[House Report 112-511] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office] 112th Congress Report HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 2d Session 112-511 ====================================================================== LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS BILL, 2013 _______ June 1, 2012.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union and ordered to be printed _______ Mr. Crenshaw, from the Committee on Appropriations, submitted the following R E P O R T together with ADDITIONAL VIEWS [To accompany H.R. 5882] 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, 2013, and for other purposes. INDEX TO BILL AND REPORT _______________________________________________________________________ Page number Bill Report Highlights of bill......................................... 4 Title I--Legislative Branch Appropriations................. 3 5 House of Representatives........................... 3 5 Joint Items: Joint Economic Committee................... 9 7 Joint Committee on Taxation................ 9 8 Office of the Attending Physician.......... 9 8 Office of Congressional Accessibility Services............................... 10 8 Capitol Police..................................... 10 8 Office of Compliance............................... 13 9 Congressional Budget Office........................ 13 10 Architect of the Capitol (except Senate Office Buildings)..................................... 15 10 Library of Congress................................ 19 15 Government Printing Office......................... 24 17 Government Accountability Office................... 27 19 Open World Leadership Center Trust Fund............ 29 20 John C. Stennis Center for Public Service Training and Development................................ 20 Title II--General Provisions............................... 29 20 Bill-wide Reporting Requirements........................... 21 Additional Views........................................... 41 SUMMARY OF BILL The bill, as recommended by the Committee, provides appropriations for fiscal year 2013 Legislative Branch operations, which total $3,332,872,000. Conforming to longstanding practice under which each body of Congress determines its own housekeeping requirements and the other concurs without intervention, funds for the Senate are not included in the bill as reported to the House. Current appropriations estimates for the Senate for fiscal year 2013 including those under the Architect of the Capitol, total $956,128,000. A comparative summary of the bill by title and agency follows: SUMMARY OF THE BILL [Note.--Excludes Senate items including those Senate Items under the Architect of the Capitol] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bill compared with-- Budget estimates New budget ------------------------------------- New budget of new (obligational) Budget estimates Agency (obligational) (obligational) authority New budget of new authority, fiscal authority, fiscal recommended in (obligational) (obligational) year 2012 year 2013 bill authority, fiscal authority, fiscal year 2012 year 2013 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Title I--Legislative Branch Appropriations House of Representatives................................. $1,225,680,000 $1,225,680,000 $1,225,680,000 ................. ................. Joint items.............................................. 20,207,000 19,023,000 19,037,000 -$1,170,000 +$14,000 Capitol Police........................................... 340,137,000 373,769,000 360,137,000 +20,000,000 -13,632,000 Office of Compliance..................................... 3,817,000 4,206,000 3,817,000 ................. -389,000 Congressional Budget Office.............................. 43,787,000 44,637,000 44,280,000 +493,000 -357,000 Architect of the Capitol (except Senate Office Buildings) 496,381,000 588,796,000 444,021,000 -52,360,000 -144,775,000 Library of Congress...................................... 587,344,000 603,589,000 592,642,000 +5,298,000 -10,947,000 Government Printing Office............................... 126,200,000 126,200,000 122,456,000 -3,744,000 -3,744,000 Government Accountability Office......................... 511,296,000 526,233,000 519,802,000 +8,506,000 -6,431,000 Open World Leadership Center Trust Fund.................. 10,000,000 10,000,000 1,000,000 -9,000,000 -9,000,000 John C. Stennis Center................................... 430,000 430,000 ................. -430,000 -430,000 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Grand total, new budget, (obligational) authority $3,367,279,000 $3,522,563,000 $3,332,872,000 -$34,407,000 -$189,691,000 (for items considered by the House)............... -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- HIGHLIGHTS OF THE BILL The Committee recommends $3,332,872,000 in discretionary resources for operations of the Legislative Branch of government, $189,691,000 below the requested amount and $34,407,000, or 1 percent, below the fiscal year 2012 enacted level (excluding Senate items). This bill reflects a continued acknowledgment that the Legislative Branch must set itself as an example for fiscal restraint while continuing to serve the Nation. The Committee is committed to getting the nation's fiscal house in order and sharing in the sacrifices that are required. The Committee notes that with the inclusion of this bill, the Legislative Branch, excluding the Senate items, has been reduced by a total of $322,607,000 or 8.8% since fiscal year 2010. This bill will require strict fiscal discipline on the part of all congressional offices and all agency heads in the Legislative Branch. LEGISLATIVE BRANCH-WIDE MATTERS Committee Directives.--The Committee is concerned with the failure of some agencies to follow Committee directives in either the House Committee Report or a joint conference agreement accompanying the annual Legislative Branch appropriations bill. There should be no misunderstanding that report language in either the House or joint conference agreement is to be adhered too, without exception, unless specifically addressed to the contrary in an explanatory statement of a joint conference agreement. Zero Base Budgeting.--The Committee is very pleased with the results of the zero base budgeting exercise directed to be conducted by all the agencies of the Legislative Branch. The Committee believes that this valuable budgeting process has given agencies the opportunity to take a fresh look at all areas of their operations and make funding reductions and alignments within the current budget base. The Committee believes that there are continued opportunities to realize meaningful savings by carefully reviewing each agency's budget requirements from a zero base and directs all agencies to continue to develop budget request from a zero base. Reprogramming Guidelines.--It has come to the Committees attention that there is some misunderstanding about the Reprogramming Guidelines for Legislative Branch Agencies contained in House Report 112-331. The term ``to notify the Committees on Appropriations of the House and Senate'' requires agencies to make a formal request requiring Committee approval before proceeding with the requested action. Committee Requests, Furloughs and Performance Based Merit Increases.--The Committee directs that adherence to the language carried in House Report 112-148 pertaining to Committee Requests, Furloughs, and Performance Based Merit Increases be continued unless otherwise so directed. Travel Initiative.--The Committee applauds the Legislative Branch Financial Managers Council (LBFMC) on its efforts to improve Legislative Branch financial operations and, most recently, to seek a common solution for automating travel functionality. The Committee directs all members of the LBFMC to participate in an effort to create a single solution to each agency's travel management needs and consider the feasibility of a centralized travel function, including the necessary interfaces to the agency's financial management systems. The Committee directs the Government Accountability Office that has already automated their travel system, to serve as a resource to the LBFMC. TITLE I--LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES The Committee recommends $1,225,680,000 for the operations and maintenance of the House of Representatives during fiscal year 2013. This amount is the same as the request and the fiscal year 2012 enacted level. Funding for the House of Representatives has been reduced by 10.5% since fiscal year 2010. House Leadership Offices 2012 appropriation.................................... $29,094,721 2013 budget request................................... 23,275,773 Committee recommendation.............................. 23,275,773 The Committee recommends $23,275,773 for salaries and expenses of staff in House leadership offices for fiscal year 2013. This amount is $5,818,948 below fiscal year 2012 enacted level and is the same as the budget request. The allocation by office follows: Office of the Speaker................................. $6,942,770 Office of the Majority Floor Leader................... 2,277,595 Office of the Majority Whip........................... 1,971,050 Republican Conference................................. 1,572,788 Office of the Minority Floor Leader................... 7,432,812 Office of the Minority Whip........................... 1,524,951 Democratic Caucus..................................... 1,553,807 ----------------- Total............................................. $23,275,773 Beginning in fiscal year 2013, it is the Committee's intent to appropriate funding for Leadership Offices on a legislative year. Members' Representational Allowances 2012 appropriation.................................... $573,939,282 2013 budget request................................... 573,939,282 Committee recommendation.............................. 573,939,282 The Committee recommends $573,939,282 for the representational allowances of the Members of the House. This amount is the same as the fiscal year 2012 enacted level and the budget request. House Committees 2012 appropriation.................................... $152,630,655 2013 budget request................................... 153,030,655 Committee recommendation.............................. 152,630,655 The Committee recommends $152,630,655 in total for House Committees. This amount is the same as the fiscal year 2012 enacted level and is $400,000 below the budget request. This account includes funding for staff salaries and official expenses of Committees including equipment, telecommunications, printing, and contract services. Funding is available until December 31, 2014. Included in the total is $26,665,785 for the Committee on Appropriations. The amount provided is the same as the current level and the budget request. The Committee has not provided funding for the continuation of hearing room modernizations. Sufficient funding currently exists for the execution of this program. Salaries, Officers and Employees 2012 appropriation.................................... $177,628,400 2013 budget request................................... 174,911,816 Committee recommendation.............................. 173,669,084 The Committee recommends $173,669,084 for the salaries and expenses of House officers and employees of the various activities funded through this consolidated item. This amount is $3,959,316 below the fiscal year 2012 enacted level and $1,242,732 below the budget request. The following table summarizes the funding allocation provided to each component of the account: Office of the Clerk................................... $22,370,252 Office of the Sergeant-At-Arms........................ 12,585,000 Office of the Chief Administrative Officer............ 116,782,000 Office of the Inspector General....................... 4,692,000 Office of General Counsel............................. 1,415,000 Office of the Chaplain................................ 179,000 Office of the Parliamentarian......................... 2,060,000 Parliamentarian................................... (1,466,000) Compilation of Precedents......................... (594,000) Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the House....... 3,258,000 Office of the Legislative Counsel of the House........ 8,814,000 Office of Interparliamentary Affairs.................. 859,000 Other authorized employees............................ 484,832 The Historian......................................... 170,000 ----------------- Total............................................. $173,669,084 Office of the Clerk.--The Committee recommends $22,370,252 for the Clerk of the House. This amount is $3,744,148, or 14.3% below the fiscal year 2012 enacted level and is the same as the budget request. The Committee notes that implementation of the STOCK Act will be accomplished within available funds. Office of the Sergeant At Arms.--The Committee recommends $12,585,000 for the Office of the Sergeant At Arms (SAA). This amount is the same as the fiscal year 2012 enacted level and is $1,242,732 below the budget request. The Committee continues to be concerned about the safety and the security of House District Offices and House District Office staff. The Committee directs the House Sergeant at Arms, in coordination with the United States Capitol Police, by October 1, 2012, to develop a series of recommendations and best practices on security features or enhancements for House District Offices to be made to new and returning Members prior to the start of the 113th Congress. Office of the Chief Administrative Officer.--The Committee recommends $116,782,000 for the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). This amount is the same as the fiscal 2012 enacted level and the budget request. Allowances and Expenses 2012 appropriation.................................... $292,386,942 2013 budget request................................... 300,522,474 Committee recommendation.............................. 302,165,206 The Committee recommends a total of $302,165,206 for allowances and expenses. This amount is $9,778,264, above the fiscal year 2012 enacted level and is $1,642,732 above the budget request. These funds include supplies, materials, administrative costs, and Federal tort claims; the costs of official mail for the Committees, leadership, and administrative offices; employee benefits; miscellaneous items; and Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery. The following table summarizes the funding allocation provided to each major component of the account: Supplies, materials, administrative costs and Federal $3,696,118 tort claims.......................................... Official mail (committees, administrative, and 201,000 leadership offices).................................. Government contributions.............................. 272,548,016 Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery............. 17,112,072 Transition Activities................................. 4,125,000 Wounded Warrior Program............................... 2,175,000 Office of Congressional Ethics........................ 1,548,000 Miscellaneous items................................... 760,000 ----------------- Total, allowances and expenses.................... $302,165,206 Administrative Provisions Section 101 provides for unspent amounts remaining in Members' Representational Allowances account to be used for deficit or debt reduction. Section 102 reimburses the Secretary of Labor for unemployment compensation. Section 103 provides for transfer among the accounts disbursed by the House Chief Administrative Officer. Section 104 requires the Office of Inspector General to provide the House Committee on Appropriations with a copy of each audit and investigative report they produce. JOINT ITEMS The Committee recommends $19,037,000 for fiscal year 2013 for the various joint committees and activities carried under this heading. The recommendation is $1,170,000 below the fiscal year 2012 enacted level and is $14,000 above the budget request. JOINT ECONOMIC COMMITTEE 2012 appropriation.................................... $4,203,000 2013 budget request................................... 4,219,000 Committee recommendation.............................. 4,203,000 The Committee recommends $4,203,000 for the Joint Economic Committee. This recommendation is the same as the current level and is $16,000 below the budget request. The Joint Economic Committee was created by the Employment Act of 1946. The primary tasks of the Committee are to review economic conditions and to recommend improvements in economic policy. The Committee performs research and economic analysis and monitors and analyzes current economic, financial, and employment conditions. JOINT COMMITTEE ON TAXATION 2012 appropriation.................................... $10,004,000 2013 budget request................................... 10,004,000 Committee recommendation.............................. 10,004,000 The Committee recommends $10,004,000 for the Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT). This recommendation is the same as the fiscal year 2012 enacted level and the budget request. The Joint Committee on Taxation operates under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and its predecessors dating to the Revenue Act of 1926. It has responsibility to (1) investigate the operation and effects of internal revenue taxes and the administration of such taxes; (2) investigate measures and methods for the simplification of such taxes; (3) make reports to the House Committee on Ways and Means and the Senate Committee on Finance (or to the House and the Senate) on the results of such investigations and studies and to make recommendations; and (4) review any proposed refund or credit of income or estate and gift taxes or certain other taxes set forth in Code section 6405 in excess of $2,000,000. In addition to these functions that are specified in the Internal Revenue Code, the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 requires the Joint Committee to provide revenue estimates for all tax legislation considered by either the House or the Senate. OFFICE OF THE ATTENDING PHYSICIAN 2012 appropriation.................................... $3,400,000 2013 budget request................................... 3,433,000 Committee recommendation.............................. 3,467,000 The Committee recommends $3,467,000 for the Office of the Attending Physician. This amount is $34,000 above the request and $67,000 above the fiscal year 2012 enacted level. OFFICE OF CONGRESSIONAL ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES 2012 appropriation.................................... $1,363,000 2013 budget request................................... 1,367,000 Committee recommendation.............................. 1,363,000 The Committee recommends $1,363,000 for the operation of the Office of Congressional Accessibility Services. This amount is the same as the fiscal year 2012 enacted level and is $4,000 less than the budget request. The Office of Congressional Accessibility Services is a successor office to the Special Services Office following enactment of the Capitol Visitor Center Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-437). UNITED STATES CAPITOL POLICE The Committee recommends a total of $360,137,000 for the United States Capitol Police (USCP). This amount is $20,000,000 above the fiscal year 2012 enacted level and is $13,632,000 below the budget request. Salaries 2012 appropriation.................................... $277,133,000 2013 budget request................................... 303,132,000 Committee recommendation.............................. 297,133,000 The Committee recommends $297,133,000 for the salaries and benefits authorized for police services throughout the USCP jurisdiction. This amount is $20,000,000 above the fiscal year 2012 enacted level and is $5,999,000 below the budget request. Using the latest salary estimates from USCP, the Committee expects this level of funding to support a staffing level of 1,775 of the 1,800 authorized sworn positions and 370 of the authorized 443 civilian positions. Included in the 370 civilian positions are one additional auditor and one additional investigator at the CP 11-12 level for the Inspector General. The Committee notes that while providing the necessary salaries and general expenses funding for fiscal year 2012 to support USCP personnel and operations, the Department in turn had to absorb several activities within its base funding, such as the conventions and pre-Presidential Inauguration planning. In addition, training activities were greatly reduced in order to meet other mission requirements. The recommendation for USCP funding is based on only critical requirements necessary to mitigate and address threats and risks. It does not provide for any new initiatives, as requested. Training.--The Committee recognizes that training has been limited to only those areas that are critical and mandatory as required by law, rule, or regulation; or necessary to meet core mission activities. The funding provided specifically relates to the training needs of sworn staff to give them the time needed to be offline and receive training in a number of key areas, while still providing an appropriate security environment. The Department is to report to the Committee on Appropriations of the House and the Senate by February 15, 2013 on its efforts to enhance training within the USCP. New Posts.--The Committee continues to direct the USCP to notify the Committee on Appropriations of the House and Senate when new posts are created, including the annualized cost of maintaining the new post, and how the cost will be offset. General Expenses 2012 appropriation.................................... $63,004,000 2013 budget request................................... 70,637,000 Committee recommendation.............................. 63,004,000 The Committee recommends $63,004,000 for all general expenses of the USCP. This is the same as the fiscal year 2012 enacted level and is $7,633,000 below the budget request. Administrative Provisions Section 1001 which authorizes transfers between the Salaries and General Expenses accounts of the Capitol Police. Section 1002 is a technical correction for the payment to the Employees' Compensation Fund. OFFICE OF COMPLIANCE Salaries and Expenses 2012 appropriation.................................... $3,817,000 2013 budget request................................... 4,206,000 Committee recommendation.............................. 3,817,000 The Committee recommends $3,817,000 for the Office of Compliance. This amount is the same as the fiscal year 2012 enacted level and $389,000 below the budget request. The Office of Compliance was established to administer and enforce the Congressional Accountability Act (Public Law 104-1). The Act applies various employment and workplace safety laws to Congress and certain Legislative Branch entities. Administrative Provision Section 1101 makes permanent the authorization for the payment of awards and settlements. CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE Salaries and Expenses 2012 appropriation.................................... $43,787,000 2013 budget request................................... 44,637,000 Committee recommendation.............................. 44,280,000 The Committee recommends $44,280,000 for the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). This is $493,000 above the fiscal year 2012 enacted level and $357,000 below the budget request. This increase provides funding of $160,000 for one additional workday over fiscal 2012 and $333,000 to purchase commercial data on topics in support of analyses. Administrative Provision Section 1201 gives authority for the CBO to accept the services of student volunteers. ARCHITECT OF THE CAPITOL 2012 appropriation.................................... \1\$496,381,000 2013 budget request................................... \1\588,796,000 Committee recommendation.............................. \1\444,021,000 \1\Does not include Senate office buildings. The Committee recommends $444,021,000 for fiscal year 2013 for the activities of the Architect of the Capitol (AOC). Excluded are Senate items which are traditionally left for consideration by that body. This amount is $52,360,000 below the fiscal year 2012 enacted level, or 10.6 percent, and is $144,775,000 below the budget request, or almost 25 percent. Within the recommended level the Committee continues its prioritization of projects that: (1) promote the safety and health of workers and occupants, (2) decrease the deferred maintenance backlog, and (3) invest to achieve future energy savings. In addition, by including $30,000,000 for the House Historic Buildings Revitalization Trust Fund, the bill continues the Committee's commitment to advance planning for major capital renewal projects which will be essential to sustaining the performance of historic House buildings. The Committee has concerns that the cost of Full Time Equivalents (FTE's) associated with projects is not clearly defined in the budget justification. For fiscal year 2011 the Architect of the Capitol actually utilized 283 FTE's for projects and estimates for 2012 and 2013 are 318 FTE's. The Committee fully understands that the number of FTE's for projects will be determined based on the projects approved by the Committee. The Committee directs that beginning with the 2014 budget request the number of FTE's and associated salary and benefit costs be detailed for each project. In the continued effort to reduce cost and achieve efficiencies, Legislative Branch wide, the Committee directs the Legislative Branch Financial Managers Council (LBFMC) to continue pursuing financial systems cross servicing. In this regard, the Committee directs the Chief Financial Officers of the Library of Congress (LOC) and the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) to coordinate with each other to conduct the requisite analysis, and provide cost estimates and budget requests with the intention of migrating the AOC's financial data into the Library's financial system environment. There is clear evidence that pursuing this migration will result in significant cost savings, as was achieved with the United States Capitol Police migration, both by centralizing financial system data and operations within the Library's financial system and by consolidating the agencies' annual financial statement and related financial system internal controls audit under the single audit contract serving those agencies whose financial systems are cross serviced by the Library. The Committee directs the AOC to conduct a GAP analysis, within existing funding, to identify potential functional gaps and issues related to the migrating of its financial data. The Committee notes that such migrations are complex because they require compromises and standardization of multiple agency financial operations with one financial system environment. However, standardization of financial operations and financial systems configurations also represents a well-established best practice and is one of the reasons why significant cost savings are possible with such an effort. Finally, the Committee directs the Library to complete a cost-benefit analysis supporting the Legislative Branch financial system hosting environment through external cloud computing services, as opposed to continuing to provide support within the Library's Capitol Hill technology infrastructure. This cost-benefit analysis is to take into consideration the completed migration of the AOC financial data into the Library's financial system environment. The AOC is responsible for the maintenance, operation, development, and preservation of the United States Capitol Complex. This includes mechanical and structural maintenance of the Capitol, Congressional office buildings, the Library of Congress buildings, the Supreme Court building, the U.S. Botanic Garden, the Capitol Power Plant, and other facilities, as well as the upkeep and improvement of the grounds surrounding the Capitol complex. The following table summarizes the allocation of funds by appropriation account: Architect of the Capitol: General Administration............................ $90,755,000 Capitol building.................................. 28,591,000 Capitol grounds................................... 17,152,000 House of Representatives buildings subtotal....... 113,964,000 House office buildings........................ (83,964,000) Historic Buildings Revitalization Trust Fund.. (30,000,000) Capitol Power Plant............................... 108,616,000 Library buildings and grounds..................... 30,660,000 Capitol Police Buildings, Grounds and Security.... 20,867,000 Botanic Garden.................................... 12,000,000 Capitol Visitor Center............................ 21,276,000 ----------------- Total......................................... $443,881,000 General Administration 2012 appropriation.................................... $101,340,000 2013 budget request................................... 102,601,000 Committee recommendation.............................. 90,755,000 The Committee recommends $90,755,000 for personnel services, equipment, communications, and other central support activities of the AOC. This amount is $10,585,000 below the fiscal year 2012 enacted level and is $11,846,000 below the budget request. The Committee has made a reduction of 32 FTE's and $4,235,000 in associated salary and benefit costs due to an agency overfunded salary base. Although this over-funding is agency wide, the Committee has chosen to reduce the General Administration account rather than each separate account. The Committee directs the Architect of the Capitol, in all future budget requests, to establish an appropriate lapse rate and apply such rate to the salary and benefit request for each account. The recommendation supports an operating budget of $89,756,000. The recommended project budget of $999,000 is composed of the following projects: Item Committee recommendation Energy Savings Performance Contracts (ESPC): Management Program............................................. $500,000 Conservation of Fine Architectural Art.................. 499,000 -------------------------------------------------------- ____________________________________________________ Total............................................... $999,000 Capitol Building 2012 appropriation.................................... $36,154,000 2013 budget request................................... 97,072,000 Committee recommendation.............................. 28,591,000 The Committee recommends $28,591,000 for the operation, maintenance, and care of the Capitol building. This amount is $7,563,000 below the fiscal year 2012 enacted level and is $68,481,000 below the budget request. The recommendation supports an operating budget of $25,091,000. The recommended project budget of $3,500,000 is composed of the following capital projects: Item Committee recommendation Minor Construction...................................... $3,500,000 -------------------------------------------------------- ____________________________________________________ Total............................................... $3,500,000 Capitol Grounds 2012 appropriation.................................... $9,852,000 2013 budget request................................... 18,502,000 Committee recommendation.............................. 17,152,000 The Committee recommends $17,152,000 for the care of the grounds surrounding the Capitol. This amount is $7,300,000 above the fiscal year 2012 enacted level and is $1,350,000 below the budget request. The recommendation supports an operating budget of $9,852,000, which includes four additional unfunded FTE's. The recommended project budget of $7,300,000 is composed of the following capital projects: Item Committee recommendation Union Square Stabilization.............................. $7,300,000 -------------------------------------------------------- ____________________________________________________ Total............................................... $7,300,000 The Committee is recommending $7,300,000 for the Union Square Stabilization project, as requested. The Architect of the Capitol is directed to withhold obligation of these funds until a detailed obligation plan is approved by the Committees on Appropriations of the House and the Senate. House Office Buildings 2012 appropriation.................................... $124,154,000 2013 budget request................................... 133,964,000 Committee recommendation.............................. 113,964,000 The Committee recommends $113,964,000 for the operation, maintenance, and care of the House office buildings. This amount is a decrease of $10,190,000 below fiscal year 2012 enacted level and is $20,000,000 below the budget request. This amount includes $13,825,000 for the first year lease cost of Federal Office Building 8 (FOB8). The bill also includes $30,000,000 for the House Historic Buildings Revitalization Trust Fund. Public Law 111-68 established the Fund to finance major repairs and renovations to facilities of the House. Subject to approval of the Committee on Appropriations of the House, the AOC may use these funds for major renovation projects to preserve and maintain the performance of the iconic buildings of the House of Representatives. The recommendation supports an operating budget of $64,602,000. The recommended project budget of $49,362,000 is composed of the following capital projects: Item Committee recommendation Federal Office Building Eight Refurbishment............. $8,200,000 CAO Project Support..................................... 4,162,000 Minor Construction...................................... 7,000,000 House Historic Building Revitalization.................. 30,000,000 -------------------------------------------------------- ____________________________________________________ Total............................................... $49,362,000 Capitol Power Plant 2012 appropriation.................................... $123,229,000 2012 budget request................................... 118,533,000 Committee recommendation net.......................... 108,616,000 Offsetting collections................................ 9,400,000 ----------------- Total available................................... $118,016,000 The Committee recommends $108,616,000 for the Capitol Power Plant. This amount is $14,613,000 below the fiscal year 2012 enacted level and is $9,917,000 below the budget request. The Committee continues to support the AOC's plan to utilize cogeneration technology at the Capitol Power Plant to help meet the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 requirement of a 30 percent energy reduction by 2015. According to the AOC, cogeneration will yield a 7.1 percent reduction in total energy consumption at the Capitol Power Plant by increasing its overall efficiency. The recommendation supports an operating budget of $94,612,000, which provides for current services. The recommended project budget of $23,404,000 is composed of the following capital projects: Item Committee recommendation West Refrigeration Plant Revitalization................. $16,904,000 Cogeneration Management Program......................... 2,500,000 Minor Construction...................................... 4,000,000 -------------------------------------------------------- ____________________________________________________ Total............................................... $23,404,000 Library Buildings and Grounds 2012 appropriation.................................... $46,876,000 2013 budget request................................... 53,594,000 Committee recommendation.............................. 30,660,000 The Committee recommends $30,660,000 for the care and maintenance of the Library buildings and grounds. This amount is $16,216,000 below the fiscal year 2012 enacted level and is $22,934,000 below the budget request. The recommendation supports an operating budget of $25,760,000 and a project budget of $4,900,000, including the following capital projects: Item Committee recommendation Secured Storage Facilities, Phase IV of IV, JMMB........ $2,400,000 ABA Space Reorganization, Phase IV of V, JMMB........... 500,000 Minor Construction...................................... 2,000,000 -------------------------------------------------------- ____________________________________________________ Total............................................... $4,900,000 Capitol Police Buildings, Grounds, and Security 2012 appropriation.................................... $21,500,000 2013 budget request................................... 30,802,000 Committee recommendation.............................. 20,867,000 The Committee recommends $20,867,000 for Capitol Police buildings, grounds, and security. This amount is $633,000 below the fiscal year 2012 enacted level and is $9,935,000 below the budget request. The recommendation supports an operating budget of $18,027,000 and a project budget of $2,840,000, including the following capital projects: Item Committee recommendation Electrical Distribution Upgrade, ACF.................... $1,840,000 Minor Construction...................................... 1,000,000 -------------------------------------------------------- ____________________________________________________ Total............................................... $2,840,000 Botanic Garden 2012 appropriation.................................... $12,000,000 2013 budget request................................... 12,140,000 Committee recommendation.............................. 12,140,000 The Committee recommends $12,140,000 for salaries and expenses of the Botanic Garden. This amount is $140,000 above the current level and is the same as the budget request. There are no capital projects in fiscal year 2013. Again the Committee congratulates the Botanic Garden on the accomplishments of its education and outreach programs, which have leveraged the Garden's unparalleled expertise to provide unique educational opportunities. The Committee urges the Garden to continue forming partnerships with national and local organizations to advance these educational goals. Capitol Visitor Center 2012 appropriation.................................... $21,276,000 2013 budget request................................... 21,588,000 Committee recommendation.............................. 21,276,000 The Committee recommends $21,276,000 for the operation of the Capitol Visitor Center (CVC). This amount is the same as the fiscal year 2012 enacted level and $312,000 below the budget request. There are no capital projects in fiscal year 2013. The CVC was established to improve security for all persons working in or visiting the U.S. Capitol and to enhance the educational experience of visitors. Administrative Provision Section 1301 authorizes payments to the Employees' Compensation Fund from available balances. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS The Committee recommends $592,642,000 for the operations of the Library of Congress. This is $5,298,000 above the fiscal year 2012 enacted level and $10,947,000 below the budget request. This represents a reduction of 189 FTE's. In addition to the appropriation, the Committee recommends offsetting collections of $39,961,000. Established by Congress in 1800, the Library of Congress is one of the largest libraries in the world, with a collection of more than 130,000,000 print, audio, and video items in 460 languages. Among its major programs are acquisitions, preservation, administration of U.S. copyright laws by the Copyright Office, research and analysis of policy issues for the Congress by the Congressional Research Service, and administration of a national program to provide reading material to the blind and physically handicapped. The Library maintains a significant number of collections and provides a range of services to libraries in the United States and abroad. Salaries and Expenses 2012 appropriation.................................... $413,743,000 2013 budget request................................... 423,701,000 Committee recommendation.............................. 415,674,000 Offsetting collections................................ 6,350,000 ----------------- Total available................................... $422,024,000 The Committee recommends $415,674,000, plus authority to spend $6,350,000 in receipts, for the salaries and expenses appropriation. This amount is $1,931,000 above the fiscal year 2012 enacted level and is $8,027,000 below the budget request. The Committee expects the Veterans History Project and the Civil Rights History Project will be maintained at least at the fiscal year 2012 levels. The Committee is very concerned with the findings in a recently issued Office of the Inspector General report concerning the Library Wide Acquisition Function. This report contains many findings, some that were reported either in previous IG audits or memoranda, as far back as ten years ago, that need immediate Library management attention. The Committee believes that any issues associated with any findings that are not addressed, corrected, and eliminated within a ten year period require immediate attention. Therefore, the Committee directs the Librarian of Congress to either hire, contract for, or assign an in-house top level manager, reporting directly to the Chief of Staff, charged with addressing, providing solutions, and bringing to closure all concerns of this report. Further the Committee directs that a report be prepared which outlines all the issues in the report and the corrective action taken regarding each finding. The Committee directs that this report be provided to the Committee on Appropriations of the House and Senate no later than December 31, 2012. Copyright Office 2012 appropriation.................................... $16,137,000 2013 budget request................................... 19,161,000 Committee recommendation.............................. 18,525,000 Offsetting collections................................ 33,611,000 ----------------- Total available................................... $52,136,000 The Committee recommends $18,525,000, plus authority to spend $33,611,000 in receipts, for the Copyright Office. This is $2,388,000 above the fiscal year 2012 enacted level and $636,000 below the budget request, not including offsetting collections. Congressional Research Service 2012 appropriation.................................... $106,790,000 2013 budget request................................... 109,205,000 Committee recommendation.............................. 107,668,000 The Committee recommends $107,668,000 for salaries and expenses of the Congressional Research Service (CRS). This amount is $878,000 above the fiscal year 2012 enacted level and $1,537,000 below the budget request. However, the fiscal year 2012 enacted level included $1,000,000, for contract services, for a review of the Government Printing Office. This amount has been retained in the CRS base thus providing an increase to the Congressional Research Service of $1,878,000, over the fiscal year 2012 enacted level and $537,000 below the budget request. CRS works for Members and committees of Congress to support their legislative, oversight, and representational functions by providing nonpartisan and confidential research and policy analysis. Books for the Blind and Physically Handicapped 2012 appropriation.................................... $50,674,000 2013 budget request................................... 51,522,000 Committee recommendation.............................. 50,775,000 The Committee recommends $50,775,000 for salaries and expenses of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS). This amount is $101,000 above the fiscal year 2012 enacted level and $747,000 below the budget request. The NLS has successfully administered a free national reading program for blind and physically handicapped residents of the United States and U.S. citizens living abroad since 1931. NLS provides direction for the production of books and magazines in Braille and recorded formats and audio playback machines for distribution through a nationwide network of 56 regional and 65 sub-regional libraries. The Committee notes the continued commitment of the Congress, through the Library of Congress, to serve blind and physically handicapped Americans. The Committee again recognizes the recent completion of the Digital Talking Book Program. New digital talking book players and digital titles, on flash cartridges and via download, are now available nationwide. The Committee recognizes the Library is making an effort to convert analog titles to digital format. The Committee fully understands that a number of analog titles still need to be converted. The Committee encourages the Library to continue this effort converting those titles that are determined to be in the greatest demand. The Committee fully understands that the blind and physically handicapped community might want to see the conversion of all analog titles. However, with continued decreases in funding to almost every element of the Federal Budget, it will be difficult to complete a total conversion. The Committee encourages the Librarian of Congress to work with the appropriate organizations to achieve an appropriate solution to demands, taking into consideration the funding constraints. Administrative Provisions Section 1401 is related to reimbursable and revolving fund obligational authority. Section 1402 provides permanent transfer authority between categories of appropriations. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE The recommendation provides $122,456,000 in budget authority for the Government Printing Office (GPO), in addition to any offsetting collections which the GPO may earn under separate authority. This amount is $3,744,000 below the fiscal year 2012 enacted level and the budget request. GPO provides publishing and dissemination services for Federal government publications to Congress, Federal agencies, Federal depository libraries, and the American public. During the hearings this year, the Committee heard testimony on the dissemination of congressional information products in Extensible Markup Language (XML) format. XML permits data to be reused and repurposed not only for print output but for conversion into ebooks, mobile web applications, and other forms of content delivery including data mashups and other analytical tools. The Committee has heard requests for the increased dissemination of congressional information via bulk data download from non-governmental groups supporting openness and transparency in the legislative process. While sharing these goals, the Committee is also concerned that Congress maintains the ability to ensure that its legislative data files remain intact and a trusted source once they are removed from the Government's domain to private sites. The GPO currently ensures the authenticity of the congressional information it disseminates to the public through its Federal Digital System and the Library Congress's THOMAS system by the use of digital signature technology applied to the Portable Document Format (PDF) version of the document, which matches the printed document. The use of this technology attests that the digital version of the document has not been altered since it was authenticated and disseminated by GPO. At this time, only PDF files can be digitally signed in native format for authentication purposes. There currently is no comparable technology for the application and verification of digital signatures on XML documents. While the GPO currently provides bulk data access to information products of the Office of the Federal Register, the limitations on the authenticity and integrity of those data files are clearly spelled out in the user guide that accompanies those files on GPO's Federal Digital System. The GPO and Congress are moving toward the use of XML as the data standard for legislative information. The House and Senate are creating bills in XML format and are moving toward creating other congressional documents in XML for input to the GPO. At this point, however, the challenge of authenticating downloads of bulk data legislative data files in XML remains unresolved, and there continues to be a range of associated questions and issues: Which Legislative Branch agency would be the provider of bulk data downloads of legislative information in XML, and how would this service be authorized. How would ``House'' information be differentiated from ``Senate'' information for the purposes of bulk data downloads in XML? What would be the impact of bulk downloads of legislative data in XML on the timeliness and authoritativeness of congressional information? What would be the estimated timeline for the development of a system of authentication for bulk data downloads of legislative information in XML? What are the projected budgetary impacts of system development and implementation, including potential costs for support that may be required by third party users of legislative bulk data sets in XML, as well as any indirect costs, such as potential requirements for Congress to confirm or invalidate third party analyses of legislative data based on bulk downloads in XML? Are there other data models or alternative that can enhance congressional openness and transparency without relying on bulk data downloads in XML? The Committee directs the establishment of a task force composed of staff representatives of the Library of Congress, the Congressional Research Service, the Clerk of the House, the Government Printing Office, and such other congressional offices as may be necessary, to examine these and any additional issues it considers relevant and to report back to the Committee on Appropriations of the House and Senate. Congressional Printing and Binding 2012 appropriation.................................... $90,700,000 2013 budget request................................... 83,632,000 Committee recommendation.............................. 83,632,000 The Committee recommends $83,632,000 for Congressional Printing and Binding. This amount is $7,068,000 below the fiscal year 2012 enacted level and is the same as the budget request. The amount is provided as a lump sum to cover various categories of printing. The Committee has deleted the language that allows the Architect of the Capitol to use the Congressional Printing and Binding appropriation. Office of Superintendent of Documents 2012 appropriation.................................... $35,000,000 2013 budget request................................... 34,728,000 Committee recommendation.............................. 34,728,000 The Committee recommends $34,728,000 for the salaries and expenses of the Superintendent of Documents. This amount is $272,000 below the fiscal year 2012 enacted level and is the same as the budget request. The Office of Superintendent of Documents account funds the mailing of government documents for Members of Congress and Federal agencies, as statutorily authorized; the compilation of catalogs and indexes of government publications; and the cataloging, indexing, and distribution of government publications to the Federal Depository and International Exchange libraries and to other individuals and entities, as authorized by law. Government Printing Office Revolving Fund 2012 appropriation.................................... $500,000 2013 budget request................................... 7,840,000 Committee recommendation.............................. 4,096,000 The Committee has provided $4,096,000 for the Revolving Fund an increase of $3,596,000 above the fiscal year 2012 enacted level and $3,744,000 below the budget request. This funding will address Information Technology Projects ($3,000,000), Facilities ($460,000) and Federal Digital System Projects ($536,000). The bill continues language authorizing the operation of the revolving fund and authority to hire or purchase automobiles, advisory councils, and consultants. GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE Salaries and Expenses 2012 appropriation.................................... $511,296,000 2013 budget request................................... 526,233,000 Committee recommendation.............................. 519,802,000 Offsetting Collections................................ 24,318,000 ----------------- Total available................................... $544,120,000 The Committee recommends $519,802,000 in direct appropriations for the Government Accountability Office (GAO), plus $24,318,000 in offsetting collections derived from reimbursements for conducting financial audits of government corporations and rental of space in the GAO building. This amount is an increase of $8,506,000, or 1.66%, above the fiscal year 2012 enacted level, and is $6,431,000 below the budget request. This increase will allow the GAO to hire up to 3,000 FTE's, an increase of 21 FTE's, which will enable GAO to begin to achieve a staffing level required to address the ever increasing demands from the Congress. GAO was established by the Budget and Accounting Act of 1921. Formerly known as the General Accounting Office, it was renamed by Public Law 108-271. GAO works for Congress by responding to requests for studies of Federal Government programs and expenditures. GAO may also initiate its own work. Administrative Provision Section 1501 authorizes payments to the Employees' Compensation Fund. Open World Leadership Center Trust Fund 2012 appropriation.................................... $10,000,000 2013 budget request................................... 10,000,000 Committee recommendation.............................. 1,000,000 The Committee again states its concern with the placement of the Open World Leadership Center (OWC) in the Legislative Branch. The Committee also understands the program has some strong champions on the Committee. However, with continued further reductions being made to almost every program within the Legislative Branch, the Committee has provided $1,000,000 to cover the cost associated with the shutdown of the OWC. The Committee directs the Executive Director of the OWC to retain any necessary prior funds in the Trust to cover any cost in excess of the $1,000,000 provided in this bill. The Executive Director is further directed that the program termination is to be finalized within one year of enactment of the Legislative Branch fiscal year 2013 appropriations bill. John C. Stennis Center for Public Service Training and Development 2012 appropriation.................................... $430,000 2013 budget request................................... 430,000 Committee recommendation.............................. ................ The fiscal year 2012 Conference Agreement (House Report 112-331) directed that future budget requests from the John C. Stennis Center be accompanied by an appropriately detailed budget justification as requested in House Report 112-148. The Committee did not receive such justification and therefore has not provided the requested funding. TITLE II--GENERAL PROVISIONS The customary language regarding emergency assistance for vehicles, fiscal year limitation, positions and allowances, consulting services, the Legislative Branch Financial Managers Council, the maintenance and landscaping on Washington Avenue SW, a limitation on transfers of funds, language regarding maintaining staff-led tours, delivery of bills, resolutions and the Congressional Record, and a limitation on the costs of lease vehicles (sections 201-211). Section 212 authorizes commercial use of Union Square, if the activity is similar to the types of commercial activity permitted prior to the transfer from the Park Service. Section 213 provides for a spending reduction account, excluding Senate items. This account excludes the portion of the allocation that is expected to be realized by amounts for Senate items. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES REPORT REQUIREMENTS The following items are included in accordance with various requirements of the Rules of the House of Representatives. Constitutional Authority Clause 6(e) of the Rules of the Appropriations Committee requires each committee report on a public bill or joint resolution to contain a statement citing the specific powers granted to Congress in the Constitution to enact the law proposed by the bill or joint resolution. The Committee on Appropriations bases its authority to report this legislation on clause 7 of section 9 of article I of the Constitution of the United States which states: ``No money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law . . .'' Appropriations contained in this Act are made pursuant to this specific power granted by the Constitution. Comparison With the Budget Resolution Pursuant to clause 3(c)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives and section 308(a)(1)(A) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, the following table compares the levels of new budget authority provided in the bill with appropriate allocation under section 302(b) of the Budget Act. [In millions of dollars] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 302(b) Allocation This bill-- ----------------------------------------- Budget Budget Outlays authority Outlays authority outlays ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Comparison of amounts in the bill with Committee allocations to its subcommittees of amounts in the Budget Resolution for 2013: Discretionary............. $4,289 $4,381 $3,333 \1\$3,61 2 Mandatory................. 140 140 140 \1\140 ----------------------------------------- Total................... $4,429 $4,521 $3,473 $3,752 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ \1\Includes outlays from both House and Senate prior-year budget authority. Note.--Bill amounts exclude discretionary Senate-related items. Five-Year Projection of Outlays Pursuant to section 308(a)(1)(B) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, the following table contains five-year projections prepared by the Congressional Budget Office of outlays associated with the budget authority provided in the accompanying bill: [In millions of dollars] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Budget Authority........................................... $3,473 Outlays: 2013................................................... \2\2,972 2014................................................... 352 2015................................................... 74 2016................................................... 24 2017................................................... 15 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ \2\Excludes outlays from prior-year budget authority. Assistance to State and Local Governments Pursuant to section 308(a)(1)(C) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, the amount of financial assistance to State and local governments is as follows: The accompanying bill contains no funding for State and local assistance programs. Transfer of Funds Pursuant to clause 3(f)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the following lists the transfers of funds included in the accompanying bill: Indefinite transfer authority is authorized in Joint items disbursed by the Chief Administrative Officer of the House, Library of Congress, Congressional printing and binding, the Superintendent of Documents, and the Capitol Police programs. Rescissions Pursuant to clause 3(f)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the following details the rescissions in the accompanying bill: The accompanying bill contains no rescissions. Statement of General Performance Goals and Objectives Pursuant to clause 3(c)(4) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the following is a statement of general performance goals and objectives for which this measure authorizes funding: The Committee on Appropriations considers program performance, including a program's success in developing and attaining outcome-related goals and objectives, in developing funding recommendations. Appropriations Not Authorized by Law Pursuant to clause 3(f)(1)(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 concerned: The accompanying bill contains no appropriations not authorized by law. Terminations, Reductions and Other Savings In order to invest in the critical priorities identified in this bill, the Committee has proposed herein a number of program reductions and other savings from the fiscal year 2012 level. These adjustments, no matter their size, are important to setting the right priorities within the spending allocation and for creating a government that is as efficient as it is effective. Earmarks Pursuant to clause 9 of rule XXI of the Rules of the House of Representatives, this bill, as reported, contains no Congressional earmarks, limited tax benefits, or limited tariff benefits as defined in clause 9(e), 9(f), or 9(g) of rule XXI. Changes in the Application of Existing Law Pursuant to clause 3(f)(1)(A) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the following statements are submitted describing the effect of provisions in the accompanying bill that directly or indirectly change the application of existing law: 1. The bill provides that certain appropriation items remain available for more than one year, where programs or projects are continuing in nature under the provisions of authorizing legislation but for which that legislation does not specifically authorize such extended availability. 2. The bill includes a number of provisions which place limitations on or change or extend existing limitations, appropriations, or authorizations, and which under some circumstances might be construed as changing the application of existing law. 3. The bill continues the practice of providing official reception and representation allowances for officers and offices of the Legislative Branch. 4. The bill authorizes disbursal of funds for various agencies. 5. The bill authorizes transfer authority between accounts for certain agencies in the bill. 6. The bill includes language allowing the use of funds for studies and examinations of executive agencies and temporary personnel services. Funds can also be available for reimbursement to agencies for services performed. 7. The bill includes language providing funds for the Family Room, the Superintendent of Garages, Office of Emergency Management, and preparing the Digest of Rules. 8. The bill includes language providing funds for House motor vehicles, interparliamentary receptions, and gratuities. 9. The bill requires unspent funds remaining in Members' Representational Allowances to be used for deficit or debt reduction. 10. The bill includes language allowing for payment to the Secretary of Labor for unemployment compensation. 11. The bill authorizes allowances for employees of the Office of the Attending Physician and provides reimbursement to the Department of the Navy. 12. 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. 13. The bill provides that the cost of Capitol Police basic training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center be paid by the Department of Homeland Security. 14. The bill includes language under the Capitol Police for payment to the Employees' Compensation Fund. 15. The bill includes language under the Office of Compliance for payment of awards and settlements. 16. The bill includes language authorizing voluntary student services for the Congressional Budget Office. 17. The bill allows the Architect of the Capitol to purchase or exchange, maintain, and operate a passenger motor vehicle. 18. The bill includes authorization allowing reimbursements for chilled water and steam provided to the Government Printing 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. 19. The bill allows the Architect of the Capitol to expend funds to maintain, care for, and operate the National Garden. 20. The bill includes language under the Architect of the Capitol for payment to the Employees' Compensation Fund. 21. The bill provides the authority to expend funds collected under the authority of 2 U.S.C. 150 and for international legal information, the balance to remain available until expended. 22. The bill establishes that the amount available for obligation by the Library of Congress is reduced by offsetting collections. 23. The bill provides funds for the digital collections and educational curricula program, the American Folklife Center, and the Civil Rights History 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 committees. 28. The bill provides funds to provide newspapers to the blind and physically handicapped. 29. The bill contains language restricting the use of funds appropriated to the Government Printing 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. 30. The bill includes authorization of appropriations for Congressional printing and binding. 31. The bill includes language authorizing the Office of 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 Printing 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. There is bill language under the Government Accountability Office that allows for payments to the Employees' Compensation Fund. 35. In Section 201, there is language prohibiting the use of funds in the Act for the maintenance or care of private vehicles except for emergency assistance and cleaning as may be provided under regulations relating to parking facilities for the House issued by the Committee on House Administration and for the Senate by the Committee on Rules and Administration. 36. Section 203 provides that whenever any office or position not specifically established by the Legislative Pay Act of 1929 is appropriated for herein, or whenever the rate of compensation or designation of any position appropriated for herein is different from that specifically established for such position by such Act, the rate of compensation and the designation of the position, either appropriated for or provided herein, shall be the permanent law with respect thereto: Provided that the provisions herein for the various items of official expenses of Members, officers, and committees of the Senate and House, and clerk hire for Senators and Members shall be the permanent law with respect thereto. 37. Section 204 requires that certain information regarding consulting services shall be a matter of public record. 38. Section 205 authorizes Legislative Branch entities to share the costs of the Legislative Branch Financial Managers Council. 39. Section 206 authorizes the Architect of the Capitol to maintain certain property. 40. Section 207 limits the transfer of funds in this Act. 41. Section 208 prohibits funds in this Act being used to eliminate or restrict staff led guided tours. 42. Section 209 prohibits funds in this Act being used to deliver a printed copy of a bill or resolution to a Members office. 43. Section 210 prohibits funds in this Act being used to deliver a printed copy of the Congressional Record to a Members office. 44. Section 211 places a limitation on the amount that can be spent on a leased vehicle. 45. Section 212 authorizes commercial use of Union Square. 46. Section 213 provides for a spending reduction account. 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): SECTION 109 OF THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 1998 Sec. 109. (a) There is hereby established an account in the House of Representatives for purposes of making payments of the House of Representatives to the Employees' Compensation Fund under section 8147 of title 5, United States Code[.], and for reimbursing the Secretary of Labor for any amounts paid with respect to unemployment compensation payments for former employees of the House. * * * * * * * ---------- SECTION 101 OF THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 1993 Administrative Provisions Sec. 101. (a) * * * * * * * * * * (c)(1) * * * (2) The headings referred to in paragraph (1) are ``House Leadership Offices'', ``Members'' Representational Allowances'', ``Committee Employees'', ``Salaries, Officers and Employees'', [and ``Allowances and Expenses''] ``Allowances and Expenses'', the heading for any joint committee under the heading ``Joint Items'' (to the extent that amounts appropriated for the joint committee are disbursed by the Chief Administrative Officer of the House of Representatives), and ``Office of the Attending Physician''. * * * * * * * ---------- SECTION 1018 OF THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2003 Sec. 1018. Transfer of Disbursing Function. (a) * * * * * * * * * * [(f) Worker's Compensation.-- [(1) Account.--There shall be established a separate account in the Capitol Police for purposes of making payments for employees of the Capitol Police under section 8147 of title 5, United States Code. [(2) Payments without fiscal year limitation.-- Notwithstanding any other provision of law, payments may be made from the account established under paragraph (1) of this subsection without regard to the fiscal year for which the obligation to make such payments is incurred.] * * * * * * * ---------- CONGRESSIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 1995 * * * * * * * TITLE IV--ADMINISTRATIVE AND JUDICIAL DISPUTE-RESOLUTION PROCEDURES * * * * * * * SEC. 415. PAYMENTS. (a) Awards and Settlements.--Except as provided in subsection (c), only funds which are appropriated to an account of the Office in the Treasury of the United States for the payment of awards and settlements may be used for the payment of awards and settlements under this Act. [There are authorized to be appropriated for such account such sums as may be necessary to pay such awards and settlements.] There are appropriated for such account such sums as may be necessary to pay such awards and settlements. Funds in the account are not available for awards and settlements involving the General Accounting Office, the Government Printing Office, or the Library of Congress. * * * * * * * ---------- TITLE 5, UNITED STATES CODE * * * * * * * PART III--EMPLOYEES * * * * * * * SUBPART B--EMPLOYMENT AND RETENTION * * * * * * * CHAPTER 31--AUTHORITY FOR EMPLOYMENT SUBCHAPTER I--EMPLOYMENT AUTHORITIES * * * * * * * Sec. 3111. Acceptance of volunteer service (a) * * * * * * * * * * (e)(1) For purposes of this section the term ``agency'' shall include the Architect of the Capitol. With respect to the Architect of the Capitol, the authority granted to the Office of Personnel Management under this section shall be exercised by the Architect of the Capitol. (2) In this section, the term ``agency'' includes the Congressional Budget Office, except that in the case of the Congressional Budget Office-- (A) any student who provides voluntary service in accordance with this section shall be considered an employee of the Congressional Budget Office for purposes of section 203 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (relating to the level of confidentiality of budget data); and (B) the authority granted to the Office of Personnel Management under this section shall be exercised by the Director of the Congressional Budget Office. * * * * * * * FULL COMMITTEE VOTES Pursuant to the provisions of clause 3(b) of rule XIII of the House of Representatives, the results of each rollcall vote on an amendment or on the motion to report, together with the names of those voting for and those voting against, are printed below. No rollcall votes were ordered on an amendment to, or the motion to report this bill.ADDITIONAL VIEWS The bill funds the Legislative Branch, not including Senate related items, at $3.3 billion which represents a 1 percent reduction from fiscal year 2012. With the allocation, the subcommittee was able to provide adequate funding to congressional support agencies, including the Congressional Research Service, the Congressional Budget Office, and the Government Accountability Office. While the levels are adequate for some agencies, the allocation required the subcommittee to propose no funding to continue the rehabilitation of the Capitol dome. The Architect requested $61.2 million for the first part of phase two of the multi-year project. According to the Architect of the Capitol, if the project is not funded this fiscal year, the total cost of the rehabilitation of the dome will increase due to the rapidly deteriorating conditions. Democrats on the committee prefer the dome remain a monument to our nation's greatness and not become a symbol for short-sighted austerity. We are extremely disappointed that House Republicans walked away from the bipartisan agreement to establish $1.047 trillion as the Committee's allocation. A majority of their conference voted for the Budget Control Act agreement less than 9 months ago. By reneging on the agreement, House Republicans put themselves at odds with House Democrats, the White House, Senate Democrats, and Senate Republicans. Senate Minority Leader McConnell recently voted for allocations at $1.047 and Ranking Member Cochran stated that it's appropriate ``for the Committee to proceed on the basis of the discretionary caps enacted into law.'' House Republicans introduced uncertainty about the discretionary allocation, and about whether the House majority will threaten to shut down the government. This uncertainty will slow down the appropriations process and the austere House allocation, if it stands, will stall economic growth and impede job creation. Security A major initiative of the bill was to fund the increased costs of training and overtime of the Capitol Police. Given the known past threats against the Capitol and office buildings it is appropriate to make security a priority. However, the increased cost of security does not end in Washington DC and Members are being asked to do more to secure their district offices with fewer resources. We appreciate the inclusion of report language directing the House Sergeant at Arms to develop a series of recommendations on security enhancements for House District Offices. However, there are costs associated with enhanced security in district offices and those increased costs will need to be addressed by this subcommittee, sooner rather than later. We will continue to work with our Republican colleagues to find ways to assist Members in protecting their constituents and staffs in the districts. Defense of Marriage Act Even though the House of Representatives budget has been cut by more than 10 percent in 2 years, House Republicans have reprogrammed $742,000 from several House offices to the Office of General Counsel for the purpose of defending the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act. The House General Counsel has a contract with outside counsel that commits the House to a maximum payment of $1.5 million. We are concerned that the scarce resources available to the House of Representatives will continue to be syphoned off in order to defend a law that continues to be found unconstitutional in the courts. Norman D. Dicks. Michael M. Honda.