[104th Congress Public Law 197]
[From the U.S. Government Printing Office]
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LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 1997
[[Page 110 STAT. 2394]]
Public Law 104-197
104th Congress
An Act
Making appropriations for the Legislative Branch for the fiscal year
ending
September 30, 1997, and for other purposes. <<NOTE: Sept. 16,
1996 - [H.R. 3754]>>
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled, That <<NOTE: Legislative
Branch Appropriations Act, 1997.>> the following sums are appropriated,
out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, for the
Legislative Branch for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1997, and
for other purposes, namely:
TITLE I--CONGRESSIONAL OPERATIONS <<NOTE: Congressional Operations
Appropriations Act, 1997. 2 USC 60a note.>>
SENATE
expense allowances
For expense allowances of the Vice President, $10,000; the President
Pro Tempore of the Senate, $10,000; Majority Leader of the Senate,
$10,000; Minority Leader of the Senate, $10,000; Majority Whip of the
Senate, $5,000; Minority Whip of the Senate, $5,000; and Chairmen of the
Majority and Minority Conference Committees, $3,000 for each Chairman;
in all, $56,000.
representation allowances for the majority and minority leaders
For representation allowances of the Majority and Minority Leaders
of the Senate, $15,000 for each such Leader; in all, $30,000.
Salaries, Officers and Employees
For compensation of officers, employees, and others as authorized by
law, including agency contributions, $74,615,000, which shall be paid
from this appropriation without regard to the below limitations, as
follows:
office of the vice president
For the Office of the Vice President, $1,513,000.
office of the president pro tempore
For the Office of the President Pro Tempore, $325,000.
offices of the majority and minority leaders
For Offices of the Majority and Minority Leaders, $2,195,000.
[[Page 110 STAT. 2395]]
offices of the majority and minority whips
For Offices of the Majority and Minority Whips, $1,156,000.
conference committees
For the Conference of the Majority and the Conference of the
Minority, at rates of compensation to be fixed by the Chairman of each
such committee, $996,000 for each such committee; in all, $1,992,000.
offices of the secretaries of the conference of the majority and the
conference of the minority
For Offices of the Secretaries of the Conference of the Majority and
the Conference of the Minority, $384,000.
policy committees
For salaries of the Majority Policy Committee and the Minority
Policy Committee, $965,000 for each such committee, in all, $1,930,000.
office of the chaplain
For Office of the Chaplain, $234,000.
office of the secretary
For Office of the Secretary, $12,714,000.
office of the sergeant at arms and doorkeeper
For Office of the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper, $34,037,000.
offices of the secretaries for the majority and minority
For Offices of the Secretary for the Majority and the Secretary for
the Minority, $1,135,000.
agency contributions and related expenses
For agency contributions for employee benefits, as authorized by
law, and related expenses, $17,000,000.
Office of the Legislative Counsel of the Senate
For salaries and expenses of the Office of the Legislative Counsel
of the Senate, $3,447,000.
Office of Senate Legal Counsel
For salaries and expenses of the Office of Senate Legal Counsel,
$936,000.
[[Page 110 STAT. 2396]]
Expense Allowances of the Secretary of the Senate,
Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate, and Secretaries for the
Majority and Minority of the Senate
For expense allowances of the Secretary of the Senate, $3,000;
Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate, $3,000; Secretary for the
Majority of the Senate, $3,000; Secretary for the Minority of the
Senate, $3,000; in all, $12,000.
Contingent Expenses of the Senate
inquiries and investigations
For expenses of inquiries and investigations ordered by the Senate,
or conducted pursuant to section 134(a) of Public Law 601, Seventy-ninth
Congress, as amended, section 112 of Public Law 96-304 and Senate
Resolution 281, agreed to March 11, 1980, $69,561,000.
expenses of the united states senate caucus on international narcotics
control
For expenses of the United States Senate Caucus on International
Narcotics Control, $305,000.
secretary of the senate
For expenses of the Office of the Secretary of the Senate,
$1,511,000.
sergeant at arms and doorkeeper of the senate
For expenses of the Office of the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of
the Senate, $65,931,000.
miscellaneous items
For miscellaneous items, $6,791,000.
senators' official personnel and office expense account
For Senators' Official Personnel and Office Expense Account,
$208,000,000.
stationery (revolving fund)
For stationery for the President of the Senate, $4,500, for officers
of the Senate and the Conference of the Majority and Conference of the
Minority of the Senate, $8,500; in all, $13,000.
official mail costs
For expenses necessary for official mail costs of the Senate,
$10,000,000, to remain available until September 30, 1998.
administrative provisions
Section 1. Section 195(a) of chapter IX of title I of the
Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1985 (Public Law 99-88; 2 U.S.C. 61g-
7(a)) is amended by striking the period at the end and inserting
[[Page 110 STAT. 2397]]
``or with respect to the administration of the affairs of the
committee.''.
Sec. 2. Section 105(d)(1) of chapter VI of title I of the Second
Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1978 (Public Law 95-355; 2 U.S.C.
43d(d)(1)) is amended by striking ``and telephone services'' and
inserting ``, telephone services, and stationery''.
Sec. 3. Section 3(f)(1) under the heading ``administrative
provisions'' in the appropriation for the Senate in the Legislative
Branch Appropriation Act, 1975 (2 U.S.C. 59(e)(1)) is amended in the
second sentence by striking ``one year'' and inserting ``3 years''.
Sec. 4. (a) Section 5 under the heading ``administrative
provisions'' in the appropriation for the Senate in the Legislative
Branch Appropriations Act, 1996 (2 U.S.C. 58a note) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``by the Sergeant at Arms
and Doorkeeper of the Senate''; and
(2) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:
``(b) As used in subsection (a), the term `user' means a Senator, an
Officer of the Senate, and any office, committee, or other entity the
funds of which are disbursed by the Secretary of the Senate.''.
(b) <<NOTE: Effective date. Applicability. 2 USC 58a note.>> The
amendments made by subsection (a) shall take effect on October 1, 1996,
and shall apply to all payments made on or after such date for local and
long distance telecommunications service.
Sec. 5. <<NOTE: Public schools. Computers. 2 USC 117b note.>> (a)
The Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate may directly, or
through the General Services Administration, transfer title to excess or
surplus educationally useful equipment to a public school. Any such
transfer shall be completed at the lowest possible cost to the public
school and the Senate.
(b) <<NOTE: Regulations.>> The Committee on Rules and Administration
of the Senate shall prescribe regulations to carry out the provisions of
this section.
(c) Receipts from reimbursements for the costs of transfer of excess
or surplus educationally useful equipment under this section, shall be
deposited in the United States Treasury for credit to the account for
the ``Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate'' within the
contingent fund of the Senate.
(d) For the purposes of this section:
(1) The term ``public school'' means a public elementary or
secondary school as such terms are defined in section 14101 of
the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
8801).
(2) The term ``educationally useful equipment'' means
computers and related peripheral tools, including printers,
modems, routers, servers, computer keyboards, scanners, and
other telecommunications and research equipment, that are
appropriate for use in public school education.
(e) <<NOTE: Effective date.>> This section shall take effect
beginning with fiscal year 1997 and shall be effective each fiscal year
thereafter.
Sec. 6. <<NOTE: 40 USC 214e.>> (a) Notwithstanding section 1345 of
title 31, United States Code, the Secretary of the Senate may reimburse
any individual employed by the Senate day care center for the cost of
training classes and conferences in connection with the provision of
child care services and for travel, transportation, and subsistence
expenses incurred in connection with the training classes and
conferences.
(b) <<NOTE: Certification.>> The Senate day care center shall
certify and provide appropriate documentation to the Secretary of the
Senate with respect
[[Page 110 STAT. 2398]]
to any reimbursement under this section. Reimbursements under this
section shall be made from the appropriations account ``MISCELLANEOUS
ITEMS'' within the contingent fund of the Senate on vouchers approved by
the Secretary of the Senate.
(c) <<NOTE: Regulations.>> Reimbursements under this section shall
be subject to the regulations and limitations prescribed by the
Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate for travel and
related expenses for which payment is authorized to be made from the
contingent fund of the Senate.
(d) <<NOTE: Effective date.>> This section shall be effective on and
after October 1, 1996.
Sec. 7. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any funds
received during fiscal year 1996 by the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper
of the Senate in settlement of a contract claim or dispute, but not to
exceed $1,450,000, shall be deposited into the appropriation account for
fiscal year 1997 for the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate
within the contingent fund of the Senate and shall be available in a
like manner and for the same purposes as are the other funds in that
account.
Sec. 8. <<NOTE: 2 USC 123e.>> (a) The Secretary of the Senate, with
the oversight and approval of the Committee on Rules and Administration
of the Senate, shall oversee the development and implementation of a
comprehensive Senate legislative information system.
(b) In carrying out this section, the Secretary of the Senate shall
consult and work with officers and employees of the House of
Representatives. Legislative branch agencies and departments and
agencies of the executive branch shall provide cooperation,
consultation, and assistance as requested by the Secretary of the Senate
to carry out this section.
(c) Any funds that were appropriated under the heading ``Secretary
of the Senate'' for expenses of the Office of the Secretary of the
Senate by the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1995, to remain
available until September 30, 1998, and that the Secretary determines
are not needed for development of a financial management system for the
Senate may, with the approval of the Committee on Appropriations of the
Senate, be used to carry out the provisions of this section, and such
funds shall be available through September 30, 2000.
(d) The Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate may
prescribe such regulations as may be necessary to carry out the
provisions of this section.
(e) <<NOTE: Effective date.>> This section shall be effective for
fiscal years beginning on or after October 1, 1996.
Sec. <<NOTE: 2 USC 60p.>> 9. Payment for Unaccrued Leave.--
(a) In General.--The Financial Clerk of the Senate is authorized to
accept from an individual whose pay is disbursed by the Secretary of
Senate a payment representing pay for any period of unaccrued annual
leave used by that individual, as certified by the head of the employing
office of the individual making the payment.
(b) Withholding.--The Financial Clerk of the Senate is authorized to
withhold the amount referred to in subsection (a) from any amount which
is disbursed by the Secretary of the Senate and which is due to or on
behalf of the individual described in subsection (a).
[[Page 110 STAT. 2399]]
(c) Deposit.--Any payment accepted under this section shall be
deposited in the general fund of the Treasury as miscellaneous receipts.
(d) Definition.--As used in this section, the term ``head of the
employing office'' means any person with the final authority to appoint,
hire, discharge, and set the terms, conditions, or privileges of the
employment of an individual whose pay is disbursed by the Secretary of
the Senate.
(e) Applicability.--This section shall apply to fiscal year 1996 and
each fiscal year thereafter.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Salaries and Expenses
For salaries and expenses of the House of Representatives,
$683,831,000, as follows:
house leadership offices
For salaries and expenses, as authorized by law, $11,592,000,
including: Office of the Speaker, $1,535,000, including $25,000 for
official expenses of the Speaker; Office of the Majority Floor Leader,
$1,526,000, including $10,000 for official expenses of the Majority
Leader; Office of the Minority Floor Leader, $1,534,000, including
$10,000 for official expenses of the Minority Leader; Office of the
Majority Whip, including the Chief Deputy Majority Whip, $957,000,
including $5,000 for official expenses of the Majority Whip; Office of
the Minority Whip, including the Chief Deputy Minority Whip, $949,000,
including $5,000 for official expenses of the Minority Whip; Speaker's
Office for Legislative Floor Activities, $376,000; Republican Steering
Committee, $664,000; Republican Conference, $1,130,000; Democratic
Steering and Policy Committee, $1,191,000; Democratic Caucus, $603,000;
and nine minority employees, $1,127,000.
members' representational allowances
including members' clerk hire, official expenses of members, and
official mail
For Members' representational allowances, including Members' clerk
hire, official expenses, and official mail, $363,313,000.
committee employees
standing committees, special and select
For salaries and expenses of standing committees, special and
select, authorized by House resolutions, $80,222,000.
committee on appropriations
For salaries and expenses of the Committee on Appropriations,
$17,580,000, including studies and examinations of executive agencies
and temporary personal services for such committee, to be expended in
accordance with section 202(b) of the Legislative Reorganization Act of
1946 and to be available for reimbursement to agencies for services
performed.
[[Page 110 STAT. 2400]]
salaries, officers and employees
For compensation and expenses of officers and employees, as
authorized by law, $86,259,000, including: for salaries and expenses of
the Office of the Clerk, including not more than $3,500, of which not
more than $2,500 is for the Family Room, for official representation and
reception expenses, $15,074,000; for salaries and expenses of the Office
of the Sergeant at Arms, including the position of Superintendent of
Garages, and including not more than $750 for official representation
and reception expenses, $3,638,000; for salaries and expenses of the
Office of the Chief Administrative Officer, $55,209,000, including
salaries, expenses and temporary personal services of House Information
Resources, $22,577,000, of which $16,577,000 is provided herein:
Provided, That House Information Resources is authorized to receive
reimbursement from Members of the House of Representatives and other
governmental entities for services provided and such reimbursement shall
be deposited in the Treasury for credit to this account; for salaries
and expenses of the Office of the Inspector General, $3,954,000; Office
of the Chaplain, $126,000; for salaries and expenses of the Office of
the Parliamentarian, including the Parliamentarian and $2,000 for
preparing the Digest of Rules, $1,036,000; for salaries and expenses of
the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the House, $1,767,000; for
salaries and expenses of the Office of the Legislative Counsel of the
House, $4,687,000; and other authorized employees, $768,000.
allowances and expenses
For allowances and expenses as authorized by House resolution or
law, $124,865,000, including: supplies, materials, administrative costs
and Federal tort claims, $2,374,000; official mail for committees,
leadership offices, and administrative offices of the House, $1,000,000;
reemployed annuitants reimbursement, $71,000; Government contributions
for health, retirement, Social Security, and other applicable employee
benefits, $120,779,000; and miscellaneous items including purchase,
exchange, maintenance, repair and operation of House motor vehicles,
interparliamentary receptions, and gratuities to heirs of deceased
employees of the House, $641,000.
child care center
For salaries and expenses of the House of Representatives Child Care
Center, such amounts as are deposited in the account established by
section 312(d)(1) of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1992 (40
U.S.C. 184g(d)(1)), subject to the level specified in the budget of the
Center, as submitted to the Committee on Appropriations of the House of
Representatives.
Administrative Provisions
Sec. 101. (a) Section 107A of the Legislative Branch Appropriations
Act, 1996 (109 Stat. 522) <<NOTE: 40 USC 174k note.>> is amended--
(1) by striking out ``For fiscal year 1996, subject'' and
inserting in lieu thereof ``(a) Subject'';
(2) by striking out ``of the total amount'' and all that
follows through ``cost of inventory'' and inserting in lieu
thereof
[[Page 110 STAT. 2401]]
the following: ``the amounts deposited in the account specified
in subsection (b) from vending operations of the House of
Representatives Restaurant System shall be available to pay the
cost of goods sold''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(b) The account referred to in subsection (a) is the special
deposit account established for the House of Representatives Restaurant
by section 208 of the First Supplemental Civil Functions Appropriation
Act, 1941 (40 U.S.C. 174k note).''.
(b) <<NOTE: Applicability. 40 USC 174k note.>> The amendments made
by subsection (a) shall apply with respect to fiscal years beginning
after September 30, 1996.
Sec .102. (a) Section 3210(a)(6)(A) of title 39, United States Code,
is amended--
(1) in clause (i), by inserting ``(or, in the case of a
Member of the House, fewer than 90 days)'' after ``60 days'';
and
(2) in clause (ii), by striking out ``60 days'' and
inserting in lieu thereof ``90 days''.
(b) <<NOTE: Effective date. Applicability. 39 USC 3210 note.>> The
amendments made by subsection (a) shall take effect on October 1, 1996,
and shall apply with respect to any mailing postmarked on or after that
date.
JOINT ITEMS
For Joint Committees, as follows:
Joint Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies of 1997
For construction of platform and seating stands and for salaries and
expenses of conducting the inaugural ceremonies of the President and
Vice President of the United States, January 20, 1997, in accordance
with such program as may be adopted by the joint committee authorized by
Senate Concurrent Resolution 47, One Hundred Fourth Congress, agreed to
March 20, 1996, and Senate Concurrent Resolution 48, One Hundred Fourth
Congress, agreed to March 20, 1996, $950,000 to be disbursed by the
Secretary of the Senate and to remain available until September 30,
1997. Such funds shall be available for payment, on a direct or
reimbursable basis, whether incurred on, before, or after, October 1,
1996: Provided, That the compensation of any employee of the Committee
on Rules and Administration of the Senate who has been designated to
perform service for the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural
Ceremonies shall continue to be paid by the Committee on Rules and
Administration, but the account from which such staff member is paid may
be reimbursed for the services of the staff member (including agency
contributions when appropriate) out of funds made available under this
heading.
Joint Economic Committee
For salaries and expenses of the Joint Economic Committee,
$2,750,000, to be disbursed by the Secretary of the Senate.
Joint Committee on Printing
For salaries and expenses of the Joint Committee on Printing,
$777,000, to be disbursed by the Secretary of the Senate.
[[Page 110 STAT. 2402]]
Joint Committee on Taxation
For salaries and expenses of the Joint Committee on Taxation,
$5,470,000, to be disbursed by the Chief Administrative Officer of the
House.
For other joint items, as follows:
Office of the Attending Physician
For medical supplies, equipment, and contingent expenses of the
emergency rooms, and for the Attending Physician and his assistants,
including (1) an allowance of $1,500 per month to the Attending
Physician; (2) an allowance of $500 per month each to two medical
officers while on duty in the Attending Physician's office; (3) an
allowance of $500 per month to one assistant and $400 per month each to
not to exceed nine assistants on the basis heretofore provided for such
assistance; and (4) $867,000 for reimbursement to the Department of the
Navy for expenses incurred for staff and equipment assigned to the
Office of the Attending Physician, which shall be advanced and credited
to the applicable appropriation or appropriations from which such
salaries, allowances, and other expenses are payable and shall be
available for all the purposes thereof, $1,225,000, to be disbursed by
the Chief Administrative Officer of the House.
Capitol Police Board
Capitol Police
salaries
For the Capitol Police Board for salaries of officers, members, and
employees of the Capitol Police, including overtime, hazardous duty pay
differential, clothing allowance of not more than $600 each for members
required to wear civilian attire, and Government contributions for
health, retirement, Social Security, and other applicable employee
benefits, $69,356,000, of which $33,437,000 is provided to the Sergeant
at Arms of the House of Representatives, to be disbursed by the Chief
Administrative Officer of the House, and $35,919,000 is provided to the
Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate, to be disbursed by the
Secretary of the Senate: Provided, That, of the amounts appropriated
under this heading, such amounts as may be necessary may be transferred
between the Sergeant at Arms of the House of Representatives and the
Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate, upon approval of the
Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Appropriations of the Senate.
general expenses
For the Capitol Police Board for necessary expenses of the Capitol
Police, including motor vehicles, communications and other equipment,
security equipment and installation, uniforms, weapons, supplies,
materials, training, medical services, forensic services, stenographic
services, personal and professional services, the employee assistance
program, not more than $2,000 for the awards program, postage, telephone
service, travel advances, relocation of instructor and liaison personnel
for the Federal Law Enforcement
[[Page 110 STAT. 2403]]
Training Center, and $85 per month for extra services performed for the
Capitol Police Board by an employee of the Sergeant at Arms of the
Senate or the House of Representatives designated by the Chairman of the
Board, $2,782,000, to be disbursed by the Chief Administrative Officer
of the House of Representatives: Provided, That, notwithstanding any
other provision of law, the cost of basic training for the Capitol
Police at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center for fiscal year
1997 shall be paid by the Secretary of the Treasury from funds available
to the Department of the Treasury.
Administrative Provision
Sec. 103. Amounts appropriated for fiscal year 1997 for the Capitol
Police Board for the Capitol Police may be transferred between the
headings ``salaries'' and ``general expenses'' upon the approval of--
(1) the Committee on Appropriations of the House of
Representatives, in the case of amounts transferred from the
appropriation provided to the Sergeant at Arms of the House of
Representatives under the heading ``salaries'';
(2) the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate, in the
case of amounts transferred from the appropriation provided to
the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate under the
heading ``salaries''; and
(3) the Committees on Appropriations of the Senate and the
House of Representatives, in the case of other transfers.
Capitol Guide Service and Special Services Office
For salaries and expenses of the Capitol Guide Service and Special
Services Office, $1,991,000, to be disbursed by the Secretary of the
Senate: Provided, That no part of such amount may be used to employ more
than forty individuals: Provided further, That the Capitol Guide Board
is authorized, during emergencies, to employ not more than two
additional individuals for not more than one hundred twenty days each,
and not more than ten additional individuals for not more than six
months each, for the Capitol Guide Service.
Statements of Appropriations
For the preparation, under the direction of the Committees on
Appropriations of the Senate and the House of Representatives, of the
statements for the second session of the One Hundred Fourth Congress,
showing appropriations made, indefinite appropriations, and contracts
authorized, together with a chronological history of the regular
appropriations bills as required by law, $30,000, to be paid to the
persons designated by the chairmen of such committees to supervise the
work.
OFFICE OF COMPLIANCE
Salaries and Expenses
For salaries and expenses of the Office of Compliance, as authorized
by section 305 of the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C.
1385), $2,609,000.
[[Page 110 STAT. 2404]]
CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE
Salaries and Expenses
For salaries and expenses necessary to carry out the provisions of
the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (Public Law 93-344), including not
more than $2,500 to be expended on the certification of the Director of
the Congressional Budget Office in connection with official
representation and reception expenses, $24,532,000: Provided, That no
part of such amount may be used for the purchase or hire of a passenger
motor vehicle.
Administrative Provisions
Sec. 104. <<NOTE: 2 USC 605.>> (a) Any sale or lease of property,
supplies, or services to the Congressional Budget Office shall be deemed
to be a sale or lease to the Congress subject to section 903 of the
Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1983 (2 U.S.C. 111b).
(b) <<NOTE: Applicability.>> Subsection (a) shall apply with respect
to fiscal years beginning after September 30, 1996.
Sec. 105. <<NOTE: Personal property. 2 USC 606.>> (a) The Director
of the Congressional Budget Office shall have the authority, within the
limits of available appropriations, to dispose of surplus or obsolete
personal property by inter-agency transfer, donation, or discarding.
(b) <<NOTE: Applicability.>> Subsection (a) shall apply with respect
to fiscal years beginning after September 30, 1996.
Sec. 106. <<NOTE: Compensation. 2 USC 607.>> (a) The Director of the
Congressional Budget Office shall have the authority to make lump-sum
payments to separated employees of the Congressional Budget Office for
unused annual leave.
(b) <<NOTE: Applicability.>> Subsection (a) shall apply with respect
to fiscal years beginning after September 30, 1996.
ARCHITECT OF THE CAPITOL
Office of the Architect of the Capitol
salaries
For the Architect of the Capitol, the Assistant Architect of the
Capitol, and other personal services, at rates of pay provided by law,
$8,454,000.
travel
Appropriations <<NOTE: 40 USC 166a.>> under the control of the
Architect of the Capitol shall be available for expenses of travel on
official business not to exceed in the aggregate under all funds the sum
of $20,000.
Contingent Expenses
To enable the Architect of the Capitol to make surveys and studies,
and to meet unforeseen expenses in connection with activities under his
care, $100,000.
[[Page 110 STAT. 2405]]
Capitol Buildings and Grounds
capitol buildings
For all necessary expenses for the maintenance, care and operation
of the Capitol and electrical substations of the Senate and House office
buildings under the jurisdiction of the Architect of the Capitol,
including furnishings and office equipment; including not more than
$1,000 for official reception and representation expenses, to be
expended as the Architect of the Capitol may approve; purchase or
exchange, maintenance and operation of a passenger motor vehicle; and
attendance, when specifically authorized by the Architect of the
Capitol, at meetings or conventions in connection with subjects related
to work under the Architect of the Capitol, $23,255,000, of which
$2,950,000 shall remain available until expended.
capitol grounds
For all necessary expenses for care and improvement of grounds
surrounding the Capitol, the Senate and House office buildings, and the
Capitol Power Plant, $5,020,000, of which $25,000 shall remain available
until expended.
senate office buildings
For all necessary expenses for maintenance, care and operation of
Senate Office Buildings; and furniture and furnishings to be expended
under the control and supervision of the Architect of the Capitol,
$39,640,000, of which $3,200,000 shall remain available until expended.
house office buildings
For all necessary expenses for the maintenance, care and operation
of the House office buildings, $32,556,000, of which $4,825,000 shall
remain available until expended.
capitol power plant
For all necessary expenses for the maintenance, care and operation
of the Capitol Power Plant; lighting, heating, power (including the
purchase of electrical energy) and water and sewer services for the
Capitol, Senate and House office buildings, Library of Congress
buildings, and the grounds about the same, Botanic Garden, Senate
garage, and air conditioning refrigeration not supplied from plants in
any of such buildings; heating the Government Printing Office and
Washington City Post Office, and heating and chilled water for air
conditioning for the Supreme Court Building, Union Station complex,
Thurgood Marshall Federal Judiciary Building and the Folger Shakespeare
Library, expenses for which shall be advanced or reimbursed upon request
of the Architect of the Capitol and amounts so received shall be
deposited into the Treasury to the credit of this appropriation,
$30,749,000: Provided, That not more than $4,000,000 of the funds
credited or to be reimbursed to this appropriation as herein provided
shall be available for obligation during fiscal year 1997.
[[Page 110 STAT. 2406]]
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
Congressional Research Service
salaries and expenses
For necessary expenses to carry out the provisions of section 203 of
the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. 166) and to revise
and extend the Annotated Constitution of the United States of America,
$62,641,000: Provided, That no part of such amount may be used to pay
any salary or expense in connection with any publication, or preparation
of material therefor (except the Digest of Public General Bills), to be
issued by the Library of Congress unless such publication has obtained
prior approval of either the Committee on House Oversight of the House
of Representatives or the Committee on Rules and Administration of the
Senate: Provided further, That, <<NOTE: 2 USC 166
note.>> notwithstanding any other provision of law, the compensation of
the Director of the Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress,
shall be at an annual rate which is equal to the annual rate of basic
pay for positions at level IV of the Executive Schedule under section
5315 of title 5, United States Code.
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
Congressional Printing and Binding
For authorized printing and binding for the Congress and the
distribution of Congressional information in any format; printing and
binding for the Architect of the Capitol; expenses necessary for
preparing the semimonthly and session index to the Congressional Record,
as authorized by law (44 U.S.C. 902); printing and binding of Government
publications authorized by law to be distributed to Members of Congress;
and printing, binding, and distribution of Government publications
authorized by law to be distributed without charge to the recipient,
$81,669,000: Provided, That this appropriation shall not be available
for paper copies of the permanent edition of the Congressional Record
for individual Representatives, Resident Commissioners or Delegates
authorized under 44 U.S.C. 906: Provided further, That this
appropriation shall be available for the payment of obligations incurred
under the appropriations for similar purposes for preceding fiscal
years.
This title may be cited as the ``Congressional Operations
Appropriations Act, 1997''.
TITLE II--OTHER AGENCIES
BOTANIC GARDEN
Salaries and Expenses
For all necessary expenses for the maintenance, care and operation
of the Botanic Garden and the nurseries, buildings, grounds, and
collections; and purchase and exchange, maintenance, repair, and
operation of a passenger motor vehicle; all under the direction of the
Joint Committee on the Library, $2,902,000.
[[Page 110 STAT. 2407]]
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
Salaries and Expenses
For necessary expenses of the Library of Congress not otherwise
provided for, including development and maintenance of the Union
Catalogs; custody and custodial care of the Library buildings; special
clothing; cleaning, laundering and repair of uniforms; preservation of
motion pictures in the custody of the Library; preparation and
distribution of catalog cards and other publications of the Library;
hire or purchase of one passenger motor vehicle; and expenses of the
Library of Congress Trust Fund Board not properly chargeable to the
income of any trust fund held by the Board, $216,007,000, of which not
more than $7,869,000 shall be derived from collections credited to this
appropriation during fiscal year 1997, and shall remain available until
expended, under the Act of June 28, 1902 (chapter 1301; 32 Stat. 480; 2
U.S.C. 150): Provided, That the Library of Congress may not obligate or
expend any funds derived from collections under the Act of June 28,
1902, in excess of the amount authorized for obligation or expenditure
in appropriations Acts: Provided further, That the total amount
available for obligation shall be reduced by the amount by which
collections are less than the $7,869,000: Provided further, That of the
total amount appropriated, $8,458,000 is to remain available until
expended for acquisition of books, periodicals, and newspapers, and all
other materials including subscriptions for bibliographic services for
the Library, including $40,000 to be available solely for the purchase,
when specifically approved by the Librarian, of special and unique
materials for additions to the collections: Provided further, That of
the total amount appropriated, $928,800 shall be for the operation and
maintenance of the American Folklife Center in the Library.
Copyright Office
salaries and expenses
For necessary expenses of the Copyright Office, including
publication of the decisions of the United States courts involving
copyrights, $33,402,000, of which not more than $17,340,000 shall be
derived from collections credited to this appropriation during fiscal
year 1997 under 17 U.S.C. 708(d), and not more than $4,929,000 shall be
derived from collections during fiscal year 1997 under 17 U.S.C.
111(d)(2), 119(b)(2), 802(h), and 1005: Provided, That the total amount
available for obligation shall be reduced by the amount by which
collections are less than $22,269,000: Provided further, That not more
than $100,000 of the amount appropriated is available for the
maintenance of an ``International Copyright Institute'' in the Copyright
Office of the Library of Congress for the purpose of training nationals
of developing countries in intellectual property laws and policies:
Provided further, That not more than $2,250 may be expended, on the
certification of the Librarian of Congress, in connection with official
representation and reception expenses for activities of the
International Copyright Institute.
[[Page 110 STAT. 2408]]
Books for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
salaries and expenses
For salaries and expenses to carry out the Act of March 3, 1931
(chapter 400; 46 Stat. 1487; 2 U.S.C. 135a), $44,964,000, of which
$11,694,000 shall remain available until expended.
Furniture and Furnishings
For necessary expenses for the purchase and repair of furniture,
furnishings, office and library equipment, $4,882,000.
Administrative Provisions
Sec. 201. Appropriations in this Act available to the Library of
Congress shall be available, in an amount of not more than $194,290, of
which $58,100 is for the Congressional Research Service, when
specifically authorized by the Librarian, for attendance at meetings
concerned with the function or activity for which the appropriation is
made.
Sec. 202. (a) No part of the funds appropriated in this Act shall be
used by the Library of Congress to administer any flexible or compressed
work schedule which--
(1) applies to any manager or supervisor in a position the
grade or level of which is equal to or higher than GS-15; and
(2) grants such manager or supervisor the right to not be at
work for all or a portion of a workday because of time worked by
the manager or supervisor on another workday.
(b) For purposes of this section, the term ``manager or supervisor''
means any management official or supervisor, as such terms are defined
in section 7103(a) (10) and (11) of title 5, United States Code.
Sec. 203. Appropriated funds received by the Library of Congress
from other Federal agencies to cover general and administrative overhead
costs generated by performing reimbursable work for other agencies under
the authority of 31 U.S.C. 1535 and 1536 shall not be used to employ
more than 65 employees and may be expended or obligated--
(1) in the case of a reimbursement, only to such extent or
in such amounts as are provided in appropriations
Acts; or
(2) in the case of an advance payment, only--
(A) to pay for such general or administrative
overhead costs as are attributable to the work performed
for such agency; or
(B) to such extent or in such amounts as are
provided in appropriations Acts, with respect to any
purpose not allowable under subparagraph (A).
Sec. 204. Of the amounts appropriated to the Library of Congress in
this Act, not more than $5,000 may be expended, on the certification of
the Librarian of Congress, in connection with official representation
and reception expenses for the incentive awards program.
Sec. 205. Of the amount appropriated to the Library of Congress in
this Act, not more than $12,000 may be expended, on the certification of
the Librarian of Congress, in connection with
[[Page 110 STAT. 2409]]
official representation and reception expenses for the Overseas Field
Offices.
Sec. 206. (a) For fiscal year 1997, the obligational authority of
the Library of Congress for the activities described in subsection (b)
may not exceed $108,275,000.
(b) The activities referred to in subsection (a) are reimbursable
and revolving fund activities that are funded from sources other than
appropriations to the Library in appropriations Acts for the legislative
branch.
Sec. 207. (a)(1) Subject to subsection (b), for fiscal year 1997,
the obligational authority of the Library of Congress for the activities
described in paragraph (2) may not exceed $2,000,000.
(2) The activities referred to in paragraph (1) are non-expenditure
transfer activities in support of parliamentary development that are
funded from sources other than appropriations to the Library in
appropriations Acts for the legislative branch.
(b) The obligational authority under subsection (a)--
(1) <<NOTE: Foreign countries.>> shall be available only
with respect to Russia, Ukraine, Albania, Slovakia, and Romania;
and
(2) <<NOTE: Expiration date.>> shall expire on December 31,
1996.
Sec. 208. <<NOTE: Effective date. 2 USC 142l.>> From and after
October 1, 1996, the Disbursing Officer of the Library of Congress is
authorized to disburse funds appropriated for the Office of Compliance,
and the Library of Congress shall provide financial management support
to the Office of Compliance as may be required and mutually agreed to by
the Librarian of Congress and the Executive Director of the Office of
Compliance. The Library of Congress is further authorized to compute and
disburse the basic pay of all personnel of the Office of Compliance
pursuant to the provisions of section 5504 of
title 5.
All <<NOTE: Certification.>> vouchers certified for payment by duly
authorized certifying officers of the Library of Congress shall be
supported with a certification by an officer or employee of the Office
of Compliance duly authorized in writing by the Executive Director of
the Office of Compliance to certify payments from appropriations of the
Office of Compliance. The Office of Compliance certifying officers shall
(1) be held responsible for the existence and correctness of the facts
recited in the certificate or otherwise stated on the voucher or its
supporting paper and the legality of the proposed payment under the
appropriation or fund involved, (2) be held responsible and accountable
for the correctness of the computations of certifications made, and (3)
be held accountable for and required to make good to the United States
the amount of any illegal, improper, or incorrect payment resulting from
any false, inaccurate, or misleading certificate made by them, as well
as for any payment prohibited by law which did not represent a legal
obligation under the appropriation or fund involved: Provided, That the
Comptroller General of the United States may, at his discretion, relieve
such certifying officer or employee of liability for any payment
otherwise proper whenever he finds (1) that the certification was based
on official records and that such certifying officer or employee did not
know, and by reasonable diligence and inquiry could not have ascertained
the actual facts, or (2) that the obligation was incurred in good faith,
that the payment was not contrary to any statutory provision
specifically prohibiting payments of the character
involved, and the United States has received value for such payment:
Provided further, That the Comptroller General shall relieve
[[Page 110 STAT. 2410]]
such certifying officer or employee of liability for an overpayment for
transportation services made to any common carrier covered by section
3726 of title 31, whenever he finds that the overpayment occurred solely
because the administrative examination made prior to payment of the
transportation bill did not include a verification of transportation
rates, freight classifications, or land grant deductions.
The Disbursing Officer of the Library of Congress shall not be held
accountable or responsible for any illegal, improper, or incorrect
payment resulting from any false, inaccurate, or misleading certificate,
the responsibility for which is imposed upon a certifying officer or
employee of the Office of Compliance.
Sec. 209. Section 8 of the American Folklife Preservation Act (20
U.S.C. 2107) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 8. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
``There are authorized to be appropriated to the Center to carry out
this Act such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal years 1997
and 1998.''.
ARCHITECT OF THE CAPITOL
Library Buildings and Grounds
structural and mechanical care
For all necessary expenses for the mechanical and structural
maintenance, care and operation of the Library buildings and grounds,
$9,753,000, of which $1,310,000 shall remain available until expended.
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
Office of Superintendent of Documents
salaries and expenses
For expenses of the Office of Superintendent of Documents necessary
to provide for the cataloging and indexing of Government publications
and their distribution to the public, Members of Congress, other
Government agencies, and designated depository and international
exchange libraries as authorized by law, $29,077,000: Provided, That
travel expenses, including travel expenses of the Depository Library
Council to the Public Printer, shall not exceed $150,000: Provided
further, That amounts of not more than $2,000,000, from current year
appropriations are authorized for producing and disseminating
Congressional serial sets and other related publications for 1995 and
1996 to depository and other designated libraries.
Government Printing Office Revolving Fund
The Government Printing Office is hereby authorized to make such
expenditures, within the limits of funds available and in accord with
the law, and to make such contracts and commitments without regard to
fiscal year limitations as provided by section 9104 of title 31, United
States Code, as may be necessary in carrying out the programs and
purposes set forth in the budget for the current fiscal year for the
Government Printing Office revolv
[[Page 110 STAT. 2411]]
ing fund: Provided, That not more than $2,500 may be expended on the
certification of the Public Printer in connection with official
representation and reception expenses: Provided further, That the
revolving fund shall be available for the hire or purchase of not more
than twelve passenger motor vehicles: Provided further, That
expenditures in connection with travel expenses of the advisory councils
to the Public Printer shall be deemed necessary to carry out the
provisions of title 44, United States Code: Provided further, That the
revolving fund shall be available for temporary or intermittent services
under section 3109(b) of title 5, United States Code, but at rates for
individuals not more than the daily equivalent of the annual rate of
basic pay for level V of the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of
such title: Provided further, That the revolving fund and the funds
provided under the headings ``Office of Superintendent of Documents''
and ``salaries and expenses'' together may not be available for the
full-time equivalent employment of more than 3,600 workyears by the end
of fiscal year 1997: Provided further, That activities financed through
the revolving fund may provide information in any format: Provided
further, That the revolving fund shall not be used to administer any
flexible or compressed work schedule which applies to any manager or
supervisor in a position the grade or level of which is equal to or
higher than GS-15: Provided further, That expenses for attendance at
meetings shall not exceed $75,000.
GENERAL ACCOUNTING OFFICE
Salaries and Expenses
For necessary expenses of the General Accounting Office, including
not more than $7,000 to be expended on the certification of the
Comptroller General of the United States in connection with official
representation and reception expenses; temporary or intermittent
services under section 3109(b) of title 5, United States Code, but at
rates for individuals not more than the daily equivalent of the annual
rate of basic pay for level IV of the Executive Schedule under section
5315 of such title; hire of one passenger motor vehicle; advance
payments in foreign countries in accordance with 31 U.S.C. 3324;
benefits comparable to those payable under sections 901(5), 901(6) and
901(8) of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (22 U.S.C. 4081(5), 4081(6)
and 4081(8)); <<NOTE: Regulations.>> and under regulations prescribed by
the Comptroller General of the United States, rental of living quarters
in foreign countries; $332,520,000: Provided, That not more than
$100,000 of reimbursements received incident to the operation of the
General Accounting Office Building shall be available for use in fiscal
year 1997: Provided further, That <<NOTE: 31 USC 9105
note.>> notwithstanding 31 U.S.C. 9105 hereafter amounts reimbursed to
the Comptroller General pursuant to that section shall be deposited to
the appropriation of the General Accounting Office then available and
remain available until expended, and not more than $5,805,000 of such
funds shall be available for use in fiscal year 1997: Provided further,
That this appropriation and appropriations for administrative expenses
of any other department or agency which is a member of the Joint
Financial Management Improvement Program (JFMIP) shall be available to
finance an appropriate share of JFMIP costs as determined by the JFMIP,
including the salary of the Executive Director and secretarial support:
Provided further, That this appro
[[Page 110 STAT. 2412]]
priation and appropriations for administrative expenses of any other
department or agency which is a member of the National Intergovernmental
Audit Forum or a Regional Intergovernmental Audit Forum shall be
available to finance an appropriate share of Forum costs as determined
by the Forum, including necessary travel expenses of non-Federal
participants. Payments hereunder to either the Forum or the JFMIP may be
credited as reimbursements to any appropriation from which costs
involved are initially financed: Provided further, That to the extent
that funds are otherwise available for obligation, agreements or
contracts for the removal of asbestos, and renovation of the building
and building systems (including the heating, ventilation and air
conditioning system, electrical system and other major building systems)
of the General Accounting Office Building may be made for periods not
exceeding five years: Provided further, That this appropriation and
appropriations for administrative expenses of any other department or
agency which is a member of the American Consortium on International
Public Administration (ACIPA) shall be available to finance an
appropriate share of ACIPA costs as determined by the ACIPA, including
any expenses attributable to membership of ACIPA in the International
Institute of Administrative Sciences.
TITLE III--GENERAL PROVISIONS
Sec. 301. No part of the funds appropriated in this Act shall be
used 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 of Representatives issued
by the Committee on House Oversight and for the Senate issued by the
Committee on Rules and Administration.
Sec. 302. No part of the funds appropriated in this Act shall remain
available for obligation beyond fiscal year 1997 unless expressly so
provided in this Act.
Sec. 303. Whenever in this Act any office or position not
specifically established by the Legislative Pay Act of 1929 is
appropriated for or the rate of compensation or designation of any
office or position appropriated for is different from that specifically
established by such Act, the rate of compensation and the designation in
this Act shall be the permanent law with respect thereto: Provided, That
the provisions in this Act for the various items of official expenses of
Members, officers, and committees of the Senate and House of
Representatives, and clerk hire for Senators and Members of the House of
Representatives shall be the permanent law with respect thereto.
Sec. 304. <<NOTE: Contracts. Public information.>> The expenditure
of any appropriation under this Act for any consulting service through
procurement contract, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 3109, shall be limited to
those contracts where such expenditures are a matter of public record
and available for public inspection, except where otherwise provided
under
existing law, or under existing Executive order issued pursuant to
existing law.
Sec. 305. (a) It is the sense of the Congress that, to the greatest
extent practicable, all equipment and products purchased with funds made
available in this Act should be American-made.
(b) <<NOTE: Notice.>> In providing financial assistance to, or
entering into any contract with, any entity using funds made available
in this Act, the head of each Federal agency, to the greatest extent
practicable,
[[Page 110 STAT. 2413]]
shall provide to such entity a notice describing the statement made in
subsection (a) by the Congress.
(c) If it has been finally determined by a court or Federal agency
that any person intentionally affixed a label bearing a ``Made in
America'' inscription, or any inscription with the same meaning, to any
product sold in or shipped to the United States that is not made in the
United States, such person shall be ineligible to receive any contract
or subcontract made with funds provided pursuant to this Act, pursuant
to the debarment, suspension, and ineligibility procedures described in
section 9.400 through 9.409 of title 48, Code of Federal Regulations.
Sec. 306. <<NOTE: 40 USC 166h.>> During fiscal year 1997 and fiscal
years thereafter, amounts appropriated to the Architect of the Capitol
(including amounts relating to the Botanic Garden) may be transferred
among accounts available to the Architect of the Capitol upon the
approval of--
(1) the Committee on Appropriations of the House of
Representatives, in the case of amounts transferred from the
appropriation for Capitol buildings and grounds under the
heading ``house office buildings'';
(2) the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate, in the
case of amounts transferred from the appropriation for Capitol
buildings and grounds under the heading ``senate office
buildings''; and
(3) the Committees on Appropriations of the Senate and the
House of Representatives, in the case of amounts transferred
from any other appropriation.
Sec. <<NOTE: 40 USC 175 note.>> 307. (a) Upon approval of the
Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives, and in
accordance with conditions determined by the Committee on House
Oversight, positions in connection with House public address sound
system activities and related funding shall be transferred from the
appropriation for the Architect of the Capitol for Capitol buildings and
grounds under the heading ``capitol buildings'' to the appropriation for
salaries and expenses of the House of Representatives for the Office of
the Clerk under the heading ``salaries, officers and em-
ployees''.
(b) <<NOTE: Annuities.>> For purposes of section 8339(m) of title
5, United States Code, the days of unused sick leave to the credit of
any such employee as of the date such employee is transferred under
subsection (a) shall be included in the total service of such employee
in connection with the computation of any annuity under subsections (a)
through (e) and (o) of such section.
(c) In the case of days of annual leave to the credit of any such
employee as of the date such employee is transferred under subsection
(a), the Architect of the Capitol is authorized to make a lump sum
payment to each such employee for that annual leave. No such payment
shall be considered a payment or compensation within the meaning of any
law relating to dual compensation.
Sec. 308. <<NOTE: Effective dates. Government organization. 40 USC
212a-4a.>> (a) Effective October 1, 1996, the responsibility for
maintenance of security systems for the Capitol buildings and grounds is
transferred from the Architect of the Capitol to the Capitol Police
Board. Such maintenance shall be carried out under the direction of the
Committee on House Oversight of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate. On and after
October 1, 1996, any alteration to a structural, mechanical, or
architectural feature of the Capitol
[[Page 110 STAT. 2414]]
buildings and grounds that is required for security system maintenance
under the preceding sentence may be carried out only with the approval
of the Architect of the Capitol.
(b)(1) <<NOTE: Government organization.>> Effective October 1, 1996,
all positions specified in paragraph (2) and each individual holding any
such position (on a permanent basis) immediately before that date, as
identified by the Architect of the Capitol, shall be transferred to the
Capitol Police.
(2) The positions referred to in paragraph (1) are those positions
which, immediately before October 1, 1996, are--
(A) under the Architect of the Capitol;
(B) within the Electronics Engineering Division of the
Office of the Architect of the Capitol; and
(C) related to the maintenance of security systems for the
Capitol buildings and grounds.
(3) All annual leave and sick leave standing to the credit of an
individual immediately before such individual is transferred under
paragraph (1) shall be credited to such individual, without adjustment,
in the new position of the individual.
Sec. 309. Such sums as may be necessary are appropriated to the
account described in subsection (a) of section 415 of Public Law 104-1
to pay awards and settlements as authorized under such subsection.
Sec. 310. Any amount appropriated in this Act for ``HOUSE OF
REPRESENTATIVES--Salaries and Expenses--Members' Representational
Allowances'' shall be available only for fiscal year 1997. Any amount
remaining after all payments are made under such allowances for such
fiscal year shall be deposited in the Treasury, to be used for deficit
reduction.
Sec. 311. <<NOTE: Mail. Notice. 2 USC 59h.>> (a) Each mass mailing
sent by a Member of the House of Representatives shall bear in a
prominent place on its face, or on the envelope or outside cover or
wrapper in which the mail matter is sent, the following notice: ``this
mailing was prepared, published, and mailed at taxpayer expense.'', or a
notice to the same effect in words which may be prescribed under
subsection (c). The notice shall be printed in a type size not smaller
than 7-point.
(b)(1) <<NOTE: Reports.>> There shall be published in the itemized
report of disbursements of the House of Representatives as required by
law, a summary tabulation setting forth, for the office of each Member
of the House of Representatives, the total number of pieces of mass mail
mailed during the period involved and the total cost of those mass
mailings.
(2) Each such tabulation shall also include--
(A) the total cost (as referred to in paragraph (1)) divided
by the number (as determined by the Postmaster General) of
addresses (other than business possible delivery stops) in the
Congressional district from which the Member was elected (as
such addresses are described in section 3210(d)(7)(B) of title
39, United States Code); and
(B) the total number of pieces of mass mail (as referred to
in paragraph (1)) divided by the number (as determined by the
Postmaster General) of addresses (other than business possible
delivery stops) in the Congressional district from which the
Member was elected (as such addresses are described in section
3210(d)(7)(B) of title 39, United States Code).
[[Page 110 STAT. 2415]]
(c) <<NOTE: Rules and regulations.>> The Committee on House
Oversight shall prescribe such rules and regulations and shall take such
other action as the Committee considers necessary and proper for Members
to conform to the provisions of this subsection and applicable rules and
regulations.
(d) For purposes of this section--
(1) the term ``Member of the House of Representatives''
means a Representative in, or a Delegate or Resident
Commissioner to, the Congress; and
(2) the term ``mass mailing'' has the meaning given such
term by section 3210(a)(6)(E) of title 39, United States Code.
(e) <<NOTE: Applicability.>> This section shall apply with respect
to sessions of Congress beginning after the date of the enactment of
this Act.
Sec. 312. (a) Section 203(a)(3) of Public Law 104-1 (2 U.S.C.
1313(a)(3)) is amended by inserting ``and in subsection (c)(4)'' after
``(c)(3)''.
(b) Section 203(c) of Public Law 104-1 (2 U.S.C. 1313(c)) is amended
by adding at the end the following paragraph:
``(4) Law enforcement.--Law enforcement personnel of the
Capitol Police who are subject to the exemption under section
7(k) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 207(k))
may elect to receive compensatory time off in lieu of overtime
compensation for hours worked in excess of the maximum for their
work period.''.
Sec. 313. Section 316 of Public Law 101-302 <<NOTE: 40 USC 188b-
6.>> is amended in the first sentence of subsection (a) by striking
``1996'' and inserting ``1997''.
Sec. 314. <<NOTE: Establishment. Science and technology. Tele-
communications. 2 USC 181.>> (a) Upon enactment into law of this Act,
there shall be established a program for providing the widest possible
exchange of information among legislative branch agencies with the long-
range goal of improving information technology planning and evaluation.
The Committee on House Oversight of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate are requested to
determine the structure and operation of this program and to provide
appropriate <<NOTE: Reports.>> oversight. All of the appropriate offices
and agencies of the legislative branch as defined below shall
participate in this program for information exchange, and shall report
annually on the extent and nature of their participation in their budget
submissions to the Committee on Appropriations of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate.
(b) As used in this section--
(1) the term ``offices and agencies of the legislative
branch'' means, the office of the Clerk of the House, the office
of the Secretary of the Senate, the office of the Architect of
the Capitol, the General Accounting Office, the Government
Printing Office, the Library of Congress, the Congressional
Research Service, the Congressional Budget Office, the Chief
Administrative Officer of the House of Representatives, and the
Sergeant at Arms of the Senate; and
(2) the term ``technology'' refers to any form of computer
hardware and software; computer-based systems, services, and
support for the creation, processing, exchange, and delivery of
information; and telecommunications systems, and the associated
hardware and software, that provide for voice, data, or image
communication.
[[Page 110 STAT. 2416]]
prohibitions against political recommendations relating to federal
employment
Sec. 315. (a) In General.--Section 3303 of title 5, United States
Code, is amended to read as follows:
``Sec. 3303. Competitive service; recommendations of Senators or
Representatives
``An individual concerned in examining an applicant for or
appointing him in the competitive service may not receive or consider a
recommendation of the applicant by a Senator or Representative, except
as to the character or residence of the applicant.''.
(b) Technical and Conforming Amendments.--(1) The table of sections
for chapter 33 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by amending
the item relating to section 3303 to read as follows:
``3303. Competitive service; recommendations of Senators or
Representatives.''.
(2) Section 2302(b)(2) of title 5, United States Code, is amended to
read as follows:
``(2) solicit or consider any recommendation or statement,
oral or written, with respect to any individual who requests or
is under consideration for any personnel action unless such
recommendation or statement is based on the personal knowledge
or records of the person furnishing it and consists of--
``(A) an evaluation of the work performance,
ability, aptitude, or general qualifications of such
individual; or
``(B) an evaluation of the character, loyalty, or
suitability of such individual;''.
(c) Effective Date.--This <<NOTE: 5 USC 2302 note.>> section shall
take effect 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Sec. 316. Limitation on Exclusive Copyrights for Literary Works in
Specialized Format for the Blind and Disabled.--
(a) In General.--Chapter 1 of title 17, United States Code, is
amended by adding after section 120 the following new section:
``Sec. 121. Limitations on exclusive rights: reproduction for blind or
other people with disabilities
``(a) Notwithstanding the provisions of sections 106 and 710, it is
not an infringement of copyright for an authorized entity to reproduce
or to distribute copies or phonorecords of a previously published,
nondramatic literary work if such copies or phonorecords are reproduced
or distributed in specialized formats exclusively for use by blind or
other persons with disabilities.
``(b)(1) Copies or phonorecords to which this section applies
shall--
``(A) not be reproduced or distributed in a format other
than a specialized format exclusively for use by blind or other
persons with disabilities;
``(B) <<NOTE: Notice.>> bear a notice that any further
reproduction or distribution in a format other than a
specialized format is an infringement; and
``(C) <<NOTE: Notice.>> include a copyright notice
identifying the copyright owner and the date of the original
publication.
``(2) The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to
standardized, secure, or norm-referenced tests and related testing
material, or to computer programs, except the portions thereof that are
in conventional human language (including descriptions
[[Page 110 STAT. 2417]]
of pictorial works) and displayed to users in the ordinary course of
using the computer programs.
``(c) For purposes of this section, the term--
``(1) `authorized entity' means a nonprofit organization or
a governmental agency that has a primary mission to provide
specialized services relating to training, education, or
adaptive reading or information access needs of blind or other
persons with disabilities;
``(2) `blind or other persons with disabilities' means
individuals who are eligible or who may qualify in accordance
with the Act entitled ``An Act to provide books for the adult
blind'', approved March 3, 1931 (2 U.S.C. 135a; 46 Stat. 1487)
to receive books and other publications produced in specialized
formats; and
``(3) `specialized formats' means braille, audio, or digital
text which is exclusively for use by blind or other persons with
disabilities.''.
(b) Technical and Conforming Amendment.--The table of sections for
chapter 1 of title 17, United States Code, is amended by adding after
the item relating to section 120 the following:
``121. Limitations on exclusive rights: reproduction for blind or other
people with disabilities.''.
Sec. 317. <<NOTE: Jo Ann Emerson.>> For payment to Jo Ann Emerson,
widow of Bill Emerson, late a Representative from the State of Missouri,
$133,600.
This Act may be cited as the ``Legislative Branch Appropriations
Act, 1997''.
Approved September 16, 1996.
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY--H.R. 3754:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
HOUSE REPORTS: Nos. 104-657 (Comm. on Appropriations) and 104-733 (Comm.
of Conference).
SENATE REPORTS: No. 104-323 (Comm. on Appropriations).
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 142 (1996):
July 10, considered and passed House.
July 29, 30, considered and passed Senate, amended.
Aug. 1, House agreed to conference report.
Sept. 3, Senate agreed to conference report.
WEEKLY COMPILATION OF PRESIDENTIAL DOCUMENTS, Vol. 32 (1996):
Sept. 16, Presidential statement.
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