[House Report 117-389]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
117th Congress } { Report
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
2d Session } { 117-389
======================================================================
LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS BILL, 2023
_______
June 24, 2022.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the
State of the Union and ordered to be printed
_______
Mr. Ryan, from the Committee on Appropriations,
submitted the following
R E P O R T
together with
MINORITY VIEWS
[To accompany H.R. 8237]
The Committee on Appropriations submits the following
report in explanation of the accompanying bill making
appropriations for the Legislative Branch for the fiscal year
ending September 30, 2023, and for other purposes.
INDEX TO BILL AND REPORT
Page Number
Bill Report
Highlights of the Bill..................................... .... 2
Title I--Legislative Branch Appropriations................. 2 8
House of Representatives........................... 2 8
Joint Items:
Joint Economic Committee................... 14 19
Committee on Taxation...................... 14 20
Office of the Attending Physician.......... 15 20
Office of Congressional Accessibility
Services............................... 16 21
Capitol Police..................................... 16 21
Office of Congressional Workplace Rights........... 20 25
Congressional Budget Office........................ 21 26
Architect of the Capitol (except Senate Office
Buildings)..................................... 22 26
Library of Congress................................ 26 35
Government Publishing Office....................... 31 40
Government Accountability Office................... 36 41
Congressional Office for International Leadership
Fund........................................... 37 44
John C. Stennis Center for Public Service Training
and Development................................ 38 44
Title II--General Provisions............................... 38 44
Bill-wide Reporting Requirements........................... .... 45
Minority Views............................................. .... 89
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE BILL
The Committee recommendation for fiscal year 2023 for the
activities under the jurisdiction of the Subcommittee on
Legislative Branch totals $5,702,740,000, which is $954,609,574
(20.1 percent) more than the comparable amount for fiscal year
2022 in new non-emergency discretionary budget authority,
excluding funds for the Senate and Senate office buildings.
These appropriations support the operations of the House of
Representatives, the care and preservation of the historic
buildings in which Congress works, and agencies that provide
research and analysis to assist the legislative process. They
also support other institutions such as the Library of
Congress, one of the leading repositories of knowledge and
culture in the world, as well as the Government Publishing
Office.
In keeping with longstanding practice under which each
chamber of Congress determines its housekeeping requirements
and the other concurs without intervention, the bill does not
include funds for the Senate or Senate office buildings.
Similarly, the Senate will consider a Legislative Branch
appropriations bill that addresses Senate but not House
funding.
The bill provides funding increases to support the staffing
and other resources needed to help Congress do its job well,
maintain and build analytical capacity to support lawmaking and
oversight, and address high priority needs in areas such as
information technology (IT) and security.
Legislative Branch Wide Matters
RESULTS, OVERSIGHT, TRANSPARENCY, AND ACCOUNTABILITY
The Committee on Appropriations of the House (hereinafter
``the Committee'') recognizes that effective programs,
projects, and activities must set transparent goals and measure
progress toward those goals in tangible ways. Data-driven
results should be the yardstick for measuring success.
The recommendation continues to prioritize the proper
management of taxpayer dollars, including strong internal
controls, reduced inefficiency, ineffectiveness, and waste,
fraud, or abuse, and a focus on results, and customer service
for all agencies under the jurisdiction of this Act. The
Committee continues its focus on reducing unnecessary
expenditures and expects the agencies funded by this Act to
identify cost savings and efficiencies where possible.
Performance Measures and Customer Service
The Committee believes that development of organizational
priority goals and outcomes, such as performance outcome
measures, output measures, and efficiency measures, is
important for all agencies funded under this bill. The
Committee also notes the importance of implementing proper
customer service standards for agencies that provide direct
services to the public. Development of these service standards
should include identifying and surveying target customers and
measuring internal performance against those standards. All
agencies across the Legislative Branch are directed to submit a
report to the Appropriations Committee on these efforts within
60 days of enactment of this Act.
In addition, the Committee understands that, as the largest
advertiser in the United States, the Federal government should
work to ensure fair access to its advertising contracts for
small, disadvantaged businesses and businesses owned by
minorities and women. The Committee directs each agency under
the jurisdiction of this Act to include the following
information in its fiscal year 2024 budget justification:
expenditures for fiscal year 2022 and expected expenditures for
fiscal year 2023, respectively, for (1) all contracts for
advertising services; and (2) contracts for the advertising
services of (a) socially and economically disadvantaged small
business concerns (as defined in section 8(a)(4) of the Small
Business Act (15 U.S.C. 637(a)(4)); and (b) women- and
minority-owned businesses disaggregated by race and gender.
Contracting Opportunities for Minority-Owned Businesses
The Committee urges all agencies across the Legislative
Branch to explore opportunities to provide minority-owned
businesses increased access to vendor contracts.
Reprogramming, Notification, Consultation, and Reporting Requirements
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. The
Committee recommendation grants limited reprogramming
authorities to ensure that funds are devoted to the highest
priorities, particularly due to changes in circumstances. In
particular, agencies funded through this bill are required to
notify the Committee prior to any 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 full time equivalents
(FTE) or funds to create new organizational entities within the
agency or to restructure entities that already exist.
In addition, the Committee must be notified of
reprogramming actions that 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'
reports are affected.
Prior to initial obligation or reallocation of funds, all
Congressional reprogramming notifications shall, to the maximum
extent practicable, contain detailed information about the
sources of the funds and why such funds are no longer intended
to be used as previously justified.
The Committee emphasizes that all reports are required to
be completed in the timeframe noted in each respective
directive. Moreover, the Committee expects that the conditions
associated with funding appropriated by this Act shall be
accomplished in the manner as directed in the report,
consistent with Congressional intent.
Staffing Data in Budget Documents
The Committee continues to direct the Legislative Branch
agencies to include in their budget justifications data on FTE
levels that would be supported by the associated request or
enacted funding levels. The Committee also continues to direct
the Legislative Branch Financial Managers Council to coordinate
on a plan for aligning FTE levels with the Legislative Branch
agencies for consistency in reporting.
Zero Base Budgeting
While the Committee continues to direct all agencies of the
Legislative Branch to develop budget requests from a zero-base,
the Committee is concerned that the zero-based budget documents
lack sufficient detail for making funding decisions. The
Committee believes that there is room for improvement and
directs House agencies to work with the Committee to ensure
budget documents contain the necessary information for
meaningful savings.
Federal Law Enforcement
The explanatory statement that accompanied the Commerce,
Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2022
directed the Attorney General to ensure implementation of
evidence-based training programs on de-escalation, the use-of
force, and the protection of civil rights, that are broadly
applicable and scalable to all Federal law enforcement
agencies. Several agencies funded by this Act employ Federal
law enforcement officers and are Federal Law Enforcement
Training Centers partner organizations. These agencies are
again directed to consult with the Attorney General regarding
the implementation of these programs for their law enforcement
officers. The Committee further directs such agencies to submit
a report to the Committee on their efforts relating to such
implementation not later than 90 days after consultation with
the Attorney General. In addition, the Committee continues to
direct such agencies to the extent that they are not already
participating, to consult with the Attorney General and the
Director of the FBI regarding participation in the National
Use-of-Force Data Collection. The Committee further directs
such agencies to submit a report to the Committee not later
than 180 days after enactment of this Act on their efforts to
so participate.
Childcare Access
Providing access to quality, affordable childcare is
critical for retaining staff and advancing women in the
workplace, who are still disproportionately primary caregivers.
The Committee strongly supports further investments to further
reduce the waitlist, expand admissions, and ensure quality care
at Capitol Complex childcare centers. With the goal of gaining
a more comprehensive understanding of the current state of
childcare supports offered to employees across the Legislative
Branch, the Committee directs the Chief Administrative Officer
(CAO), the Comptroller General of the Government Accountability
Office (GAO), and the Librarian of Congress to consult with the
Committee and issue a report to the Committee within 120 days
of the posting of this report evaluating the current state of
childcare for their employees.
Congressional Requirements for Legislative Branch Cyber and Physical
Data Security
The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022, Public Law 117-
103, directed all legislative agencies to protect their
Information Technology (IT) infrastructure and ensure secure
data storage to maintain continuity of government operations in
case of cyberattack. Consistent with the Act, the Committee
directs all agencies to submit quarterly status reports on
their progress to 1) physically migrate data out of
noncompliant data facilities to compliant data facilities, and
2) accomplish complementary, additional migration to cloud
services. Detailed reports shall be transmitted to the
Committee by October 1, 2022, and build on the agency action
plans for a resilient data infrastructure that were required of
all legislative branch agencies by the Consolidated
Appropriations Act, 2022.
Workforce Development
Congressional support staff are critical in fulfilling many
roles to ensure the institution runs smoothly, and many of the
staff are from underserved communities. Given the high stress
environment of Capitol Hill, career growth and personal
wellbeing are critical to a healthy workforce. Within 60 days
of enactment of this Act, the Committee directs the support
agencies of the Legislative Branch to provide a report on
workforce development programs that assist employees with
professional development.
Science and Technology Assistance for Congress
The Committee notes the interest among some Members during
the past several years in reinstituting the Office of
Technology Assessment (OTA), which ceased to exist after 1995.
In fiscal year 2019 the Committee instructed the National
Academy of Public Administration (NAPA) to conduct a study to
determine the best way to increase Congressional access to
needed in-depth analysis of fast-breaking technology
developments. The NAPA report, released in November 2019,
recommended strengthening the capacity of the GAO and
Congressional Research Service (CRS) in technology assessment
rather than restarting OTA. The Committee is pleased with both
CRS and the GAO's efforts to increase the depth and breadth of
their capacity to provide research and policy analysis on
current and emerging legislative issues related to science and
technology (S&T) and Federal uses and oversight of S&T.
As was stated in House Report 117-80, CRS is encouraged to
continue to hire additional staff for their specialized teams
working on science and technology issues expanding its capacity
and expertise to allow CRS to meet the growing need of Congress
for timely, complex, and multidisciplinary analysis of policy
issues related to these rapidly changing technologies, the
effects of the Federal government in oversight of such
technologies, and the effects of the Federal government S&T
policies across all sectors. CRS is also encouraged to increase
outreach efforts to make Members and congressional staff more
aware of the resources it provides related to S&T issues
Congress is examining.
Additionally, in 2019 the GAO established a Science,
Technology Assessment, and Analytics (STAA) team to better
address the evolving and time-sensitive needs of Congress. The
Committee encourages the GAO to continue to strengthen its STAA
S&T team and the Innovation Lab to increase the depth, breadth,
and diversity of knowledge available to meet congressional
needs.
As a result, the bill provides the full request for CRS and
GAO to strengthen S&T programs. The Committee will continue to
review the work of CRS and the GAO to see if other steps are
needed in the future.
Employment of DACA Recipients
The bill recommended by the Committee includes legislative
language permitting all the Legislative Branch agencies it
funds to employ ``Dreamers'', residents of the United States
brought to this country as children without proper immigration
status who hold employment authorization under the Deferred
Action for Childhood Arrivals (``DACA'') program.
Audit of Inspectors General Coverage
The Committee recognizes the tremendous value provided by
Inspectors General across the Legislative Branch. However,
further improvements in coordination and coverage offer the
potential for enhanced protection from fraud, waste, and abuse.
Therefore, the Committee directs the GAO, within 180 days of
enactment of this Act, to produce a report examining the
oversight coverage gaps of Legislative Branch Inspectors
General. The report shall identify offices and organizations
that are not covered by the existing Inspectors General,
overlapping jurisdiction, coordination challenges, and
recommendations around structures and best practices that can
enhance oversight within the Legislative Branch. In doing so,
the GAO is encouraged to consult with the Council of the
Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency and other
internal and external stakeholders with expertise around
Inspectors General.
Offensive Capitol Statuary
The bill includes language directing the Architect of the
Capitol (AOC) to remove the statues or busts in the United
States Capitol that represent figures who participated in the
Confederate Army or government, as well as the statues of white
supremacists Charles Aycock, John C. Calhoun, and James Paul
Clarke and the bust of Roger B. Taney. The Architect of the
Capitol is instructed to work with the States who contributed
Confederate statues to return them to the donor State. The
placement of statues in the Capitol commemorating men who tried
to overthrow the government of the United States or who were
white supremacists has been controversial for years and
offensive to many of the visitors who come to the Capitol each
year. The Committee believes their removal is long overdue.
House of Representatives Overview
As in previous years, three accounts together make up
three-quarters of the House of Representatives budget: Members'
Representational Allowances (MRA), Committee salaries and
expenses, and ``Government Contributions'' (which covers
payroll taxes and benefit costs for all House employees).
MRA: The Committee has taken steps to make up for an
effective cut of 21 percent over the last decade. In accordance
with the House Inspector General recommendation, the
recommendation provides a 4.6 percent increase to the clerk
hire portion of the MRA formula calculation.
House Interns: The Committee supports House interns and
recommends an increase to $46,800 per Member office, providing
the opportunity for interns to be offered a livable wage of $15
per hour, which is important, especially in a high-cost area
like Washington, D.C. The bill continues to support these
rewarding programs, and the Committee recommends $20,638,800
for the Member Office Intern Program, $586,000 for the
Leadership Office Intern Program, and $3,063,000 for the
Committee Intern Program. This is a total increase of
$6,125,306 over the fiscal year 2022 enacted level across all
intern programs.
House Intern Resource Office: The recommendation provides
$350,000 for the creation of a House Intern Resource Office
within the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). The House Intern
Resource Office shall promulgate best practices for intern
hiring; provide guidance, training, support, assistance to
interns regarding their work environment; connect with
personal, committee and leadership offices regarding the use of
funding rules and regulations for internships; reach out to
historically underrepresented communities to provide greater
internship opportunities; and gather demographic and other data
about interns (including stipends and wage rates) employed by
the House of Representatives in personal, committee, and
leadership offices and to make publicly available statistical
summaries and trends concerning that data.
Housing of U.S. House of Representatives Interns: Finding
short-term housing as an intern can be challenging. The
Committee directs the CAO House Intern Resource Office to
submit a report on the feasibility and potential impacts of a
needs-based subsidized intern housing program, such as the
subsidized housing provided for the Senate Page program, to
ensure the broadest pool of applicants for House internships.
This report should include any recommendations for legislative
proposals. Furthermore, the Committee directs the House Intern
Resource Office to explore the possibility of providing a list
of intern housing resources and report its findings to the
Committee no later than 180 days after enactment.
Member Cost of Living Adjustment: The bill continues to
include language (section 212) that blocks the cost-of-living
adjustment for Members of Congress for fiscal year 2023.
TITLE I--LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Appropriation, fiscal year 2022....................... $1,714,996,045
Budget request, fiscal year 2023...................... 1,829,474,384
Committee recommendation.............................. 1,868,785,000
Change from enacted level......................... +153,788,955
Change from request............................... +39,310,616
The Committee recommends $1,868,785,000, an increase of
$153,788,955 over the enacted level for salaries and expenses
of the House of Representatives. The Committee is aware of
concerns about the impact of inflation, the need to modernize
congressional operations, and to provide the appropriate levels
of security for Members and staff in order for the House to
effectively do its job of developing legislation to meet
national needs, providing oversight of government operations,
and assisting constituents in their dealings with government.
The bill's funding levels continue to support these issues.
Congressional Data Task Force: The Committee continues to
support the work of the Bulk Data Task Force and encourages it
to continue regular meetings. The Committee recognizes that the
Task Force's mission has expanded beyond increased
dissemination of congressional information via bulk data
download and encourages the Task Force to change its name to
the Congressional Data Task Force to better reflect its current
and future work.
House Leadership Offices
Appropriation, fiscal year 2022....................... $34,949,640
Budget request, fiscal year 2023...................... 34,949,640
Committee recommendation.............................. 36,560,000
Change from enacted level......................... +1,610,360
Change from request............................... +1,610,360
The Committee recommends $36,560,000 for salaries and
expenses of staff in House Leadership offices.
The allocation by office follows:
Office of the Speaker................................. $10,499,000
Office of the Majority Floor Leader................... $3,730,000
Office of the Majority Whip........................... $3,099,000
Democratic Caucus..................................... $2,962,000
Office of the Minority Floor Leader................... $10,499,000
Office of the Minority Whip........................... $2,809,000
Republican Conference................................. $2,962,000
Members' Representational Allowances
Appropriation, fiscal year 2022....................... $774,400,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2023...................... 813,120,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 810,000,000
Change from enacted level......................... +35,600,000
Change from request............................... -3,120,000
The Committee recommends $810,000,000 for the MRA in fiscal
year 2023, $35,600,000 more than in the prior year. The
recommendation increases the Clerk-Hire portion (only) of the
MRA formula by 4.6 percent to $1,040,426 from $994,671.
Allowance for Compensation of Interns in Member Offices
Appropriation, fiscal year 2022....................... $15,435,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2023...................... 15,435,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 20,638,800
Change from enacted level......................... +5,203,800
Change from request............................... +5,203,800
The Committee recommends $20,638,800 for the compensation
of interns who serve in the offices of House Members,
Delegates, and the Resident Commissioner, an increase of
$5,203,800 more than the enacted level. This recommendation
increases the intern allowance cap to $46,800 per Member
office. This increase will provide offices the ability to
compensate their interns at a livable wage of $15 per hour.
Allowance for Compensation of Interns in House Leadership Offices
Appropriation, fiscal year 2022....................... $438,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2023...................... 438,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 586,000
Change from enacted level......................... +148,000
Change from request............................... +148,000
The Committee recommends $586,000 for the compensation of
interns who serve in the offices of House Leadership. This
recommendation includes $322,300 for the compensation of
interns who serve in House Leadership offices of the majority,
to be allocated among such offices by the Speaker of the House,
and $263,700 for the compensation of interns who serve in House
Leadership offices of the minority, to be allocated among such
offices by the Minority Floor Leader.
Allowance for Compensation of Interns in House Standing, Special and
Select Committee Offices
Appropriation, fiscal year 2022....................... $1,943,910
Budget request, fiscal year 2023...................... 1,943,910
Committee recommendation.............................. 2,600,000
Change from enacted level......................... +656,090
Change from request............................... +656,090
The Committee recommends $2,600,000 for the compensation of
interns who serve in the offices of House Standing, Special and
Select Committees. This recommendation includes $1,300,000 for
the compensation of interns who serve in Committee offices of
the majority, and $1,300,000 for the compensation of interns
who serve in Committee offices of the minority, to be allocated
among such offices by the Chair, in consultation with the
Ranking Minority Member, of the Committee on House
Administration.
Allowance for Compensation of Interns in House Appropriations Committee
Offices
Appropriation, fiscal year 2022....................... $345,584
Budget request, fiscal year 2023...................... 345,584
Committee recommendation.............................. 463,000
Change from enacted level......................... +117,416
Change from request............................... +117,416
The Committee recommends $463,000 for the compensation of
interns who serve in the offices of the House Appropriations
Committee. This recommendation includes $231,500 for the
compensation of interns who serve in Committee offices of the
majority, and $231,500 for the compensation of interns who
serve in Committee offices of the minority, to be allocated by
the Chair, in consultation with the Ranking Minority Member, of
the Committee on Appropriations.
Committee Employees
Appropriation, fiscal year 2022....................... $197,018,250
Budget request, fiscal year 2023...................... 211,920,250
Committee recommendation.............................. 220,265,000
Change from enacted level......................... +23,246,750
Change from request............................... +8,344,750
The Committee recommends $220,265,000 in total for
Committee Employees, a $23,246,750 increase above the enacted
level.
The Committee recommends $183,171,000 for standing and
select Committees. The total also includes $31,294,000 for the
Committee on Appropriations and $5,800,000 for hearing room
renovations. This account includes funding for salaries and
expenses of Committees, including equipment,
telecommunications, printing, contract services, and supplies.
Funding is available until December 31, 2024.
Salaries, Officers and Employees
Appropriation, fiscal year 2022....................... $288,480,800
Budget request, fiscal year 2023...................... 322,707,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 323,557,000
Change from enacted level......................... +35,076,200
Change from request............................... +850,000
The Committee recommends $323,557,000, which is $35,076,200
more than the enacted level for the salaries and expenses of
House officers and employees of the various activities funded
through this consolidated item.
House Officers and Support Agencies: The Committee
recommended bill provides for the salaries and expenses of
House officers and employees, including the offices of the
Clerk of the House, Sergeant at Arms, Chief Administrative
Officer, Parliamentarian, Legislative Counsel, the Office of
Diversity and Inclusion, and the Whistleblower Ombuds, among
others.
Following is a summary of the funding allocation provided
to each component of the account:
Office of the Clerk................................... $40,827,000
The Committee recommends $40,827,000 for the salaries and
expenses of the Office of the Clerk, an increase of $4,327,000
over the fiscal year 2022 enacted total and $500,000 above the
fiscal year 2023 request.
Comparative Print Project: Currently in phase 4 of a multi-
year project, the Comparative Print Suite is available to 190
individuals from 19 committees, including Select and Special
committees, the House offices of Legislative Counsel and Law
Revision Counsel, as well as other stakeholders in the
Legislative Branch to include the Joint Committee on Taxation,
the Library of Congress Congressional Research Service, and the
Congressional Budget Office. This recommendation provides the
full request for fiscal year 2023.
Electronic House Functions: The Committee commends the
Clerk of the House for taking action to make Office of the
Clerk functions electronic. For example, the official
reporters' extensions of remarks and general leave statements
are electronic. For legislative operations, Members can now
introduce legislation electronically, add cosponsors, as well
as provide constitutional authority statements. The Committee
applauds the Clerk's forward thinking on these matters and
encourages the Clerk to continue to develop more electronic
systems for House processes. The Committee encourages the
Clerk, in consultation with other offices as may be necessary,
to explore ways to further modernize the co-sponsorship process
and allow offices to submit co-sponsorship information as
structured data.
Lobbyist Disclosure Unique Identifier: The Committee is
aware of ongoing efforts by the Office of the Clerk to generate
a Congress-wide unique identifier for lobbyists and disclose
that identifier to the public as structured data as part of the
lobbying disclosure downloads. The Committee agrees with the
Clerk's recommendation that a complete overhaul of the aging
system is required, and the recommendation includes $1,400,000
for the project.
Member Office Closures: The Committee directs the Clerk to
report on current processes for the closure of a Member's
personal office in the event of a Member's death or departure
midterm; what considerations are made for the care, employment,
and direction of Member office staff in the event of such
departure; and what future concerns should be considered by the
full House with respect to office operations of departed
Members.
Resources for Hiring Returning Citizens: The Committee
recognizes that in the United States, a criminal record is
often a major barrier to finding employment. This hardship can
lead to collateral consequences that can make reentry into
civilian life extremely difficult for those who have been
incarcerated. Therefore, the Committee encourages the Office of
House Employment Counsel (OHEC) to review current model
policies in light of new legislation and report back to the
Committee on policy language to assist House offices in the
hiring and retention of justice-impacted individuals.
Office of the Sergeant at Arms........................ $38,793,000
The Committee recommends $38,793,000 for the salaries and
expenses of the Office of the Sergeant at Arms (SAA). This
represents an increase of $11,098,000 over the fiscal year 2022
enacted total and is equal to the fiscal year 2023 request.
Gunshot Detection Systems: The Committee encourages the
SAA, the United States Capitol Police and the Architect of the
Capitol to continue researching the viability of installing an
automated gunshot detection system throughout the United States
Capitol Complex as a part of the larger Campus wide security
enhancement project. The Committee looks forward to the
recommendations upon completion of the review in December 2022.
Improved Ballistic Protection: Existing ballistic shield
protection is heavy, cumbersome and not conveniently portable.
The Committee is aware of recent improvements in ballistic
shield protection. To help ensure the safety and protection of
Members and staff, the Committee directs the SAA to test and
evaluate new shield technology to determine advantages over
existing design, verify protective capabilities and report to
the Committee within 90 days of the enactment of this Act.
Interoperability and Personal Protection for Members of
Congress: The Committee commends the SAA for engaging with the
Capitol Police, Architect of the Capitol and other appropriate
entities on the efforts to pilot a program that will seek to
understand the feasibility of acquiring and deploying a rapid
alert system to expand the security umbrella and personal
protection communications for Members of Congress. The
Committee supports the continued deployment of such technology,
expansion of personal protection devices for Members while off
the Capitol Grounds, and in their Congressional District,
commensurate with the December 2018 report detailing the
Department's plans to enhance off-campus Member security in the
National Capital Region. Furthermore, the Committee directs the
SAA to provide an implementation plan for using this technology
not later than 60 days after the filing of this report.
Office of the Chief Administrative Officer............ $211,572,000
The Committee recommends $211,572,000 for the salaries and
expenses of the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer
(CAO). This represents an increase of $18,384,200 over the
fiscal year 2022 enacted total and is $350,000 over the
request.
Food Alternatives: The Committee recognizes the importance
of providing nontraditional food alternatives to accommodate
Members of Congress, staff members, and Capitol visitors with
dietary restrictions. Within 120 days after the enactment of
this Act, the CAO is directed to update the Committee on
additional alternative proteins choices that will be offered to
consumers in all House dining facilities.
Capitol Switchboard: The Committee is concerned about the
limitations of the House telephone system and Capitol Police's
inability to trace threatening calls that come into Member
offices through the Capitol switchboard. The Committee directs
the Chief Administrative Officer, in conjunction with House
Sergeant at Arms, to conduct a study on the Capitol switchboard
and telephone system in the U.S. House of Representatives and
provide a report within 90 days of enactment of this Act. The
report should identify the current House telephone system's
technical limitations and security risks, and make detailed
recommendations for improving or replacing the current system,
including timelines and cost estimates associated with
replacing or upgrading the current system.
Extension of Staff Benefits: The Committee commends the CAO
Task Force on a Diverse and Talented House Workforce for
providing the House Staff Benefits and Retention Study. The
Committee directs the Task Force to fully research and develop
the following employee benefit programs for House staff: (1)
Reimbursing staff for the costs of adoption or fertility
treatment not covered by insurance; (2) Providing child-care
subsidies for staffers who do not use the House daycare; (3)
Offering staff access to a tax-advantaged college-savings
benefit; (4) Enabling staff of offices that are closing down
operations to stay on the House payroll for 60 additional days
past the date of office closure, a benefit the Senate already
extends to its workforce. The Committee directs that within 120
days after the official posting of this report, the task force
shall present ``ready to implement'' employee benefit program
options as outlined above and associated costs to House
Leadership, the House Committee on Appropriations and the
Committee on House Administration. Implementation of these
programs is subject to the approval of the Committee on
Appropriations and regulations set forth by the Committee on
House Administration.
Childcare: The Committee recognizes that childcare costs
are a major hardship for families across the nation and helping
to cover those costs can be a major incentive to recruiting and
retaining employees, including those of the House of
Representatives. The Committee thanks the CAO's Task Force on a
Diverse and Talented House Workforce for its study on potential
staff benefits and efforts to retain staff including childcare
stipends, subsidies, or other benefits related to childcare.
The Committee looks forward to continuing discussions with the
Task Force and its stakeholders to identify the best options to
pursue for House staff regarding childcare access. The CAO
shall provide a report to the Appropriations Committee and the
Committee on House Administration within 120 days of the
posting of this report that examines the feasibility of
providing a childcare stipend to House staff with children. The
report should examine and make recommendations on (1) how many
staff might qualify to receive such a benefit, (2) an
appropriate age range for a child to be eligible, (3) the
appropriate level of benefit to provide, (4) costs of
administration, and (5) how best to structure the benefit. As
part of this report, the CAO should conduct a survey of current
House employees on their challenges accessing affordable
childcare, both within the House of Representatives Child Care
Center and in external childcare settings. This survey shall
include efforts to determine the percentage of household income
spent on childcare among house employees, whether childcare
costs are or would be a barrier to remaining as an employee
with the House, and what efforts to defray those costs might be
effective as a retention tool.
Congressional Staff Academy: The Committee encourages the
House CAO to offer courses through the Congressional Staff
Academy and the new Congressional Member Leadership Development
Program that will promote civility, collaboration and
leadership skills. Suggested topics for training include but
are not limited to (1) best practices for facilitating forums
that bring constituents with opposing views together to promote
dialogue and understanding, (2) fostering bipartisan
collaboration as a chair and/or ranking member, (3)
perspectives on social media distortions (4) leadership
development including legislative effectiveness, and (5)
conflict resolution.
In addition, the Committee recognizes the critical role
that senior-level staff play in recruiting, hiring, retaining a
diverse workforce and ensuring that congressional offices are
safe and professional work environments in which diverse talent
can succeed. However, current training requirements for senior-
level staff may not fully equip them with the skills,
knowledge, and resources necessary to fulfill this
responsibility. Therefore, the Committee directs the CAO to
conduct an assessment of unmet training needs for senior-level
congressional staff and to report to the Committee on the
results of this assessment no later than 120 days after the
official posting of this report.
Office of Employee Assistance (OEA): The Committee remains
concerned with the rising prevalence of substance use disorders
and the difficulties they present for those in recovery when
reentering the workforce. Therefore, the Committee encourages
the OEA to develop programming and to prioritize access to
services for House employees in recovery from substance use
disorders.
Food Services: The Committee is troubled by reports of
understaffing and possible mistreatment of cafeteria employees.
Within 90 days of the enactment of this legislation, the
Committee requests a report on the performance of the vendor
with respect to the underlying terms of the contract, the
staffing level and treatment of food service staff, and ways in
which any identified deficiencies will be resolved.
Emergency Care: The House Wellness Center has an agreement
with a work life services provider to support House staff with
technical assistance for financial planning, legal aid, and
child and elder care. This service is an important mechanism to
help promote staff retention for employees facing everyday life
challenges. The Committee supports the ongoing offering of
backup care, which provides staff with temporary, alternative
coverage for a dependent when primary coverage falters.
Mental Health Resources: The Committee expresses concern
with the availability of mental health resources for all staff
including custodial staffs and other contractors who work in
the Capitol Complex. The Committee directs the CAO and the AOC
to ensure mental health services are available to support the
diverse needs of all staff and conduct an awareness campaign
advertising these services for all those who work in the
Capitol Complex within 30 days of the enactment of this Act.
Translation Services: Of the funds provided, the
recommendation includes $500,000 for expenses pertaining to the
translation of official, communication material on behalf of
constituents with Limited English Proficiency.
Office of Translation Services: The Committee recognizes
that language barriers prevent Member offices from adequately
communicating vital information with constituents with limited
English proficiency. As such, the Committee directs the CAO, in
coordination with the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, to
submit a report within 60 days of enactment of this Act on the
resources necessary to establish an Office of Translation
Services to assist Members of Congress with translating
official materials into additional languages. The report should
include the top 20 languages based on the most recent Census,
staff required, and expected turnaround time to fulfill
requests.
Supporting Caregivers in the Workplace: The Committee
recognizes the importance of supporting Members and staff who
balance family caregiving duties alongside their official work
duties. The Committee directs OEA to develop programming that
supports the needs of Members and staff who are caregivers and
to conduct an awareness campaign on the emotional and technical
assistance available for the purpose of supporting the needs of
caregivers within the House community.
House Wellness Center: As directed in House Report 117-80,
the Committee urges continued support for the comprehensive
wellness program created to support and empower House staff
with resources to navigate the fast pace of working on Capitol
Hill while maintaining a healthy life. The Committee encourages
the House Wellness Program, in coordination with the Office of
Employee Assistance, to gather statistics on the short-term and
long-term effects on House staff that regularly utilize the
program offerings.
In addition, the House Wellness Center and the Office of
Employee Assistance are directed to provide the Committee with
advance notice on all external contracts no later than 30 days
in advance of a contract taking effect.
Staff Technology Point of Contact: The Committee
understands the needs of Members and staff for sufficient
support when it comes to technological questions and needs. The
Committee commends CAO for their efforts to provide Members and
staff with resources through the customer advocate program and
encourages the CAO to communicate and advertise the various
options available for Members and staff in regard to technical
support.
House Information Websites: The Committee directs House
Information Resources, in coordination with the Library of
Congress and relevant stakeholders, to submit a report, no
later than 180 days after enactment of this Act, on the
feasibility and cost of (1) centralizing House information
websites on one platform; (2) improving user accessibility for
people with disability and non-English speakers; (3) developing
educational resources for the public on how to find
congressional information; and (4) improving the current user
interface.
Cloud Technologies: The CAO is encouraged to continue to
investigate and pilot various cloud service options that will
provide House offices with greater accessibility to their
files, enhanced collaboration tools, and more storage. The
Committee supports standardizing cloud services to strengthen
the House's security posture and provide Member offices
additional support and cost savings.
Digital Workspace Technologies: The Committee recognizes
that the use of digital workspace technologies in Member
offices can increase user productivity, enhance cybersecurity,
and allow workforce flexibility for both Congressional staff
and Members of Congress. The Committee continues to encourage
the exploration of multi-factor authentication solutions to
strengthen the cybersecurity posture of all legislative
offices, including strategies and programs that reduce the
total life cycle costs of traditional legacy workspace
infrastructure.
Office of Employee Advocacy: Workplace harassment and
discrimination are an abuse of power and perpetrators must be
held accountable to promote a safe and dignified work
environment. While there is more work to be done, Congress took
positive action by overhauling its reporting and dispute
resolution process, requiring regular and anonymous climate
surveys and anti-harassment training, and mandating annual
reporting to Congress. Another positive step was establishing
the Office of Employee Advocacy. To continue support of this
office, the Committee recommends $1,541,000 for the Office to
cover full-time employees, staff travel to district offices to
litigate cases if necessary, and contractor support for court
reporters to transcribe hearings and depositions.
Office of Diversity and Inclusion..................... $3,000,000
The Committee strongly supports the Office of Diversity and
Inclusion (ODI). The recommendation provides $3,000,000 which
is equal to the fiscal year 2022 level.
Compensation and Diversity Study: The Committee appreciates
the effort to implement the first ever Congressional Staff
Salary report as requested in House Report 115-696. Given
existing realities of gender and racial pay gaps in America,
the Committee is concerned the data collected and findings
asserted in the salaries report, where the report details an
approximate 50 percent participation rate, insufficiently
captures the necessary bench-mark data to reach the primary
goal of the survey. The Committee directs ODI, in conjunction
with the CAO, to explore options to re-implement the House
Compensation and Diversity survey on a routine basis, and in a
manner that provides a robust accounting of the population,
exceeding prior year's sample sizes. These considerations could
include execution by in-house efforts, biannual application, or
other means to improve accuracy and increase survey
participation. The Committee requests a briefing from ODI to
update the Committee on the progress no later than 120 days
after enactment of this Act.
The Committee recognizes the need for reliable data on
Congressional staff diversity, including demographic
information about staff recruitment, hiring, retention, and
termination. The Committee encourages the Office of Diversity
and Inclusion to brief the Committee on any gaps in available
data that may hinder their development of a plan to improve
recruitment, hiring, and retention of diverse staff 120 days
after enactment of this Act.
Supervisory Training Development: The Committee directs ODI
to coordinate with the Congressional Staff Academy to develop
an ongoing curriculum for anti-racism and racial bias training
for managers and supervisors, which can be held quarterly. ODI
and the Congressional Staff Academy are directed to brief the
Committee on a bi-monthly basis on their efforts towards
creating such a curriculum, until such curriculum is developed.
Streamlining Transparency on Diversity in the House of
Representatives: The Committee continues to recognize and to
support the steps taken by the ODI to increase diversity on
Capitol Hill through surveys and comprehensive reports. The
Committee continues to support the streamlining of these
efforts by adding disaggregated demographic data collection to
the official onboarding process in the House of
Representatives. Congress looks forward to seeing the
implementation of this additional implementation of additional
questions to employee onboarding forms requested in House
Report 117-80.
Office of the Whistleblower Ombuds.................... $1,250,000
Congress plays a critical role in both learning from, and
protecting, whistleblowers. Additionally, its constitutionally
mandated oversight work very often relies on vital disclosures
from Federal workers and employees in the private sector. The
House of Representatives took an important step in helping
whistleblowers by creating the House Office of the
Whistleblower Ombuds in the 116th Congress. The Committee
continues to support the Office of the Whistleblower Ombuds and
recommends the requested amount of $1,250,000 in this bill.
Office of the Inspector General....................... $5,138,000
Office of General Counsel............................. $1,912,000
Office of the Parliamentarian......................... $2,184,000
Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the House....... $3,746,000
Office of the Legislative Counsel of the House........ $13,457,000
The Committee commends the Office of Legislative Counsel on
its strategic plan for increasing the capacity of the Office of
Legislative Counsel. The recommendation provides $13,547,000 an
increase of $832,000 over the fiscal year 2022 level to support
staff retention, technology improvements, and the general plan
for increasing the size, scope, and capacity of the entire
office.
Office of Interparliamentary Affairs.................. $934,000
Other authorized employees............................ $744,000
Allowances and Expenses
Appropriation, fiscal year 2022....................... $399,984,861
Budget request, fiscal year 2023...................... 426,615,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 444,115,200
Change from enacted level......................... +44,130,339
Change from request............................... +17,500,200
The Committee recommends a total of $444,115,200 for
allowances and expenses.
The following table summarizes the funding allocation
provided to each major component of the account:
Supplies, materials, administrative costs and Federal $1,555,000
tort claims..........................................
Official mail (Committees, administrative, and $190,000
leadership offices)..................................
Government Contributions.............................. $387,368,200
Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery............. $22,841,000
Transition Activities................................. $19,225,000
Green and Gold Congressional Aide Program (formerly $9,674,000
the Wounded Warrior Program).........................
Office of Congressional Ethics........................ $1,762,000
Miscellaneous items................................... $1,500,000
Government Contributions Actuarial Calculations: In
response to the Committee's concern that the Government
Contributions projections are becoming more complex due to
increased contributions, the House awarded a contract to an
actuarial contractor to assist with forecasting of the
Government Contributions account. As a result, personnel
benefits are now calculated based on historical data in a model
provided by the actuarial contractor. The requested increase in
Government Contributions will support an approximate 3.6
percent increase in personnel compensation (excluding Intern
Allowances) and an average increase of 6.8 percent across all
three categories of the Federal Employees Retirement System
(FERS). The largest increase is attributed to the FERS-Further
Revised Annuity Employees (FRAE) projection. The House Transit
Benefit projection is now based on the average of the two most
recent years of benefit expenditures. This method was chosen
because the historical benefit expenditure was consistent year
over year leading up to fiscal year 2020. However, the Public
Health Emergency and consequential telework have impacted usage
of this benefit category; and year over year spending dropped
in fiscal years 2020 and 2021 by 47 percent and 49 percent
respectively.
Reproductive Healthcare: The Committee recognizes the
importance of comprehensive health insurance for House
employees, including the coverage of comprehensive reproductive
medical care. The Committee encourages Congress to make
available health plans that cover reproductive medical care
that include infertility treatments and assisted reproduction
procedures. It is the Committee's goal to provide equal
treatment for all House employees who wish to make use of
assisted reproduction, without regard to gender, sexual
orientation, ability status, and marital status.
Green and Gold Congressional Aide Program (formerly the
Wounded Warrior Program): The Consolidated Appropriations Act,
2022 renamed the Wounded Warrior program as the Green and Gold
Congressional Aide Program. The program continues to be one of
the House's most popular initiatives. The purpose of the
program is to facilitate long-term employment with the House.
The Committee recommendation provides $9,674,000 an increase of
$380,000 above fiscal year 2022.
House of Representatives Modernization Initiatives Account
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriation, fiscal year 2022....................... $2,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2023...................... $2,000,000
Committee recommendation.............................. $10,000,000
Change from enacted level......................... +8,000,000
Change from request............................... +8,000,000
The Committee recommends a total of $10,000,000 for the
House of Representatives Modernization Initiatives Account
which is $8,000,000 over the fiscal year 2022 enacted level.
The Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress
(hereafter ``the Select Committee'') has proposed
recommendations to improve the way Congress works. The
Modernization Initiatives Account was created to help implement
these recommendations. The Committee believes that investing in
these recommendations will improve the efficiency and
effectiveness of the Legislative Branch so that it can better
serve the American people. The Committee reminds the CAO that
disbursement from this account is subject to approval of the
Committee.
The following projects should be funded from this account:
Collaborative Legislative Drafting: The ability to
streamline the workflow and better collaborate on proposed
legislative text between member, committee, and leadership
offices is of great importance to members and staff. Within 120
days after the posting of this report, the Clerk, the House
Office of Legislative Counsel (HOLC) and the CAO are directed
to provide a report to the Committee on Appropriations and the
Committee on House Administration on ways to leverage existing
enterprise-wide applications, as well as other tools and
solutions to better facilitate legislative drafting between
member, committee and leadership offices and the HOLC.
Congressional Staff Directory: The Committee is concerned
with the unavailability or insufficiency of currently-provided
congressional staff contact information. The absence of a
congressional staff directory that covers the House, Senate,
support offices, and support agencies makes it difficult for
congressional staff to identify relevant staff and connect with
them. The Committee endorses the creation of a shared staff
directory for Congress and congressional support agencies to
enhance the exchange of information and improve collaboration.
Within 180 days of enactment, of this Act the Office of the
Clerk and the CAO, in consultation with other relevant support
offices and agencies, are requested to provide to the Committee
a plan to create a centralized congressional staff directory
including associated costs. The directory should contain the
name, title, office, office phone number, email address, and
issue set for each employee. That information should be
filterable by data element, e.g., office, title, party, and
issue set. It should be continuously updated. The directory
should be available inside the congressional firewall and
provide a public-facing version with appropriate omissions for
certain fields.
Technology to Identify Areas of Common Interest: From the
funds available within this account, the CAO is encouraged to
develop and deploy new technology tools, to the extent
possible, to better enable Members and staff to identify policy
areas of common interest on which to collaborate.
Tools for Feedback: From the funds available within this
account, the CAO is encouraged to develop and provide tools, to
the extent possible, for committee leadership to receive Member
feedback on committee operations.
Bulk Purchasing: The Committee believes that fragmented and
duplicative contracts cause inefficiencies and unnecessary
costs for Member, Committee, and Leadership offices. The
Committee supports the use of government wide contracts and
General Services Administration (GSA) when practicable.
Document Standardization: The Committee remains supportive
of the Select Committee's recommendations to adopt standardized
formats for legislative documents and expedite the comparison
project.
Administrative Provisions
Section 110 continues to provide for unspent amounts
remaining in the Members' Representational Allowances account
to be used for deficit or debt reduction.
Section 111 continues to place a limitation on the amount
available to lease vehicles.
Section 112 continues to allow cybersecurity assistance for
the House of Representatives.
Section 113 establishes the House Intern Resource Office.
Section 114 expands the House Student Loan Repayment
program to include educational assistance and professional
development.
JOINT ITEMS
Joint Economic Committee
Appropriation, fiscal year 2022....................... $4,283,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2023...................... 4,283,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 4,283,000
Change from enacted level......................... 0
Change from request............................... 0
The Committee recommends $4,283,000 for the salaries and
expenses of the Joint Economic Committee.
The Joint Economic Committee was created by the Employment
Act of 1946. The primary tasks of the Committee are to review
economic conditions and to recommend improvements in economic
policy. The Committee performs research and economic analysis
and monitors and analyzes current economic, financial, and
employment conditions.
Joint Committee on Taxation
Appropriation, fiscal year 2022....................... $12,385,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2023...................... 12,876,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 12,876,000
Change from enacted level......................... +491,000
Change from request............................... 0
The Committee recommends $12,876,000 for the salaries and
expenses of the Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT).
The JCT operates under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
and its predecessors dating to the Revenue Act of 1926. It has
responsibility to (1) investigate the operation and effects of
internal revenue taxes and the administration of such taxes;
(2) investigate measures and methods for the simplification of
such taxes; (3) make reports to the House Committee on Ways and
Means and the Senate Committee on Finance (or to the House of
Representatives and the Senate) on the results of such
investigations and studies and to make recommendations; and (4)
review any proposed refund or credit of income or estate and
gift taxes or certain other taxes set forth in Code section
6405 in excess of $2,000,000 ($5,000,000 in the case of a C
corporation). In addition to these functions that are specified
in the Internal Revenue Code, the Congressional Budget Act of
1974 requires the JCT to provide revenue estimates for all tax
legislation considered by either the House or the Senate.
Office of the Attending Physician
Appropriation, fiscal year 2022....................... $4,063,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2023...................... 4,181,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 4,181,000
Change from enacted level......................... +118,000
Change from request............................... 0
The Committee recommends $4,181,000 for the Office of the
Attending Physician (OAP).
Life-Saving Training: The Committee notes that the OAP
currently offers optional life-saving training for House staff
on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and the Automated
External Defibrillator (AED). The Committee further notes that
overdose deaths from opioids continue to rise, and the Capitol
community is not immune to the epidemic. According to the CDC,
more than 80,000 Americans died from opioid overdoses in 2021.
The Committee further recognizes that opioid overdose reversal
medications have been highly effective at preventing overdose
deaths. The Committee recommends the OAP offer optional
naloxone training for House staff on the usage and
administration of opioid overdose reversal medications.
Office of Congressional Accessibility Services
Salaries and Expenses
Appropriation, fiscal year 2022....................... $1,606,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2023...................... 1,702,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 1,702,000
Change from enacted level......................... +96,000
Change from request............................... 0
The Committee recommends $1,702,000 for the operation of
the Office of Congressional Accessibility Services (OCAS).
The OCAS provides and coordinates a variety of
accessibility services for individuals with disabilities
including Members of Congress, staff, and visitors in the
United States Capitol Complex.
Improve Access to Information for Visitors and Staff with
Disabilities: The Office of Congressional Accessibility
Services in conjunction with the AOC should provide for
visitors and staff with disabilities access to information on
the standard security screening techniques they will encounter
upon entering the Capitol complex.
Website Accessibility Efforts: Persons with disabilities
should have full digital access to government digital
properties, especially those made available by Member offices,
including websites, applications, and electronic document
retrieval programs. Currently, not all digital properties
associated with the House of Representatives are accessible to
the disability community. OCAS, in conjunction with the
appropriate offices, is directed to provide the Committee with
a report on how digital access barriers may be removed within
60 days after the official posting of this report.
CAPITOL POLICE
Salaries
Appropriation, fiscal year 2022....................... $468,861,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2023...................... 522,280,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 522,280,000
Change from enacted level......................... +53,419,000
Change from request............................... 0
The Committee recommends $522,280,000 for the personnel
salaries, benefits, student loan repayment, and overtime
requirements, to include the cost of overtime necessary for
providing training. The recommendation will provide funding for
2,126 sworn and 567 civilians in fiscal year 2023. Since
January 6, 2021, the United States Capitol Police (USCP) has
lost 218 officers to attrition.
Enhanced Weapon Detection: The USCP, working with the AOC
and the Sergeant at Arms, is strongly encouraged to explore
enhanced weapons detection screening technologies to streamline
the screening process for entry into the Capitol Complex. The
Committee is aware of new technology that is able to easily
identify concealed threats. Within 180 days of enactment of
this Act, the USCP shall report back to the Committee on the
potential use of such technology around the Capitol Complex.
Local Law Enforcement Reimbursement: The Committee directs
the USCP to explore reimbursing local law enforcement
departments for the costs associated with Member protection
while in their districts and issue a report to the Committee
within 180 days of enactment of this Act examining
reimbursement costs compared to providing personal security
details for Members and options for enhancing security for
Members and staff working in their districts.
Motorized Devices: The Committee recognizes that new and
expanding micro mobility options in the District of Columbia
can offer alternatives to car travel. Dockless commercial
scooters, or escooters, and other motorized devices for rent
have grown as a commuting option for Congressional staffers,
tourists, and other visitors to the District and Capitol
Grounds. However, pursuant to the Traffic Regulations for the
United States Capitol Grounds, commercial dockless scooters are
prohibited on Capitol Grounds. The Committee notes that an
agreement was reached to modify the 2021 Terms and Conditions
established by the District of Columbia Department of
Transportation (DDOT) for commercial dockless scooter vendors
and these Terms and Conditions now require commercial dockless
scooter vendors to install geofencing on their vehicles to
ensure that commercial dockless scooters do not enter onto
Capitol Grounds consistent with Traffic Regulations for the
United States Capitol Grounds prohibitions. The Committee
expects the USCP to continue to expand its outreach efforts to
dockless scooter and bicycle companies and the District, and to
work to better educate users, including congressional staff,
District residents, and visitors on the appropriate operation
of commercial dockless escooters and bicycles on Capitol
Grounds.
Officer Post Notifications: The Committee reaffirms a
previous requirement that directs the USCP to notify the
Committee when new posts are created. This includes any
temporary posts that will be in place 30 days or longer after
establishment (excluding construction projects that require
security) and permanent posts that are being proposed before
establishment. The notification should include a justification
of need by the respective Assistant Chief(s) of Police, the
annualized cost of maintaining the new post and how the cost
will be offset by the Chief Administrative Officer, and the
overall recommendation approval of the new post by the Chief of
Police.
Reducing Plastic Waste: The Committee appreciates the
report provided by USCP detailing the Department's plan to
reduce single-use plastic water bottles as requested in House
Report 117-80. The Committee continues to encourage USCP to
reduce the usage of single-use plastic bottles, where possible
and promote environmentally sound practices Department-wide.
Risk-Based Protections for Members of Congress: In light of
this year's 107 percent increase in threats against Congress,
the Committee continues to find that ensuring the continuity of
government must include protecting the physical security of
Members of Congress. The recommendation provides $2,000,000 for
the Department to enhance Member security outside of the
Capitol campus in the National Capital Region (NCR), as
warranted by risk-based analyses. As laid out in the December
2018 report detailing the Department's plans to enhance off-
campus Member security in the NCR, the Committee expects the
USCP to continue working closely with the House and Senate
Sergeants at Arms and local law enforcement partners in the NCR
and educating Member offices on the USCP strategy for Members'
protection within the NCR while outside the Capitol Grounds.
The Committee instructs USCP to coordinate with the House and
Senate Sergeants at Arms to direct patrols to buildings or
locations where the Members tend to congregate in order to
fulfill its mission under 2 U.S.C. 1966.
Use of Grounds: The Committee understands the need to
maintain safety and order on the Capitol grounds and commends
the USCP for their efforts. Given the family-style neighborhood
that the Capitol shares with the surrounding community, the
Committee continues to direct the USCP to forebear enforcement
of 2 U.S.C. 1963 and the Traffic Regulations for the United
States Capitol Grounds when encountering snow sledders on the
grounds.
Wellness Programs for Law Enforcement: The Committee
appreciates the efforts undertaken by the USCP to develop and
implement a holistic wellness and resiliency program for its
workforce, to include its partnership with the House Wellness
Center. The Committee recognizes the importance that
mindfulness plays in having a first responder workforce that is
holistically balanced and resilient.
General Expenses
Appropriation, fiscal year 2022....................... $133,648,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2023...................... 185,818,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 185,818,000
Change from enacted level......................... +52,170,000
Change from request............................... 0
The Committee recommends $185,818,000 for general expenses
to support the responsibilities for law enforcement, Capitol
complex physical and technological security, dignitary
protection, intelligence analysis, event management, hazardous
material/devices, IT, and other specialized responses, as well
as logistical and administrative support.
Arrest Summary Data: The Committee commends the USCP for
their progress toward compliance with a directive to post
arrest summary information in a user-friendly format that is
searchable, sortable, downloadable, and is available on a
cumulative basis. The Committee reminds the Department of the
importance of this directive and directs the Department to
provide a briefing on their ongoing efforts to publish this
information within 30 days of the official posting of this
report. Furthermore, the Department is directed to submit a
report of arrests made both on the Capitol complex and the
surrounding Capitol Hill community on a quarterly basis to the
Committee.
Body Worn Camera Pilot Program: The Committee commends the
Department's ongoing efforts for greater transparency while
balancing the protection of life and safety on the Capitol
Complex. The Committee believes that the Department's request
for funding to implement a pilot body worn camera program is an
important step in this effort. The Committee understands that
the Department's pilot program will be limited to patrol and
exterior sworn activities where services are being provided
directly to the public. In order to ensure that the Congress
can undertake its constitutional responsibilities regarding
speech or debate, the Committee understands that this pilot
will not be implemented for interior locations on the Capitol
Complex, during protection detail activities, or other
activities involving direct interactions with Members of
Congress. Further, the Committee understands the importance of
protecting critical law enforcement-sensitive Member protection
information that may be adversely impacted by the release of
camera footage captured by a body worn camera. The Committee
expects the Department to continue to carefully balance the
restriction of access to this information with the transparency
expected by the public, while ensuring that the Congress can
carry out its constitutional responsibilities in a safe and
open environment. The Department shall provide the Committee
with an interim report on the pilot program within 180 days
following full implementation of the body worn camera pilot
program. This report shall include the status of the
implementation process, challenges and recommended solutions
experienced during the pilot implementation, and lessons
learned to date that may inform additional applications for the
body worn camera program.
Combatting Bias: The Committee commends the Department for
their detailed response on current efforts to combat bias
within the USCP workforce. The Committee continues to restate
the importance of combatting bias and remains interested in
ongoing programming, hiring, and education to prevent bias
within the Department.
Diversity Training: The Committee commends the USCP for
including diversity training as a part of the current Capitol
Police training sessions and encourages the Capitol Police to
continue strengthening its curriculum to ensure service is
provided to all visitors in a culturally competent manner. The
Committee supports continued vigorous action to improve
training for the USCP sworn officers on racial profiling,
implicit bias, procedural justice, the use of force, and the
duty for officers to intervene when witnessing the use of
excessive force against civilians.
Idling on Capitol Grounds: The Committee directs USCP to
enforce the prohibition in the Capitol Traffic Regulations
(CTR) for the Capitol Grounds against engines idling for more
than three minutes, with the exception of security-related
vehicles. The Capitol Police Board is directed to review and
consider amending CTR Section 8.22.30 to include ``private
passenger vehicles'' with the noted exception.
Two-Way Sharing of Critical Information: The Committee
believes the USCP must be better positioned to identify threats
to the Capitol Complex, the Congress, individual Members of
Congress and their families, and the legislative process, at
the earliest point in the threat process, and the furthest
possible point away from the intended target. This requires
relying heavily on developing a robust threat identification
and assessment process that is fully connected to local, state,
and Federal law enforcement agencies. It also involves direct
access to the national intelligence community with full
transparency and two-way sharing of critical information with
which to inform mission-related decisions. The Committee
directs the Department not later than 90 days after enactment
of this Act, to undertake an evaluation and provide an
implementation plan.
USCP Office of Inspector General: The Committee appreciates
the diligent work that the Office of Inspector General has done
in recommending reforms and security improvements in the
aftermath of the January 6th attack. The recommendation
includes $474,000 to support the statutory responsibilities for
auditing Department programs and operations to ensure efficacy
and investigation of complaints for potential fraud, waste or
abuse.
USCP Office of the Inspector General Reports: The Committee
is aware that the public does not have access to reports issued
by the Capitol Police Office of Inspector General. While the
Committee understands that these reports can be sensitive to
law enforcement actions and Congressional security, the
Committee is interested in what reports can be shared with the
general public. The Committee believes that the Inspector
General should try to make appropriate reports public if they
do not compromise law enforcement activities, national
security, or Congressional security and processes without
redaction. The Committee instructs the Inspector General to
institute procedures to make reports publicly available
whenever practicable and to begin publishing reports on its
website.
USCP Public Information Office: The Committee appreciates
the detailed report as requested in House Report 117-80
regarding a community notification system that may be utilized
by visitors and community members. The Committee remains
concerned that the public is not often alerted to significant
events such as security incidents impacting the Capitol
Complex. The Committee encourages the Department to continue
exploring ways to keep the Capitol Hill community and visitors
informed.
Virtual Reality Training: The Committee understands the
critical importance of immersive, real-life, scenario-based
police training in ensuring the safety of both police officers
and the communities they serve. The Committee is aware that
USCP is in the process of exploring their capabilities for
Virtual Reality training to equip Capitol Police Officers to
safety and appropriately respond to a full range of situations
they may encounter in the line of duty, including de-escalation
techniques. The Committee directs USCP to provide a report no
later than 90 days after the official posting of this report on
their current efforts to implement Virtual Reality technologies
into the training capabilities of the Department.
Administrative Provisions
Section 120 establishes a multi-denominational chaplain
program for the United States Capitol Police.
Section 121 includes a new adjustment to FLSA Overtime
Compensation for members of the Capitol Police.
OFFICE OF CONGRESSIONAL WORKPLACE RIGHTS
Salaries and Expenses
Appropriation, fiscal year 2022....................... $7,500,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2023...................... 7,500,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 8,000,000
Change from enacted level......................... +500,000
Change from request............................... +500,000
The Committee recommends $8,000,000 for salaries and
expenses of the Office of Congressional Workplace Rights,
$500,000 above the request. Increased funding will provide the
Office resources needed to continue important reform
initiatives, provide resources for 34 FTEs and continue to
implement the Congressional Accountability Reform Act changes
fully implemented in June, 2019. Of the total, $2,500,000 shall
remain available until September 30, 2024.
CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE
Salaries and Expenses
Appropriation, fiscal year 2022....................... $60,953,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2023...................... 64,637,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 64,637,000
Change from enacted level......................... +3,684,000
Change from request............................... 0
The Committee recommends $64,637,000 for salaries and
expenses of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), $3,684,000
more than in fiscal year 2022. CBO is responsible for producing
independent analyses of budgetary and economic issues to
support the Congressional budget process. This funding level
will allow CBO to modestly increase its efforts to improve
modeling and analytical capability in critical areas and to
make its work as transparent and accessible as possible. Each
year, the agency produces dozens of reports, including its
outlook on the budget and economy, and hundreds of cost
estimates for proposed legislation.
Customer Service and Data Gathering: The Committee directs
CBO to take steps to ensure that their products, services, and
outreach are designed to adapt and meet the customer needs of
an evolving Congress. In addition, CBO should report to
committees of jurisdiction on any challenges in accessing
Federal data and to identify whether Congress can take any
actions to ensure continuous and real-time access.
Enhanced Legislative Analysis: The CBO bears the mission of
providing objective, insightful, clearly presented, and timely
budgetary and economic information to the Congress. In addition
to cost estimates, the CBO also provides analytic reports,
working papers, and testimony. Those reports contain valuable
analysis on complex policy and inform the work that members of
Congress and their staff conduct. The Committees support CBO's
efforts to increase its capacity to analyze how Federal
policies or economic conditions or developments may affect
various income and demographic groups (including groups based
on race and ethnicity) differently. CBO should provide an
update to the Committees on those efforts.
Responsiveness: The Committee continues to expect CBO to
ensure a high level of responsiveness to Committees, Leadership
and Members, to the greatest extent practicable under the
priorities for CBO set by law, especially when working on
current pending legislation. As an agency that prides itself as
being nonpartisan, CBO should be providing the same information
to all stakeholders at the appropriate time when addressing
legislation that has been made public. However, the Committee
emphasizes the importance of CBO fulfilling its statutory
duties and functions as prioritized under the Congressional
Budget Act of 1974, in particular section 202.
ARCHITECT OF THE CAPITOL
(EXCLUDING SENATE OFFICE BUILDINGS)
Appropriation, fiscal year 2022....................... $691,919,233
Budget request, fiscal year 2023...................... 1,518,736,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 1,268,130,000
Change from enacted level......................... +576,210,767
Change from request............................... -250,606,000
The Committee recommends $1,268,130,000 for the activities
of the AOC. The recommendation is $576,210,767 more than in
fiscal year 2022. These totals do not include appropriations
for Senate Office Buildings requested at $150,681,000 which are
traditionally left for consideration of the Senate. The
Architect is responsible for the maintenance, operation,
development, and preservation of the United States Capitol
Complex. This includes mechanical and structural maintenance of
the Capitol, Congressional office buildings, the Library of
Congress buildings, the United States Botanic Garden, the
Capitol Power Plant, and other facilities, as well as the
upkeep and improvement of the grounds surrounding the Capitol
Complex.
The following table summarizes the allocation of funds by
appropriation account:
Capital Construction and Operations................... $155,843,000
Capitol Building...................................... $61,764,000
Capitol Grounds....................................... $16,465,000
House Office Buildings................................ $143,279,000
Capitol Power Plant................................... $167,111,000
Library Buildings and Grounds......................... $144,220,000
Capitol Police Buildings, Grounds and Security........ $532,196,000
Botanic Garden........................................ $23,560,000
Capitol Visitor Center................................ $27,692,000
The Committee recommendation fully funds the operating
expenses, less the Senate office building request throughout
these accounts.
Capital Construction and Operations
Appropriation, fiscal year 2022....................... $139,116,500
Budget request, fiscal year 2023...................... 155,843,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 155,843,000
Change from enacted level......................... +16,726,500
Change from request............................... 0
The Committee recommends $155,843,000 for campus-wide
architectural and engineering design; project, property, and
construction management; financial management; procurement;
personnel services; equipment; communications; and other
central support activities of the AOC.
Budget Justifications: The Committee thanks the Architect
for including in the Congressional budget justifications the
description of the activities of the AOC Construction Division
as requested. The Committee requests that this information
identifying the number and size of projects, and the number of
staff funded through Construction Division activities, and the
funding provided to the Division from AOC jurisdiction accounts
continue to be included in the budget justification material.
The Committee continues to request that the justifications
include, in each jurisdiction's section, the appropriations
bill language requested, along with any changes to be
identified with brackets and italicization.
Capitol Complex Energy Efficiency Audit and Report: The
Committee appreciates the AOC's interest in exploring
opportunities to make significant progress towards lowering
energy costs, increasing the use of renewable energy sources,
and reducing carbon emission in the Capitol Complex and
commends the Architect's review of potential costs and savings
associated with these activities. As the report provided in
fiscal year 2022 details significant investments, the Committee
remains interested in the Architect's work to leverage new
energy technologies and maximize the integration of clean
renewable and alternative energy sources through the
Legislative Branch facilities. The Committee is prepared to
support AOC's recommendations to further such initiatives.
Inspector General: Within the total, the Committee provides
no less than $6,110,000 for the AOC Inspector General office.
The recommendation includes the request of $495,000 for three
additional FTEs.
Medical Surveillance: The recommendation includes $411,000
to continue the program, administered by the OAP, for medical
exams and tests designed to detect and monitor employee health
effects resulting from hazardous chemical or physical exposures
in the workplace.
Preparing for the United States Semiquincentennial: In
2026, the United States will be celebrating it's
Semiquincentennial; marking 250 years since the nation was
founded in 1776. Over the course of that time, our nation has
grown from the original 13 colonies to the patchwork of 50
states and over 330 million individuals it is today. As we
approach this historic milestone, it is an opportunity to
commemorate our past, honor our present, and look toward the
future. In preparation for this historic event, the Committee
directs the AOC to submit a report 120 days after the enactment
of this legislation on how they plan to commemorate the
Semiquincentennial on the Capitol Complex. The report should
include suggested plans for events and installations that can
be made available to the public who visit. Along with that, the
report should include a section on the possibility of a
Congressional Time Capsule being buried somewhere on the
Capitol Complex that will remain sealed until July 4th, 2276.
This report shall be delivered to the Committee on
Appropriation as well as the Committee on House Administration.
This report should also be made available on the Architect of
the Capitol's website.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
Item recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating Expenses................................... $150,843,000
Projects:
Planning and Programming......................... 5,000,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capitol Building
Appropriation, fiscal year 2022....................... $42,579,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2023...................... 101,964,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 61,764,000
Change from enacted level......................... +19,185,000
Change from request............................... -40,200,000
The Committee recommends $61,764,000 for the operation,
maintenance, and care of the U.S. Capitol and Capitol Visitor
Center (CVC). Of the total, $29,999,000 shall remain available
until September 30, 2027.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
Item recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating Expenses................................... $31,765,000
Projects:
Minor Construction............................... 5,500,000
Conservation of Fine and Architectural Art....... 599,000
House Kitchen and Exhaust Modernization.......... 23,900,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Depictions of Native Americans: The Committee included
language in House Report 116-447 regarding depictions of Native
Americans in the Capitol Complex and is pleased that the
Architect is working with interested Members and is making
progress on implementing those recommendations. The Committee
encourages the Architect to continue these efforts.
Hygiene Products: The Committee directs the AOC to make
bulk purchases of, store, and distribute, in coordination with
partnering agencies, menstrual hygiene products at no cost to
all those who use restroom facilities throughout the Capitol
Complex Buildings and Grounds.
Wireless Connectivity: The Committee recognizes the
necessity for wireless connectivity throughout the Capitol
Complex. The Committee urges the Architect to assess the
feasibility of upgrading the wireless local area network to
ensure highest level of connectivity in all areas of the
Capitol Complex.
Recognition of Women in Congress: The Committee recognizes
the increasing numbers of female Members of Congress and, in
honor of women's historic progress over recent years, the
Committee continues to support and commends the work of the
House Curator, the AOC, and the Capitol Historical Society to
increase images of women in public spaces in Congress. The
Committee appreciates the House Curator's work in providing the
Committee a report identifying public spaces in the Capitol
Complex, as well as, a list of 10 notable female historic
figures not already displayed as a Capitol statue, who have
made remarkable contributions to society, and 10 female members
of Congress--former and/or current--who have set trailblazing
records whether in the body at large or their committees of
jurisdiction. To further increase female representation, the
Committee directs the AOC, House Curator and the Capitol
Historical Society use these reports as a blueprint to create a
report detailing where and which the incorporation of more
females' images in congressional public spaces may be
implemented expeditiously to reflect the positive contributions
these female Members and public leaders have made.
Capitol Grounds
Appropriation, fiscal year 2022....................... $15,237,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2023...................... 16,465,000
Committee Recommendation.............................. 16,465,000
Change from enacted level......................... +1,228,000
Change from request............................... 0
The Committee recommends $16,465,000 for the care of the
grounds surrounding the Capitol. Of the total, $2,000,000 shall
remain available until September 30, 2027.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
Item recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating Expenses................................... $14,465,000
Project:
Minor Construction............................... 2,000,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accessibility: The committee directs the Architect to
prioritize removal of accessibility barriers on the Capitol
Complex. In addition, the AOC should designate a drop off and
pick up zone near an accessible entrance for members of the
public with mobility impairments and develop a well-understood
process for accessing and utilizing the new location. Lastly,
the AOC should prioritize the installation of additional
automatic or power-assisted doors and replace door hardware
that cannot be grasped easily with one hand or that requires
tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist to operate.
Bike Lanes: The Committee commends the Architect for
efforts to develop a safe and accessible street system to
better connect all road users to the United States Capitol,
Union Station and the National Mall by making cost-effective
improvements to Louisiana Avenue, Constitution Avenue and 3rd
Street Northwest. The AOC should coordinate with the District
of Columbia Department of Transportation (DDOT), after the
necessary approvals have been received, to pursue completion of
this project in a timely manner. The AOC is also reminded to
ensure close coordination among AOC jurisdictions to minimize
impact on other campus projects and priorities.
Working and Service Dog Necessities: Whether they are
serving alongside the United States Capitol Police or
supporting Congressional staff and visitors, working/service
dogs have been an underrecognized yet important part of the
fabric of the Capitol Complex. The Committee directs the AOC to
provide a report, within 180 days of enactment of this Act, on
what facilities currently exist around the Capitol Complex for
K-9s and service dogs and provide recommendations to address
any shortcomings that need to be addressed to ensure these
animals of service have proper accommodations.
Maintaining Public Access: In making security decisions
about public access to the Capitol Grounds, the Committee
reminds the Capitol Police Board that the Capitol Grounds are
intended to be open to the public and are located in a
residential neighborhood in the District of Columbia, and used
by D.C. residents and visitors for recreation, leisure and
transportation.
Road Conditions around the Capitol: The Committee
encourages the AOC to work with DDOT to evaluate and improve
road conditions in and immediately around the Capitol Complex.
Single-Use Plastics: The Committee is committed to reducing
the use of single-use plastic products on the Capitol Grounds.
Section 210 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 and
House Report 117-80 directed all agencies and offices funded by
the Legislative Branch division that contract with a food
service provider or providers to confer and coordinate with
such food service provider or providers, in consultation with
disability advocacy groups, to eliminate or reduce plastic
waste, including waste from plastic straws, explore the use of
biodegradable items, and increase recycling and composting
opportunities. The Committee directs the AOC to provide a
report on the status of implementing the section 210 plastic
waste reduction directive not later than 30 days after
enactment of this Act.
House Office Buildings
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriation, fiscal year 2022....................... $212,422,500
Budget request, fiscal year 2023...................... 144,029,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 143,279,000
Change from enacted level......................... -69,143,500
Change from request............................... -750,000
The Committee recommends $143,279,000 for the operation,
maintenance, and care of the Rayburn, Cannon, Longworth, Ford,
and O'Neill House Office Buildings, and the House underground
garages. In addition, $4,000,000 will be derived from the House
Office Building Fund for operations and maintenance of the
O'Neill House Office Building. Of the total provided,
$41,100,000 shall remain available until September 30, 2027.
The bill includes $31,000,000 for the continuation of the
Cannon House Office Building renovation project, which shall
remain available until expended. The bill does not include
additional funding for the House Historic Buildings
Revitalization Trust Fund.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
Item recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating Expenses................................... $71,179,000
Projects:
Minor Construction............................... 9,500,000
CAO Project Support.............................. 12,100,000
West Plaza Courtyard Waterproofing Restoration, 17,000,000
RHOB............................................
Emergency Generator and Backup Power Replacement 2,500,000
Design, OHOB....................................
Cannon Building Restoration...................... 31,000,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cannon Building Costs: The Committee recognizes the urgent
need to complete the Cannon Building renewal, which will
replace outdated building systems, conserve historic aspects of
the building, and optimize the functionality of Member suites,
among other improvements. The Committee remains concerned that
the cost of the Cannon renovation continues to increase from an
initial project estimate of $752,700,000 to the current project
estimate of $934,866,000.
The Committee continues to receive periodic reports from
the Architect, the AOC IG, and the GAO on the Cannon project
schedule, actual costs incurred and expected future costs, and
design and construction modifications. A recent report from the
AOC indicated that cost and schedule impacts may continue due
to supply chain issues, workforce availability, site access,
and enhanced protection measures related to the COVID-19 virus.
Therefore, the Committee expects to receive fast turnaround
notice in the periodic reports that are provided if any further
cost increases are anticipated and how the AOC expects to
absorb them. The AOC is reminded of the administrative
provision in the bill prohibiting funding for incentive or
award payments to contractors for projects that are behind
schedule or over budget.
Collaboration Spaces: There are currently no spaces
designed specifically to facilitate staff working outside of
their offices and/or to collaborate with other staff. Members
and staff desire private bipartisan spaces to work together.
Flexible, shared workspaces open to all staff could help break
down norms that staff can only work near and collaborate with
people from the same party. The Committee directs the AOC to
identify spaces within the House office buildings that could be
used in this manner and provide a report of its recommendations
no later than 120 days after enactment of this Act.
Single-Stall Public Washroom Facilities: The Committee
remains concerned by the lack of availability of single-stall
restrooms throughout the House office buildings and notes that
the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 directed the AOC to
ensure future construction and remodeling projects incorporate
an appropriate number of public single-stall washrooms in each
House office building. The Committee directs AOC to provide an
update regarding the construction of single-stall public
washrooms in fiscal year 2022 and any future plans to
incorporate single-stall bathrooms in future construction and
remodeling projects for House office buildings.
Interfaith Space: The Committee directs the AOC, in
coordination with the Committee on House Administration and the
House Office Building Commission, to identify a dedicated space
that can be used as a Congressional interfaith space for the
prayer and meditation of House staff of all faiths, and report
back to the Committee 60 days after the posting of this report.
Within the funding provided, the recommendation provides
$150,000 for the AOC to plan, design, construct, and furnish a
space within the House Office Buildings for this purpose.
Pest Management: The Committee recognizes the importance of
proactive pest management and mitigation to ensuring a safe,
healthy, and productive workplace. The Committee directs the
AOC to review existing challenges and brief the Committee,
including providing a written copy of the latest integrated
pest management plan. The Committee further directs that AOC
provide recommendations to improve pest management and
coordination between various jurisdictions no later than 90
days after the date of enactment of this Act.
Capitol Power Plant
Appropriation, fiscal year 2022....................... $114,598,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2023...................... 170,211,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 167,111,000
Change from enacted level......................... +52,513,000
Change from request............................... -3,100,000
The Committee recommends $167,111,000 in direct
appropriations for the operations of the Capitol Power Plant,
which is the centralized provider of utility services for the
Capitol campus. Of the total, $83,200,000 shall remain
available until September 30, 2027. In addition, $10,000,000 in
offsetting collections is available from reimbursements for
steam and chilled water.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
Item recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating Expenses................................... $93,911,000
Projects:
Minor Construction............................... 5,000,000
Electrical Switchgear B and Pump Replacement, 30,400,000
RPR, WRP........................................
Utility Tunnel Concrete Repairs at Russell 2,200,000
Carriage Entrance, R Tunnel.....................
Utility Tunnel Concrete Repairs at 2nd and E 1,800,000
Capitol, R Tunnel...............................
Roofing System Replacement, Boiler and Generator 16,500,000
Plant...........................................
Utility Tunnel Pipe Expansion Joint Replacement, 12,700,000
Y Tunnel........................................
Utility Tunnels Concrete Repairs, Tunnels B&R.... 7,700,000
Utility Pipe Expansion Joint Replacement, G 6,900,000
Tunnel..........................................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Library Buildings and Grounds
Appropriation, fiscal year 2022....................... $64,544,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2023...................... 183,520,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 144,220,000
Change from enacted level......................... +79,676,000
Change from request............................... -39,300,000
The Committee recommends $144,220,000 for the care and
maintenance of the Thomas Jefferson Building; James Madison
Memorial Building; John Adams Building; Packard Campus; Ft.
Meade Collection Storage Facility; National Library Services
Facility; and the St. Cecilia Special Services Facilities
Center. Of the total, $108,000,000 shall remain available until
September 30, 2027.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
Item recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating Expenses................................... $36,220,000
Projects:
Minor Construction............................... 4,000,000
Collection Storage Module 7, Fort Meade.......... 51,000,000
Sprinkler System Replacement for Collections, JAB 37,500,000
Fire Alarm and Audibility System Upgrade, Phase 15,500,000
II, JMMB........................................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capitol Police Buildings, Grounds, and Security
Appropriation, fiscal year 2022...................... $62,389,733
Budget request, fiscal year 2023...................... 699,452,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 532,196,000
Change from enacted level......................... +469,806,267
Change from request............................... -167,256,000
The Committee recommends $532,196,000 for the maintenance,
care and operation of buildings, grounds and security
enhancements of the USCP and AOC security operations. Of the
total, $27,800,000 shall remain available until September 30,
2027, and of which $447,744,000 shall remain available until
expended. This funding will continue to support the
maintenance, care and operation of buildings, grounds and
security enhancements of the USCP and AOC security and
resilience/continuity programs.
Within 60 days of the enactment of this Act, the AOC is
directed to provide a detailed spend plan to the Committee for
both the Physical Security Assessment Design and Construction
Program and the Enhanced Screening Vestibules Design and
Construction Program. The spend plans, which may be done in a
classified setting, should include details for the execution of
the funds provided before any funds provided in this Act are
obligated.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
Item recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating Expenses................................... $56,652,000
Projects:
Minor Construction............................... 10,000,000
Barrier Lifecycle and Security Kiosk Repair, 9,100,000
Phase VII.......................................
USCP K-9 Expansion Support....................... 2,500,000
Computer Room Air Conditioning Unit Replacements, 6,200,000
Phase I, OSF....................................
Physical Security Assessment Design & Construction 367,744,000
Program.............................................
Enhanced Screening Vestibules Design & Construction 80,000,000
Program.............................................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Botanic Garden
Appropriation, fiscal year 2022....................... $24,463,500
Budget request, fiscal year 2023...................... 23,560,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 23,560,000
Change from enacted level......................... -903,500
Change from request............................... 0
The Committee recommends $23,560,000 for the improvement,
operation, care, and maintenance of the United States Botanic
Garden (USBG) Conservatory; the National Garden; the
Administration Building; the Bartholdi Park and Fountain;
heritage and other plant collections; and the USBG Production
Facility at D.C. Village. Of the total, $8,200,000 shall remain
available until September 30, 2027.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
Item recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating Expenses.................................... $15,360,000
Projects:
Minor Construction................................ 5,000,000
Production Facility Renewal and Master Plan Design 3,200,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Collaboration with the United States Department of
Agriculture (USDA): The Committee continues to recognize the
value of the USBG supporting the evolution of urban
agriculture. The Committee recommendation includes additional
funding for urban agriculture initiatives and urges program
expansion. The Committee encourages USBG to continue to
collaborate with USDA to support the USBG's efforts to host and
serve as an educational and training location for local and
national audiences, and to explore reviving the Victory Gardens
concept for community agriculture programming.
Capitol Visitor Center
Appropriation, fiscal year 2022....................... $25,569,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2023...................... 27,692,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 27,692,000
Change from enacted level......................... +2,123,000
Change from request............................... 0
The Committee recommends $27,692,000 for the operations of
the CVC. The CVC was established to provide a secure public
environment to welcome and manage the large number of visitors
and to protect the Capitol, its occupants, and guests in an
atmosphere of open access.
Access to Information for those with Disabilities: The
Committee directs the AOC to make available, for visitors and
staff with disabilities, information on the standard security
screening techniques they will encounter upon entering the
Capitol Complex.
Diversity at the Capitol Visitors Center: The Committee
recognizes that since its opening, the Capitol Visitors Center
has welcomed millions of visitors from around the world who
through their visit learn about our Capitol's history. The
Committee also continues to recognize the significant
contributions to the prosperity of the United States made by
Black, Latino, Native Americans, and Asian American and Pacific
Islander communities throughout American history and since its
founding. As such, the Committee continues to recognize the
underrepresentation of these communities in the telling of our
nation's history and continues to direct the Capitol Visitor's
Center to work with the Architect of the Capitol, the Library
of Congress, and with other relevant stakeholders including
Members of Congress and scholars on a plan to increase
representation of these racial and ethnic minorities at the
Capitol Visitor's Center, including in all facets of the
Capitol Visitor's Center online and in-person exhibitions,
audio-visual presentations, and historical artifacts on display
including statues.
Administrative Provision
Section 130 prohibits payment of bonuses to contractors
behind schedule or over budget during fiscal year 2023.
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
Appropriation, fiscal year 2022....................... $794,018,874
Budget request, fiscal year 2023...................... 832,140,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 831,395,000
Change from enacted level......................... +37,376,126
Change from request............................... -745,000
The Committee recommends $831,395,000 for the activities of
the Library of Congress (LOC). The recommendation is
$37,376,126 more than in fiscal year 2022. Established by
Congress in 1800, the Library is the largest library in the
world, with a collection of more than 170,000,000 print, audio,
and video items in 470 languages. Among its major programs are
acquisitions, preservation, administration of United States
copyright laws by the Copyright Office, research and analysis
of policy issues for the Congress by the Congressional Research
Service, and administration of a national program to provide
reading material to the blind and print disabled. The Library
maintains a significant number of collections and provides a
range of services to libraries in the United States and abroad.
The following table summarizes the allocation of funds by
appropriation account:
Salaries and Expenses................................. $585,376,000
Copyright Office...................................... 53,762,000
Congressional Research Service........................ 133,600,000
National Library Service for the Blind and Print 58,657,000
Disabled.............................................
Salaries and Expenses
Appropriation, fiscal year 2022....................... $550,620,874
Budget request, fiscal year 2023...................... 586,589,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 585,376,000
Change from enacted level......................... +34,755,126
Change from request............................... -1,213,000
The Committee recommends $585,376,000. Within the total,
the Committee provides no less than $4,500,000 for the LOC
Inspector General office to support no less than 14 FTE. The
recommendation makes the following amounts available until
expended: $9,945,000 for the Teaching with Primary Sources
Program, $1,459,000 for the Legislative Branch Financial
Management System, $250,000 for the Surplus Books Program, and
$3,976,000 for the Veterans History Project.
Archival Preservation of Central and Eastern European
Collections: The Committee recognizes the cultural
contributions of the American diasporic groups from nations and
communities of the former Soviet Union and its Republics and
appreciates the value in preserving their traditions. The
Committee recognizes the important work the Library of Congress
is doing to archive stories, documents, and other materials
from cultural diasporas across Europe and requests the Library
further strengthen its partnerships with museums, non-profits,
and ethnic heritage centers across the country to collect
additional stories, documents and materials from families and
institutions dedicated to Eastern and Central European
collections, and encourages the Library to disseminate them for
public use. As requested in House Report 117-80, the Committee
requests a report from the Library of Congress on the
activities and outreach conducted on these initiatives.
Cloud Program: The recommendation includes $1,475,000 for
the establishment of an enterprise Cloud Program Management
Office within the Office of the Chief Information Officer
(OCIO) at the Library of Congress. This program will allow the
Library to mature governance and best practices and ensure the
most efficient use of the cloud.
Diversity at the Library of Congress: The Committee
continues to recognize the Library of Congress's role as the
largest library in the world and its important work in
preserving culture from around the world through books,
recordings, photographs, newspapers, maps, and manuscripts. The
Committee also continues to recognize the significant
contributions to the prosperity of the United States made by
Black, Latino, Native American, Asian American, and Pacific
Islander communities, and the historic underrepresentation of
these communities in our nation's mainstream culture. The
Committee continues to encourage the Library of Congress to
continue prioritizing diversity in its work especially through
the National Film Registry, including the annual addition of
film titles as well as the membership of the National Film
Preservation Board, and National Book Festival.
Department of Defense (DOD) Collaboration: The Committee
recognizes and applauds the Library of Congress Veterans
History Project's commitment to understanding, preserving, and
publicizing the experiences of our veterans. The Committee
directs the Library of Congress to work in conjunction with the
Department of Defense Historian to develop an oral history
collection on the impact of ``Don't Ask, Don't Tell'' and
predecessor policies on servicemembers and veterans.
Specifically, we recognize the importance of developing a
Memorandum of Understanding to organize and enhance the
contributions of each agency to this critical effort.
COVID-19 American History Project: The COVID-19 American
History Project Act is an educational and commemorative program
that will collect, preserve, and make available to the public
an archive of submitted oral stories of those who were impacted
by the COVID-19 pandemic, survivors of loved ones who lost
their lives to the disease, and frontline healthcare workers
who tirelessly worked to eradicate this virus. Oral histories
kept at the Library of Congress's American Folklife Center will
provide original sources of information to strengthen the
understanding of American history for our future generations.
The Committee recommends $1,500,000 for the implementation of
this program and directs the Library of Congress to provide an
update on the status of the project 180 days after enactment of
this Act.
Law Library: The Committee continues to commend the Law
Library for providing support to the time-sensitive and complex
needs of the Congress, the Supreme Court, Executive Branch
agencies, courts, practicing attorneys, State bars, State and
local governments, American businesses, scholars, journalists,
and those with legal research needs. The Committee urges the
Law Library to continue its digitization strategy as part of
the Library's overall digitization strategy to increase online
access to major parts of its collection, such as the United
States Serial Sets and Supreme Court Records and Briefs. The
Committee further encourages the Library to assess the
feasibility of audiobooks and text-to-speech options for
accessibility purposes for visually impaired individuals, those
with cognitive disabilities/disorders or learning difficulties
as it continues to develop its digitization strategy.
Lewis-Houghton Civics and Democracy Initiative: The
recommendation includes $3,000,000 for the implementation of
the Lewis-Houghton Civics and Democracy Initiative. The
Committee directs the Library to provide a briefing on plans to
implement no later than 90 days after enactment of this Act.
Module 7 at the Ft. Meade: The recommendation provides
$51,000,000 for the Module 7 project included in the AOC budget
for Library Buildings and Grounds. This funding will allow for
the long-term preservation of Library of Congress collections
by constructing a climate-controlled, secure storage facility
at the Library's Ft. Meade, Maryland storage site. The
Committee acknowledges that the Module 7 storage facility is
imperative to the Library's continued ability to preserve
physical collections and with them, American history.
National Film and Sound Preservation: 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 that help preserve
historical and cultural artifacts that would otherwise
disappear or be destroyed over time. The Committee expects the
Library to continue to provide support to these programs.
Outreach to Minority-Serving Institutions: As directed in
House Report 117-80, the Committee encourages the Library of
Congress to increase and expand cooperative partnership,
fellowship opportunities, and curriculum program associations
with community colleges, HBCUs, HSIs, Asian American and Native
American Pacific Islander-serving institutions, American Indian
Tribally controlled colleges and universities, Alaska Native
and Native Hawaiian-serving institutions, and other minority-
serving institutions.
Preservation of America's Civil Rights Legacy Abroad: The
Library of Congress shall make their expertise available as
appropriate for projects aimed at preserving America's civil
rights history abroad.
Preservation of the Collection: As stated in the Joint
Explanatory Statement to accompany Division I, P.L. 117-103,
the Committee will evaluate the need for the continuation of
the deacidification preservation program, as a means to
preserve the Library's literary and historical treasures, once
existing funds are exhausted or expire. The Library shall
report to the Committee the status of existing funds for this
program at the end of fiscal year 2022 and the number of
articles yet to be treated. Further, the Committee recommends
$1,000,000 to be reserved should any articles remain that need
treatment.
Veterans History Project: The Committee recommends
$3,976,000 for the Veterans History Project, recognizing its
importance as a way to collect, preserve and make accessible
the personal accounts of American war veterans for the benefit
of future generations. Funding is provided to continue
digitization efforts of already-collected materials, reach
greater numbers of veterans to record their stories and promote
public access to the Project.
Copyright Office
Salaries and Expenses
Appropriation, fiscal year 2022....................... $53,065,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2023...................... 53,762,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 53,762,000
Change from enacted level......................... +697,000
Change from request............................... 0
The Committee recommends $53,762,000 in direct
appropriations to the Copyright Office. An additional
$43,912,000 is made available from receipts for salaries and
expenses and $3,000,000 is available from prior year
unobligated balances for a total of $100,674,000.
Copyright Modernization: Few government bodies are more
important to the growth of creativity and commercial artistic
activity in the Nation than the Copyright Office. The Committee
continues to support the Copyright Office's efforts to
modernize its IT infrastructure to effectively serve users and
copyright owners in the 21st century. The Committee encourages
the Library to remain sensitive to the specialized requirements
of the Copyright Office as the Office implements its IT
modernization plan in conjunction with the overall Library IT
modernization effort.
Copyright Expertise: The Committee continues to support the
Office's use of funds to offer expertise on copyright matters
to the Executive Branch, including participation in
international discussions. Consistent with historical practice,
the Committee expects the Library to continue to defer to the
copyright expertise of the Register of Copyrights and to ensure
direct consultation between the Copyright Office and Congress.
Congressional Research Service
Salaries and Expenses
Appropriation, fiscal year 2022....................... $129,106,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2023...................... 133,132,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 133,600,000
Change from enacted level......................... +4,494,000
Change from request............................... +468,000
The Committee recommends $133,600,000 for salaries and
expenses for the Congressional Research (CRS). CRS works for
the Members and Committees to support their legislative,
oversight, and representational functions by providing
nonpartisan and confidential research and policy analysis. CRS
provides an important service for Members and staff, publishing
hundreds of reports annually free of charge and providing
briefings on pertinent policy issues considered by Congress.
The expert nonpartisan analysts at CRS keep Congress informed,
contributing to intelligent and responsible policymaking.
Availability of Bill Summaries on Congress.gov: The
Committee directs that no later than 180 days after enactment
of this Act, the Congressional Research Service shall provide a
report to the Committee on resources necessary to ensure bills
receiving a floor vote have a nonpartisan summary available.
Improving Features on Congress.gov: The Committee directs
that no later than 180 days after enactment of this Act, the
Library of Congress, in coordination with the Committee on
Appropriations and Committee on Modernization, shall provide a
report on resources necessary to add additional features to
Congress.gov to improve its functionality for Congressional
staff and the public, including providing a clearer accounting
of Member contributions in legislation, such as indicating when
a co-sponsor is from the committee of jurisdiction.
Continuing Education for Congressional Staff: In House
Report 117-80, the Committee recommended $1,000,000 for the
creation of a Legal Institute with introductory and advanced
programs, geared towards senior Congressional staff who have
not attended law school, which would educate participants on
legal fundamentals that inform Congress's lawmaking and
oversight functions. The Committee supports the progress made
by CRS in the planning and curriculum for the Congressional
Legal Education Forum and provides $1,000,000 to begin the
program in February 2023. In addition, CRS is directed to
provide a report to the Committee on the marketing efforts,
implemented curriculum, schedule, and total enrollment of the
program after the first session is complete.
Customer Service and Data Gathering: The Committee directs
CRS to take steps to continue ensuring that their products,
services, and outreach are designed to adapt and meet the
customer needs of an evolving Congress. In addition, CRS should
report to committees of jurisdiction on any challenges in
accessing Federal data and to identify whether Congress can
take any actions to ensure continuous and real-time access.
National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled
Salaries and Expenses
Appropriation, fiscal year 2022....................... $61,227,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2023...................... 58,657,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 58,657,000
Change from enacted level......................... -2,570,000
Change from request............................... 0
The Committee recommends $58,657,000 for salaries and
expenses of the National Library Service for the Blind and
Print Disabled (NLS). The Committee supports the acquisition of
new headquarters for NLS and directs the LOC to report on the
status no later than 60 days after enactment.
The NLS is a free braille and talking book library service
for people with temporary or permanent low vision, blindness,
or a disability that prevents them from reading or holding the
printed page. Through a national network of regional and sub-
regional libraries, NLS circulates books and magazines in
braille and audio formats, which are delivered by postage-free
mail or are instantly downloadable.
BARD Modernization: The Committee continues to support the
modernization of Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD)
Infrastructure and provides the request for the program, which
distributes audio and electronic braille materials. The program
has transitioned these services to a cloud-based environment.
Braille eReader and Talking Book Machine Initiative: The
Committee continues to support the Braille eReader and Talking
Book Machine initiatives. The recommendation provides
$2,375,000 for the Braille eReader and Talking Book Machine
initiative. This funding will continue the acquisition of 2,000
new e-Reader devices for distribution through the NLS Machine
Lending Agencies, which also distribute talking book machines.
Administrative Provisions
Section 140 limits to $308,554,000 the amount that may be
obligated during fiscal year 2023 from various reimbursements
and revolving funds available to the Library of Congress.
GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE
The Government Publishing Office (GPO) publishes and
disseminates Federal government publications to Congress,
Federal agencies, Federal depository libraries, and the
American public.
Congressional Publishing
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriation, fiscal year 2022....................... $78,872,161
Budget request, fiscal year 2023...................... 82,992,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 82,992,000
Change from enacted level......................... +4,119,839
Change from request............................... 0
The Committee recommends $82,992,000 for Congressional
Publishing, the same as the request and $4,119,839 above the
enacted level. This account funds the costs of publishing
Congressional information products in both digital and print
formats.
Public Information Programs of the Superintendent of Documents
Salaries and Expenses
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriation, fiscal year 2022....................... $34,020,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2023...................... 35,257,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 35,257,000
Change from enacted level......................... +1,237,000
Change from request............................... 0
The Committee recommends $35,257,000 for the salaries and
expenses of the Public Information Programs of the
Superintendent of Documents.
This appropriation primarily supports the cataloguing and
indexing of Federal Government publications (the results of
which are now available online) and for operating the Federal
Depository Library system and providing Federal documents to
the network of 1,133 depository libraries nationwide.
Access to Documents: GPO, in coordination with the
Committee, is directed to ensure the govinfo website contains
information that allows the public to better understand the
Legislative Branch agencies.
Government Publishing Office Business Operations Revolving Fund
Appropriation, fiscal year 2022....................... $11,345,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2023...................... 12,655,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 12,655,000
Change from enacted level......................... +1,310,000
Change from request............................... 0
The Committee recommends $12,655,000 for the Government
Publishing Office Business Operations Revolving Fund, which
finances GPO's publishing operations.
This business-like fund is used to pay GPO's costs in
performing or procuring from private-sector sources
Congressional and agency publishing, information product
procurement, and publications dissemination activities. The
fund is reimbursed from payments from customer agencies, sales
to the public, appropriations to the fund, and transfers from
GPO's two annual appropriations.
GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE
Salaries and Expenses
Appropriation, fiscal year 2022....................... $719,230,113
Budget request, fiscal year 2023...................... 810,319,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 790,319,000
Change from enacted level......................... +71,088,887
Change from request............................... -20,000,000
Established by the Budget and Accounting Act of 1921 the
Government Accountability Office (GAO) works for Congress by
responding to requests for studies of Federal government
programs and expenditures and may also initiate its own work.
The Committee recommends $790,319,000 in direct appropriations
for GAO. In addition, $55,865,000 is available in offsetting
collections derived from reimbursements for conducting
financial audits of government corporations and the rental of
space in the GAO building. This will provide GAO with a staff
capacity of 3,500 FTEs. Within the total, the Committee
provides no less than $2,576,000 for the GAO Inspector General
office to support no less than 11 FTEs.
Appropriations and Budget Law: The Committee notes and
commends the improvements made by the GAO Appropriations Law
Group (the Group) in response to concerns identified by the
Committee in House Report 116-447, including through the
agency's efforts to increase resources dedicated to supporting
Congress's power of the purse and oversight role. The Group
plays an important support role in protecting Congress'
constitutional power of the purse and the rule of law, and the
Committee encourages the Group to continue to build on these
improvements. As timely decisions by GAO facilitate informed
Congressional action, the Committee also encourages the Group
to find ways to ensure that its formal legal decisions are
published in a timely manner and to prioritize the publication
of decisions from outstanding requests.
Customer Service and Data Gathering: The Committee directs
GAO to take steps to continue ensuring that their products,
services, and outreach are designed to adapt and meet the
customer needs of an evolving Congress. In addition, GAO should
report to committees of jurisdiction on any challenges in
accessing Federal data and to identify whether Congress can
take any actions to ensure continuous and real-time access.
Community Project Funding: The Committee directs the GAO to
again undertake an audit of Community Project Funding contained
in fiscal year 2023 appropriations legislation. The audit shall
include the same characteristics GAO adhered to in its fiscal
year 2022 CPF directive after consulting with the Committees on
Appropriations. In conducting its audit, GAO shall provide
periodic briefings and reports based on available data to the
Committees.
Compliance with GAO-IG Act: The Committee directs the GAO
to review and report on every agency's compliance with the
reporting requirements of the GAO-IG Act. The report should
indicate which agencies are in full compliance, which are
missing some of the required reporting, and which are failing
to report any of the required information. Further, the report
should attempt to determine if there are any barriers or
complications that prevent full compliance with the reporting
requirements and what steps Congress might take to ensure
future compliance from all agencies. The Committee further
directs all agencies to take whatever steps necessary to ensure
they issue all required GAO-IG Act information with their next
set of budget justification materials. The Committee also
strongly encourages agencies to use the GAO-IG reporting
process as an opportunity to re-review open recommendations and
consider possible steps to fully or even partial implement the
proposed actions.
Duplicative Government Programs: Each year, GAO identifies
and reports on Federal agency programs with fragmented,
overlapping, or duplicative goals or activities and ways to
reduce costs or enhance revenue. The Committee continues to
direct GAO to issue these reports to help review duplicative
programs.
Hiring Practices at CRS: The Committee requests that GAO
assess CRS's hiring, promotion, and awards practices, including
implementation of the Merit Selection Plan and use of special
hiring programs. GAO should assess CRS's hiring practices, with
a focus on whether the programs are effective at recruiting a
diverse workforce. CRS is encouraged to provide all necessary
information to the GAO. The final report shall be provided to
the CRS Director, the Librarian of Congress, the Appropriations
Committees, the Senate Rules Committee, and the Committee on
House Administration.
Improper Payments: The Committee appreciates GAO's work to
curb improper payments. Since the Comptroller General has
warned that improper payments are a pervasive problem across
the Federal government, the Committee requests that GAO provide
quarterly reports to the Committee on its ongoing oversight of
improper payments and recommendations for legislative or
technical opportunities to improve payment integrity. The
Comptroller General shall annually report to Congress on
government improper payments. The Committee requests that GAO
provide these reports in each fiscal year through fiscal year
2025.
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act: The Committee is
including in GAO's appropriation an additional $5,000,000 of
no-year funds for GAO to carry out work in support of the
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The Committee
acknowledges that the Act tasks GAO with over 30 studies. GAO
also will receive Congressional requests for additional work as
the relevant departments and agencies carry out the Act's
provisions. GAO's work will assist Congress in providing
necessary oversight of the significant investment the Act
provides in our nation's infrastructure, including our roads,
bridges, transit, rail, ports, airports, and broadband.
Power of the Purse Efforts: The Committee notes and
commends GAO's efforts to support the Committee's work to
strengthen and reassert Congress's power of the purse over
appropriations. In GAO's Proposals to Reinforce Congress's
Constitutional Power of the Purse, GAO recommended requiring
the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to publicly post all
apportionments of executive branch appropriations as a way to
improve Congressional oversight and facilitate GAO providing
more timely advice and legal decisions to Congress. Consistent
with GAO's recommendation, Congress enacted that proposal in
the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022. The Committee
appreciates GAO's recommendations and technical assistance on
good government provisions to strengthen Congress's power of
the purse.
Priority Areas for GAO: In its budget request, GAO
identified four areas in which it will continue to increase its
capabilities: evolving science and technology issues;
cybersecurity threats; national security challenges; and rising
health care costs. The Committee supports work in these
priority areas.
Priority Recommendations: The Committee directs GAO to add
to its annual priority letters information on the time the
priority recommendations have been open and additional
congressional oversight actions if any, that can help agencies
implement such priority recommendations and address any
underlying issues relating to such implementation.
Science and Technology Assistance: The Committee is pleased
with GAO's institutional development of its technology and
science function through the Science, Technology Assessment,
and Analytics (STAA) team and its rapid expansion since its
creation in 2019. The Committee is pleased with STAA's unbiased
fact-based scientific and technological expertise. The
Committee encourages GAO to continue to develop new components
of STAA studies by including policy recommendation options,
when appropriate to the subject. STAA is also encouraged to
seek external feedback on science and technology matters that
should be explored in its work.
Unimplemented Recommendations: Within 12 months, the
Comptroller General shall provide a report to the Committee and
oversight committees of jurisdiction, estimating the cost
savings that could be achieved if agencies acted on GAO's
recommendations organized by agency.
CONGRESSIONAL OFFICE FOR INTERNATIONAL LEADERSHIP
Appropriation, fiscal year 2022....................... $6,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2023...................... 6,000,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 6,000,000
Change from enacted level......................... 0
Change from request............................... 0
The Committee recommends $6,000,000 for salaries and
expenses of the Congressional Office For International
Leadership.
Ukraine: The Committee is deeply troubled by the Russian
invasion of Ukraine and supports COIL's efforts to reinstate
programming in Ukraine as soon as possible. The Committee
further urges COIL's engagement with Ukrainians outside of
Ukraine to maintain democratic advancement throughout wartime.
Poland: The Committee remains concerned at the kind of
political polarization that led to the murder of Gdansk mayor
Pawel Adamowicz. The Committee is pleased with COIL's efforts
to explore increased exchange with Poland as a former Communist
country in Central and Eastern Europe.
Hungary: The Committee remains concerned about
opportunities for increased Russian influence in the region,
including challenges with corruption and weakening civil
society in Hungary. The Committee continues to support COIL's
efforts to explore increased exchange with Hungary as a former
Communist country in Central and Eastern Europe.
JOHN C. STENNIS CENTER FOR PUBLIC SERVICE TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT
Appropriation, fiscal year 2022....................... $430,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2023...................... 430,000
Committee recommendation.............................. 430,000
Change from enacted level......................... 0
Change from request............................... 0
The Committee recommends $430,000 for salaries and expenses
for the Stennis Center. The Center provides Congressional staff
training and development opportunities to promote and
strengthen public service leadership in America.
TITLE II--GENERAL PROVISIONS
The Committee continues several provisions from prior
years, including language regarding maintenance and care of
private vehicles, fiscal year limitation, rates of compensation
and designation, consulting services, the Legislative Branch
Financial Managers Council, a limitation on transfers, guided
tours of the Capitol, limitations on telecommunications
equipment procurement, prohibition on certain operational
expenses, and plastic waste reduction.
Provides funding for the Attending Physician in response to
COVID-19.
Includes a limitation for the cost-of-living adjustment for
Members of Congress for fiscal year 2023.
Includes new language permitting funding in this Act to be
used to employ individuals with an employment authorization
document under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
(DACA) Program.
Includes new language requiring the Architect of the
Capitol to remove statues and a bust in the U.S. Capitol
representing Confederate Army or Government officials, as well
as the statuary for four white supremacists, including Roger B.
Taney.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES REPORT REQUIREMENTS
The following items are included in accordance with various
requirements of the Rules of the House of Representatives:
[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
Statement of General Performance Goals and Objectives
Pursuant to clause 3(c)(4) of rule XIII of the Rules of the
House of Representatives, the following is a statement of
general performance goals and objectives for which this measure
authorizes funding:
The Committee considers program performance, including a
program's success in developing and attaining outcome-related
goals and objectives, in developing funding recommendations.
Rescissions
Pursuant to clause 3(f)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the
House of Representatives, the bill contains no recissions.
Transfer of Funds
Pursuant to clause 3(f)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the
House of Representatives, the following lists the transfers of
funds included in the accompanying bill:
Within the House Modernization Initiatives Account
authorization, section allowing transfers among House accounts.
A proviso in the appropriation for ``Architect of the
Capitol, House Office Buildings'' directs transfer of
$4,000,000 into that account from the House Office Buildings
Fund.
Within the Government Publishing Office, provisos in the
appropriations for ``Congressional Publishing'' and ``Public
Information Programs of the Superintendent of Documents,
Salaries and Expenses'' authorize transfer of unobligated or
unexpended balances of expired discretionary funds appropriated
under those headings for fiscal year 2023 to the ``Government
Publishing Office Business Operations Revolving Fund'' account.
Disclosure of Earmarks and Congressionally Directed Spending Items
Pursuant to clause 9 of rule XXI of the Rules of the House
of Representatives, this bill, as reported, contains no
Congressional earmarks, limited tax benefits, or limited tariff
benefits as defined in clause 9 of rule XXI.
Compliance With Rule XIII, Cl. 3(e) (Ramseyer Rule)
In compliance with clause 3(e) of rule XIII of the Rules of
the House of Representatives, changes in existing law made by
the bill, as reported, are shown as follows (existing law
proposed to be omitted is enclosed in black brackets, new
matter is printed in italics, existing law in which no change
is proposed is shown in roman):
LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2003
* * * * * * *
DIVISION H--LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS, 2003
TITLE I
LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS
* * * * * * *
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS
* * * * * * *
Sec. 105. [(a) Establishment.--The Chief Administrative
Officer shall establish a program under which an employing
office of the House of Representatives may agree to repay (by
direct payment on behalf of the employee) any student loan
previously taken out by an employee of the office. For purposes
of this section, a Member of the House of Representatives
(including a Delegate or Resident Commissioner to the Congress)
shall not be considered to be an employee of the House of
Representatives.]
(a) Program To Cover Student Loan Repayment, Educational
Assistance, and Professional Development for House Employees.--
(1) Establishment.--The Chief Administrative
Officer shall establish a program under which an
employing office of the House of Representatives may
agree--
(A) to repay (by direct payment on behalf
of the employee) any student loan previously
taken out by an employee of the office;
(B) to make direct payments on behalf of an
employee of the office or to reimburse an
employee of the office for expenses paid by the
employee for the employee's educational and
professional development; and
(C) to make direct payments on behalf of an
employee of the office or to reimburse an
employee of the office for credentialing,
professional accreditation, professional
licensure, and professional certification
expenses paid by the employee.
(2) Exclusion of members.--For purposes of this
section, a Member of the House of Representatives
(including a Delegate or Resident Commissioner to the
Congress) shall not be considered to be an employee of
the House of Representatives.
(b) Lifetime Limit on Aggregate Payments Made on Behalf of
Any Individual.--The aggregate amount of payments made on
behalf of any individual under the program under this section
by all employing offices of the House of Representatives may
not exceed $80,000.
(c) Regulations.--The Committee on House Administration
shall promulgate such regulations as may be necessary to carry
out the program under this section.
(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized
to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out
the program under this section during fiscal year 2003 and each
succeeding fiscal year.
* * * * * * *
----------
TITLE 5, UNITED STATES CODE
* * * * * * *
PART III--EMPLOYEES
* * * * * * *
SUBPART G--INSURANCE AND ANNUITIES
* * * * * * *
CHAPTER 83--RETIREMENT
* * * * * * *
SUBCHAPTER III--CIVIL SERVICE RETIREMENT
Sec. 8331. Definitions
For the purpose of this subchapter--
(1) ``employee'' means--
(A) an employee as defined by section 2105
of this title;
(B) the Architect of the Capitol, an
employee of the Architect of the Capitol, and
an employee of the Botanic Garden;
(C) a Congressional employee as defined by
section 2107 of this title (other than the
Architect of the Capitol, an employee of the
Architect of the Capitol, and an employee of
the Botanic Garden), after he gives notice in
writing to the official by whom he is paid of
his desire to become subject to this
subchapter;
(D) a temporary Congressional employee
appointed at an annual rate of pay, after he
gives notice in writing to the official by whom
he is paid of his desire to become subject to
this subchapter;
(E) a United States Commissioner whose
total pay for services performed as
Commissioner is not less than $3,000 in each of
the last 3 consecutive calendar years ending
after December 31, 1954;
(F) an individual employed by a county
committee established under section 590h(b) of
title 16;
(G) an individual first employed by the
government of the District of Columbia before
October 1, 1987;
(H) an individual employed by Gallaudet
College;
(I) an individual appointed to a position
on the office staff of a former President under
section 1(b) of the Act of August 25, 1958 (72
Stat. 838);
(J) an alien (i) who was previously
employed by the Government, (ii) who is
employed full time by a foreign government for
the purpose of protecting or furthering the
interests of the United States during an
interruption of diplomatic or consular
relations, and (iii) for whose services
reimbursement is made to the foreign government
by the United States;
(K) an individual appointed to a position
on the office staff of a former President, or a
former Vice President under section 5 of the
Presidential Transition Act of 1963, as amended
(78 Stat. 153), who immediately before the date
of such appointment was an employee as defined
under any other subparagraph of this paragraph;
and
(L) an employee described in section
2105(c) who has made an election under section
8347(q)(1) to remain covered under this
subchapter;
but does not include--
(i) a justice or judge of the United States
as defined by section 451 of title 28;
(ii) an employee subject to another
retirement system for Government employees
(besides any employee excluded by clause (x),
but including any employee who has made an
election under section 8347(q)(2) to remain
covered by a retirement system established for
employees described in section 2105(c));
(iii) an employee or group of employees in
or under an Executive agency excluded by the
Office of Personnel Management under section
8347(g) of this title;
(iv) an individual or group of individuals
employed by the government of the District of
Columbia excluded by the Office under section
8347(h) of this title;
(v) an employee of the Administrative
Office of the United States Courts, the Federal
Judicial Center, or a court named by section
610 of title 28, excluded by the Director of
the Administrative Office under section 8347(o)
of this title;
(vi) a construction employee or other
temporary, part-time, or intermittent employee
of the Tennessee Valley Authority;
(vii) an employee under the Office of the
Architect of the Capitol excluded by the
Architect of the Capitol under section 8347(i)
of this title;
(viii) an employee under the Library of
Congress excluded by the Librarian of Congress
under section 8347(j) of this title;
(ix) a student-employee as defined by
section 5351 of this title;
(x) an employee subject to the Federal
Employees' Retirement System;
(xi) an employee under the Botanic Garden
excluded by the Director or Acting Director of
the Botanic Garden under section 8347(l) of
this title; or
(xii) a member of the Foreign Service (as
described in section 103(6) of the Foreign
Service Act of 1980), appointed after December
31, 1987.
Notwithstanding this paragraph, the employment of a
teacher in the recess period between two school years
in a position other than a teaching position in which
he served immediately before the recess period does not
qualify the individual as an employee for the purpose
of this subchapter. For the purpose of the preceding
sentence, ``teacher'' and ``teaching position'' have
the meanings given them by section 901 of title 20;
(2) ``Member'' means a Member of Congress as
defined by section 2106 of this title, after he gives
notice in writing to the official by whom he is paid of
his desire to become subject to this subchapter, but
does not include any such Member of Congress who is
subject to the Federal Employees' Retirement System or
who makes an election under section 8401(20) of this
title not to be subject to such System;
(3) ``basic pay'' includes--
(A) the amount a Member received from April
1, 1954, to February 28, 1955, as expense
allowance under section 601(b) of the
Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 (60
Stat. 850), as amended; and that amount from
January 3, 1953, to March 31, 1954, if deposit
is made therefor as provided by section 8334 of
this title;
(B) additional pay provided by--
(i) subsection (a) of section 60e-7
of title 2 and the provisions of law
referred to by that subsection; and
(ii) sections 60e-8, 60e-9, 60e-10,
60e-11, 60e-12, 60e-13, and 60e-14 of
title 2;
(C) premium pay under section 5545(c)(1) of
this title;
(D) with respect to a law enforcement
officer, premium pay under section 5545(c)(2)
of this title;
(E) availability pay--
(i) received by a criminal
investigator under section 5545a of
this title; or
(ii) received after September 11,
2001, by a Federal air marshal or
criminal investigator (as defined in
section 5545a(a)(2)) of the
Transportation Security Administration,
subject to all restrictions and earning
limitations imposed on criminal
investigators receiving such pay under
section 5545a, including the premium
pay limitations under section 5547;
(F) pay as provided in section 5545b(b)(2)
and (c)(2);
(G) with respect to a customs officer
(referred to in subsection (e)(1) of section 5
of the Act of February 13, 1911), compensation
for overtime inspectional services provided for
under subsection (a) of such section 5, but not
to exceed 50 percent of any statutory maximum
in overtime pay for customs officers which is
in effect for the year involved;
(H) any amount received under section 5948
(relating to physicians comparability
allowances); [and]
(I) with respect to a border patrol agent,
the amount of supplemental pay received through
application of the level 1 border patrol rate
of pay or the level 2 border patrol rate of pay
for scheduled overtime within the regular tour
of duty of the border patrol agent as provided
in section 5550; and
(J) with respect to a member of the Capitol
Police, overtime pay received on or after the
date of enactment of this subparagraph for
overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act of
1938 (29 U.S.C. 201 et seq.) by operation of
section 102(a)(1) of the Congressional
Accountability Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C.
1302(a)(1)), for up to an amount equal to 50
percent of any annual statutory maximum in
overtime pay for customs officers set pursuant
to section 5(c)(1) of the Act of February 13,
1911 (19 U.S.C. 267(c)(1));
but does not include bonuses, allowances, overtime pay,
military pay, pay given in addition to the base pay of
the position as fixed by law or regulation except as
provided by [subparagraphs (B) through (I) of this
paragraph] subparagraphs (B) through (J) of this
paragraph, retroactive pay under section 5344 of this
title in the case of a retired or deceased employee,
uniform allowances under section 5901 of this title, or
lump-sum leave payments under subchapter VI of chapter
55 of this title. For an employee paid on a fee basis,
the maximum amount of basic pay which may be used is
$10,000;
(4) ``average pay'' means the largest annual rate
resulting from averaging an employee's or Member's
rates of basic pay in effect over any 3 consecutive
years of creditable service or, in the case of an
annuity under subsection (d) or (e)(1) of section 8341
of this title based on service of less than 3 years,
over the total service, with each rate weighted by the
time it was in effect;
(5) ``Fund'' means the Civil Service Retirement and
Disability Fund;
(7) ``Government'' means the Government of the
United States, the government of the District of
Columbia, Gallaudet University, and, in the case of an
employee described in paragraph (1)(L), a
nonappropriated fund instrumentality of the Department
of Defense or the Coast Guard described in section
2105(c);
(8) ``lump-sum credit'' means the unrefunded amount
consisting of--
(A) retirement deductions made from the
basic pay of an employee or Member;
(B) amounts deposited by an employee or
Member covering earlier service, including any
amounts deposited under section 8334(j) of this
title; and
(C) interest on the deductions and deposits
at 4 percent a year to December 31, 1947, and 3
percent a year thereafter compounded annually
to December 31, 1956, or, in the case of an
employee or Member separated or transferred to
a position in which he does not continue
subject to this subchapter before he has
completed 5 years of civilian service, to the
date of the separation or transfer;
but does not include interest--
(i) if the service covered thereby
aggregates 1 year or less; or
(ii) for the fractional part of a month in
the total service;
(9) ``annuitant'' means a former employee or Member
who, on the basis of his service, meets all
requirements of this subchapter for title to annuity
and files claim therefor;
(10) ``survivor'' means an individual entitled to
annuity under this subchapter based on the service of a
deceased employee, Member, or annuitant;
(11) ``survivor annuitant'' means a survivor who
files claim for annuity;
(12) ``service'' means employment creditable under
section 8332 of this title;
(13) ``military service'' means honorable active
service--
(A) in the armed forces;
(B) in the Regular or Reserve Corps of the
Public Health Service after June 30, 1960; or
(C) as a commissioned officer of the
Environmental Science Services Administration
after June 30, 1961;
and includes service as a cadet at the United States
Military Academy, the United States Air Force Academy,
or the United States Coast Guard Academy, or as a
midshipman at the United States Naval Academy, but does
not include service in the National Guard except when
ordered to active duty in the service of the United
States or full-time National Guard duty (as such term
is defined in section 101(d) of title 10) if such
service interrupts creditable civilian service under
this subchapter and is followed by reemployment in
accordance with chapter 43 of title 38 that occurs on
or after August 1, 1990;
(14) ``Member service'' means service as a Member
and includes the period from the date of the beginning
of the term for which elected or appointed to the date
on which he takes office as a Member;
(15) ``price index'' means the Consumer Price Index
(all items--United States city average) published
monthly by the Bureau of Labor Statistics;
(16) ``base month'' means the month for which the
price index showed a percent rise forming the basis for
a cost-of-living annuity increase;
(17) ``normal-cost percentage'' means the entry-age
normal cost computed by the Office of Personnel
Management in accordance with generally accepted
actuarial practice and standards (using dynamic
assumptions) and expressed as a level percentage of
aggregate basic pay;
(18) ``Fund balance'' means the current net assets
of the Fund available for payment of benefits, as
determined by the Office in accordance with appropriate
accounting standards, but does not include any amount
attributable to--
(A) the Federal Employees' Retirement
System; or
(B) contributions made under the Federal
Employees' Retirement Contribution Temporary
Adjustment Act of 1983 by or on behalf of any
individual who became subject to the Federal
Employees' Retirement System;
(19) ``unfunded liability'' means the estimated
excess of the present value of all benefits payable
from the Fund to employees and Members, and former
employees and Members, subject to this subchapter, and
to their survivors, over the sum of--
(A) the present value of deductions to be
withheld from the future basic pay of employees
and Members currently subject to this
subchapter and of future agency contributions
to be made in their behalf; plus
(B) the present value of Government
payments to the Fund under section 8348(f) of
this title; plus
(C) the Fund balance as of the date the
unfunded liability is determined;
(20) ``law enforcement officer'' means an employee,
the duties of whose position are primarily the
investigation, apprehension, or detention of
individuals suspected or convicted of offenses against
the criminal laws of the United States, including an
employee engaged in this activity who is transferred to
a supervisory or administrative position. For the
purpose of this paragraph, ``detention'' includes the
duties of--
(A) employees of the Bureau of Prisons and
Federal Prison Industries, Incorporated;
(B) employees of the Public Health Service
assigned to the field service of the Bureau of
Prisons or of the Federal Prison Industries,
Incorporated;
(C) employees in the field service at Army
or Navy disciplinary barracks or at confinement
and rehabilitation facilities operated by any
of the armed forces; and
(D) employees of the Department of
Corrections of the District of Columbia, its
industries and utilities;
whose duties in connection with individuals in
detention suspected or convicted of offenses against
the criminal laws of the United States or of the
District of Columbia or offenses against the punitive
articles of the Uniformed Code of Military Justice
(chapter 47 of title 10) require frequent (as
determined by the appropriate administrative authority
with the concurrence of the Office) direct contact with
these individuals in their detention, direction,
supervision, inspection, training, employment, care,
transportation, or rehabilitation;
(21) ``firefighter'' means an employee, the duties
of whose position are primarily to perform work
directly connected with the control and extinguishment
of fires or the maintenance and use of firefighting
apparatus and equipment, including an employee engaged
in this activity who is transferred to a supervisory or
administrative position;
(22) ``bankruptcy judge'' means an individual--
(A) who is appointed under section 34 of
the Bankruptcy Act (11 U.S.C. 62) or under
section 404(d) of the Act of November 6, 1978
(Public Law 95-598; 92 Stat. 2549), and--
(i) who is serving as a United
States bankruptcy judge on March 31,
1984; or
(ii) whose service as a United
States bankruptcy judge at any time in
the period beginning on October 1,
1979, and ending on July 10, 1984, is
terminated by reason of death or
disability; or
(B) who is appointed as a bankruptcy judge
under section 152 of title 28;
(23) ``former spouse'' means a former spouse of an
individual--
(A) if such individual performed at least
18 months of civilian service covered under
this subchapter as an employee or Member, and
(B) if the former spouse was married to
such individual for at least 9 months;
(24) ``Indian court'' means an Indian court as
defined by section 201(3) of the Act entitled ``An Act
to prescribe penalties for certain acts of violence or
intimidation, and for other purposes'', approved April
11, 1968 (25 U.S.C. 1301(3); 82 Stat. 77);
(25) ``magistrate judge'' or ``United States
magistrate judge'' means an individual appointed under
section 631 of title 28;
(26) ``Court of Federal Claims judge'' means a
judge of the United States Court of Federal Claims who
is appointed under chapter 7 of title 28 or who has
served under section 167 of the Federal Courts
Improvement Act of 1982;
(27) ``Nuclear materials courier''--
(A) means an employee of the Department of
Energy, the duties of whose position are
primarily to transport, and provide armed
escort and protection during transit of,
nuclear weapons, nuclear weapon components,
strategic quantities of special nuclear
materials or other materials related to
national security; and
(B) includes an employee who is transferred
directly to a supervisory or administrative
position within the same Department of Energy
organization, after performing duties referred
to in subparagraph (A) for at least 3 years;
(28) ``Government physician'' has the meaning given
that term under section 5948;
(29) ``dynamic assumptions'' means economic
assumptions that are used in determining actuarial
costs and liabilities of a retirement system and in
anticipating the effects of long-term future--
(A) investment yields;
(B) increases in rates of basic pay; and
(C) rates of price inflation;
(30) the term ``air traffic controller'' or
``controller'' means--
(A) a controller within the meaning of
section 2109(1); and
(B) a civilian employee of the Department
of Transportation or the Department of Defense
who is the immediate supervisor of a person
described in section 2109(1)(B);
(31) ``customs and border protection officer''
means an employee in the Department of Homeland
Security (A) who holds a position within the GS-1895
job series (determined applying the criteria in effect
as of September 1, 2007) or any successor position, and
(B) whose duties include activities relating to the
arrival and departure of persons, conveyances, and
merchandise at ports of entry, including any such
employee who is transferred directly to a supervisory
or administrative position in the Department of
Homeland Security after performing such duties (as
described in subparagraph (B)) in 1 or more positions
(as described in subparagraph (A)) for at least 3
years;
(32) ``Director'' means the Director of the Office
of Personnel Management; and
(33) ``representative payee'' means a person
(including an organization) designated under section
8345(e)(1) to receive payments on behalf of a minor or
an individual mentally incompetent or under other legal
disability.
* * * * * * *
Sec. 8339. Computation of annuity
(a) Except as otherwise provided by this section, the
annuity of an employee retiring under this subchapter is--
(1) 11/2 percent of his average pay multiplied by
so much of his total service as does not exceed 5
years; plus
(2) 13/4 percent of his average pay multiplied by
so much of his total service as exceeds 5 years but
does not exceed 10 years; plus
(3) 2 percent of his average pay multiplied by so
much of his total service as exceeds 10 years.
However, when it results in a larger annuity, 1 percent of his
average pay plus $25 is substituted for the percentage
specified by paragraph (1), (2), or (3) of this subsection, or
any combination thereof.
(b) The annuity of a Congressional employee, or former
Congressional employee, retiring under this subchapter is
computed under subsection (a) of this section, except, if he
has had--
(1) at least 5 years' service as a Congressional
employee or Member or any combination thereof; and
(2) deductions withheld from his pay or has made
deposit covering his last 5 years of civilian service;
his annuity is computed with respect to his service as a
Congressional employee, his military service not exceeding 5
years, and any Member service, by multiplying 21/2 percent of
his average pay by the years of that service.
(c) The annuity of a Member, or former Member with title to
Member annuity, retiring under this subchapter is computed
under subsection (a) of this section, except, if he has had at
least 5 years' service as a Member or Congressional employee or
any combination thereof, his annuity is computed with respect
to--
(1) his service as a Member and so much of his
military service as is creditable for the purpose of
this paragraph; and
(2) his Congressional employee service;
by multiplying 21/2 percent of his average pay by the years of
that service.
(d)(1) The annuity of an employee retiring under section
8335(b) or 8336(c) of this title is--
(A) 21/2 percent of his average pay multiplied by
so much of his total service as does not exceed 20
years; plus
(B) 2 percent of his average pay multiplied by so
much of his total service as exceeds 20 years.
(2) The annuity of an employee retiring under this
subchapter who was employed by the Panama Canal Company or
Canal Zone Government on September 30, 1979, is computed with
respect to the period of continuous Panama Canal service from
that date, disregarding any break in service of not more than 3
days, by adding--
(A) 21/2 percent of the employee's average pay
multiplied by so much of that service as does not
exceed 20 years; plus
(B) 2 percent of the employee's average pay
multiplied by so much of that service as exceeds 20
years.
(3) The annuity of an employee retiring under this
subchapter who is employed by the Panama Canal Commission at
any time during the period beginning October 1, 1990, and
ending December 31, 1999, is computed, with respect to any
period of service with the Panama Canal Commission, by adding--
(A) 21/2 percent of the employee's average pay
multiplied by so much of that service as does not
exceed 20 years; plus
(B) 2 percent of the employee's average pay
multiplied by so much of that service as exceeds 20
years.
(4)(A) In the case of an employee who has service as a law
enforcement officer or firefighter to which paragraph (2) of
this subsection applies, the annuity of that employee is
increased by $8 for each full month of that service which is
performed in the Republic of Panama.
(B) In the case of an employee retiring under this
subchapter who--
(i) was employed as a law enforcement officer or
firefighter by the Panama Canal Company or Canal Zone
Government at any time during the period beginning
March 31, 1979, and ending September 30, 1979; and
(ii) does not meet the age and service requirements
of section 8336(c) of this title;
the annuity of that employee is increased by $12 for each full
month of that service which occurred before October 1, 1979.
(C) An annuity increase under this paragraph does not apply
with respect to service performed after completion of 20 years
of service (or any combination of service) as a law enforcement
officer or firefighter.
(5) For the purpose of this subsection--
(A) ``Panama Canal service'' means--
(i) service as an employee of the Panama
Canal Commission; or
(ii) service at a permanent duty station in
the Canal Zone or Republic of Panama as an
employee of an Executive agency conducting
operations in the Canal Zone or Republic of
Panama; and
(B) ``Executive agency'' includes the Smithsonian
Institution.
(6) The annuity of an employee retiring under section
8336(j) of this title is computed under subsection (a) of this
section, except that with respect to service on or after
December 21, 1972, the employee's annuity is--
(A) 21/2 percent of the employee's average pay
multiplied by so much of the employee's service on or
after that date as does not exceed 20 years; plus
(B) 2 percent of the employee's average pay
multiplied by so much of the employee's service on or
after that date as exceeds 20 years.
(7) The annuity of an employee who is a judge of the United
States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, or a former judge
of such court, retiring under this subchapter is computed under
subsection (a) of this section, except, with respect to his
service as a judge of such court, his service as a Member, his
congressional employee service, and his military service (not
exceeding 5 years) creditable under section 8332 of this title,
his annuity is computed by multiplying 21/2 percent of his
average pay by the years of that service.
(e) The annuity of an employee retiring under section
8336(e) of this title is computed under subsection (a) of this
section. That annuity may not be less than 50 percent of the
average pay of the employee unless such employee has received,
pursuant to section 8342 of this title, payment of the lump-sum
credit attributable to deductions under section 8334(a) of this
title during any period of employment as an air traffic
controller and such employee has not deposited in the Fund the
amount received, with interest, pursuant to section 8334(d)(1)
of this title.
(f) The annuity computed under subsections (a) through (e),
(n), (q), (r), and (s) may not exceed 80 percent of--
(1) the average pay of the employee; or
(2) the greatest of--
(A) the final basic pay of the Member;
(B) the average pay of the Member; or
(C) the final basic pay of the appointive
position of a former Member who elects to have
his annuity computed or recomputed under
section 8344(d)(1) of this title.
(g) The annuity of an employee or Member retiring under
section 8337 of this title is at least the smaller of--
(1) 40 percent of his average pay; or
(2) the sum obtained under subsections (a) through
(c), (n), (q), (r), or (s) after increasing his service
of the type last performed by the period elapsing
between the date of separation and the date he becomes
60 years of age.
However, if an employee or Member retiring under section 8337
of this title is receiving retired pay or retainer pay for
military service (except that specified in section 8332(c)(1)
or (2) of this title) or pension or compensation from the
Department of Veterans Affairs in lieu of such retired or
retainer pay, the annuity of that employee or Member shall be
computed under subsection (a), (b), (c), (n), (q), (r), or (s),
as appropriate, excluding credit for military service from that
computation. If the amount of the annuity so computed, plus the
retired or retainer pay which is received, or which would be
received but for the pension or compensation from the
Department of Veterans Affairs in lieu of such retired or
retainer pay, is less than the smaller of the annuity otherwise
payable under paragraph (1) or (2) of this subsection, an
amount equal to the difference shall be added to the annuity
payable under subsection (a), (b), (c), (n), (q), (r), or (s),
as appropriate.
(h) The annuity computed under subsections (a), (b),
(d)(5), and (f) of this section for an employee retiring under
section 8336(d), (h), (j), or (o) of this title is reduced by
1/6 of 1 percent for each full month the employee is under 55
years of age at the date of separation. The annuity computed
under subsections (c) and (f) of this section for a Member
retiring under the second or third sentence of section 8336(g)
of this title or the third sentence of section 8338(b) of this
title is reduced by 1/12 of 1 percent for
each full month not in excess of 60 months, and 1/6 of 1
percent for each full month in excess of 60 months, the Member
is under 60 years of age at the date of separation. The annuity
computed under subsections (a), (d)(6), and (f) of this section
for a judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed
Forces retiring under the second sentence of section 8336(k) of
this title or the third sentence of section 8338(c) of this
title is reduced by 1/12 of 1 percent for
each full month not in excess of 60 months, and 1/6 of 1
percent for each full month in excess of 60 months, the judge
is under 60 years of age at the date of separation.
(i) For the purposes of subsections (a)-(h), (n), (q), (r),
or (s), the total service of any employee or Member shall not
include any period of civilian service after July 31, 1920, for
which retirement deductions or deposits have not been made
under section 8334(a) of this title unless--
(1) the employee or Member makes a deposit for such
period as provided in section 8334(c) or (d)(1) of this
title; or
(2) no deposit is required for such service, as
provided under section 8334(g) of this title or under
any statute.
(j)(1) The annuity computed under subsections (a)-(i), (n),
(q), (r), and (s) (or a portion of the annuity, if jointly
designated for this purpose by the employee or Member and the
spouse of the employee or Member under procedures prescribed by
the Office of Personnel Management) for an employee or Member
who is married at the time of retiring under this subchapter is
reduced as provided in paragraph (4) of this subsection in
order to provide a survivor annuity for the spouse under
section 8341(b) of this title, unless the employee or Member
and the spouse jointly waive the spouse's right to a survivor
annuity in a written election filed with the Office at the time
that the employee or Member retires. Each such election shall
be made in accordance with such requirements as the Office
shall, by regulation, prescribe, and shall be irrevocable. The
Office shall provide, by regulation, that an employee or Member
may waive the survivor annuity without the spouse's consent if
the employee or Member establishes to the satisfaction of the
Office--
(A) that the spouse's whereabouts cannot be
determined, or
(B) that, due to exceptional circumstances,
requiring the employee or Member to seek the spouse's
consent would otherwise be inappropriate.
(2) If an employee or Member has a former spouse who is
entitled to a survivor annuity as provided in section 8341(h)
of this title, the annuity of the employee or Member computed
under subsections (a)-(i), (n), (q), (r), and (s) (or any
designated portion of the annuity, in the event that the former
spouse is entitled to less than 55 percent of the employee or
Member's annuity) is reduced as provided in paragraph (4) of
this subsection.
(3) An employee or Member who has a former spouse may
elect, under procedures prescribed by the Office, to have the
annuity computed under subsections (a)-(i), (n), (q), (r), and
(s) or a portion thereof reduced as provided in paragraph (4)
of this subsection in order to provide a survivor annuity for
such former spouse under section 8341(h) of this title, unless
all rights to survivor benefits for such former spouse under
this subchapter based on marriage to such employee or Member
were waived under paragraph (1) of this subsection. An election
under this paragraph shall be made at the time of retirement
or, if later, within 2 years after the date on which the
marriage of the former spouse to the employee or Member is
dissolved, subject to a deposit in the Fund by the retired
employee or Member of an amount determined by the Office, as
nearly as may be administratively feasible, to reflect the
amount by which the annuity of such employee or Member would
have been reduced if the election had been continuously in
effect since the date the annuity commenced, plus interest. For
the purposes of the preceding sentence, the annual rate of
interest for each year during which the annuity would have been
reduced if the election had been in effect since the date the
annuity commenced shall be 6 percent. The Office shall, by
regulation, provide for payment of the deposit required under
this paragraph by a reduction in the annuity of the employee or
Member. The reduction shall, to the extent practicable, be
designed so that the present value of the future reduction is
actuarially equivalent to the deposit required under this
paragraph, except that the total reductions in the annuity of
an employee or Member to pay deposits required by the
provisions of this paragraph, paragraph (5), or subsection
(k)(2) shall not exceed 25 percent of the annuity computed
under subsections (a) through (i), (n), (q), and (r), including
adjustments under section 8340. The reduction, which shall be
effective on the same date as the election under this
paragraph, shall be permanent and unaffected by any future
termination of the entitlement of the former spouse. Such
reduction shall be independent of and in addition to the
reduction required under the first sentence of this paragraph.
An election under this paragraph--
(A) shall not be effective to the extent that it--
(i) conflicts with--
(I) any court order or decree
referred to in subsection (h)(1) of
section 8341 of this title, which was
issued before the date of such
election; or
(II) any agreement referred to in
such subsection which was entered into
before such date; or
(ii) would cause the total of survivor
annuities payable under subsections (b), (d),
(f), and (h) of section 8341 of this title
based on the service of the employee or Member
to exceed 55 percent of the annuity to which
the employee or Member is entitled under
subsections (a)-(i), (n), (q), (r), and (s);
and
(B) shall not be effective, in the case of an
employee or Member who is then married, unless it is
made with the spouse's written consent.
The Office shall provide by regulation that subparagraph (B) of
this paragraph may be waived for either of the reasons set
forth in the last sentence of paragraph (1) of this subsection.
In the case of a retired employee or Member whose annuity is
being reduced in order to provide a survivor annuity for a
former spouse, an election to provide or increase a survivor
annuity for any other former spouse (and to continue an
appropriate reduction) may be made within the same period that,
and subject to the same conditions under which, an election
could be made under paragraph (5)(B) of this subsection for a
current spouse (subject to the provisions of this paragraph
relating to consent of a current spouse, if the retired
employee or Member is then married). The opportunity to make an
election under the preceding sentence is in addition to any
opportunity otherwise afforded under this paragraph.
(4) In order to provide a survivor annuity or combination
of survivor annuities under subsections (b), (d), (f), and (h)
of section 8341 of this title, the annuity of an employee or
Member (or any designated portion or portions thereof) is
reduced by 21/2 percent of the first $3,600 thereof plus 10
percent of so much thereof as exceeds $3,600.
(5)(A) Any reduction in an annuity for the purpose of
providing a survivor annuity for the current spouse of a
retired employee or Member shall be terminated for each full
month--
(i) after the death of the spouse, or
(ii) after the dissolution of the spouse's marriage
to the employee or Member, except that an appropriate
reduction shall be made thereafter if the spouse is
entitled, as a former spouse, to a survivor annuity
under section 8341(h) of this title.
(B) Any reduction in an annuity for the purpose of
providing a survivor annuity for a former spouse of a retired
employee or Member shall be terminated for each full month
after the former spouse remarries before reaching age 55 or
dies. This reduction shall be replaced by an appropriate
reduction or reductions under paragraph (4) of this subsection
if the retired employee or Member has (i) another former spouse
who is entitled to a survivor annuity under section 8341(h) of
this title, (ii) a current spouse to whom the employee or
Member was married at the time of retirement and with respect
to whom a survivor annuity was not jointly waived under
paragraph (1) of this subsection, or (iii) a current spouse
whom the employee or Member married after retirement and with
respect to whom an election has been made under subparagraph
(C) of this paragraph or subsection (k)(2) of this section.
(C)(i) Upon remarriage, a retired employee or Member who
was married at the time of retirement (including an employee or
Member whose annuity was not reduced to provide a survivor
annuity for the employee or Member's spouse or former spouse as
of the time of retirement) may irrevocably elect during such
marriage, in a signed writing received by the Office within 2
years after such remarriage or, if later, within 2 years after
the death or remarriage of any former spouse of such employee
or Member who was entitled to a survivor annuity under section
8341(h) of this title (or of the last such surviving former
spouse, if there was more than one), a reduction in the
employee or Member's annuity under paragraph (4) of this
subsection for the purpose of providing an annuity for such
employee or Member's spouse in the event such spouse survives
the employee or Member.
(ii) Such election and reduction shall be effective the
first day of the second month after the election is received by
the Office, but not less than 9 months after the date of the
remarriage, and the retired employee or Member shall deposit in
the Fund an amount determined by the Office of Personnel
Management, as nearly as may be administratively feasible, to
reflect the amount by which the annuity of such retired
employee or Member would have been reduced if the election had
been in effect since the date of retirement or, if later, the
date the previous reduction in such retired employee or
Member's annuity was terminated under subparagraph (A) or (B)
of this paragraph, plus interest. For the purposes of the
preceding sentence, the annual rate of interest for each year
during which an annuity would have been reduced if the election
had been in effect on and after the applicable date referred to
in such sentence shall be 6 percent.
(iii) The Office shall, by regulation, provide for payment
of the deposit required under clause (ii) by a reduction in the
annuity of the employee or Member. The reduction shall, to the
extent practicable, be designed so that the present value of
the future reduction is actuarially equivalent to the deposit
required under clause (ii), except that total reductions in the
annuity of an employee or Member to pay deposits required by
the provisions of this paragraph or paragraph (3) shall not
exceed 25 percent of the annuity computed under subsections (a)
through (i), (n), (q), and (r), including adjustments under
section 8340. The reduction required by this clause, which
shall be effective on the same date as the election under
clause (i), shall be permanent and unaffected by any future
termination of the marriage. Such reduction shall be
independent of and in addition to the reduction required under
clause (i).
(iv) Notwithstanding any other provision of this
subparagraph, an election under this subparagraph may not be
made for the purpose of providing an annuity in the case of a
spouse by remarriage if such spouse was married to the employee
or Member at the time of such employee or Member's retirement,
and all rights to survivor benefits for such spouse under this
subchapter based on marriage to such employee or Member were
then waived under paragraph (1) of this subsection or a similar
prior provision of law.
(v) An election to provide a survivor annuity to a person
under this subparagraph--
(I) shall prospectively void any election made by
the employee or Member under subsection (k)(1) of this
section with respect to such person; or
(II) shall, if an election was made by the employee
or Member under such subsection (k)(1) with respect to
a different person, prospectively void such election if
appropriate written application is made by such
employee or Member at the time of making the election
under this subparagraph.
(vi) The deposit provisions of clauses (ii) and (iii) of
this subparagraph shall not apply if--
(I) the employee or Member makes an election under
this subparagraph after having made an election under
subsection (k)(1) of this section; and
(II) the election under such subsection (k)(1)
becomes void under clause (v) of this subparagraph.
(k)(1) At the time of retiring under section 8336 or 8338
of this title, an employee or Member who is found to be in good
health by the Office may elect a reduced annuity instead of an
annuity computed under subsections (a)-(i), (n), (q), (r), and
(s) and name in writing an individual having an insurable
interest in the employee or Member to receive an annuity under
section 8341(c) of this title after the death of the retired
employee or Member. The annuity of the employee or Member
making the election is reduced by 10 percent, and by 5 percent
for each full 5 years the individual named is younger than the
retiring employee or Member. However, the total reduction may
not exceed 40 percent. An annuity which is reduced under this
paragraph or any similar prior provision of law shall,
effective the first day of the month following the death of the
individual named under this paragraph, be recomputed and paid
as if the annuity had not been so reduced. In the case of a
married employee or Member, an election under this paragraph on
behalf of the spouse may be made only if any right of such
spouse to a survivor annuity based on the service of such
employee or Member is waived in accordance with subsection
(j)(1) of this section.
(2)(A) An employee or Member, who is unmarried at the time
of retiring under a provision of law which permits election of
a reduced annuity with a survivor annuity payable to such
employee or Member's spouse and who later marries, may
irrevocably elect, in a signed writing received in the Office
within 2 years after such employee or Member marries or, if
later, within 2 years after the death or remarriage of any
former spouse of such employee or Member who was entitled to a
survivor annuity under section 8341(h) of this title (or of the
last such surviving former spouse, if there was more than one),
a reduction in the retired employee or Member's current annuity
as provided in subsection (j) of this section.
(B)(i) The election and reduction shall take effect on the
first day of the first month beginning after the expiration of
the 9-month period beginning on the date of marriage. Any such
election to provide a survivor annuity for a person--
(I) shall prospectively void any election made by
the employee or Member under paragraph (1) of this
subsection with respect to such person; or
(II) shall, if an election was made by the employee
or Member under such paragraph with respect to a
different person, prospectively void such election if
appropriate written application is made by such
employee or Member at the time of making the election
under this paragraph.
(ii) The retired employee or Member shall deposit in the
Fund an amount determined by the Office of Personnel
Management, as nearly as may be administratively feasible, to
reflect the amount by which the retired employee or Member's
annuity would have been reduced under subsection (j)(4) of this
section since the commencing date of the annuity, if the
employee or Member had been married at the time of retirement
and had elected to provide a survivor annuity at that time,
plus interest. For the purposes of the preceding sentence, the
annual rate of interest for each year during which the annuity
would have been reduced if the election had been in effect
since the date of the annuity commenced shall be 6 percent.
(C) The Office shall, by regulation, provide for payment of
the deposit required under subparagraph (B)(ii) by a reduction
in the annuity of the employee or Member. The reduction shall,
to the extent practicable, be designed so that the present
value of the future reduction is actuarially equivalent to the
deposit required under subparagraph (B)(ii), except that total
reductions in the annuity of an employee or Member to pay
deposits required by this subsection or subsection (j)(3) shall
not exceed 25 percent of the annuity computed under subsections
(a) through (i), (n), (q), and (r), including adjustments under
section 8340. The reduction required by this subparagraph,
which shall be effective on the same date as the election under
subparagraph (A), shall be permanent and unaffected by any
future termination of the marriage. Such reduction shall be
independent of and in addition to the reduction required under
subparagraph (A).
(D) Subparagraphs (B)(ii) and (C) of this paragraph shall
not apply if--
(i) the employee or Member makes an election under
this paragraph after having made an election under
paragraph (1) of this subsection; and
(ii) the election under such paragraph (1) becomes
void under subparagraph (B)(i) of this paragraph.
(l) The annuity computed under subsections (a)-(k), (n),
(q), (r), and (s) for an employee who is a citizen of the
United States is increased by $36 for each year of service in
the employ of--
(1) the Alaska Engineering Commission, or The
Alaska Railroad, in Alaska between March 12, 1914, and
July 1, 1923; or
(2) the Isthmian Canal Commission, or the Panama
Railroad Company, on the Isthmus of Panama between May
4, 1904, and April 1, 1914.
(m) In computing any annuity under subsections (a) through
(e), (n), (q), (r), and (s), the total service of an employee
who retires on an immediate annuity or dies leaving a survivor
or survivors entitled to annuity includes, without regard to
the limitations imposed by subsection (f) of this section, the
days of unused sick leave to his credit under a formal leave
system, except that these days will not be counted in
determining average pay or annuity eligibility under this
subchapter. For the purpose of this subsection, in the case of
any such employee who is excepted from subchapter I of chapter
63 of this title under section 6301(2)(x)-(xiii) of this title,
the days of unused sick leave to his credit include any unused
sick leave standing to his credit when he was excepted from
such subchapter.
(n) The annuity of an employee who is a Court of Federal
Claims judge, bankruptcy judge, or United States magistrate
judge is computed, with respect to service as a Court of
Federal Claims judge, as a commissioner of the Court of Claims,
as a referee in bankruptcy, as a bankruptcy judge, as a United
States magistrate judge, and as a United States commissioner,
and with respect to the military service of any such individual
(not exceeding 5 years) creditable under section 8332 of this
title, by multiplying 21/2 percent of the individual's average
pay by the years of that service.
(o)(1)(A) An employee or Member--
(i) who, at the time of retirement, is married, and
(ii) who notifies the Office at such time (in
accordance with subsection (j)) that a survivor annuity
under section 8341(b) of this title is not desired,
may, during the 18-month period beginning on the date of the
retirement of such employee or Member, elect to have a
reduction under subsection (j) made in the annuity of the
employee or Member (or in such portion thereof as the employee
or Member may designate) in order to provide a survivor annuity
for the spouse of such employee or Member.
(B) An employee or Member--
(i) who, at the time of retirement, is married, and
(ii) who at such time designates (in accordance
with subsection (j)) that a limited portion of the
annuity of such employee or Member is to be used as the
base for a survivor annuity under section 8341(b) of
this title,
may, during the 18-month period beginning on the date of the
retirement of such employee or Member, elect to have a greater
portion of the annuity of such employee or Member so used.
(2)(A) An election under subparagraph (A) or (B) of
paragraph (1) of this subsection shall not be considered
effective unless the amount specified in subparagraph (B) of
this paragraph is deposited into the Fund before the expiration
of the applicable 18-month period under paragraph (1).
(B) The amount to be deposited with respect to an election
under this subsection is an amount equal to the sum of--
(i) the additional cost to the System which is
associated with providing a survivor annuity under
subsection (b)(2) of this section and results from such
election taking into account (I) the difference (for
the period between the date on which the annuity of the
participant or former participant commences and the
date of the election) between the amount paid to such
participant or former participant under this subchapter
and the amount which would have been paid if such
election had been made at the time the participant or
former participant applied for the annuity, and (II)
the costs associated with providing for the later
election; and
(ii) interest on the additional cost determined
under clause (i) of this subparagraph computed using
the interest rate specified or determined under section
8334(e) of this title for the calendar year in which
the amount to be deposited is determined.
(3) An election by an employee or Member under this
subsection voids prospectively any election previously made in
the case of such employee or Member under subsection (j).
(4) An annuity which is reduced in connection with an
election under this subsection shall be reduced by the same
percentage reductions as were in effect at the time of the
retirement of the employee or Member whose annuity is so
reduced.
(5) Rights and obligations resulting from the election of a
reduced annuity under this subsection shall be the same as the
rights and obligations which would have resulted had the
employee or Member involved elected such annuity at the time of
retiring.
(6) The Office shall, on an annual basis, inform each
employee or Member who is eligible to make an election under
this subsection of the right to make such election and the
procedures and deadlines applicable to such election.
(p)(1) In computing an annuity under this subchapter for an
employee whose service includes service that was performed on a
part-time basis--
(A) the average pay of the employee, to the extent
that it includes pay for service performed in any
position on a part-time basis, shall be determined by
using the annual rate of basic pay that would be
payable for full-time service in the position; and
(B) the benefit so computed shall then be
multiplied by a fraction equal to the ratio which the
employee's actual service, as determined by prorating
an employee's total service to reflect the service that
was performed on a part-time basis, bears to the total
service that would be creditable for the employee if
all of the service had been performed on a full-time
basis.
(2) For the purpose of this subsection, employment on a
part-time basis shall not be considered to include employment
on a temporary or intermittent basis.
(3) In the administration of paragraph (1)--
(A) subparagraph (A) of such paragraph shall apply
with respect to service performed before, on, or after
April 7, 1986; and
(B) subparagraph (B) of such paragraph--
(i) shall apply with respect to that
portion of any annuity which is attributable to
service performed on or after April 7, 1986;
and
(ii) shall not apply with respect to that
portion of any annuity which is attributable to
service performed before April 7, 1986.
(q) The annuity of a member of the Capitol Police, or
former member of the Capitol Police, retiring under this
subchapter is computed in accordance with subsection (b),
except that, in the case of a member who retires under section
8335(c) or 8336(m), and who meets the requirements of
subsection (b)(2), the annuity of such member is--
(1) 21/2 percent of the member's average pay
multiplied by so much of such member's total service as
does not exceed 20 years; plus
(2) 2 percent of the member's average pay
multiplied by so much of such member's total service as
exceeds 20 years.
(r) The annuity of a member of the Supreme Court Police, or
former member of the Supreme Court Police, retiring under this
subchapter is computed in accordance with subsection (d).
(s) The annuity of a Member who has served in a
position in the executive branch for which the rate of basic
pay was reduced for the duration of the service of the Member
in that position to remove the impediment to the appointment of
the Member imposed by article I, section 6, clause 2 of the
Constitution, shall, subject to a deposit in the Fund as
provided under section 8334(m), be computed as though the rate
of basic pay which would otherwise have been in effect during
that period of service had been in effect.
[(s)] (t)(1) For purposes of this subsection, the term
``physicians comparability allowance'' refers to an amount
described in section 8331(3)(H).
(2) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, no
part of a physicians comparability allowance shall be treated
as basic pay for purposes of any computation under this section
unless, before the date of the separation on which entitlement
to annuity is based, the separating individual has completed at
least 15 years of service as a Government physician (whether
performed before, on, or after the date of the enactment of
this subsection).
(3) If the condition under paragraph (2) is met, then, any
amounts received by the individual in the form of a physicians
comparability allowance shall (for the purposes referred to in
paragraph (2)) be treated as basic pay, but only to the extent
that such amounts are attributable to service performed on or
after the date of the enactment of this subsection, and only to
the extent of the percentage allowable, which shall be
determined as follows: [Omitted table]
(4) Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection,
100 percent of all amounts received as a physicians
comparability allowance shall, to the extent attributable to
service performed on or after the date of the enactment of this
subsection, be treated as basic pay (without regard to any of
the preceding provisions of this subsection) for purposes of
computing--
(A) an annuity under subsection (g); and
(B) a survivor annuity under section 8341, if based
on the service of an individual who dies before
separating from service.
(u) The annuity of an employee retiring under this
subchapter with service credited under section 8332(b)(17)
shall be reduced by the amount necessary to ensure that the
present value of the annuity payable to the employee is
actuarially equivalent to the present value of the annuity that
would be payable to the employee under this subchapter if it
were computed--
(1) on the basis of service that does not include
service credited under section 8332(b)(17); and
(2) assuming the employee separated from service on
the actual date of the separation of the employee.
The amount of the reduction shall be computed under regulations
prescribed by the Office of Personnel Management for the
administration of this subsection.
* * * * * * *
CHAPTER 84--FEDERAL EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM
* * * * * * *
SUBCHAPTER II--BASIC ANNUITY
* * * * * * *
Sec. 8415. Computation of basic annuity
(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, the
annuity of an employee retiring under this subchapter is 1
percent of that individual's average pay multiplied by such
individual's total service.
(b) The annuity of a Member, or former Member with title to
a Member annuity, retiring under this subchapter is computed
under subsection (a), except that if the individual has had at
least 5 years of service as a Member or Congressional employee,
or any combination thereof, so much of the annuity as is
computed with respect to either such type of service (or a
combination thereof), not exceeding a total of 20 years, shall
be computed by multiplying 17/10 percent
of the individual's average pay by the years of such service.
(c) The annuity of a Congressional employee, or former
Congressional employee, retiring under this subchapter is
computed under subsection (a), except that if the individual
has had at least 5 years of service as a Congressional employee
or Member, or any combination thereof, so much of the annuity
as is computed with respect to either such type of service (or
a combination thereof), not exceeding a total of 20 years,
shall be computed by multiplying 17/10
percent of the individual's average pay by the years of such
service.
(d) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the annuity
of an individual described in subsection (b) or (c) who is a
revised annuity employee or a further revised annuity employee
shall be computed in the same manner as in the case of an
individual described in subsection (a).
(e) The annuity of an employee retiring under subsection
(d) or (e) of section 8412 or under subsection (a), (b), or (c)
of section 8425 is--
(1) 17/10 percent of that
individual's average pay multiplied by so much of such
individual's total service as does not exceed 20 years;
plus
(2) 1 percent of that individual's average pay
multiplied by so much of such individual's total
service as exceeds 20 years.
(f) The annuity of an air traffic controller or former air
traffic controller retiring under section 8412(a) is computed
under subsection (a), except that if the individual has at
least 5 years of service in any combination as--
(1) an air traffic controller as defined by section
2109(1)(A)(i);
(2) a first level supervisor of an air traffic
controller as defined by section 2109(1)(A)(i); or
(3) a second level supervisor of an air traffic
controller as defined by section 2109(1)(A)(i);
so much of the annuity as is computed with respect to such type
of service shall be computed by multiplying 1 7/10 percent of
the individual's average pay by the years of such service.
(g)(1) In computing an annuity under this subchapter for an
employee whose service includes service performed on a part-
time basis--
(A) the average pay of the employee, to the extent
that it includes pay for service performed in any
position on a part-time basis, shall be determined by
using the annual rate of basic pay that would be
payable for full-time service in the position; and
(B) the benefit so computed shall then be
multiplied by a fraction equal to the ratio which the
employee's actual service, as determined by prorating
the employee's total service to reflect the service
that was performed on a part-time basis, bears to the
total service that would be creditable for the employee
if all of the service had been performed on a full-time
basis.
(2) For the purpose of this subsection, employment on a
part-time basis shall not be considered to include employment
on a temporary or intermittent basis.
(h)(1) The annuity of an employee or Member retiring under
section 8412(g) or 8413(b) is computed in accordance with
applicable provisions of this section, except that the annuity
shall be reduced by five-twelfths of 1 percent for each full
month by which the commencement date of the annuity precedes
the sixty-second anniversary of the birth of the employee or
Member.
(2)(A) Paragraph (1) does not apply in the case of an
employee or Member retiring under section 8412(g) or 8413(b) if
the employee or Member would satisfy the age and service
requirements for title to an annuity under section 8412(a),
(b), (d)(2), (e)(2), or (f)(2), determined as if the employee
or Member had, as of the date of separation, attained the age
specified in subparagraph (B).
(B) A determination under subparagraph (A) shall be based
on how old the employee or Member will be as of the date on
which the annuity under section 8412(g) or 8413(b) is to
commence.
(i)(1) In applying subsection (a) with respect to an
employee under paragraph (2), the percentage applied under such
subsection shall be 1.1 percent, rather than 1 percent.
(2) This subsection applies in the case of an employee
who--
(A) retires entitled to an annuity under section
8412; and
(B) at the time of the separation on which
entitlement to the annuity is based, is at least 62
years of age and has completed at least 20 years of
service;
but does not apply in the case of a Congressional employee,
military technician (dual status), law enforcement officer,
member of the Supreme Court Police, firefighter, nuclear
materials courier, air traffic controller, or customs and
border protection officer
(j) The annuity of a Member who has served in a position in
the executive branch for which the rate of basic pay was
reduced for the duration of the service of the Member in that
position to remove the impediment to the appointment of the
Member imposed by article I, section 6, clause 2 of the
Constitution, shall, subject to a deposit in the Fund as
provided under section 8422(g), be computed as though the rate
of basic pay which would otherwise have been in effect during
that period of service had been in effect.
(k)(1) For purposes of this subsection, the term
``physicians comparability allowance'' refers to an amount
described in section 8331(3)(H).
(2) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, no
part of a physicians comparability allowance shall be treated
as basic pay for purposes of any computation under this section
unless, before the date of the separation on which entitlement
to annuity is based, the separating individual has completed at
least 15 years of service as a Government physician (whether
performed before, on, or after the date of the enactment of
this subsection).
(3) If the condition under paragraph (2) is met, then, any
amounts received by the individual in the form of a physicians
comparability allowance shall (for the purposes referred to in
paragraph (2)) be treated as basic pay, but only to the extent
that such amounts are attributable to service performed on or
after the date of the enactment of this subsection, and only to
the extent of the percentage allowable, which shall be
determined as follows:
(4) Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection,
100 percent of all amounts received as a physicians
comparability allowance shall, to the extent attributable to
service performed on or after the date of the enactment of this
subsection, be treated as basic pay (without regard to any of
the preceding provisions of this subsection) for purposes of
computing--
(A) an annuity under section 8452; and
(B) a survivor annuity under subchapter IV, if
based on the service of an individual who dies before
separating from service.
(l) The annuity of an employee retiring under this chapter
with service credited under section 8411(b)(6) shall be reduced
by the amount necessary to ensure that the present value of the
annuity payable to the employee under this subchapter is
actuarially equivalent to the present value of the annuity that
would be payable to the employee under this subchapter if it
were computed--
(1) on the basis of service that does not include
service credited under section 8411(b)(6); and
(2) assuming the employee separated from service on
the actual date of the separation of the employee.
The amount of the reduction shall be computed under regulations
prescribed by the Office of Personnel Management for the
administration of this subsection.
(m)(1) In computing an annuity under this subchapter, the
total service of an employee who retires from the position of a
registered nurse with the Veterans Health Administration on an
immediate annuity, or dies while employed in that position
leaving any survivor entitled to an annuity, includes the days
of unused sick leave to the credit of that employee under a
formal leave system, except that such days shall not be counted
in determining average pay or annuity eligibility under this
subchapter.
(2)(A) Except as provided in paragraph (1), in computing an
annuity under this subchapter, the total service of an employee
who retires on an immediate annuity or who dies leaving a
survivor or survivors entitled to annuity includes the
applicable percentage of the days of unused sick leave to his
credit under a formal leave system and for which days the
employee has not received payment, except that these days will
not be counted in determining average pay or annuity
eligibility under this subchapter. For purposes of this
subsection, in the case of any such employee who is excepted
from subchapter I of chapter 63 under section 6301(2)(x)
through (xiii), the days of unused sick leave to his credit
include any unused sick leave standing to his credit when he
was excepted from such subchapter.
(B) For purposes of subparagraph (A), the term ``applicable
percentage'' means--
(i) 50 percent in the case of an annuity,
entitlement to which is based on a death or other
separation occurring during the period beginning on the
date of enactment of this paragraph and ending on
December 31, 2013; and
(ii) 100 percent in the case of an annuity,
entitlement to which is based on a death or other
separation occurring after December 31, 2013.
(n) In the case of any annuity computation under this
section that includes, in the aggregate, at least 2 months of
credit under section 8411(d) for any period while receiving
benefits under subchapter I of chapter 81, the percentage
otherwise applicable under this section for that period so
credited shall be increased by 1 percentage point.
(o)(1) No part of overtime pay (as described in section
8331(3)(J)) paid to a member of the Capitol Police shall be
treated as basic pay for purposes of any computation of an
annuity under this section, unless, before the date of the
separation on which entitlement to annuity is based, the
separating individual has completed at least 15 years of
service (whether performed before, on, or after the date of the
enactment of this subsection).
(2) If the condition under paragraph (1) is met, then any
amounts received by the individual in the form of such overtime
pay shall (for the purposes referred to in paragraph (1)) be
treated as basic pay, but only to the extent that such amounts
are attributable to service performed on or after the date of
the enactment of this subsection, and only to the extent of the
percentage allowable, which shall be determined as follows:
Then, the
If the total amount of service performed, on or after the percentage
date of enactment of this subsection is: allowable
is:
Less than 4 years........................................... 50
At least 4 but less than 8 years............................ 75
At least 8 years............................................ 100
(3) Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection,
100 percent of all amounts received as overtime pay (as
described in section 8331(3)(J)) shall, to the extent
attributable to service performed on or after the date of the
enactment of this subsection, be treated as basic pay for
purposes of computing--
(A) an annuity under section 8452; and
(B) a survivor annuity under subchapter IV, if
based on the service of an individual who dies before
separating from service.
* * * * * * *
Changes in the Application of Existing Law
Pursuant to clause 3(f)(1)(A) of rule XIII of the Rules of
the House of Representatives, the following statements are
submitted describing the effect of provisions in the
accompanying bill that directly or indirectly change the
application of existing law:
1. The bill provides that certain appropriation items
remain available for more than one year, where programs or
projects are continuing in nature under the provisions of
authorizing legislation but for which that legislation does not
specifically authorize such extended availability.
2. The bill includes several provisions which place
limitations on or change or extend existing limitations,
appropriations, or authorizations, and which under some
circumstances might be construed as changing the application of
existing law.
3. The bill continues the practice of providing official
reception and representation allowances for officers and
offices of the Legislative Branch.
4. The bill authorizes disbursal of funds for various
agencies.
5. The bill authorizes transfer authority between accounts
for certain agencies in the bill.
6. The bill includes language allowing the use of funds for
studies and examinations of executive agencies and temporary
personnel services. Funds can also be available for
reimbursement to agencies for services performed.
7. The bill includes language providing funds for the
Family Room, the Superintendent of Garages, Office of Emergency
Management, and preparing the Digest of Rules.
8. The bill includes language providing funds for House
motor vehicles, interparliamentary receptions, and gratuities.
9. The bill requires unspent funds remaining in Members'
Representational Allowances to be used for deficit or debt
reduction.
10. The bill includes language requiring that any Federal
agencies that are assisting the House with cybersecurity risks
ensure the constitutional integrity of the separate branches of
government.
11. The bill authorizes the establishment of a House Intern
Resource Office within the Office of the Chief Administrative
Officer of the House of Representatives.
12. The bill authorizes the expansion of the Student Loan
Repayment Program to encompass educational assistance and
professional development expenses.
13. The bill authorizes allowances for employees of the
Office of the Attending Physician and provides reimbursement to
the Department of the Navy.
14. The bill authorizes expenses of the Capitol Police for
motor vehicles, communications and other equipment, uniforms,
weapons, supplies, materials, training, medical services,
forensic services, stenographic services, personal and
professional services, the employee assistance program, the
awards program, postage, communication services, travel
advances, and relocation expenses.
15. The bill provides that the cost of Capitol Police basic
training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers be
paid by the Department of Homeland Security.
16. The bill authorizes the Chief of Capitol Police to
accept unpaid multi-denominational chaplain services for
Capitol Police employees.
17. The bill provides adjustment to FLSA Overtime
Compensation for members of the Capitol Police.
18. The bill allows the Architect of the Capitol to
purchase or exchange, maintain, and operate one passenger motor
vehicle.
19. The bill includes authorization allowing reimbursements
for chilled water and steam provided to the Government
Publishing Office, the Washington City Post Office, the Supreme
Court, the Thurgood Marshall Federal Judiciary Building, Union
Station Complex, and the Folger Shakespeare Library to be
credited to the AOC Capitol Power Plant appropriation and made
available for obligation.
20. The bill allows the Architect of the Capitol to expend
funds to maintain, care for, and operate the National Garden.
21. The bill prohibits paying bonuses for contractors who
are behind schedule or over budget.
22. The bill establishes that the amount available for
obligation by the Library of Congress is reduced by offsetting
collections.
23. The bill provides specific funding for the American
Folklife Center, the Teaching with Primary Sources program, the
Legislative Branch Financial Management System, the Surplus
Books Program, the Veterans History Project, and the Visitors
Experience project.
24. The bill allows the Library of Congress to hire or
purchase one passenger motor vehicle.
25. The bill allows funds from offsetting collections to be
used for the Library's Copyright Office.
26. The bill includes language authorizing the expenditure
of receipts, with the exception of salaries and benefits, for
the administration of the Copyright Royalty Judges program.
27. The bill contains language which provides that no funds
in the Congressional Research Service can be used to publish or
prepare material to be issued by the Library of Congress unless
approved by the appropriate Committee, with an exception.
28. The bill provides funds to provide newspapers to the
blind and print disabled.
29. The bill contains language under the Library of
Congress placing a limitation on obligations for Reimbursable
and Revolving Fund activities.
30. The bill contains language restricting the use of funds
appropriated to the Government Publishing Office for the
permanent edition of the Congressional Record for individual
Representatives and Senators, Resident Commissioners or
Delegates, and language providing that appropriations
recommended shall be available for the payment of obligations
incurred under appropriations for similar purposes for
preceding fiscal years, limiting the printing of certain
documents to a time certain, and authorizing the transfer of
unobligated balances.
31. The bill includes language authorizing the Public
Information Programs of the Superintendent of Documents to pay
for printing certain publications in prior years for the
depository library program. There is language authorizing the
transfer of unexpended balances.
32. There is language authorizing the operation of the
Government Publishing Office Revolving Fund, and which
authorizes travel expenses for advisory councils, the purchase
of not more than 12 passenger motor vehicles and that the
revolving fund may be used to provide information in any
format.
33. The bill includes language relating to the Government
Accountability Office, authorizing the direct procurement of
expert and consultant services under 5 U.S.C. 3109 at certain
rates; authorizing the hire of one passenger motor vehicle, as
required by 31 U.S.C. 1343; authorizing the Government
Accountability Office to make advance payments in foreign
countries in accordance with 31 U.S.C. 3324; and providing
certain benefits, including rental of living quarters in
foreign countries. Appropriations are authorized for
administrative expenses of any other member department or
agency to finance an appropriate share of the costs of the
National Intergovernmental Audit Forum or a Regional
Intergovernmental Audit Forum.
34. The bill includes language prohibiting the use of funds
in the Act for the maintenance or care of private vehicles
except for emergency assistance and cleaning as may be provided
under regulations relating to parking facilities for the House
issued by the Committee on House Administration and for the
Senate by the Committee on Rules and Administration.
35. The bill provides no part of the funds appropriated in
this Act shall remain available for obligation beyond fiscal
year 2023 unless expressly so provided in this Act.
36. The bill provides that whenever any office or position
not specifically established by the Legislative Pay Act of 1929
is appropriated for herein, or whenever the rate of
compensation or designation of any position appropriated for
herein is different from that specifically established for such
position by such Act, the rate of compensation and the
designation of the position, either appropriated for or
provided herein, shall be the permanent law with respect
thereto. The bill also provides that the provisions herein for
the various items of official expenses of Members, officers,
and the Committees, and clerk hire for Senators and Members
shall be the permanent law with respect thereto.
37. The bill requires that certain information regarding
consulting services shall be a matter of public record.
38. The bill authorizes Legislative Branch entities to
share the costs of the Legislative Branch Financial Managers
Council.
39. The bill limits the transfer of funds in this Act.
40. The bill prohibits funds in this Act being used to
eliminate or restrict staff-led guided tours.
41. The bill prohibits funds from being used to acquire
telecommunications equipment from a particular class of
vendors.
42. The bill prohibits funds from being used to maintain or
establish a computer network unless the network blocks
pornography.
43. The bill includes language requiring agencies funded in
the Act to eliminate or reduce plastic waste.
44. The bill includes language blocking the cost of living
adjustment for Members of Congress.
45. The bill includes language permitting funds in the Act
to be used to employ individuals with an employment
authorization document under the Deferred Action for Childhood
Arrivals (DACA) Program.
46. The bill includes language requiring the Architect of
the Capitol to remove statues and busts in the U.S. Capitol
representing Confederate Army or Government officials, as well
as the statuary for four white supremacists, including Roger B.
Taney.
Appropriations Not Authorized by Law
Pursuant to clause 3(f)(1)(B) of rule XIII of the Rules of
the House of Representatives, the following lists the
appropriations in the accompanying bill which are not
authorized by law for the period:
1. An appropriation of $5,000,000 for the Office of the
Attending Physician for response to COVID-19. This amount was
first appropriated in the Legislative Branch Act, 2021.
BUDGETARY IMPACT OF THE FY 2023 LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS BILL
PREPARED IN CONSULTATION WITH THE CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE PURSUANT
TO SECTION 308(A) OF THE CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET ACT OF 1974
COMPARISON WITH BUDGET RESOLUTION
Pursuant to clause 3(c)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the
House of Representatives and section 308(a)(I)(A) of the
Congressional Budget Act of 1974, the following table compares
the levels of new budget authority provided in the bill with
the appropriate allocation under section 302(b) of the Budget
Act.
[IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
302(b) Allocation This Bill
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Budget Authority Outlays Budget Authority Outlays
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comparison of amounts in the
bill with Committee allocations
to its subcommittees:
Subcommittee on Legislative
Branch
Discretionary
All Except Senate....... 5,703 n.a. 5,703 \1\5,281
Senate items............ 1,297 n.a. 0 0
Total............... 7,000 6,500 5,703 \1\5,281
Mandatory................... 137 136 137 \1\136
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\Includes outlays from prior-year budget authority.
FIVE-YEAR OUTLAY PROJECTIONS
Pursuant to clause 3(e)(2) of rule XIII and section
308(a)(1)(B) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, the
following table contains five-year projections associated with
the budget authority provided in the accompanying bill as
provided to the Committee by the Congressional Budget Office.
[IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Outlays
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Projection of outlays associated with the
recommendation:
2023............................................ \1\4,315
2024............................................ 683
2025............................................ 240
2026............................................ 268
2027 and future years........................... 99
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\Excludes outlays from prior-year budget authority.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
Pursuant to clause 3(c)(2) of rule XIII and section
308(a)(1)(C) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, the
Congressional Budget Office has provided the following
estimates of new budget authority and outlays provided by the
accompanying bill for financial assistance to State and local
governments.
[IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Budget Authority Outlays
------------------------------------------------------------------------
sFinancial assistance to 0 \1\0
State and local
governments for 2023
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\Excludes outlays from prior-year budget authority.
Program Duplication
Pursuant to clause 3(c)(5) of rule XIII of the Rules of the
House of Representatives, the following states that: No
provision of this bill establishes or reauthorizes a program of
the Federal Government known to be duplicative of another
Federal program, a program that was included in any report from
the Government Accountability Office to Congress pursuant to
section 21 of Public Law 111-139, or a program related to a
program identified in the most recent Catalog of Federal
Domestic Assistance.
Committee Hearings
For the purpose of clause 3(c)(6) of rule XIII the
following hearings were used to develop or consider the
Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2023:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date Title of Hearing Witnesses
------------------------------------------------------------------------
January 11, 2022................ Security of the Major General
Capitol Campus William J. Walker
since the Attack (Ret.), Sergeant
of January 6, at Arms of the
2021. U.S. House of
Representatives;
Mr. J. Thomas
Manger, Chief of
the U.S. Capitol
Police; Mr. J.
Brett Blanton,
Architect of the
Capitol.
March 30, 2022.................. Fiscal Year 2023 Mr. J. Thomas
Budget Request Manger, Chief of
for the United the U.S. Capitol
States Capitol Police.
Police.
April 5, 2022................... Fiscal Year 2023 The Honorable Gene
Budget Request Dodaro,
for the Comptroller
Government General of the
Accountability Government
Office. Accountability
Office; Ms. Orice
Williams Brown,
Chief Operating
Officer,
Government
Accountability
Office.
April 5, 2022................... Fiscal Year 2023 Dr. Phillip
Budget Request Swagel, Director
for the of the
Congressional Congressional
Budget Office. Budget Office.
April 5, 2022................... Fiscal Year 2023 Ms. Teresa M.
Budget Request James, Acting
for the Office of Executive
Congressional Director, Office
Workplace Rights. of Congressional
Workplace Rights;
Mr. John. D.
Uelmen, General
Counsel, Office
of Congressional
Workplace Rights.
April 6, 2022................... Fiscal Year 2023 The Honorable
Budget Request Cheryl L.
for the House of Johnson, Clerk of
Representatives. the House; The
Honorable William
J. Walker,
Sergeant at Arms;
The Honorable
Catherine
Szpindor, Chief
Administrative
Officer; Mr. Wade
Ballou Jr.,
Legislative
Counsel; Mr.
Douglas Letter,
General Counsel;
Mr. Joseph C.
Picolla, Acting
Inspector
General; Mr.
Ralph V. Seep,
Law Revision
Counsel; and Ms.
Enumale Agada,
Acting Director,
Office of
Diversity &
Inclusion.
April 27, 2022.................. Fiscal Year 2023 Dr. Carla Hayden,
Budget Request Librarian of
for the Library Congress
of Congress. Accompanied by:
Mr. J. Mark
Sweeney,
Principal Deputy
Librarian of
Congress; Ms.
Shira Perlmutter,
Register of
Copyrights/
Director of the
U.S. Copyright
Office; Dr. Mary
Mazanec,
Director,
Congressional
Research Service;
Ms. Judith
Conklin, Chief
Information
Officer; Mr.
Jason Broughton,
Director,
National Library
Service for the
Blind and Print
Disabled.
April 27, 2022.................. Fiscal Year 2023 Mr. Hugh N.
Budget Request Halpern,
for the Director,
Government Government
Publishing Office. Publishing
Office.
April 27, 2022.................. Fiscal Year 2023 Mr. J. Brett
Budget Request Blanton,
for the Architect Architect of the
of the Capitol. Capitol.
May 18, 2022.................... Legislative Branch The Honorable
Member Day. Steve Cohen; The
Honorable Derek
Kilmer; The
Honorable Andy
Levin; The
Honorable Seth
Moulton; The
Honorable Mike
Quigley; The
Honorable William
R. Timmons.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
MINORITY VIEWS
We appreciate the efforts of the Majority to produce the
Legislative Branch Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2023.
The bill invests in the modernization of electronic systems in
the House of Representatives, which will help Members serve
constituents more effectively. It supports streamlining the
legislative drafting process to facilitate collaboration and
allow the American public greater visibility into the
operations of the House.
This legislation allows the U.S. Capitol Police to evolve
and keep pace with the complex challenges it faces in
fulfilling its critical mission. This bill provides additional
resources for the Capitol Police as they continue to protect
Members of Congress, our staff, and visitors to the Capitol
campus.
The bill provides the Architect of the Capitol the
resources necessary to ensure the Capitol campus is safe, open,
and welcoming to all who work, live, and visit here, by
addressing critical infrastructure issues and executing
recommended security upgrades.
It is unfortunate that this bill is based on a funding
framework that the majority party developed without Republican
support. The total spending for the Legislative Branch
increases by more than twenty percent. In a year of record
inflation, we should work to enact more responsible spending
levels that do not continue to add to the national debt while
still allowing Congress and Legislative Branch agencies to
execute their missions. In addition to concerns about spending,
we are also disappointed that the Majority party included
controversial policy riders that must be modified before this
bill can become law.
We would like to thank Chairman Ryan and Chair DeLauro for
their cooperation throughout the development of the bill and
for incorporating many requests submitted by Committee
Republicans. We remain optimistic that we will be able to work
together to address these issues as we proceed through the
legislative process.
Kay Granger,
Ranking Member, House
Committee on
Appropriations.
Jaime Herrera Beutler,
Ranking Member, Subcommittee
on Legislative Branch,
House Committee on
Appropriations.
[all]