 472,885,000
========================================================
____________________________________________________
Committee recommendation:
Salaries and expenses............................... 434,934,000
Authority to spend receipts......................... -6,350,000
--------------------------------------------------------
____________________________________________________
Net, salaries and expenses........................ 428,584,000
========================================================
____________________________________________________
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $428,584,000
for salaries and expenses of the Library of Congress and
approves authority to spend receipts of $6,350,000 in fiscal
year 2017, for a total of $434,934,000. The recommendation is
$8,963,000 above the fiscal year 2016 appropriation and
$44,301,000 below the fiscal year 2017 request. Included within
this recommendation, as requested by the Library for fiscal
year 2017, is $6,563,000 for information technology security
enhancements; $1,348,000 for digital collections management;
and $2,000,000 for phase I of the Law Library's compact
shelving replacement program. The fiscal year 2016 FTE level of
2,501 shall be maintained; however, in order to meet the
objectives of the aforementioned projects, FTEs may be shifted
among PPAs within this appropriation. Also, the Library may use
these funds to hire contractors where necessary.
Veterans History Project.--The Committee recommends an
appropriation of $1,923,000 for the Library of Congress'
Veterans History Project [VHP]. VHP, which marked its 15th
anniversary in 2015, oversees a nationwide effort to build an
archive of oral histories, from World War I through current
conflicts, by collecting, preserving, and making available the
personal stories of American war veterans and the civilian
workers who support them. The VHP collection includes
submissions from every State and is the largest oral history
project in the United States recently surpassing 100,000
collections. In fiscal year 2015, through an active national
outreach effort to volunteer organizations, institutions, and
individuals across the country, VHP gained new participants and
acquired 4,430 new collections.
Teaching with Primary Sources.--The Committee recommends an
appropriation of $8,400,000 for the Library of Congress'
Teaching with Primary Sources program [TPS]. TPS is a teacher
training initiative that encourages educators to incorporate
the Library's online primary sources into school curricula.
Library staff harness the power of primary sources as teaching
tools by providing educators with methods and materials that
build student literacy skills, content knowledge, and critical
thinking abilities. TPS has successfully worked with educators
in 49 States, the District of Columbia, and American Samoa. The
Committee notes that the Library sponsors many educational
lectures and events and encourages the Library to incorporate
excerpts from these presentations into the curriculum materials
it develops.
Preservation.--The Committee notes that the Library
utilizes multiple preservation strategies to extend the life of
its vast collections for future generations to enjoy, including
building and operating climate-controlled storage facilities,
preparing new acquisitions for commercial binding and shelving,
deacidification, and digital reformatting. During 2015, the
Library executed over 11.4 million preservation actions on its
books, serials, prints, photographs, audio-visual and other
high value, high use, and at-risk items. In 2016, the Library
and the Architect of the Capitol began construction of a fifth
climate-controlled storage facility at Fort Meade, Maryland.
The Committee supports the Library's preservation efforts and
directs the Library to continue funding for ongoing
preservation activities at not less than the current level for
each ongoing preservation strategy.
Digital Collections Management.--The Library of Congress
Office of the Inspector General stated in its top management
challenges for the Library that there is not an organization-
wide, interdependent strategy for digital-collection
activities, and that the goal of addressing a digital
collections strategy was not included in the Library-wide
strategic plan or its information technology strategic plan.
The Committee understands that individual service units have
been addressing their own digital collection needs. This is not
the most cost effective or efficient way of managing digital
collection needs across the Library, which may have driven the
Library's request for $1,348,000 and 11 FTEs to create a
digital collections management unit. While the Committee
supports the Library's request of funding to address digital
collections management, there is concern about bringing on
board additional FTEs to establish a new unit within the
Library when there is no evidence of a comprehensive digital
collections strategy. Therefore, the Committee encourages the
Library to consult and/or contract with experts who may be able
to assist with the development of an efficient, organization-
wide system for acquiring, managing, and sharing digital
materials. Once a comprehensive digital collections plan is in
place, the Library should reevaluate the need for additional
FTEs.
National Film and Sound Recording Preservation Programs.--
The Committee recognizes the important work of the National
Film Preservation Program and the National Sound Recording
Preservation Program, including the federally chartered
National Film and National Recording Preservation Foundations.
Consistent with the authorizing statute, the Foundations
utilize both public and private matching funds to provide
grants to a wide array of educational and non-profit
organizations to preserve films and sound recordings. Congress
is currently considering authorizing legislation, and if the
programs are reauthorized, the Committee expects the Library to
provide them support.
Copyright Office
salaries and expenses
Appropriations, 2016:
Salaries and expenses............................... $58,875,000
Authority to spend receipts......................... -35,777,000
--------------------------------------------------------
____________________________________________________
Net, salaries and expenses........................ 23,098,000
========================================================
____________________________________________________
Budget estimate, 2017:
Salaries and expenses............................... 74,026,000
Authority to spend receipts......................... -39,548,000
Prior year unobligated balances..................... -6,147,000
--------------------------------------------------------
____________________________________________________
Net, salaries and expenses........................ 28,331,000
========================================================
____________________________________________________
Committee recommendation:
Salaries and expenses............................... 68,825,000
Authority to spend receipts......................... -39,548,000
Prior year unobligated balances..................... -6,147,000
--------------------------------------------------------
____________________________________________________
Net, salaries and expenses........................ 23,130,000
========================================================
____________________________________________________
The United States Copyright Office plays an important role
in our Nation's intellectual property system. Copyright law is
the foundation for the creation and dissemination of American
artistic works, leading to substantial economic and cultural
benefits. The Copyright Office serves multiple central roles in
the copyright system, overseeing the registration of
copyrighted works, administering the copyright law, and
providing counsel to Congress on copyright policy.
The Committee recommends the direct appropriation of
$23,130,000 for the Copyright Office; approves authority to
spend receipts of $39,548,000 in fiscal year 2017; and approves
authority to spend prior year unobligated balances of
$6,147,000, for a total of $68,825,000. The recommendation for
total funding available is $9,950,000 above the fiscal year
2016 appropriation and $5,201,000 below the fiscal year 2017
request.
Information Technology Modernization.--The Committee
recognizes that the digital revolution has transformed the
copyright marketplace and, as a result, the role of the
Copyright Office in our economy. On February 29, 2016, the
Committee received a ``provisional'' report from the Copyright
Office regarding its plan for Information Technology [IT]
modernization and upgrades within the Copyright Office, in
accordance with a directive in the fiscal year 2016 enacted
legislation. The Committee fully understands and supports the
need for improved IT infrastructure and modernized software
systems for the Copyright Office. However, there are concerns
that the Copyright Office did not work collaboratively with the
Library's Office of the Chief Information Officer [CIO] in the
development of this plan. The Library's CIO developed an
overall IT strategy for the Library, in response to the GAO
report from March 2015 regarding the need to address serious IT
management weaknesses, for which the first phase of funding was
requested in fiscal year 2017. However, the Copyright Office's
provisional report does not appear to align with the Library's
overall direction on IT, including taking advantage of shared
services provided by the Library. In order to achieve cost
efficiencies of shared servicing with the Library, it is
critical that the Copyright Office work with the Library's CIO
to ensure there is no duplication of any shared services. Once
shared services with the Library are taken into account,
funding modernized software systems that are specific to the
needs of the Copyright Office should be the responsibility of
the Copyright Office. The Committee directs the Copyright
Office, in collaboration with the Library's CIO, to submit a
revised IT modernization plan that incorporates shared
servicing with the Library no later than 90 days after
enactment of this act. To the extent that this collaboration
results in multiple options regarding the applicability of, or
potential cost savings from, a particular shared service, those
options should be identified and explained in the revised plan.
The Copyright Office shall also include a spend plan for the IT
enhancements intended to be addressed with the funds provided
in fiscal year 2017.
Congressional Research Service
salaries and expenses
Appropriations, 2016.................................... $106,945,000
Budget estimate, 2017................................... 114,408,000
Committee recommendation................................ 106,945,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $106,945,000
for the Congressional Research Service. The recommendation is
equal to the fiscal year 2016 appropriation and $7,463,000
below the fiscal year 2017 request.
Congressional Research Service Modernization.--The
Committee recognizes the tremendous value that the
Congressional Research Service [CRS] has added to Congress by
providing objective, authoritative, nonpartisan, and
confidential research and analysis on the breadth of policy
issues considered during each legislative session since its
inception in 1914. CRS has developed a 5-year strategic plan to
help the agency ``adapt to the challenges of change and
identify opportunities to optimize its service to Congress''
(CRS Strategic Plan, iii) in the years 2016-2020. However, it
is not clear how CRS plans to modernize in a resource
constrained environment while fulfilling the priority needs of
Congress. While the increase requested in fiscal year 2017
includes support for 22 additional full-time equivalents that
purports to improve service to Congress, bringing on board new
employees in the midst of this budget stagnation may not be a
practical or cost-effective solution to optimize service. The
Committee directs CRS to examine ways in which the internal
structure of the organization may be improved to meet the
challenges of the ever-changing Congressional environment and
provide a report to the Committee on a proposed restructuring
within 120 days of enactment of this act. The report should
include recommended changes to staffing, pay levels, the
management structure, technology, and research priorities in
order to create and support the workflow, products, and
services that best meet Congress' needs.
Books for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
salaries and expenses
Appropriations, 2016.................................... $50,248,000
Budget estimate, 2017................................... 51,591,000
Committee recommendation................................ 50,248,000
This appropriation supports a national reading program for
eligible residents of the United States and U.S. citizens
living overseas who are blind or physically handicapped. Books
and magazines in braille and various recorded formats are
produced by the National Library Service for the Blind and
Physically Handicapped for distribution through a network of
State and locally supported libraries. At present, 55 regional
libraries in 49 States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico,
and the U.S. Virgin Islands house and circulate books and
magazines to eligible readers. Thirty-two subregional libraries
in 10 States, and Guam, assist at the local public library
level. In addition, 14 Advisory and Outreach Centers assist
regional libraries in provision of services. Fifty-two of the
regional libraries and four separate cooperating agencies
distribute sound reproducers. Two multi-State centers, under
contract to the National Library Service, store and distribute
books and other materials in their geographical region. The
program supports a readership of approximately 800,000.
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $50,248,000
for salaries and expenses for Books for the Blind and
Physically Handicapped. The recommendation is equal to the
fiscal year 2016 appropriation and $1,343,000 below the fiscal
year 2017 request.
Administrative Provision
Sec. 1201. The Committee has included a routine
administrative provision regarding reimbursable and revolving
funds carried in prior years.
GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE
The U.S. Government Publishing Office [GPO] is the Federal
Government's primary centralized resource for gathering,
cataloging, producing, providing, and preserving published
information in all its forms. By law and tradition, the GPO's
mission is to provide expert publishing and printing services
to all three branches of Government; to provide, in partnership
with Federal depository libraries, permanent public access to
the printed and electronic information products of all three
branches of the Federal Government; and to sell copies of
authentic printed and electronic documents and other government
information products to the public.
GPO's core mission dates to 1813 when Congress determined
that information regarding the work of the Federal Government
should be available to all Americans. Over 200 years later,
GPO's mission remains unchanged. However, the means for
producing and distributing that information has transformed
dramatically with the advent of the digital revolution.
Today, GPO provides free online public access to more than
1.5 million searchable titles, including the Budget of the U.S.
Government, the Code of Federal Regulations, the Congressional
Record, and congressional bills, hearings, and reports. GPO
also provides access to Government information in digital
format through apps, eBooks, and related technologies. Since
2009, GPO has experienced more than 1.5 billion digital
retrievals from its Federal Digital System [FDsys], and in
February 2016 GPO introduced the next generation of its digital
information system, govinfo.gov, symbolizing the evolution of
how Americans access Government information in the digital era.
Congressional Publishing
Appropriations, 2016.................................... $79,736,000
Budget estimate, 2017................................... 79,736,000
Committee recommendation................................ 79,736,000
The appropriation for Congressional Publishing supports
transparency of the congressional process by funding digital
and print publication of congressional proceedings, including
the Congressional Record, bills, amendments, Committee reports,
and hearing transcripts. This appropriation also supports the
direct publication and printing needs of Congress.
The Committee recommends $79,736,000 for congressional
publishing. The recommendation is equal to the fiscal year 2016
appropriation and the 2017 request.
The following table compares the component categories
within this account for fiscal year 2016 and the fiscal year
2017 request. The Committee has not recommended separate
amounts for each activity in order to give GPO the flexibility
to meet changing requirements.
CONGRESSIONAL PUBLISHING
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year 2016 Fiscal year 2017
enacted requested
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Congressional Record Publications. $23,274,000 $22,482,000
Miscellaneous publications........ 3,707,000 3,683,000
Miscellaneous publishing and 18,454,000 18,108,000
services.........................
Details to Congress............... 4,410,000 4,557,000
Document envelopes and document 631,000 648,000
franks...........................
Business and committee calendars.. 3,978,000 2,625,000
Bills, resolutions, and amendments 4,410,000 4,590,000
Committee reports................. 2,768,000 2,775,000
Documents......................... 1,872,000 1,922,000
Hearings.......................... 19,764,000 18,547,000
Committee prints.................. 1,123,000 1,176,000
Transfers......................... (4,655,000) (1,377,000)
-------------------------------------
Total....................... 79,736,000 79,736,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Public Information Programs of the Office of Superintendent of
Documents
salaries and expenses
Appropriations, 2016.................................... $30,500,000
Budget estimate, 2017................................... 29,500,000
Committee recommendation................................ 29,500,000
This appropriation provides for salaries and expenses
associated with the distribution of electronic and printed
Government documents to depository and international exchange
libraries, the cataloging and indexing of Government
publications, and the distribution of electronic and printed
publications authorized by law at the request of Members of
Congress and other Government agencies.
The Committee recommends $29,500,000 for salaries and
expenses of the Public Information Programs of the Office of
the Superintendent of Documents. The recommendation is
$1,000,000 below the fiscal year 2016 appropriation and equal
to the fiscal year 2017 request.
The Committee supports GPO's introduction of its next
generation information system, govinfo.gov, as well as the
agency's other information technology systems, given that these
efforts continue to reduce costs.
Government Publishing Office Business Operations Revolving Fund
Appropriations, 2016.................................... $6,832,000
Budget estimate, 2017................................... 7,832,000
Committee recommendation................................ 7,832,000
The Committee recommends $7,832,000 for the Government
Publishing Office [GPO] Business Operations Revolving Fund. The
recommendation is $1,000,000 above the fiscal year 2016
appropriation and equal to the fiscal year 2017 request.
The Committee supports continued investment in the
Revolving Fund as the most efficient solution to both cutting
costs and ensuring efficient online access to government
documents. One reason GPO is able to meet the increased work
demands and continually reduce costs is through its constant
focus on capital investments to modernize information systems,
production equipment, and major facility repairs.
GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE
Salaries and Expenses
Appropriations, 2016.................................... $531,000,000
Budget estimate, 2017................................... 567,825,000
Committee recommendation................................ 542,405,919
The U.S. Government Accountability Office [GAO] is an
independent nonpartisan agency that was established by the
Budget and Accounting Act of 1921 to act as an auditor for
Congress and investigate how the Federal Government spends
taxpayer dollars.
The function of GAO includes auditing agency operations to
determine whether Federal funds are being spent efficiently and
effectively; investigating allegations of illegal and improper
activities; reporting on how well Government programs and
policies are meeting their objectives; performing policy
analyses and outlining options for congressional consideration;
and issuing legal decisions and opinions, such as bid protest
rulings and reports on agency rules.
The Committee recommends funding of $542,405,919 for
salaries and expenses of the Government Accountability Office.
The recommendation is $11,405,919 above the fiscal year 2016
appropriation and $25,419,081 below the fiscal year 2017
request. The funding provided will support current staffing
levels and the highest priority information technology
infrastructure and security improvements included in the budget
request.
Additionally, $23,350,000 is authorized in offsetting
collections derived from rent receipts and reimbursements for
conducting financial audits of Government corporations, for a
total of $565,755,919.
Agency Inspector General Reports.--The Committee directs
GAO to examine the extent to which Inspector General reports
are currently available in a timely manner on agency Web sites.
GAO should examine any reasons such reports are not posted,
including legal requirements, cost, or sensitivity of the
reported information, and make any appropriate recommendations.
GAO should also review how Inspector General reports could be
made available on GPO's govinfo.gov Web site, including any
barriers to doing so. The report shall be submitted to the
Senate Appropriations Committee within 120 days of enactment of
this act.
OPEN WORLD LEADERSHIP CENTER TRUST FUND
Appropriations, 2016.................................... $5,600,000
Budget estimate, 2017................................... 5,800,000
Committee recommendation................................ 5,600,000
The Committee recommends $5,600,000 as a payment to the
Open World Leadership Center Trust Fund, which is equal to the
fiscal year 2016 appropriation and $200,000 below the fiscal
year 2017 request. The Center for Russian Leadership
Development was established on December 21, 2000 (Public Law
106-554) as a legislative branch entity. The Fiscal Year 2003
Consolidated Appropriation Resolution (Public Law 108-7)
carried legislation (section 1401) changing the name to the
Open World Leadership Center and expanding the mission of the
program to include Newly Independent States of the former
Soviet Union including the Baltic States. The mission of the
Center is to enable emerging leaders in Russia and Newly
Independent States at all levels of civic life to gain
significant, first-hand exposure to the American free market
economic system and the operation of American democratic
institutions through visits to comparable governments and
communities in the United States.
While the Committee recognizes the ongoing U.S. national
interest in maintaining constructive relations with the Russian
people, the Committee includes a provision that limits the Open
World Leadership Center to using appropriated funds only for
Russian participants engaging in free market development,
humanitarian activities, and civic engagement, and not for
senior officials of the central Government of Russia.
JOHN C. STENNIS CENTER FOR PUBLIC SERVICE TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT
Appropriations, 2016.................................... $430,000
Budget estimate, 2017................................... 430,000
Committee recommendation................................ 430,000
The John C. Stennis Center for Public Service Training and
Development was created by Congress in 1988. The mandate of the
Center is to promote and strengthen public service. The
Committee recommends the budget request of $430,000 as
authorized by 2 U.S.C. 1105, for the Center's congressional
staff training and development programs.
TITLE II
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Included are several routine general provisions carried
annually in the bill (sections 201-210), as follows:
Section 201 bans the use of appropriated funds for service
and maintenance of private vehicles, except under such
regulations as may be promulgated by the House Administration
Committee and the Senate Rules and Administration Committee,
respectively.
Section 202 limits the availability for obligation of
appropriations to the fiscal year for which it is expressly
provided in the bill accompanying this report.
Section 203 provides that any pay rate and title
designation for a staff position created in this act, and not
specifically established by the Legislative Pay Act of 1929, is
to be made permanent law by this act. Further, any pay rate and
title change for a position provided for in the 1929 Act is to
be made permanent law by this act and any changes in the
official expenses of Members, officers, and committees, and in
the clerk hire of the House and Senate are to be made permanent
law by this act.
Section 204 bans the use of funds for contracts unless such
contracts are matters of public record and are available for
public inspection.
Section 205 authorizes legislative branch entities
participating in the Legislative Branch Financial Managers
Council [LBFMC] to finance the costs of the LBFMC.
Section 206 authorizes the Architect of the Capitol to
maintain certain property.
Section 207 prohibits unauthorized transfers of funds to
other agencies.
Section 208 ensures continuation of the staff-led tours of
the Capitol.
COMPLIANCE WITH PARAGRAPH 7, RULE XVI, OF THE STANDING RULES OF THE
SENATE
Paragraph 7 of rule XVI requires that Committee reports on
general appropriations bills identify, with particularity, each
Committee amendment to the House bill ``which proposes an item
of appropriation which is not made to carry out the provisions
of an existing law, a treaty stipulation, or an act or
resolution previously passed by the Senate during that
session.''
The Committee has recommended no such funding.
COMPLIANCE WITH PARAGRAPH 7(c), RULE XXVI OF THE STANDING RULES OF THE
SENATE
Pursuant to paragraph 7(c) of rule XXVI, on May 19, 2016,
the Committee ordered favorably reported an original bill (S.
2955) making appropriations for the legislative branch for the
fiscal year ending September 30, 2017, and for other purposes,
provided, that the bill be subject to amendment and that the
bill be consistent with its budget allocation, and provided
that the Chairman of the Committee or the Chairman of the
Subcommittee reporting the original bill be authorized to offer
the substance of the original bill as a Committee amendment in
the nature of a substitute to the House companion measure, by a
recorded vote of 30-0, a quorum being present. The vote was as
follows:
Yeas Nays
Chairman Cochran
Mr. McConnell
Mr. Shelby
Mr. Alexander
Ms. Collins
Ms. Murkowski
Mr. Graham
Mr. Kirk
Mr. Blunt
Mr. Moran
Mr. Hoeven
Mr. Boozman
Mrs. Capito
Mr. Cassidy
Mr. Lankford
Mr. Daines
Ms. Mikulski
Mr. Leahy
Mrs. Murray
Mrs. Feinstein
Mr. Durbin
Mr. Reed
Mr. Tester
Mr. Udall
Mrs. Shaheen
Mr. Merkley
Mr. Coons
Mr. Schatz
Ms. Baldwin
Mr. Murphy
COMPLIANCE WITH PARAGRAPH 12, RULE XXVI, OF THE STANDING RULES OF THE
SENATE
Paragraph 12 of rule XXVI requires that Committee reports
on a bill or joint resolution repealing or amending any statute
or part of any statute include ``(a) the text of the statute or
part thereof which is proposed to be repealed; and (b) a
comparative print of that part of the bill or joint resolution
making the amendment and of the statute or part thereof
proposed to be amended, showing by stricken-through type and
italics, parallel columns, or other appropriate typographical
devices the omissions and insertions which would be made by the
bill or joint resolution if enacted in the form recommended by
the Committee.''
In compliance with this rule, the following changes in
existing law proposed to be made by the bill are shown as
follows: existing law to be omitted is enclosed in black
brackets; new matter is printed in italic; and existing law in
which no change is proposed is shown in roman.
TITLE 2--THE CONGRESS
Chapter 29--Capitol Police
Subchapter I--Organization and Administration
PART A--GENERAL
Sec. 1906. Disposal and acceptance of surplus property
(a) In general
Within the limits of available appropriations, the Capitol
Police may dispose of surplus or obsolete property, including
disposed, forfeited, voluntarily abandoned and unclaimed
property of the Capitol Police by interagency transfer,
donation, sale, trade-in, or other appropriate method and the
Capitol Police may accept the surplus or obsolete property of
Federal agencies upon notification to the Committees on
Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
* * * * * * *
Chapter 30--Operation and Maintenance of Capitol Complex
Subchapter V--Historical Preservation and Fine Arts
PART II--CRIMINAL PROCEDURE
Sec. 2108. Provisions relating to Senate Commission on Art
(a) Authority to acquire and dispose
* * * * * * *
(c) Establishment of Senate Preservation Fund
(1) Establishment
* * * * * * *
(3) Deposits, credits, [and disbursements] disbursements, and
transfers
(A) Deposits
* * * * * * *
(C) Disbursements
Disbursements from the fund shall be made on
vouchers approved by the Commission and signed by the
Executive Secretary of the Commission.
(D) Transfers.--
(i) In general.--The Commission may transfer
amounts in the fund to the Architect of the Capitol for
the cost of the conservation or restoration, in whole
or in part, by the Architect of the Capitol of works of
art, historical objects, documents, or material
relating to historical matters placed or exhibited, or
to be placed or exhibited, within the Senate wing of
the United States Capitol or any Senate Office
Building.
(ii) Availability.--Amounts transferred to the
Architect of the Capitol under clause (i) shall remain
available until expended.
BUDGETARY IMPACT OF BILL
PREPARED IN CONSULTATION WITH THE CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE PURSUANT TO SEC. 308(a), PUBLIC LAW 93-344, AS
AMENDED
[In millions of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Budget authority Outlays
-------------------------------------------------------
Committee Amount in Committee Amount in
allocation bill allocation bill
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comparison of amounts in the bill with the subcommittee
allocation for 2017: Subcommittee on the Legislative
Branch:
Mandatory........................................... 139 139 139 \1\139
Discretionary....................................... 4,399 3,021 4,327 \1\3,184
Security........................................ ............ ............ NA NA
Nonsecurity..................................... 4,399 3,021 NA NA
Projections of outlays associated with the
recommendation:
2017................................................ ............ ............ ............ \2\2,602
2018................................................ ............ ............ ............ 381
2019................................................ ............ ............ ............ 109
2020................................................ ............ ............ ............ 30
2021 and future years............................... ............ ............ ............ 11
Financial assistance to State and local governments for NA ............ NA ............
2017...................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\Includes outlays from prior-year budget authority.
\2\Excludes outlays from prior-year budget authority.
NA: Not applicable.
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF NEW BUDGET (OBLIGATIONAL) AUTHORITY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2016 AND BUDGET ESTIMATES AND AMOUNTS RECOMMENDED IN THE BILL FOR FISCAL
YEAR 2017
[In thousands of dollars]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Senate Committee recommendation
compared with (+ or -)
Item 2016 Budget estimate Committee ---------------------------------
appropriation recommendation 2016
appropriation Budget estimate
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TITLE I--LEGISLATIVE BRANCH
SENATE
Expense allowances:
Vice President................................................. 19 19 19 ............... ...............
President Pro Tempore of the Senate............................ 38 38 38 ............... ...............
Majority Leader of the Senate.................................. 40 40 40 ............... ...............
Minority Leader of the Senate.................................. 40 40 40 ............... ...............
Majority Whip of the Senate.................................... 10 10 10 ............... ...............
Minority Whip of the Senate.................................... 10 10 10 ............... ...............
Chairman of the Majority Conference Committee.................. 5 5 5 ............... ...............
Chairman of the Minority Conference Committee.................. 5 5 5 ............... ...............
Chairman of the Majority Policy Committee...................... 5 5 5 ............... ...............
Chairman of the Minority Policy Committee...................... 5 5 5 ............... ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, expense allowances................................. 177 177 177 ............... ...............
Representation Allowances for the Majority and Minority Leaders.... 28 28 28 ............... ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Expense allowances and representation................. 205 205 205 ............... ...............
====================================================================================
Salaries, Officers and Employees
Office of the Vice President....................................... 2,417 2,474 2,417 ............... -57
Office of the President Pro Tempore................................ 723 741 723 ............... -18
Offices of the Majority and Minority Leaders....................... 5,256 5,378 5,256 ............... -122
Offices of the Majority and Minority Whips......................... 3,359 3,439 3,359 ............... -80
Committee on Appropriations........................................ 15,142 15,142 15,142 ............... ...............
Conference committees.............................................. 3,316 3,396 3,316 ............... -80
Offices of the Secretaries of the Conference of the Majority and 817 839 817 ............... -22
the Conference of the Minority....................................
Policy committees.................................................. 3,386 3,466 3,386 ............... -80
Office of the Chaplain............................................. 437 448 437 ............... -11
Office of the Secretary............................................ 24,772 25,339 24,772 ............... -567
Office of the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper...................... 69,000 72,500 70,900 +1,900 -1,600
Offices of the Secretaries for the Majority and Minority........... 1,762 1,804 1,762 ............... -42
Agency contributions and related expenses.......................... 48,797 51,294 50,000 +1,203 -1,294
Outlays............................................................ ............... ............... ............... ............... ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Salaries, officers and employees...................... 179,184 186,260 182,287 +3,103 -3,973
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Office of the Legislative Counsel of the Senate
Salaries and expenses.............................................. 5,409 5,842 5,809 +400 -33
Office of Senate Legal Counsel
Salaries and expenses.............................................. 1,120 1,144 1,120 ............... -24
Expense Allowances of the Secretary of the Senate, Sergeant at Arms 28 28 28 ............... ...............
and Doorkeeper of the Senate, and Secretaries for the Majority and
Minority of the Senate: Expense allowances........................
Contingent Expenses of the Senate
Inquiries and investigations....................................... 133,265 135,799 133,265 ............... -2,534
Expenses of United States Senate Caucus on International Narcotics 508 520 508 ............... -12
Control...........................................................
Secretary of the Senate............................................ 8,750 10,250 10,250 +1,500 ...............
Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate...................... 130,000 128,535 126,535 -3,465 -2,000
Miscellaneous items................................................ 21,390 20,870 20,870 -520 ...............
Senators' Official Personnel and Office Expense Account............ 390,000 445,933 390,000 ............... ...............
Official Mail Costs
Expenses........................................................... 300 300 300 ............... ...............
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Total, Contingent expenses of the Senate..................... 684,213 742,207 681,728 -2,485 -60,479
====================================================================================
Total, Senate................................................ 870,159 935,686 871,177 +1,018 -64,509
====================================================================================
JOINT ITEMS
Joint Economic Committee........................................... 4,203 4,203 4,203 ............... ...............
Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies of 2017...... 1,250 ............... ............... -1,250 ...............
Joint Committee on Taxation........................................ 10,095 11,540 10,095 ............... -1,445
Office of the Attending Physician
Medical supplies, equipment, expenses, and allowances.............. 3,784 3,838 3,784 ............... -54
Office of Congressional Accessibility Services..................... 1,400 1,429 1,400 ............... -29
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Total, Joint items........................................... 20,732 21,010 19,482 -1,250 -1,528
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CAPITOL POLICE
Salaries........................................................... 309,000 333,128 320,000 +11,000 -13,128
General expenses................................................... 66,000 76,460 67,000 +1,000 -9,460
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Total, Capitol Police........................................ 375,000 409,588 387,000 +12,000 -22,588
====================================================================================
OFFICE OF COMPLIANCE
Salaries and expenses.............................................. 3,959 4,315 3,959 ............... -356
CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE
Salaries and expenses.............................................. 46,500 47,637 46,500 ............... -1,137
ARCHITECT OF THE CAPITOL [AOC]
Capital Construction and Operations................................ 91,589 103,650 92,957 +1,368 -10,693
Capitol building................................................... 46,737 44,010 33,082 -13,655 -10,928
Capitol grounds.................................................... 11,880 13,083 11,712 -168 -1,371
Senate office buildings............................................ 84,221 88,406 88,406 +4,185 ...............
Capitol Power Plant................................................ 103,722 114,765 95,646 -8,076 -19,119
Offsetting collections......................................... -9,000 -9,000 -9,000 ............... ...............
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Subtotal, Capitol Power Plant................................ 94,722 105,765 86,646 -8,076 -19,119
Library buildings and grounds...................................... 40,689 65,959 42,179 +1,490 -23,780
Capitol police buildings, grounds, and security.................... 25,434 37,513 29,649 +4,215 -7,864
Botanic Garden..................................................... 12,113 15,081 14,067 +1,954 -1,014
Capitol Visitor Center............................................. 20,557 21,306 20,557 ............... -749
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Total, Architect of the Capitol.............................. 427,942 494,773 419,255 -8,687 -75,518
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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
Salaries and expenses.............................................. 425,971 479,235 434,934 +8,963 -44,301
Authority to spend receipts.................................... -6,350 -6,350 -6,350 ............... ...............
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Subtotal, Salaries and expenses.............................. 419,621 472,885 428,584 +8,963 -44,301
Copyright Office, Salaries and expenses............................ 58,875 74,026 68,825 +9,950 -5,201
Authority to spend receipts.................................... -35,777 -39,548 -39,548 -3,771 ...............
Prior year unobligated balances................................ ............... -6,147 -6,147 -6,147 ...............
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Subtotal, Copyright Office................................... 23,098 28,331 23,130 +32 -5,201
Congressional Research Service, Salaries and expenses.............. 106,945 114,408 106,945 ............... -7,463
Books for the blind and physically handicapped, Salaries and 50,248 51,591 50,248 ............... -1,343
expenses..........................................................
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Total, Library of Congress................................... 599,912 667,215 608,907 +8,995 -58,308
====================================================================================
GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE
Congressional publishing........................................... 79,736 79,736 79,736 ............... ...............
Public Information Programs of the Superintendent of Documents, 30,500 29,500 29,500 -1,000 ...............
Salaries and expenses.............................................
Government Publishing Office Business Operations Revolving Fund.... 6,832 7,832 7,832 +1,000 ...............
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Total, Government Publishing Office.......................... 117,068 117,068 117,068 ............... ...............
====================================================================================
GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE
Salaries and expenses.............................................. 556,450 591,175 565,756 +9,306 -25,419
Offsetting collections......................................... -25,450 -23,350 -23,350 +2,100 ...............
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Total, Government Accountability Office...................... 531,000 567,825 542,406 +11,406 -25,419
====================================================================================
OPEN WORLD LEADERSHIP CENTER TRUST FUND
Payment to the Open World Leadership Center [OWLC] Trust Fund...... 5,600 5,800 5,600 ............... -200
JOHN C. STENNIS CENTER FOR PUBLIC SERVICE TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT
Stennis Center for Public Service.................................. 430 430 430 ............... ...............
GENERAL PROVISIONS
AOC Working Capital Fund........................................... ............... 1,000 ............... ............... -1,000
Rates of compensation and designation (Sec. 203)................... -1,000 ............... -1,000 ............... -1,000
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Total, General Provisions.................................... -1,000 1,000 -1,000 ............... -2,000
====================================================================================
Grand total.................................................. 2,997,302 3,272,347 3,020,784 +23,482 -251,563
====================================================================================
RECAPITULATION
Senate............................................................. 870,159 935,686 871,177 +1,018 -64,509
Joint Items........................................................ 20,732 21,010 19,482 -1,250 -1,528
Capitol Police..................................................... 375,000 409,588 387,000 +12,000 -22,588
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........................................... 427,942 494,773 419,255 -8,687 -75,518
Library of Congress................................................ 599,912 667,215 608,907 +8,995 -58,308
Government Publishing Office....................................... 117,068 117,068 117,068 ............... ...............
Government Accountability Office................................... 531,000 567,825 542,406 +11,406 -25,419
Open World Leadership Center....................................... 5,600 5,800 5,600 ............... -200
Stennis Center for Public Service.................................. 430 430 430 ............... ...............
General Provisions................................................. -1,000 1,000 -1,000 ............... -2,000
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Grand total.................................................. 2,997,302 3,272,347 3,020,784 +23,482 -251,563
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