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Legislative Branch: FY2016 Appropriations

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Legislative Branch: FY2016 Appropriations Ida A. Brudnick Specialist on the Congress June 8, 2015 Congressional Research Service 7-5700 www.crs.gov R44029 Legislative Branch: FY2016 Appropriations Summary The legislative branch appropriations bill provides funding for the Senate; House of Representatives; Joint Items; Capitol Police; Office of Compliance; Congressional Budget Office (CBO); Architect of the Capitol (AOC); Library of Congress (LOC), including the Congressional Research Service (CRS); Government Publishing Office (GPO); Government Accountability Office (GAO); and Open World Leadership Center. The legislative branch FY2016 budget request of $4.528 billion was submitted on February 2, 2015. By law, the President includes the requests submitted by the legislative branch in the annual budget without change. A budget amendment was transmitted by the President to Congress on April 14, 2015. The House and Senate Appropriations Committees’ Legislative Branch Subcommittees held hearings in February and March to consider the FY2016 legislative branch requests. The House subcommittee held a markup of its bill on April 23, 2015. The full committee met on April 30, 2015, and agreed to (1) a manager’s amendment; (2) an amendment establishing a House Technology Task Force; and (3) an amendment increasing the funding for Open World (offset from funding from the Architect of the Capitol, Capitol Power Plant). All were adopted by voice vote. One additional amendment was defeated (21 - 29) and two were withdrawn. The bill would provide $3.341 billion (not including Senate items), equivalent to the FY2015 level. It was February 1, 2016 (R44029) Jump to Main Text of Report

Contents

Summary

The legislative branch appropriations bill provides funding for the Senate; House of Representatives; Joint Items; Capitol Police; Office of Compliance; Congressional Budget Office (CBO); Architect of the Capitol (AOC); Library of Congress (LOC), including the Congressional Research Service (CRS); Government Publishing Office (GPO); Government Accountability Office (GAO); the Open World Leadership Center; and the John C. Stennis Center.

The legislative branch FY2016 budget request of $4.528 billion was submitted on February 2, 2015. By law, the President includes the legislative branch request in the annual budget without change. A budget amendment was transmitted by the President to Congress on April 14, 2015.

The House and Senate Appropriations Committees' Legislative Branch Subcommittees held hearings in February and March to consider the FY2016 legislative branch requests.

The House subcommittee held a markup of its bill on April 23, 2015. The full committee met on April 30, 2015, and agreed to (1) a manager's amendment; (2) an amendment establishing a House Technology Task Force; and (3) an amendment increasing the funding for Open World (offset from funding from the Architect of the Capitol, Capitol Power Plant). All were adopted by voice vote. One additional amendment was defeated (21-29) and two were withdrawn. The bill would have provided $3.341 billion (not including Senate items), equivalent to the FY2015 level. It was ordered reported by voice vote (H.R. 2250, , H.Rept. 114-110). ). The House Rules Committee met on May 18 to discuss a structured rule for H.R. 2250. The rule made in order three amendments. The committee voted, 9 - -4, to report the rule (H.Res. 271, , H.Rept. 114-120). H.Res. 271 was agreed to in the House (242 - -179) the next day. H.R. 2250 was considered in the House on May 19. The three amendments included (1) eliminating funding for Open World, which was agreed to (224 - -199); (2) prohibiting the use of any funds for delivering printed copies of the Congressional Pictorial Directory, which was agreed to (voice vote); and (3) providing for a 1% across-the-board reduction, with some exceptions, which was not agreed to (172 - -250). The bill, as amended, was agreed to (357 - 67). Legislative branch funding peaked in FY2010, and the FY2016 House-passed bill currently -67).

The Senate Appropriations Committee reported the bill, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute, on June 11, 2015 (S.Rept. 114-64).

No further action occurred prior to the start of the fiscal year, and the legislative branch was funded by continuing resolutions enacted on September 30 (P.L. 114-53), December 11 (P.L. 114-96), and December 16 (P.L. 114-100). The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016, was enacted on December 18, 2015, and provides $4.36 billion for legislative branch activities, an increase of 1.5% from the FY2015 level (P.L. 114-113).

Legislative branch funding peaked in FY2010, and the FY2016 enacted level remains below the FY2009 level of $4.501 billion. The Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 (P.L. 113-235, Division H, enacted December 16, 2014) provides $4.300 billion, an increase of $41.7 million (1.0%) from the FY2014 funding level of $4.259 billion. The FY2013 act funded legislative branch accounts at the FY2012 enacted level, with some exceptions (also known as “anomalies”"anomalies"), less across-the-board rescissions that applied to all appropriations in the act, and not including sequestration reductions implemented on March 1. The FY2012 level represented a decrease of $236.9 million (-5.2%) from the FY2011 level, which itself represented a $125.1 million decrease (-2.7%) from FY2010. The smallest of the appropriations bills, the legislative branch comprises approximately 0.4% of total discretionary budget authority. Congressional Research Service Legislative Branch: FY2016 Appropriations Contents FY2016 Consideration: Overview of Actions.................................................................................. 1 Status of FY2016 Appropriations: Dates of Action, Bill Numbers, and Reports ...................... 1 Submission of FY2016 Budget Request on February 2, 2015, and Budget Amendment on April 14, 2015 ............................................................................................... 2 Senate and House Hearings on the FY2016 Budget Requests .................................................. 2 House Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on Legislative Branch Markup ................... 3 House Appropriations Committee Markup................................................................................ 3 Congressional Caps on Legislative Branch Funding: 302(b) Reports....................................... 4 House Rules Committee Consideration of a Special Rule ........................................................ 4 House Floor Consideration ........................................................................................................ 5 Funding in Prior Years: Brief Overview .......................................................................................... 5 FY2016 Legislative Branch Funding Issues .................................................................................... 8 Senate ........................................................................................................................................ 8 Overall Funding................................................................................................................... 8 Senate Committee Funding ................................................................................................. 8 Senators’ Official Personnel and Office Expense Account ................................................. 8 House of Representatives .......................................................................................................... 9 Overall Funding................................................................................................................... 9 House Committee Funding.................................................................................................. 9 Members’ Representational Allowance ............................................................................... 9 Support Agency Funding ......................................................................................................... 10 U.S. Capitol Police ............................................................................................................ 10 Office of Compliance ........................................................................................................ 11 Congressional Budget Office (CBO) ................................................................................ 11 Architect of the Capitol ..................................................................................................... 12 Library of Congress (LOC) ............................................................................................... 13 Government Publishing Office (GPO) .............................................................................. 15 Government Accountability Office (GAO) ....................................................................... 15 Open World Leadership Center ......................................................................................... 16 John C. Stennis Center for Public Service Training and Development ............................. 19 General Provisions................................................................................................................... 19 Introduction to Summary Tables and Appendix ...................................................................... 20 Tables Table 1. Status of Legislative Branch Appropriations, FY2016 ...................................................... 1 Table 2. Dates of House and Senate Hearings on Legislative Branch Requests.............................. 2 Table 3. Legislative Branch Funding Since FY2004: Current and Constant Dollars ...................... 7 Table 4. Legislative Branch Appropriations: Funding Levels by Agency or Entity ...................... 21 Table 5. Senate Appropriations ...................................................................................................... 22 Table 6. House of Representatives Appropriations ........................................................................ 23 Table 7. Capitol Police Appropriations .......................................................................................... 24 Table 8. Architect of the Capitol Appropriations ........................................................................... 24 Congressional Research Service Legislative Branch: FY2016 Appropriations Table A-1. Overview of Legislative Branch Appropriations: FY1998-FY2015 ............................ 26 Appendixes Appendix. Fiscal Year Information and Resources........................................................................ 26 Contacts Author Contact Information........................................................................................................... 28 Congressional Research Service Legislative Branch: FY2016 Appropriations FY2016 Consideration: Overview of Actions The first section of this report provides an overview of the consideration of FY2016 legislative branch appropriations, with subsections covering each action, including • the initial submission of the request on February 2, 2015; • hearings held by the House and Senate Legislative Branch Subcommittees; • the House subcommittee markup on April 23, 2015; • the House Appropriations Committee markup on April 30, 2015; • adoption of 302(b) suballocations; • consideration of a structured rule in the House Rules Committee on May 18, 2015 (H.Res. 271); and • consideration and passage of H.R. 2250 in the House on May 19, 2015. It is followed by a section on prior year actions and funding, which contains historical tables. The report then addresses the FY2016 budget requests, hearings, and requested administrative language or other major funding issues for individual legislative branch agencies and entities. Finally, Table 4 through Table 8 list enacted funding levels for FY2015 and requested levels for FY2016, while the Appendix lists House, Senate, and conference bills and reports; public law numbers; and enactment dates since FY1998. Status of FY2016 Appropriations: Dates of Action, Bill Numbers, and Reports Table 1. Status of Legislative Branch Appropriations, FY2016 Conference Report Approval Committee Markup House 4/30/15 Senate House Report House Passage H.R. 2250, H.Rept. 114110 5/19/15 (357-67) Senate Report Senate Passage Conference Report House Senate Public Law Source: Congressional Research Service examination of congress.gov data. Note: In recent years, the House has held a subcommittee markup prior to the full committee markup. The House subcommittee held its markup on April 23, 2015. Congressional Research Service 1 Legislative Branch: FY2016 Appropriations Submission of FY2016 Budget Request on February 2, 2015, and Budget Amendment on April 14, 2015 The

FY2016 Consideration: Overview of Actions

The first section of this report provides an overview of the consideration of FY2016 legislative branch appropriations, with subsections covering each action, including

  • the initial submission of the request on February 2, 2015;
  • hearings held by the House and Senate Legislative Branch Subcommittees;
  • the House subcommittee markup on April 23, 2015;
  • the House Appropriations Committee markup on April 30, 2015;
  • adoption of 302(b) suballocations;
  • consideration of a structured rule in the House Rules Committee on May 18, 2015 (H.Res. 271);
  • consideration and passage of H.R. 2250 in the House on May 19, 2015;
  • the Senate Appropriations Committee reporting the bill, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute, on June 11, 2015 (S.Rept. 114-64);
  • the enactment of continuing resolutions (CRs) including a CR funding the legislative branch from October 1 through December 11, 2015 (P.L. 114-53); a second CR, which extended funding through December 16, 2015 (P.L. 114-96); and a third CR enacted on December 16, 2015 (P.L. 114-100); and
  • the enactment of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016, on December 18, 2015 (P.L. 114-113).

It is followed by a section on prior year actions and funding, which contains historical tables.

The report then addresses the FY2016 budget requests, hearings, and requested administrative language or other major funding issues for individual legislative branch agencies and entities.

Finally, Table 5 through Table 9 list enacted funding levels for FY2015 and requested, House-passed, Senate-reported, and enacted levels for FY2016, while the Appendix lists House, Senate, and conference bills and reports; public law numbers; and enactment dates since FY1998. Status of FY2016 Appropriations: Dates of Action, Bill Numbers, and Reports Table 1. Status of Legislative Branch Appropriations, FY2016

Committee Markup

         

Conference Report Approval

 

House

Senate

House Report

House Passage

Senate Report

Senate Passage

Conference Report

House

Senate

Public Law

4/30/15

6/11/15

H.R. 2250, H.Rept. 114-110

5/19/15 (357-67)

H.R. 2250, S.Rept. 114-64

       

P.L. 114-113 (12/18/15)

Source: Congressional Research Service examination of congress.gov data.

Notes: In recent years, the House has held a subcommittee markup prior to the full committee markup. The House subcommittee held its markup on April 23, 2015.

Submission of FY2016 Budget Request on February 2, 2015, and Budget Amendment on April 14, 2015 The Budget for Fiscal Year 2016 was submitted on February 2, 2015. It contains a request for $4.528 billion in new budget authority for legislative branch activities.1 1 By law, the legislative branch request is submitted to the President and included in the budget without change.2 2 A budget amendment was transmitted by the President to Congress on April 14, 2015, also without change. The amendment decreased the overall Senate request by $2.5 million, with smaller decreases for the two joint offices with funding disbursed by the Secretary of the Senate.3 3 Senate and House Hearings on the FY2016 Budget Requests Table 2 lists the dates of hearings of the legislative branch subcommittees in 2015. Prepared statements of witnesses were posted on the subcommittee websites. Table 2. Dates of House and Senate Hearings on Legislative Branch Requests House of Representatives Senate — March 12, 2015 House of Representatives February 25, 2015 — U.S. Capitol Police February 25, 2015 March 12, 2015 Office of Compliance — — Congressional Budget Office — March 10, 2015 Architect of the Capitol February 26, 2015 March 17, 2015 Library of Congress, including the Congressional Research Servicea February 26, 2015 March 17, 2015 — — February 25, 2015 March 10, 2015 —b — Senate Government Publishing Office Government Accountability Office Members/Public Witnesses 1 Office of Management and Budget, Appendix, Budget of the United States Government, FY2016 (Washington: GPO, 2014), pp. 13-44, available at https://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/omb/budget/fy2016/assets/leg.pdf. 2 Pursuant to 31 U.S.C. 1105, “Estimated expenditures and proposed appropriations for the legislative branch and the judicial branch to be included in each budget ... shall be submitted to the President ... and included in the budget by the President without change.” Division C of the FY2012 Consolidated Appropriations Act (P.L. 112-74) added language to 31 U.S.C. 1107 relating to budget amendments, stating: “The President shall transmit promptly to Congress without change, proposed deficiency and supplemental appropriations submitted to the President by the legislative branch and the judicial branch.” 3 The other decreases were for the Joint Economic Committee (-$28,000) and the Office of Congressional Accessibility Services (-$7,000). A decrease for the U.S. Tax Court (-$200,000), which appears within the legislative branch budget request but is funded through the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, was also included in this amendment. Available at https://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/omb/assets/budget_amendments/ amendment_04_14_15.pdf. Congressional Research Service 2 Legislative Branch: FY2016 Appropriations Source: Congressional Research Service examination of House and Senate Appropriations Committee websites. Note: a. The Open World Leadership Center was discussed during the House hearing on the Library of Congress, but no Open World staff provided testimony. b. The House subcommittee announced that it would accept programmatic and language submissions from Members through March 18, 2015. House Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on Legislative Branch Markup On April 23, 2015, the House Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on Legislative Branch held a markup of the FY2016 bill. The subcommittee recommended $3.341 billion, not including Senate items. No amendments were offered. House Appropriations Committee Markup On April 30, 2015, the House Appropriations Committee held a markup of the FY2016 bill. At $3.341 billion (not including Senate items, which are determined by the Senate), the bill would provide the same level of funding as in FY2015. Three amendments were adopted, all by voice vote, including • a manager’s amendment which addressed report language related to committee room renovations, encouraging the Capitol Police to relax enforcement of sledding restriction on Capitol Hill, and communications and coordination between the Capitol Police and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority and other first responders; • an amendment offered to the report by Representative Wasserman Schultz directing the House Chief Administrative Officer to establish a House Technology Task Force, which is to identify opportunities to enhance coordination of information technology efforts; and • an amendment offered by Representative Fortenberry increasing funding for the Open World Leadership Center by $4.7 million, offset by a reduction to the Capitol Power Plant. The amendment would also insert language limiting any funds supporting Russian participants to those “engaging in free market development, humanitarian activities, and civic engagement, and ... not ... officials of the central government of Russia.” Additional amendments, one defeated and two withdrawn, included • an amendment offered by Representative Wasserman Schultz directing the House Chief Administrative Officer to issue a solicitation for, and select, a food services contractor who provides a livable wage. The amendment was defeated, 21 yeas and 29 nays; • an amendment offered and withdrawn by Representative Quigley related to the publication of a list of nonconfidential CRS products; and Congressional Research Service 3 Legislative Branch: FY2016 Appropriations • an amendment offered and withdrawn by Representative Honda related to the Office of Compliance and reports on discrimination based on sex and gender identification.  

House of Representatives

Senate

Senate

—

March 12, 2015

House of Representatives

February 25, 2015

—

U.S. Capitol Police

February 25, 2015

March 12, 2015

Office of Compliance

—

—

Congressional Budget Office

—

March 10, 2015

Architect of the Capitol

February 26, 2015

March 17, 2015

Library of Congress, including the Congressional Research Servicea

February 26, 2015

March 17, 2015

Government Publishing Office

—

—

Government Accountability Office

February 25, 2015

March 10, 2015

Members/Public Witnesses

—b

—

Sources: Congressional Research Service examination of House and Senate Appropriations Committee websites.

a. The Open World Leadership Center was discussed during the House hearing on the Library of Congress, but no Open World staff provided testimony. b. The House subcommittee announced that it would accept programmatic and language submissions from Members through March 18, 2015. House Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on Legislative Branch Markup

On April 23, 2015, the House Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on Legislative Branch held a markup of the FY2016 bill. The subcommittee recommended $3.341 billion, not including Senate items. No amendments were offered.

House Appropriations Committee Markup

On April 30, 2015, the House Appropriations Committee held a markup of the FY2016 bill. At $3.341 billion (not including Senate items, which are determined by the Senate), the bill would have provided the same level of funding as in FY2015.

Three amendments were adopted, all by voice vote, including

  • a manager's amendment which addressed report language related to committee room renovations, encouraging the Capitol Police to relax enforcement of sledding restriction on Capitol Hill, and communications and coordination between the Capitol Police and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority and other first responders;
  • an amendment offered to the report by Representative Wasserman Schultz directing the House Chief Administrative Officer to establish a House Technology Task Force, which is to identify opportunities to enhance coordination of information technology efforts; and
  • an amendment offered by Representative Fortenberry increasing funding for the Open World Leadership Center by $4.7 million, offset by a reduction to the Capitol Power Plant. The amendment would also insert language limiting any funds supporting Russian participants to those "engaging in free market development, humanitarian activities, and civic engagement, and ... not ... officials of the central government of Russia."

Additional amendments, one defeated and two withdrawn, included

  • an amendment offered by Representative Wasserman Schultz directing the House Chief Administrative Officer to issue a solicitation for, and select, a food services contractor who provides a livable wage. The amendment was defeated, 21 yeas and 29 nays;
  • an amendment offered and withdrawn by Representative Quigley related to the publication of a list of nonconfidential CRS products; and
  • an amendment offered and withdrawn by Representative Honda related to the Office of Compliance and reports on discrimination based on sex and gender identification.
The bill was ordered reported by voice vote (H.R. 2250, , H.Rept. 114-110). ). Congressional Caps on Legislative Branch Funding: 302(b) Reports After allocation of a total spending ceiling (referred to as a 302(a) allocation),44 the House and Senate Appropriations Committees generally consider separate budget allocations for their subcommittees, including the legislative branch. These suballocations (referred to as 302(b) suballocations) include discretionary and mandatory funds. This process is derived from the Congressional Budget Act of 1974. Total levels are established by the House and Senate budget resolutions, and they may be influenced by additional legislation (e.g., the Budget Control Act of 2011, P.L. 112-25). ; and Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, P.L. 114-74). The House Appropriations Committee met to mark up its proposed suballocations on April 22, 2015. A motion to amend the suballocations was defeated 20-29, and the committee approved them by voice vote. In its Report on the Suballocation of Budget Allocations for Fiscal Year 2016 ( (H.Rept. 114-97), issued April 29, the House Appropriations Committee indicated that it has allocated $4.435 billion in total budget authority for the legislative branch, including $4.300 billion in discretionary spending and $135 million in mandatory spending.55 This is equivalent to 0.4% of “"general purpose”" (i.e., not including “"Global War on Terror”") discretionary spending, and 0.2% of total (all discretionary and mandatory) spending allocated to the House Appropriations Committee subcommittees. In its May 21, 2015, report, Allocation to Subcommittees of Budget Totals from the Concurrent Resolution for Fiscal Year 2016, the Senate Appropriations Committee indicated that it has had allocated $4.444 billion in total budget authority for the legislative branch, including $4.309 billion in discretionary spending ($9.0 million more than the House allocation) and $135 million in mandatory spending (equivalent to the House allocation).6 6

A Senate report with revised suballocations was issued on December 18, 2015, and showed a new suballocation of $4.363 billion in nonsecurity discretionary budget authority for the legislative branch (S.Rept. 114-197).

House Rules Committee Consideration of a Special Rule The House Rules Committee met on May 18, to discuss a structured rule for H.R. 2250. . Of the 22 amendments proposed (including two withdrawn and three submitted after the deadline), the rule made in order three. The committee had two related roll call votes: 4 302(a) and 302(b) refer to the section of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-344) addressing the allocation of totals and reports by committees. 5 U.S. Congress, House Committee on Appropriations, Report on the Suballocation of Budget Allocations for Fiscal Year 2016, 114th Cong., 1st sess., April 29, 2015, H.Rept. 114-97 (Washington: GPO, 2015), p. 2. 6 U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Appropriations, Allocation to Subcommittees of Budget Totals from the Concurrent Resolution for Fiscal Year 2016, 114th Cong., 1st sess., May 21, 2015, S.Rept. 114-55 (Washington: GPO, 2015), p. 3. Congressional Research Service 4 Legislative Branch: FY2016 Appropriations

The committee had two related roll call votes:

1. The committee voted, 4 - -8, not to make in order and provide the appropriate waivers for an amendment (#20, offered by Representative Polis) related to food services contractors. 2. The committee voted, 9 - -4, to report the rule (H.Res. 271, , H.Rept. 114-120). ). H.Res. 271 was agreed to in the House (242 - -179) the next day. House Floor Consideration H.R. 2250 was debated in the House on May 19. The House considered three amendments, including 1. an amendment offered by Representative Ratcliffe (H.Amdt. 239) eliminating funding for Open World, and transferring the $5.7 million provided in the HousereportedHouse-reported bill to the spending reduction account, which was agreed to (224 - 199); -199); 2. an amendment offered by Representative Flores (H.Amdt. 240) prohibiting any funds for delivering printed copies of the Congressional Pictorial Directory, which was agreed to (voice vote); and 3. an amendment offered by Representative Blackburn (H.Amdt. 241) providing for a 1% across-the-board reduction—with exceptions for the Capitol Police, “ "Architect of the Capitol—Capitol Police Buildings, Grounds and Security,”" and funding for the House Office of the Sergeant at Arms—which was not agreed to (172 - -250). The bill, as amended, was agreed to (357 - 67). Funding in Prior Years: Brief Overview FY2015 FY2015 funding was provided in Division H of the Consolidated and Further Continuing -67). Senate Appropriations Committee Markup and Reporting

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on June 11, 2015, to mark up H.R. 2250. The Senate-reported version of the bill would have provided $4.309 billion.

Senator Schatz, the ranking Member of the subcommittee, offered an amendment based on alternative 302(b) funding allocations.7 The amendment was not agreed to (14-16).

A "Managers' package" was adopted by unanimous consent. The package included an amendment to the report adding, under the Office of Compliance heading, language directing the office to develop a pilot project with the Library of Congress to make the office's administrative dispute resolution process available to Library employees. An interim report is due to the committee by December 1, 2015. The amendment was offered by Senator Blunt, who also serves as the chair of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration and the Joint Committee on the Library.

The committee favorably reported the bill, as amended, 27-3.

Continuing Resolutions

A continuing resolution (CR) funded the legislative branch from October 1 through December 11, 2015 (P.L. 114-53).

On December 10, 2015, the Senate amended the legislative branch bill (S.Amdt. 2922 to H.R. 2250) to delete the text of that bill and insert language extending the CR through December 16. The amended bill was renamed the Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2016 (S.Amdt. 2923), and it did not contain any other provisions or anomalies related to the legislative branch.8

The Senate agreed to the amended bill by voice vote. The CR extension was agreed to in the House and signed by the President the next day.

A third CR was enacted on December 16, 2015 (P.L. 114-100).

The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016, was enacted on December 18, 2015 (P.L. 114-113). It provides $4.36 billion for legislative branch activities for FY2016, an increase of 1.5% from the FY2015 level (P.L. 114-113). Chairman Rogers of the House Committee on Appropriations submitted an explanatory statement into the Congressional Record on December 17, 2015.9

Funding in Prior Years: Brief Overview
FY2015
FY2015 funding was provided in Division H of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 (P.L. 113-235), which was enacted on December 16, 2014. The $4.300 billion provided by the act represented an increase of $41.7 million (1.0%) from FY2014 and $164.9 million (-3.7%) less than the request. FY2014
FY2014
Neither a legislative branch appropriations bill, nor a continuing appropriations resolution (CR), containing FY2014 funding was enacted prior to the beginning of the fiscal year on October 1, 2013. A funding gap, which resulted in a partial government shutdown, ensued for 16 days. The funding gap was terminated by the enactment of a CR (P.L. 113-46) on October 17, 2013. The CR provided funding through January 15, 2014.710 Following enactment of a temporary continuing 7 The legislative branch previously experienced a funding gap in FY1996 (November 14-18, 1995). Congressional Research Service 5 Legislative Branch: FY2016 Appropriations resolution on January 15, 2014 (P.L. 113-73), a consolidated appropriations bill was enacted on January 17 (P.L. 113-76), providing $4.259 billion for the legislative branch for FY2014. FY2013
FY2013
FY2013 funding of approximately $4.061 billion was provided by P.L. 113-6, which was signed into law on March 26, 2013.8 2013.11 The act funded legislative branch accounts at the FY2012 enacted level, with some exceptions (also known as “anomalies”"anomalies"), and not including across-the-board rescissions required by Section 3004 of P.L. 113-6. Section 3004 was intended to eliminate any amount by which the new budget authority provided in the act exceeded the FY2013 discretionary spending limits in Section 251(c)(2) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act, as amended by the Budget Control Act of 2011 and the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012. Subsequent to the enactment of P.L. 113-6, OMB calculated that additional rescissions of 0.032% of security budget authority and 0.2% of nonsecurity budget authority would be required. The act did not alter the sequestration reductions implemented on March 1, which reduced most legislative branch accounts by 5.0%.912 The accompanying OMB report indicated a dollar amount of budget authority to be canceled in each account containing nonexempt funds.10 13 FY2012 and Prior Division G of the FY2012 Consolidated Appropriations Act (P.L. 112-74) provided $4.307 billion for the legislative branch. This level was $236.9 million (-5.2%) below the FY2011 enacted level. P.L. 112-10 provided $4.543 billion for legislative branch operations in FY2011. This level represented a $125.1 million decrease from the $4.668 billion provided in the FY2010 Legislative Branch Appropriations Act (P.L. 111-68) and the FY2010 Supplemental Appropriations Act (P.L. 111-212). The FY2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act provided $4.402 billion. In FY2009, an additional $25.0 million was provided for the Government Accountability Office (GAO) in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.11 14 P.L. 111-32, the FY2009 Supplemental Appropriations Act, also contained funding for a new Capitol Police radio system ($71.6 million) and additional funding for the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) ($2.0 million).12 15 As seen in Table 3, the legislative branch budget in constant dollars remains below the FY2004 level. Table 3. Legislative Branch Funding Since FY2004: Current and Constant Dollars

(in billions of dollars)

Fiscal Year

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

Current Dollars

3.528a

3.640b

3.793c

3.852d

3.970

4.501e

4.669f

4.543g

4.307

4.061h

4.259

4.300

Constant Dollars

4.404

4.407

4.448

4.407

4.392

4.966

5.079

4.842

4.497

4.175

4.313

4.300

Source: CRS analysis of legislative branch appropriations acts and related budget documents.

Notes: These figures exclude permanent budget authorities and contain supplementals and rescissions. Total does not include permanent budget authorities, including funding for Member pay, that are not included in the annual legislative branch appropriations bill. Constant dollars calculated using the "Total Non-Defense" deflator in , the legislative branch budget in constant dollars remains below the FY2004 level. 8 FY2013 level from the CBO cost estimate for “Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2014 (H.J.Res. 59), Including the Amendment Reported by the House Committee on Rules on September 18, 2013 (H.Res. 352) Discretionary spending (in millions of dollars)” (http://www.cbo.gov/sites/default/files/cbofiles/attachments/hjres59amendment.pdf), which lists a total for legislative branch budget authority of $4.061 billion, noting that it “includes effects of the 2013 sequestration.” This bill contained a small anomaly for the legislative branch. 9 White House, President Obama, Sequestration Order for Fiscal Year 2013 Pursuant to Section 251A of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act, As Amended, March 1, 2013, available at http://www.whitehouse.gov/ sites/default/files/2013sequestration-order-rel.pdf. 10 Executive Office of the President, Office of Management and Budget, OMB Report to the Congress on the Joint Committee Sequestration for Fiscal Year 2013, March 1, 2013, http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/omb/ assets/legislative_reports/fy13ombjcsequestrationreport.pdf. 11 P.L. 111-5, February 17, 2009, 123 Stat. 191. 12 U.S. Congress, conference committee, Making Supplemental Appropriations for the Fiscal Year Ending September 30, 2009, and for Other Purposes, report to accompany H.R. 2346, 111th Cong., 1st sess., H.Rept. 111-151 (Washington: GPO, 2009), p. 117. Congressional Research Service 6 Legislative Branch: FY2016 Appropriations Table 3. Legislative Branch Funding Since FY2004: Current and Constant Dollars (in billions of dollars) Fiscal Year 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Current Dollars 3.528a 3.640b 3.793c 3.852d 3.970 4.501e 4.669f 4.543g 4.307 4.061h 4.259 4.300 Constant Dollars 4.404 4.407 4.448 4.407 4.392 4.966 5.079 4.842 4.497 4.175 4.313 4.300 Source: Congressional Research Service analysis of legislative branch appropriations acts and related budget documents. Notes: These figures exclude permanent budget authorities and contain supplementals and rescissions. Total does not include permanent budget authorities, including funding for Member pay, that are not included in the annual legislative branch appropriations bill. Constant dollars calculated using the “Total Non-Defense” deflator in Table 10.1—Gross Domestic Product and Deflators Used in the Historical Tables: 1940–2020 in the President’s 's FY2016 budget request. a. a. This figure contains appropriations provided by P.L. 108-83 (the FY2004 Legislative Branch Appropriations Act). Additional FY2004 provisions which did not contain appropriations were contained in P.L. 108-199 (the FY2004 Consolidated Appropriations Act). b. b. This number contains appropriations provided by P.L. 108-447 (the Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY2005, adjusted by a 0.80% rescission also contained in P.L. 108-447), and P.L. 109-13 (the FY2005 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act). c. c. This number contains appropriations provided by P.L. 109-55 (the FY2006 Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, adjusted by a 1.0% rescission contained in P.L. 109-148), and P.L. 109-234 (the FY2006 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act). d. d. This number contains appropriations provided by P.L. 110-5 (the Revised Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2007), and funding for the House of Representatives, Government Accountability Office, U.S. Capitol Police, Architect of the Capitol, and gratuity payments provided in P.L. 110-28 (the U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans’' Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act, 2007). e. e. This number contains appropriations provided by P.L. 110-161 (the FY2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act), $25.0 million for the Government Accountability Office provided by P.L. 111-5 (the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009), and $73.6 million provided by P.L. 111-32 for the U.S. Capitol Police and the Congressional Budget Office (the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2009). f. f. This number contains appropriations provided by P.L. 111-68 (the FY2010 Legislative Branch Appropriations Act), and $12.96 million in supplemental appropriations provided for the U.S. Capitol Police in P.L. 111-212 (the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2010). g. g. This number does not include scorekeeping adjustment. h. h. FY2013 level obtained from the CBO cost estimate for “"Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2014 ( (H.J.Res. 59), Including the Amendment Reported by the House Committee on Rules on September 18, 2013 (H.Res. 352) Discretionary spending (in millions of dollars)” (" (http://www.cbo.gov/sites/default/files/ cbofiles/attachments/hjres59amendment.pdf), which lists a total for legislative branch budget authority of $4.061 billion, noting that it “"includes effects of the 2013 sequestration.”" This bill contained a small anomaly for the legislative branch. Congressional Research Service 7 Legislative Branch: FY2016 Appropriations FY2016 Legislative Branch Funding Issues13 The following sections discuss the various legislative branch accounts as well as issues discussed during the hearings on the budget requests. Senate Overall Funding The Senate requested $930.4 million for FY2016 (including the budget amendment), a 7.6% increase over the $864.3 million provided in FY2015. Figure 1 demonstrates the division of budget authority across the legislative branch in FY2015. Figure 2 shows the timing of legislative branch appropriations actions, including the issuance of House and Senate reports, bill passage, and enactment, since FY1996. It shows that fiscal year funding for the legislative branch has been determined on or before October 1 five times during this period (FY1997, FY2000, FY2004, FY2006, and FY2010), with another two bills enacted during the first month of the fiscal year (FY1998 and FY1999), two in November (FY1996 and FY2002), six in December (FY2001, FY2005, FY2008, FY2012, FY2015, and FY2016), and six in the next calendar year (FY2003, FY2007, FY2009, FY2011, FY2013, and FY2014).

Figure 1. FY2015 Legislative Branch Appropriations: Division of Budget Authority

Source: P.L. 113-235, calculations by the Congressional Research Service.

Note: Total does not include offsetting collections or authority to spend receipts.

Figure 2. Timing of Legislative Branch Appropriations Consideration

Fiscal Year Consideration During the Calendar Year

Source: CRS analysis of data found on LIS.

Notes: When House and Senate action occurs on the same date, the House is shown first. The FY2010 Legislative Branch Appropriations Act (P.L. 111-68) is listed in this figure as stand-alone legislation (Division A), although it was also the vehicle for a continuing appropriations resolution (Division B). Each row represents consideration during the calendar year of the subsequent fiscal year spending bill (i.e., the calendar year 1992 row shows the timeline of consideration and passage of the FY1993 act). Arrows in the December column indicate consideration continued until the next calendar year.

FY2016 Legislative Branch Funding Issues16

The following sections discuss the various legislative branch accounts as well as issues discussed during the hearings on the budget requests.

As stated in the Senate report, the House and Senate conform "to longstanding practice under which each body of Congress determines its own housekeeping requirements and the other concurs without intervention."17

Senate Overall Funding

The Senate requested $930.4 million for FY2016 (including the budget amendment), a 7.6% increase over the $864.3 million provided in FY2015. The FY2016 act provides $870.2 million, an increase of $5.9 million (0.7%), the same level recommended in the Senate-reported bill.

Additional information on the Senate account is presented in Table 5. 6. Senate Committee Funding Appropriations for Senate committees are contained in two accounts: • The inquiries and investigations account contains funds for all Senate committees except Appropriations. The Senate requested $135.7 million for inquiries and investigations (including the budget amendment), a 1.9% increase from the FY2015 level of $133.3 million. • The The FY2016 act continues funding at the FY2015 level, as recommended in the Senate-reported bill. The Committee on Appropriations account contains funds for the Senate Appropriations Committee. The Senate requested $15.4 million3 million (including the budget amendment), an increase of $289 $187,000 (+1.92%) from the $15.1 million provided in FY2015. Senators’ The FY2016 act continues funding at the FY2015 level, as recommended in the Senate-reported bill.Senators' Official Personnel and Office Expense Account The Senators’' Official Personnel and Office Expense Account (SOPOEA) provides each Senator with funds to administer an office. It consists of an administrative and clerical assistance allowance, a legislative assistance allowance, and an official office expense allowance. The funds may be used for any category of expenses, subject to limitations on official mail. The Senate requested $438.2 million for FY2016 (including the budget amendment), an increase of $48.2 million (12.4%) from the $390.0 million provided in FY2014 and FY2015. The FY2016 act continues funding at the FY2015 level, as recommended in the Senate-reported bill. Highlights of the Senate Hearing on the FY2016 Budget Request At the March 11, 2015, Senate hearing, the subcommittee discussed the request for a new Senate financial management system, threat assessments and coordination with other entities, preparations for dignitary visits as well as costs, the impact of current spending caps on office operations, an outage of Senate computer systems, and recent disruptions in Senate hearings. 13 This section contains information on the budget requests, hearings, and requested administrative provisions of the House, Senate, and legislative branch agencies and entities. If no hearing or administrative provision is discussed, then none was held (in the case of a hearing) or requested (in the case of a provision). Congressional Research Service 8 Legislative Branch: FY2016 Appropriations House of Representatives Overall Funding The House requested $1.18 billion for FY2016, equivalent to the FY2014 and FY2015 level.14 The FY2016 House-passed bill would continue this level.
Administrative Provisions

The Senate-reported bill contains two administrative provisions, including the following:

  • 1. One provision which would require amounts remaining in the Senators' Official Personnel and Office Expense Account (SOPOEA) to be used for deficit reduction or to reduce the federal debt.
  • 2. A provision which would amend 2 U.S.C. 6153, relating to transfers between appropriations for salaries and appropriations for expenses, to include a reference to the Office of the Chaplain of the Senate.

Both provisions were included in P.L. 114-113.

House of Representatives Overall Funding

The House requested $1.18 billion for FY2016, equivalent to the FY2014 and FY2015 level.18 The FY2016 act continues funding at the FY2015 level, as recommended in the House-passed bill.

Additional information on headings in the House of Representatives account is presented in Table 6. Table 7. House Committee Funding Funding for House committees is contained in the appropriation heading “"committee employees,” " which comprises two subheadings. The first subheading contains funds for personnel and nonpersonnel expenses of House committees, except the Appropriations Committee, as authorized by the House in a committee expense resolution. The House requested, and the House-passed bill would provide, $123.9 million, continuing the fundingFY2016 Consolidated Appropriations Act provides $123.9 million, the same level provided for FY2014 and FY2015. and included in the FY2016 request and House-passed bill. The second subheading contains funds for the personnel and nonpersonnel expenses of the Committee on Appropriations. The House requested, and the House-passed bill would provide, FY2016 Consolidated Appropriations Act provides $23.3 million, the same level as provided for FY2014 and FY2015. Members’ Representational Allowance15 The Members’ and included in the FY2016 request and House-passed bill. Members' Representational Allowance19 The Members' Representational Allowance (MRA) is available to support Members in their official and representational duties. ForThe FY2016, $554.3 million was requested Consolidated Appropriations Act provides $554.3 million, the same level as provided for FY2014 and FY2015. The House-passed bill would provide this level. and included in the FY2016 request and House-passed bill. Highlights of the House Hearing on the FY2016 Budget Request At the February 25, 2015, hearing, the subcommittee discussed a review by the House Inspector General of procurement policies, funding for the Members’' Representational Allowance, current challenges facing House officers, litigation costs, security during the State of the Union, and addressing security threats. Administrative Provisions
Administrative Provisions
The House requested the continuation of administrative provisions from prior years related to unexpended balances from the MRA; limiting amounts available from the MRA for leased 14 Not including one gratuity paid to the heirs of a deceased Member in FY2014. The House-passed FY2016 bill would also provide one gratuity. 15 For additional information, see CRS Report R40962, Members’ Representational Allowance: History and Usage, by Ida A. Brudnick. Congressional Research Service 9 Legislative Branch: FY2016 Appropriations vehicles; and limiting or prohibiting the delivery of bills, resolutions, copies of the Congressional Record, the U.S. Code, the Statement of Disbursements, and the Daily Calendar. Support Agency Funding U.S. Capitol Police vehicles; and limiting or prohibiting the delivery of bills, resolutions, copies of the Congressional Record, the U.S. Code, the Statement of Disbursements, and the Daily Calendar.

During consideration of H.R. 2250 in the House on May 19, 2015, an amendment, H.Amdt. 240, was agreed to adding a general provision that would prohibit funds made available by the act from being used to deliver a printed copy of the Congressional Pictorial Directory to a Member of the House. This provision was included in the House-passed version of H.R. 2250. The FY2016 Consolidated Appropriations Act contains this provision, although it was moved to the House of Representatives administrative provisions section.

Support Agency Funding U.S. Capitol Police The U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) are responsible for the security of the Capitol Complex, including the U.S. Capitol, the House and Senate office buildings, the U.S. Botanic Garden, and the Library of Congress buildings and adjacent grounds. The USCP requested $378.9 million for FY2016, an increase of $30.9 million (+8.9%) from the $347.96 million the USCP received for FY2015. The House-passed bill would providehave provided $369.0 million (+$21.0 million, or 6.0%, from FY2015). The Senate-reported bill would have provided $366.5 million (+$18.5 million, or 5.3%, from FY2015). The FY2016 Consolidated Appropriations Act provides $375.0 million (+$27.0 million, or 7.8%). Additional information on the USCP is presented in Table 7. 8. Appropriations for the police are contained in two accounts—a salaries account and a general general expenses account. The salaries account contains funds for the salaries of employees; overtime pay; hazardous duty pay differential; and government contributions for employee health, retirement, Social Security, professional liability insurance, and other benefit programs. The general expenses account contains funds for expenses of vehicles; communications equipment; security equipment and its installation; dignitary protection; intelligence analysis; hazardous material response; uniforms; weapons; training programs; medical, forensic, and communications services; travel; relocation of instructors for the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center; and other administrative and technical support, among other expenses. • Salaries—the Capitol Police requested $307.4 million for salaries, an increase of $20.9 million (+7.3%) from the $286.5 million provided in FY2015. The Housepassed bill would provideHouse-passed and Senate-reported versions of the bill would have provided $300.0 million (+4.7%). • The FY2016 Consolidated Appropriations Act provides $309.0 million (+7.9%). General Expenses—the Capitol Police requested $71.5 million for general expenses, an increase of $10.0 million (+16.3%) from the $61.5 million provided in FY2015. The House-passed bill would providehave provided $69.0 million (+12.3%). The Senate-reported bill would have provided $66.5 million (+8.1%). The FY2016 Consolidated Appropriations Act provides $66.0 million (+7.4%).Another appropriation relating to the Capitol Police appears within the Architect of the Capitol account for Capitol Police buildings and grounds. USCP requested $28.2 million, an increase of $9.1 million (+47.4%) from the $19.2 million provided in FY2015. The House-passed bill would provide have provided $22.1 million (+15.1%). The Senate-reported bill would have provided $22.5 million (+17.6%). The FY2016 Consolidated Appropriations Act provides $25.4 million (+32.8%). Highlights of the House and Senate Hearings on the FY2016 Budget Request of the U.S.  Capitol Police On February 25, 2015, the House subcommittee discussed reports of morale issues, the role and mission of the Capitol Police, coordination with other police forces, the growth of the Capitol Police, and wait times for clearing security and entering the House office buildings. Congressional Research Service 10 Legislative Branch: FY2016 Appropriations At a hearing on March 12, 2015, the Senate subcommittee discussed officer morale, community relations, drones, and weighing overtime costs versus hiring new officers. These hearings preceded the April 15, 2015, landing of a gyrocopter on the West Lawn of the Capitol. The Chief of the Capitol Police and the House Sergeant at Arms, however, testified at a House Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing on this incident on April 29. The Committee on House Administration also held an oversight hearing on the Capitol Police on May 20, and on June 3 for House officers, including the House Sergeant at Arms. Administrative Provision
Administrative Provision
The Capitol Police requested one administrative provision, authorizing reimbursement from nongovernmentalnon-governmental entities for non-congressionally sponsored activities. This language amends 2 U.S.C. 1905, which addresses reimbursement for law enforcement assistance from any federal, state, or local government agency (including any agency of the District of Columbia). The Housepassed bill contains this language. Office of Compliance House-passed and Senate-reported versions of the bill and the Consolidated Appropriations Act all contain this language. Office of Compliance The Office of Compliance is an independent and nonpartisan agency within the legislative branch. It was established to administer and enforce the Congressional Accountability Act, which was enacted in 1995.1620 The act applies various employment and workplace safety laws to Congress and certain legislative branch entities.17 21 The Office of Compliance requested $4.0 million for FY2016, an increase of $61,000 (+1.5%) from the $3.96 million in the FY2015 act. The House-passed bill wouldand Senate-reported versions of the bill and the Consolidated Appropriations Act continue the FY2015 level. Congressional Budget Office (CBO) CBO is a nonpartisan congressional agency created to provide objective economic and budgetary analysis to Congress. CBO cost estimates are required for any measure reported by a regular or conference committee that may vary revenues or expenditures.18 16 P.L. 104-1, 109 Stat. 3, January 23, 1995. The act, as amended, applies 12 civil rights, labor, and workplace safety laws to Congress and certain legislative branch agencies. These laws are the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Employee Polygraph Protection Act, Fair Labor Standards Act, Family and Medical Leave Act, Federal Services Labor-Management Relations Act, Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, Rehabilitation Act of 1970, Veterans’ employment and reemployment rights at Chapter 43 of Title 38 of the U.S. Code, Worker Adjustment and Retraining Act, and Veterans Employment Opportunities Act. 17 Among the office’s activities are administration of a dispute resolution process, investigation and enforcement of occupational safety and health and disability provisions of the act, investigation of labor relations and enforcement of applicable provisions, and development of educational programs regarding the act’s provisions. 18 The Congressional Budget Office is required to use estimates provided by the Joint Committee on Taxation for all revenue legislation (Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985, P.L. 99-177, §273, 99 Stat.1098, December 12, 1985; 2 U.S.C. §621 (et seq.)). Congressional Research Service 11 Legislative Branch: FY2016 Appropriations conference committee that may vary revenues or expenditures.22 CBO requested $47.3 million, an increase of $1.6 million (+3.4%), from the $45.7 million provided in FY2015. The House-passed bill would providehave provided the requested level. The Senate-reported bill would have continued funding at the FY2015 level. The Consolidated Appropriations Act provides $46.5 million (+1.8%). Highlights of the Senate Hearing on CBO’'s FY2016 Budget Request At a March 9, 2015, hearing, the Senate subcommittee discussed requested staff increases, the use of contractors, a requested administrative provision related to nonimmigrant visas, scoring of Energy Savings Performance Contracts (ESPCs), cost estimates for exchanges established by the Affordable Care Act, and dynamic scoring. The House did not hold a hearing on the CBO budget request. Administrative Provisions
Administrative Provisions
CBO requested two administrative provisions, including the following: although they were not included in the House-passed and Senate-reported versions of the bill or the Consolidated Appropriations Act:1. A provision that would make FY2016 funds available for the compensation of employees in specialty occupations with nonimmigrant visas. Similar authority has been requested, but not provided, since FY2012. The House-passed bill did not contain this language. 2. A provision that would make up to 50% of FY2016 unobligated balances available through the end of FY2017. Similar authority was requested, but not provided, in FY2015. The House-passed bill did not contain this language. Architect of the Capitol The Architect of the Capitol (AOC) is responsible for the maintenance, operation, development, and preservation of the U.S. Capitol Complex, which includes the Capitol and its grounds, House and Senate office buildings, Library of Congress buildings and grounds, Capitol Power Plant, Botanic Garden, Capitol Visitor Center, and Capitol Police buildings and grounds. The Architect is responsible for the Supreme Court buildings and grounds, but appropriations for their expenses are not contained in the legislative branch appropriations bill. Overall Funding Levels Operations of the Architect are funded in the following 10 accounts: general administration, Capitol building, Capitol grounds, Senate office buildings, House office buildings, Capitol Power Plant, Library buildings and grounds, Capitol Police buildings and grounds, Capitol Visitor Center, and Botanic Garden. The Architect requested $661.8 million for FY2016, an increase of $61.5 million (+10.2%) from the FY2015 level of $600.3 million. The House subcommittee mark would have provided $496.9 million, not including funding for the Senate office buildings (a requested $84.7 million). An amendment offered by Representative Fortenberry at the full committee markup, however, would decrease funding for the Architect of the Capitol, Capitol Power Plant budget by $4.7 million to increase the budget of the Open World Leadership Center. The House-reported and House-passed bill would provide $492.2 million. Congressional Research Service 12 Legislative Branch: FY2016 Appropriations have provided $492.2 million, not including Senate items.

The Senate-reported bill would have provided $579.4 million (-$20.9 million, or -3.5%).

The Consolidated Appropriations Act provides $612.9 million (+$12.6 million, or +2.1%).

Additional funding information on the individual AOC accounts is presented in Table 8. 9. Highlights of the House and Senate Hearings on the FY2016 Budget of the Architect of the Capitol Among the items discussed at the House subcommittee hearing on February 26, 2015, were the deferred maintenance backlog, the Library’'s request for additional storage at Fort Meade and construction of Storage Module #5, commemorative trees and the AOC effort to incorporate information about them on its website, Capitol Visitor Center cost overruns and an effort to not have similar overruns with the Cannon House Office Building renewal project, and the appropriate use of the historic buildings revitalization trust fund. At a hearing on March 17, 2015, the Senate subcommittee discussed the restoration of the Capitol Dome, including expectations for completion before the January 2017 presidential inauguration; phasing and prioritization of projects, including the restoration for the Russell Senate Office Building; stone deterioration; conservation of Union Square and the Grant Memorial; the Alexander Calder “"Mountains and Clouds”" sculpture in the Hart Senate Office Building; contract oversight; and the AOC-requested administrative provision related to the acquisition of the 7.34 acre parcel of land at Fort Meade. Administrative Provisions
Administrative Provisions
Three administrative provisions were requested for FY2016, including the following: were included in the House-passed and Senate-reported versions of the bill as well as the Consolidated Appropriations Act:1. A provision prohibiting the use of funds for bonuses for contractors behind schedule or over budget, first included in FY2015. The House-passed bill included this provision; ; 2. A provision prohibiting scrims containing photographs of building facades during restoration or construction projects performed by the Architect of the Capitol, first included in FY2015. The House-passed bill included this provision; and 3. A ; and 3. A new provision authorizing the Architect of the Capitol to acquire the 7.34-acre parcel of land from the Maryland State Highway Administration at Fort George G. Meade, MD. The House-passed bill included this provision. G. Meade, MD. One additional provision, requiring an approved plan by the Comptroller General and the House Appropriations Committee before certain obligations of funds for projects in excess of $5 million can be made, was also included in the House-passed bill. Library of Congress (LOC) Neither the Senate-reported version of the bill nor the Consolidated Appropriations Act included this language. Library of Congress (LOC) The Library of Congress serves simultaneously as Congress’'s parliamentary library and the de facto national library of the United States. Its broader services to the nation include the acquisition, maintenance, and preservation of a collection of more than 158 million items19 in a items23 in a wide range of traditional and new media; service to the general public and scholarly and library 19 Figure obtained from the Annual Report of the Librarian of Congress for Fiscal Year 2013, Library of Congress, Washington, DC, 2014, p. 9. Available at http://www.loc.gov/about/reports/. Congressional Research Service 13 Legislative Branch: FY2016 Appropriations communities; administration of U.S. copyright laws by its Copyright Office; and administration of a national program to provide reading material to the blind and physically handicapped. Its direct services to Congress include the provision of legal research and law-related services by the Law Library of Congress, and a broad range of activities by the Congressional Research Service (CRS), including in-depth and nonpartisan public policy research, analysis, and legislative assistance for Members and committees and their staff; congressional staff training; information and statistics retrieval; and continuing legal education for Members of both chambers and congressional staff. The Library requested $624.5 million for FY2016, an increase of $33.6 million (+5.7%) from the $590.9 million provided in FY2015. The House-passed bill would providehave provided $591.4 million (+0.1 (+0.1%). The Senate-reported bill would have provided $593.2 million (+0.4%). The Consolidated Appropriations Act provides $599.9 million (+1.5%). These figures do not include additional authority to spend receipts.20 24 The FY2016 budget contains the following headings: • Salaries and expenses—The FY2015 act provided $413.0 million, the same level included in the House-passed FY2016 bill. The Senate-reported bill would have provided $415.3 million (+0.5%). The Consolidated Appropriations Act provides $419.6 million (+1.6%). The Library requested $438.0 million (+6.1%) for FY2016. These figures do not include $6.35 million in authority to spend receipts. • Copyright Office—The FY2015 act provided $20.7 million for the Copyright Office. The Library requested $23.1 million (+11.5%) for FY2016, and the House-passed bill would provide $21.2 million (+2.5%). These levels do not include authority to spend receipts, which would increase by $2.2 million (from $33.6 million to $35.8 million) in the FY2016 request and the House-passed bill. • Congressional Research Service—The FY2015 act provided $106.9 million, the same level recommended in the FY2016 House-passed bill. CRS had requested $111.96 million, an increase of $5.0 million (+4.7%). • Books for the Blind and Physically Handicapped—The FY2015 act provided $50.2 million, the same level recommended in the FY2016 House-passed bill. The Library requested $51.4 million (+2.3%) for FY2016. The Architect’s budget also contains funds for the Library buildings and grounds. The FY2015 act provided $42.2 million, and $65.8 million (+56.0%) was requested for FY2016. The Housepassed bill would provide $36.6 million (-13.3%). Highlights of the House and Senate Hearings on the FY2015 Budget of the Library of Congress At a hearing on February 26, 2015, the House subcommittee discussed copyright modernization efforts, the Veterans and Civil Rights History Projects, the Library’s collection growth, storage issues, and the ability of CRS to meet the needs of Congress with its current staffing level. At a hearing on March 17, 2015, the Senate subcommittee discussed staffing requests, the Library’s overseas offices, digitization, and the Copyright Office. 20 An example of receipts are fees paid to the LOC for copyright registration. Congressional Research Service 14 Legislative Branch: FY2016 Appropriations Administrative Provision The Library requested authority to obligate funds for reimbursable and revolving fund activities, which was included in the House-passed bill. The regular provision establishing a ceiling for obligational authority for these activities ($186.0 million in FY2016) was included in the Housepassed bill. Government Publishing Office (GPO)21 GPO requested $120.0 million for FY2016, nearly the same as provided in FY2015 ($119.99 million). The House-passed bill would provide $110.2 million (-8.1%). GPO’s budget authority is contained in three accounts. The FY2015 act renamed these accounts: (1) congressional printing and binding became congressional publishing, (2) Office of Superintendent of Documents (salaries and expenses) became Public Information Programs of the Superintendent of Documents (salaries and expenses), and (3) the revolving fund became the Government Publishing Office Business Operations Revolving Fund. 1. Congressional publishing—GPO requested $79.7 million for FY2016, the same level as provided in FY2014 and FY2015 and in the FY2016 House-passed bill. 2. Public Information Programs of the Superintendent of Documents (salaries and expenses)—GPO requested, and the House-passed bill would provide, $30.5 million for FY2016. This level is $1.0 million less (-3.2%) than the FY2015 level. 3. Government Publishing Office Business Operations Revolving fund—the revolving fund supports the operation and maintenance of the Government Publishing Office.22 GPO requested $9.8 million, an increase of $1.0 million (+11.5%) from the $8.8 million provided in FY2015. The House-passed bill would not provide funding for the revolving fund. Government Accountability Office (GAO) GAO responds to requests for studies of federal government programs and expenditures. GAO may also initiate its own work.23 GAO requested $553.1 million for FY2016 (+5.9%). The House-passed bill would provide $522.0 million, the same level as provided in FY2015. These levels do not include offsetting collections ($25.5 million in the House-passed bill).24 21 Formerly known as the Government Printing Office. For additional information on GPO, see CRS Report R40897, Congressional Printing: Background and Issues for Congress, by R. Eric Petersen and Amber Hope Wilhelm. 22 For additional information, see CRS Report R40939, Legislative Branch Revolving Funds, by Ida A. Brudnick and Jacob R. Straus. 23 GAO’s guidelines for initiating studies are contained in U.S. Government Accountability Office, GAO’s Congressional Protocols, GAO-04-310G (Washington: GAO, 2004). Posted on the website of the Government Accountability Office at http://www.gao.gov/special.pubs/d04310g.pdf. 24 Offsetting collections include funds derived from reimbursable audits and rental of space in the GAO building. Congressional Research Service 15 Legislative Branch: FY2016 Appropriations Administrative Provision GAO requested one administrative provision, related to the sending and receiving of detailees to other branches or agencies on a reimbursable, partially reimbursable, or nonreimbursable basis. The House-passed bill contains a provision authorizing the receipt of detailees. Highlights of House and Senate Hearings on the FY2016 GAO Budget At the House hearing on February 25, 2015, the subcommittee discussed recent GAO products, including those related to the implementation of the Affordable Care Act. The Senate subcommittee met on March 10, 2015, and discussed the professional background of employees, the operations of the newly established Center for Audit Excellence, and ways for Congress to respond to GAO’s findings. Open World Leadership Center The Open World Leadership Center administers a program that supports democratic changes in other countries by inviting their leaders to observe democracy and free enterprise in the United States. The first program was authorized by Congress in 1999 to support the relationship between Russia and the United States. The program encouraged young federal and local Russian leaders to visit the United States and observe its government and society. Established at the Library of Congress as the Center for Russian Leadership Development in 2000, the center was renamed the Open World Leadership Center in 2003, when the program was expanded to include specified additional countries.25 In 2004, Congress further extended the program’s eligibility to other countries designated by the center’s board of trustees, subject to congressional consideration.26 The center is housed in the Library and receives services from the Library through an inter-agency agreement. As in previous years, Open World was the subject of lengthy discussion during a House FY2016 hearing,27 the House Appropriations subcommittee markup, the full committee markup, and on the House floor. Open World requested $8.0 million for FY2016, the same level it has requested since FY2014. The request represents an increase of 40.4% from the $5.7 million provided in FY2015. The House subcommittee mark proposed $1.0 million for an orderly shutdown of Open World. Language in the full committee print, released prior to the markup of the FY2016 bill, stated,28 25 P.L. 106-554, 114 Stat. 2763, 2763A-120, December 21, 2000; P.L. 108-7, 117 Stat. 382, February 20, 2003. According to the 2003 act, the additional countries include “any country specified in §3 of the FREEDOM Support Act (22 U.S.C. 5801),” and “Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.” The countries specified in 22 U.S.C. 5801 are Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan. 26 P.L. 108-447, 118 Stat. 3192, December 8, 2004. 27 The Open World Leadership Center was discussed during the House hearing on the Library of Congress on February 26, 2015, but no Open World staff provided testimony. 28 Available at http://appropriations.house.gov/uploadedfiles/hrpt-114-hr-fy2016-legbranch.pdf. Congressional Research Service 16 Legislative Branch: FY2016 Appropriations The Committee believes given our current fiscal environment, and in light of both the lack of quantifiable results from the Open World Leadership Center and its duplication of programs more appropriately offered by the State Department, the program has long outlived its shortterm intent. The Committee has provided an allocation to be used for the orderly shutdown during fiscal year 2016 of the Open World Leadership Center. An amendment offered by Representative Fortenberry at the full committee markup would add $4.7 million for Open World, offset from funding for the “Architect of the Capitol, Capitol Power Plant” budget. The operations of Open World, including assessments of its impact, were discussed prior to the adoption (by voice vote) of the amendment. An amendment made in order by the House Rules Committee proposed the elimination of the $5.7 million included in the House-reported bill for Open World and would apply the savings to Office. The Consolidated Appropriations Act provides $23.1 million, equivalent to the requested level (+11.5%). The House-passed bill would have provided $21.2 million (+2.5%), and the Senate-reported bill would have provided $20.7 million ($8,000 less than FY2015). These levels do not include authority to spend receipts, which increase by $2.2 million (from $33.6 million to $35.8 million) in the Consolidated Appropriations Act.
  • Congressional Research Service—The FY2016 Consolidated Appropriations Act provides $106.9 million, which is equivalent to the FY2015 enacted level and the level contained in the FY2016 House-passed and Senate-reported bills. CRS had requested $111.96 million, an increase of $5.0 million (+4.7%).
  • Books for the Blind and Physically Handicapped—The FY2015 act provided $50.2 million, the same level recommended in the FY2016 House-passed and Senate-reported bills and contained in the FY2016 act. The Library requested $51.4 million (+2.3%) for FY2016.

    • The Architect's budget also contains funds for the Library buildings and grounds. The FY2015 act provided $42.2 million, and $65.8 million (+56.0%) was requested for FY2016. The House-passed bill would have provided $36.6 million (-13.3%), and the Senate-reported bill would have provided $29.1 million (-30.9%). The FY2016 Consolidated Appropriations Act provides $40.7 million (-3.5%).

    Highlights of the House and Senate Hearings on the FY2015 Budget of the Library of Congress

    At a hearing on February 26, 2015, the House subcommittee discussed copyright modernization efforts, the Veterans and Civil Rights History Projects, the Library's collection growth, storage issues, and the ability of CRS to meet the needs of Congress with its current staffing level.

    At a hearing on March 17, 2015, the Senate subcommittee discussed staffing requests, the Library's overseas offices, digitization, and the Copyright Office.

    Administrative Provisions

    The Library requested authority to obligate funds for reimbursable and revolving fund activities. The regular provision establishing a ceiling for obligational authority for these activities ($186.0 million in FY2016) was included in the House-passed and Senate-reported versions of the bill and the FY2016 Consolidated Appropriations Act.

    An additional provision was included in the act designating James H. Billington as the Librarian of Congress Emeritus. Dr. Billington served as the 13th Librarian of Congress, having been confirmed by the Senate on July 24, 1987, and remaining in that position until his retirement on September 30, 2015.

    Government Publishing Office (GPO)25

    GPO requested $120.0 million for FY2016, nearly the same as provided in FY2015 ($119.99 million). The House-passed bill would have provided $110.2 million (-8.1%). The Senate-reported bill would have provided $119.0 million (-0.8%). The Consolidated Appropriations Act provides $117.1 million (-2.4%).

    GPO's budget authority is contained in three accounts. The FY2015 act renamed these accounts: (1) congressional printing and binding became congressional publishing, (2) Office of Superintendent of Documents (salaries and expenses) became Public Information Programs of the Superintendent of Documents (salaries and expenses), and (3) the revolving fund became the Government Publishing Office Business Operations Revolving Fund.

    • 1. Congressional publishing—The FY2016 act provides $79.7 million, the same level as provided in FY2014 and FY2015 and contained in GPO's request and the FY2016 House-passed and Senate-reported versions of the bill.
    • 2. Public Information Programs of the Superintendent of Documents (salaries and expenses)—The FY2016 act provides $30.5 million for FY2016, the same level as requested and contained in the House-passed and Senate-reported versions of the FY2016 bill. This level is $1.0 million less (-3.2%) than the FY2015 level.
    • 3. Government Publishing Office Business Operations Revolving fund—the revolving fund supports the operation and maintenance of the Government Publishing Office.26 GPO requested $9.8 million, an increase of $1.0 million (+11.5%) from the $8.8 million provided in FY2015. The House-passed bill would not have provided funding for the revolving fund. The Senate-reported bill would have provided $8.8 million (+0.1%). The FY2016 act provides $6.8 million (-22.0%).
    Government Accountability Office (GAO)

    GAO responds to requests for studies of federal government programs and expenditures. GAO may also initiate its own work.27

    GAO requested $553.1 million for FY2016 (+5.9%). The House-passed bill would have provided $522.0 million, the same level as provided in FY2015. The Senate-reported bill would have provided $525.0 million (+0.6%). The FY2016 act provides $531.0 million (+1.7%).

    These levels do not include offsetting collections ($25.5 million in FY2016).28

    Administrative Provision

    GAO requested one administrative provision, related to the sending and receiving of detailees to other branches or agencies on a reimbursable, partially reimbursable, or nonreimbursable basis. The provision in the House-passed bill would have authorized the receipt of detailees, while the Senate-reported bill contained a provision authorizing the sending and receiving of detailees. The Consolidated Appropriations Act provision authorizes the receipt of detailees.

    Highlights of House and Senate Hearings on the FY2016 GAO Budget

    At the House hearing on February 25, 2015, the subcommittee discussed recent GAO products, including those related to the implementation of the Affordable Care Act.

    The Senate subcommittee met on March 10, 2015, and discussed the professional background of employees, the operations of the newly established Center for Audit Excellence, and ways for Congress to respond to GAO's findings.

    Open World Leadership Center

    The Open World Leadership Center administers a program that supports democratic changes in other countries by inviting their leaders to observe democracy and free enterprise in the United States. The first program was authorized by Congress in 1999 to support the relationship between Russia and the United States. The program encouraged young federal and local Russian leaders to visit the United States and observe its government and society.

    Established at the Library of Congress as the Center for Russian Leadership Development in 2000, the center was renamed the Open World Leadership Center in 2003, when the program was expanded to include specified additional countries.29 In 2004, Congress further extended the program's eligibility to other countries designated by the center's board of trustees, subject to congressional consideration.30 The center is housed in the Library and receives services from the Library through an inter-agency agreement.

    FY2016 Discussion of Funding of Open World

    As in previous years, Open World was the subject of lengthy discussion during a House FY2016 hearing,31 the House Appropriations subcommittee markup, the full committee markup, and on the House floor.

    Open World requested $8.0 million for FY2016, the same level it has requested since FY2014. The request represents an increase of 40.4% from the $5.7 million provided in FY2015. The House subcommittee mark proposed $1.0 million for an orderly shutdown of Open World. Language in the full committee print, released prior to the markup of the FY2016 bill, stated,32

    The Committee believes given our current fiscal environment, and in light of both the lack of quantifiable results from the Open World Leadership Center and its duplication of programs more appropriately offered by the State Department, the program has long outlived its short-term intent. The Committee has provided an allocation to be used for the orderly shutdown during fiscal year 2016 of the Open World Leadership Center.

    An amendment offered by Representative Fortenberry at the full committee markup would add $4.7 million for Open World, offset from funding for the "Architect of the Capitol, Capitol Power Plant" budget. The operations of Open World, including assessments of its impact, were discussed prior to the adoption (by voice vote) of the amendment.

    An amendment made in order by the House Rules Committee proposed the elimination of the $5.7 million included in the House-reported bill for Open World and would apply the savings to     the spending reduction account. The amendment, H.Amdt. 239, was agreed to (224 - 199). -199). Open World was also the subject of two amendments proposed but not made in order by the House Rules Committee: (1) one amendment submitted would have redirected the $4.7 million added to Open World during the full committee markup back to the “"Architect of the Capitol, Capitol Power Plant”"; and (2) one amendment would have redirected $2.5 million from Open World to re-institute the Office of Technology Assessment (OTA).

    The Senate-reported bill would have provided $5.7 million, equivalent to the FY2015 level.

    The FY2016 Consolidated Appropriations Act provides $5.6 million.

    Prior Year Discussion of Location and Funding of Open World The location and future of Open World, attempts to assess its effectiveness, and its inclusion in the legislative branch budget, have been discussed at appropriations hearings and in report language for more than a decade. The funding level for Open World has also varied greatly during this period, although it has decreased each year since FY2009. For FY2015, the House committee recommended $3.4 million, while the Senate committee recommended $5.7 million. Both reports discussed the conflict in Ukraine and Open World’s 's activities in the region. The FY2015 act provided $5.7 million. For FY2014, the House subcommittee mark would have provided $1.0 million. An amendment to restore funding for Open World to the FY2013 post-sequester level was debated and withdrawn during the full committee markup. The House committee report stated, For many years the Committee has had concern with the placement of the Open World Leadership Center (OWLC) in the Legislative Branch. The Committee understands the program has some strong champions on the Committee. However, with further reductions being made to every program within the Legislative Branch, the Committee has provided $1,000,000 to cover the cost associated with the shutdown of the OWLC. The Committee directs the Executive Director of the OWLC to retain any necessary prior year funds in the Trust to cover any cost in excess of the $1,000,000 provided in this bill be utilized for the orderly shutdown. 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 2014 appropriation bill.29 29 U.S. Congress, House Committee on Appropriations, FY2014 Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill, H.Rept. 113173, report to accompany H.R. 2792 (Washington: GPO, 2013), p. 20. Congressional Research Service 17 Legislative Branch: FY2016 Appropriations appropriation bill.33 The FY2014 Senate-reported bill would have provided $4.0 million, as well as a provision allowing the Librarian of Congress to transfer up to $6.0 million in nonappropriated funds to Open World. The final enacted FY2014 level was $6.0 million. The FY2013 House-reported bill would have provided $1.0 million, a decrease of $9.0 million (-90.0%), from the $10.0 million provided in FY2012 and requested for FY2013. The House report stated that this funding level would “"cover the cost associated with the shutdown”" and directed that “"the program termination is to be finalized within one year of enactment of the Legislative Branch fiscal year 2013 appropriations bill.”30 "34 H.Amdt. 1281, agreed to by recorded vote (204-203, Roll no. 373), eliminated this funding. At the Senate FY2013 budget request hearing on March 1, 2012, the subcommittee discussed potential options for increasing private funding, including the hire of a development professional. The Senate-reported bill would have provided $10.0 million. The FY2013 act provided $8.0 million, not including sequestration or the across-the-board rescission.31 35 The House-passed FY2012 bill (H.R. 2551) would have provided $1.0 million, a decrease of 91.2% from FY2011. The House report stated, “"The program has some strong champions on the Committee, but with reductions being made to most every program within the Federal budget the Committee has elected to shut down the program and recommends $1,000,000 for shutdown expenses.”32"36 The Senate-reported bill, in contrast, would have provided $10.0 million (-12.1%). The Senate report stated that “"despite the fiscal constraints of the budget this program is necessary for the promotion of democratic principles in countries with historically oppressive rule.”33"37 The FY2012 act contained the Senate-reported level. The FY2011 level of $11.4 million represented a decrease of $623,000 (-5.2%) from the $12.0 million provided for FY2010. The FY2010 level represented a decrease of $1.9 million (-13.7%) from FY2009. Additionally, the FY2010 House Appropriations Committee report stated that “"the Legislative Branch Subcommittee has been clear that it expects the Open World program to become financially independent of funding in this bill as soon as possible.”34"38 This sentiment was also expressed in the conference report, which stated, The conferees are fully supportive of expanded efforts of the Open World Center to raise private funding and expect this effort to reduce the requirements for funding from the Legislative Branch appropriations bill in future years. The Committees look forward to a report of progress being made by the Center’'s fundraising program prior to hearings on its fiscal year 2011 budget request.35 30 U.S. Congress, House Committee on Appropriations, FY2013 Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill, H.Rept. 112511, report to accompany H.R. 5882 (Washington: GPO, 2012), p. 42. 31 The rescission equaled 0.032% for security programs, as defined by 250(c)(4)(B) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. 32 U.S. Congress, House Appropriations Committee, FY2012 Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill, report to accompany H.R. 2551, H.Rept. 112-148 (Washington: GPO, 2011), p. 28. 33 U.S. Congress, Senate Appropriations Committee, FY2012 Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill, report to accompany H.R. 2551, S.Rept. 112-80 (Washington: GPO, 2011), p. 45. 34 U.S. House of Representatives, Committee on Appropriations, Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill, 2010, H.Rept. 111-160, (Washington: GPO, 2009), p. 29. 35 U.S. Congress, Legislative Branch Appropriations, 2010, H.Rept. 111-265, conference report to accompany H.R. (continued...) Congressional Research Service 18 Legislative Branch: FY2016 Appropriations fiscal year 2011 budget request.39 The FY2009 level of $13.9 million was a $4.92 million increase (+54.8%) from FY2008. The location within the legislative branch was discussed during a hearing on the FY2009 budget. Ambassador John O’'Keefe, the executive director of Open World, testified that the program may attract different participants if associated with the executive branch rather than the Library of Congress, which may be seen as more neutral and nonpartisan.3640 The FY2009 explanatory statement directed the Open World Leadership Center Board of Trustees to work with the State Department and the judiciary to establish a shared funding mechanism.37 41 The $8.98 million provided in FY2008 represented a decrease of $4.88 million (-35.2%) from the $13.86 million provided in FY2007 and FY2006. The location of Open World was also discussed during the FY2008 appropriations cycle,3842 and language was included in the FY2008 Consolidated Appropriations Act requiring Open World to prepare a report by March 31, 2008, on “ "potential options for transfer of the Open World Leadership Center to a department or agency in the executive branch, establishment of the Center as an independent agency in the executive branch, or other appropriate options.”39 "43 In 2004, GAO issued a report on the Open World program, examining program participation, purpose, and accountability.40 44 John C. Stennis Center for Public Service Training and Development The center was created by Congress in 1988 to encourage public service by congressional staff through training and development programs.41 The center requested $430,000 for FY2016, the same as45 The FY2016 act provides $430,000, the same level provided in the FY2015 and FY2014 acts and proposedcontained in the FY2016 House-passed bill. General Provisions As in past years, the budget request contained a number of recurring general provisions, including those that would • prohibit appropriated funds for the maintenance and care of private vehicles; • limit funds to FY2016 unless otherwise expressly provided; (...continued) 2918 (Washington: GPO, 2009), p. 42. 36 Testimony of Ambassador John O’Keefe, executive director, U.S. Congress, House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch, Legislative Branch Appropriations for 2009, hearings, 110th Cong., 2nd sess., March 12, 2008 (Washington: GPO, 2008), pp. 359-420. 37 Congressional Record, February 23, 2009, p. H2398. 38 In H.R. 2771 (110th Cong.), the House-passed version of the FY2008 appropriations bill, the House Appropriations Committee recommended $6.0 million for Open World. The committee report stated that an additional $6.0 million would be provided for transfer to the program in the FY2008 State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs appropriation. The House-passed bill, which retained the committee-recommended funding level, also contained an administrative provision transferring the Open World Leadership Center to the Department of State effective October 1, 2008. The Senate-reported bill (S. 1686, 110th Cong.) would have provided $13.5 million in new budget authority for Open World. 39 P.L. 110-161, 121 Stat. 2251, December 26, 2007. 40 Available at http://gao.gov/assets/250/241737.pdf. 41 2 U.S.C. 1105. See also http://www.stennis.gov/. Congressional Research Service 19 Legislative Branch: FY2016 Appropriations • make any changes in rates of compensation and designation permanent; • make consulting services contracts a matter of public record; • authorize the costs of Legislative Branch Financial Managers Council (LBFMC); • authorize landscape maintenance by the AOC in a specified area; • limit transfers to those authorized by law; and • prohibit restrictions on guided staff tours of the Capitol with limited exceptions. There is also one new provision in the request that would • authorize battery recharging stations in parking areas under the jurisdiction of the Librarian of Congress. The House Appropriations Committee included all of these general provisions in its reported bill, and added two more, including • a provision prohibiting a cost of living adjustment for Members of Congress in FY2016. Members of Congress last received a pay adjustment in January 2009. Absent either a statutory prohibition for Member pay or automatic limitations related to the General Schedule (GS), Members would receive a maximum of 1.7%, or $3,000, in January 2016. The legislative branch bill does not contain language funding or increasing Member pay, and a provision prohibiting the automatic Member pay adjustments could be included in any bill, or be introduced as a separate bill; and • a provision establishing a spending reduction account. An amendment, H.Amdt. 240, agreed to in the House added an additional general provision that would • prohibit funds made available by the act from being used to deliver a printed copy of the Congressional Pictorial Directory to a Member of the House. All of these provisions were included in the House-passed version of H.R. 2250. Introduction to Summary Tables and Appendix Table 4 through Table 8 provide information on funding levels for the legislative branch overall, the Senate, the House of Representatives, the Capitol Police, and the Architect of the Capitol. The tables are followed by an Appendix, which lists House, Senate, and conference bills and reports, public law numbers, and enactment dates since FY1998. Congressional Research Service 20 Table 4. Legislative Branch Appropriations: Funding Levels by Agency or Entity (in thousands of dollars) Entity FY2015 Enacted FY2016 Requested FY2016 House FY2016 Senate FY2016 Enacted Title 1: Legislative Branch Appropriations Senate $864,286 $930,403 — House of Representatives (discretionary) 1,180,735 1,180,735 1,180,735 House of Representatives (mandatory) 174 19,056 19,767 19,469 347,959 378,900 369,000 3,959 4,020 3,959 45,700 47,270 47,270 Architect of the Capitol 600,261 661,758 492,171 Library of Congress, Including CRS 590,921 624,502 591,431 Congressional Research Service, Lib. of Cong. 106,945 111,956 106,945 Government Publishing Office 119,993 120,000 110,236 Government Accountability Office 522,000 553,058 522,000 Open World Leadership Center 5,700 8,000 0 Stennis Center for Public Service 430 430 430 -1,000 0 -1,000 0 0 0 $4,300,000 $4,528,879 $3,335,875 Joint Itemsa Capitol Police Office of Compliance Congressional Budget Office Other Title II: General Provisions Total Legislative Branch Source: P.L. 113-235, the request and the House-passed and Senate-reported versions of the FY2016 bill. General Provisions As in past years, Congress considered a number of general provisions related to the legislative branch. Table 4 lists the provisions considered, the stage originally proposed, and final disposition. Table 4. FY2016 General Provisions Considered

    (and stage of inclusion or status)

    Provision to

    Recurring from FY2015

    Included in Request

    Included by House

    Included by Senate

    Enacted in FY2016

    prohibit appropriated funds for the maintenance and care of private vehicles

    Yes

    Yes

    Yes

    Yes

    Yes

    limit funds to FY2016 unless otherwise expressly provided

    Yes

    Yes

    Yes

    Yes

    Yes

    make any changes in rates of compensation and designation permanent

    Yes

    Yes

    Yes

    Yes

    Yes

    make consulting services contracts a matter of public record

    Yes

    Yes

    Yes

    Yes

    Yes

    authorize the costs of Legislative Branch Financial Managers Council (LBFMC)

    Yes

    Yes

    Yes

    Yes

    Yes

    authorize landscape maintenance by the AOC in a specified area

    Yes

    Yes

    Yes

    Yes

    Yes

    limit transfers to those authorized by law

    Yes

    Yes

    Yes

    Yes

    Yes

    prohibit restrictions on guided staff tours of the Capitol with limited exceptions

    Yes

    Yes

    Yes

    Yes

    Yes

    authorize battery recharging stations in parking areas under the jurisdiction of the Librarian of Congress

    No

    Yes

    Yes

    Yes

    Yes

    prohibit a cost of living adjustment for Members of Congress in FY2016a

    No

    No

    Yes (by the House Appropriations Committee)

    Yes

    Yesa

    establish a spending reduction account

    No

    No

    Yes (by the House Appropriations Committee)

    No

    No

    prohibit funds made available by the act from being used to deliver a printed copy of the Congressional Pictorial Directory to a Member of the House

    No

    No

    Yes (by H.Amdt. 240)

    No

    Yesb authorize agency self-certification of performance appraisal systems for senior-level employees of the Library of Congress, Architect of the Capitol, and Government Publishing Officec

    No

    No

    No

    No

    Yes

    Source: P.L. 113-235, the Budget for Fiscal Year 2016, H.Rept. 114-110, S.Rept. 114-64, and P.L. 114-113.

    Notes:

    a. Members of Congress last received a pay adjustment in January 2009. Absent either a statutory prohibition for Member pay or automatic limitations related to the General Schedule (GS), Members would have received a maximum of 1.7%, or $3,000, in January 2016. The legislative branch bill does not contain language funding or increasing Member pay, and a provision prohibiting the automatic Member pay adjustments could be included in any bill, or be introduced as a separate bill. The provision prohibiting a cost of living adjustment for Members of Congress in FY2016 was contained in Section 9 (Adjustments to compensation) of the act. b. The prohibition related to the Congressional Pictorial Directory relates solely to Members of the House and was contained within the House of Representatives administrative provisions section as section 108. c. Previously, the FY2016 House Appropriations Committee report had stated "Performance Based Merit Increases are not to exceed the maximum allowable for agencies with a certified SES performance appraisal system" (H.Rept. 114-110). For additional background, see Letter from Anthony H. Gamboa, General Counsel, Government Accountability Office, to the Honorable Jerry Lewis, House Committee on Appropriations, B-305945, Architect of the Capitol—Maximum Rate of Pay for Senior Employees, September 30, 2005 (http://www.gao.gov/decisions/appro/305945.pdf). Introduction to Summary Tables and Appendix Table 5 through Table 9 provide information on funding levels for the legislative branch overall, the Senate, the House of Representatives, the Capitol Police, and the Architect of the Capitol. The tables are followed by an Appendix, which lists House, Senate, and conference bills and reports, public law numbers, and enactment dates since FY1998. Table 5. Legislative Branch Appropriations: Funding Levels by Agency or Entity

    (in thousands of dollars)

    Entity

    FY2015 Enacted

    FY2016 Requested

    FY2016 House-passed

    FY2016 Senate-reported

    FY2016 Enacted

    Title 1: Legislative Branch Appropriations

    Senate

    $864,286

    $930,403

    —

    $870,159

    $870,159

    House of Representatives

    1,180,735

    1,180,735

    1,180,909a

    1,180,909

    1,180,909

    Joint Itemsb

    19,056

    19,767

    19,469

    20,306b 20,732b

    Capitol Police

    347,959

    378,900

    369,000

    366,465

    375,000

    Office of Compliance

    3,959

    4,020

    3,959

    3,959

    3,959

    Congressional Budget Office

    45,700

    47,270

    47,270

    45,700

    46,500

    Architect of the Capitol

    600,261

    661,758

    492,171

    579,383

    612,904

    Library of Congress, Including CRS

    590,921

    624,502

    591,431

    593,163

    599,912

    Congressional Research Service, Lib. of Cong.

    106,945

    111,956

    106,945

    106,945

    106,945

    Government Publishing Office

    119,993

    120,000

    110,236

    119,000

    117,068

    Government Accountability Office

    522,000

    553,058

    522,000

    525,000

    531,000

    Open World Leadership Center

    5,700

    8,000

    0

    5,700

    5,600

    Stennis Center for Public Service

    430

    430

    430

    430

    430

    Other

    -1,000

    0

    -1,000

    -1,000

    -1,000

    Title II: General Provisions

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    Total Legislative Branch

    $4,300,000

    $4,528,844

    $3,335,875

    $4,309,174

    $4,363,172

    Source: P.L. 113-235, the     Budget for Fiscal Year 2016, , H.Rept. 114-110, and CRS calculations. Notes: a. CRS-21 , S.Rept. 114-64, P.L. 114-113, and CRS calculations.

    Notes:

    a. This total includes one gratuity payment. b.     The FY2016 budget request contains the following under “"Joint Items”": the Joint Economic Committee, the Joint Committee on Taxation, the Office of the Attending Physician, and the Office of Congressional Accessibility Services. Table 5. Senate Appropriations (in thousands of dollars) Accounts Payments—Heirs of Deceased Members of Congress FY2015 Enacted FY2016 Requesteda FY2016 Houseb $0 $0 — 205 203a — 177,723 184,463a — 5,409 5,643a — 1,120 1,133a — 28 28 — Contingent Expenses (subtotal) 679,801 738,933a — Inquiries and Investigations 133,265 135,747a — 508 516a — 6,250 8,750 — 128,300 133,974 — 21,178 21,401 — 390,000 438,245a — 300 300 — $864,286 $930,403 — Expense Allowances and Representation Salaries, Officers, and Employees Office of Legislative Counsel Office of Legal Counsel Expense Allowances for Secretary of Senate, et al. Senate Intl. Narcotics Caucus Secretary of the Senatec Sergeant at Arms/Doorkeeperd Miscellaneous Items Senators’ Official Personnel and Office Expense Account Official Mail Costs Total, Senate FY2016 Senate Source: P.L. 113-235 and the Budget for Fiscal Year 2016. Total calculated by CRS. Notes: a. Includes a budget amendment transmitted on April 14, 2015. b. By tradition, the House does not consider appropriations for Senate operations. c. Office operations of the Office of the Secretary of the Senate are also funded under “Salaries, Officers, and Employees.” d. Office operations of the Office of Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper are also funded under “Salaries, Officers, and Employees.” CRS-22 FY2016 Enacted Table 6. House of Representatives Appropriations (in thousands of dollars) Accounts Payments—Heirs of Deceased Members of Congress FY2016 Requested FY2016 House — — $174 22,278 22,278 22,278 Members’ Representational Allowance 554,318 554,318 554,318 Committee Employees (subtotal) 147,174 147,174 147,174 123,903 123,903 123,903 23,271 23,271 23,271 171,345 177,869 175,714 Office of the Clerk 24,009 24,981 24,981 Office of the Sergeant at Arms 11,927 14,827 14,827 113,100 117,165 115,010 Office of Inspector General 4,742 4,742 4,742 Office of General Counsel 1,341 1,413 1,413 Office of the Parliamentarian 1,952 1,975 1,975 Office of the Law Revision Counsel 4,088 3,120 3,120 Office of the Legislative Counsel 8,893 8,353 8,353 Office of Interparliamentary Affairs 814 814 814 Other Authorized Employees 479 479 479 285,620 279,096 281,251 4,153 3,625 3,625 190 190 190 256,636 252,164 254,448 16,217 16,289 16,217 House Leadership Offices Standing Committees, Special and Select, except Appropriations Appropriations Committee Salaries, Officers, and Employees (subtotal) Office of Chief Administrative Officer Allowances and Expenses (subtotal) Supplies, Materials, Administrative Costs and Federal Tort Claims Official Mail for committees, leadership, administrative and legislative offices Government Contributions Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Emergency Appropriations CRS-23 FY2015 Enacted FY2016 Senatea FY2016 Enacted FY2015 Enacted Accounts FY2016 Requested FY2016 House Miscellaneous Items 720 720 720 Transition Activities 3,737 2,084 2,084 Wounded Warrior Program 2,500 2,500 2,500 Office of Congressional Ethics 1,467 1,524 1,467 1,180,735 1,180,735 1,180,735b House of Representatives, Total FY2016 Senatea Sources: P.L. 113-235, the Budget for Fiscal Year 2016, and H.Rept. 114-110. Numbers may not add due to rounding. a. By tradition, the Senate does not consider appropriations for House operations b. Not including the “Payments—Heirs of Deceased Members of Congress.” Table 7. Capitol Police Appropriations (in thousands of dollars) Accounts Salaries, Capitol Police General Expenses Total, Capitol Police FY2015 Enacted FY2016 Requested FY2016 House FY2016 Senate $286,500 $307,428 $300,000 61,459 71,472 69,000 347,959 378,900 369,000 FY2016 Enacted Source: P.L. 113-235, the The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies is first included in this section in the Senate-reported bill, which appears to conform to recent practice. The Senate-reported bill and the Consolidated Appropriations Act provide $1.25 million for this committee. Table 6. Senate Appropriations

    (in thousands of dollars)

    Accounts

    FY2015 Enacted

    FY2016 Requesteda FY2016 House-passedb

    FY2016 Senate-reported

    FY2016 Enacted

    Payments—Heirs of Deceased Members of Congress

    $0

    $0

    —

    $0

    $0

    Expense Allowances and Representation

    205

    203a

    —

    205

    205

    Salaries, Officers, and Employees

    177,723

    184,463a

    —

    179,184

    179,184

    Office of Legislative Counsel

    5,409

    5,643a

    —

    5,409

    5,409

    Office of Legal Counsel

    1,120

    1,133a

    —

    1,120

    1,120

    Expense Allowances for Secretary of Senate, et al.

    28

    28

    —

    28

    28

    Contingent Expenses (subtotal)

    679,801

    738,933a

    —

    684,213

    684,213

    Inquiries and Investigations

    133,265

    135,747a

    —

    133,265

    133,265

    Senate Intl. Narcotics Caucus

    508

    516a

    —

    508

    508

    Secretary of the Senatec

    6,250

    8,750

    —

    8,750

    8,750

    Sergeant at Arms/Doorkeeperd

    128,300

    133,974

    —

    130,000

    130,000

    Miscellaneous Items

    21,178

    21,401

    —

    21,390

    21,390

    Senators' Official Personnel and Office Expense Account

    390,000

    438,245a

    —

    390,000

    390,000

    Official Mail Costs

    300

    300

    —

    300

    300

    Total, Senate

    $864,286

    $930,403

    —

    $870,159

    $870,159

    Source: P.L. 113-235, the Budget for Fiscal Year 2016, S.Rept. 114-64, and P.L. 114-113. Total calculated by CRS.

    Notes:

    a. Includes a budget amendment transmitted on April 14, 2015. b. By tradition, the House does not consider appropriations for Senate operations. c. Office operations of the Office of the Secretary of the Senate are also funded under "Salaries, Officers, and Employees." d. Office operations of the Office of Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper are also funded under "Salaries, Officers, and Employees." Table 7. House of Representatives Appropriations

    (in thousands of dollars)

    Accounts

    FY2015 Enacted

    FY2016 Requested

    FY2016 House-passed FY2016 Senate-reporteda

    FY2016 Enacted

    Payments—Heirs of Deceased Members of Congress

    —

    —

    $174

    $174

    $174

    House Leadership Offices

    22,278

    22,278

    22,278

    22,278

    22,278

    Members' Representational Allowance

    554,318

    554,318

    554,318

    554,318

    554,318

    Committee Employees (subtotal)

    147,174

    147,174

    147,174

    147,174

    147,174

    Standing Committees, Special and Select, except Appropriations

    123,903

    123,903

    123,903

    123,903

    123,903

    Appropriations Committee

    23,271

    23,271

    23,271

    23,271

    23,271

    Salaries, Officers, and Employees (subtotal)

    171,345

    177,869

    175,714

    175,714

    178,532

    Office of the Clerk

    24,009

    24,981

    24,981

    24,981

    24,981

    Office of the Sergeant at Arms

    11,927

    14,827

    14,827

    14,827

    14,827

    Office of Chief Administrative Officer

    113,100

    117,165

    115,010

    115,010

    117,165

    Office of Inspector General

    4,742

    4,742

    4,742

    4,742

    4,742

    Office of General Counsel

    1,341

    1,413

    1,413

    1,413

    1,413

    Office of the Parliamentarian

    1,952

    1,975

    1,975

    1,975

    1,975

    Office of the Law Revision Counsel

    4,088

    3,120

    3,120

    3,120

    3,120

    Office of the Legislative Counsel

    8,893

    8,353

    8,353

    8,353

    8,353

    Office of Interparliamentary Affairs

    814

    814

    814

    814

    814

    Other Authorized Employees

    479

    479

    479

    479

    1,142

    Allowances and Expenses (subtotal)

    285,620

    279,096

    281,251

    281,251

    278,432

    Supplies, Materials, Administrative Costs and Federal Tort Claims

    4,153

    3,625

    3,625

    3,625

    3,625

    Official Mail for committees, leadership, administrative and legislative offices

    190

    190

    190

    190

    190

    Government Contributions

    256,636

    252,164

    254,448

    254,448

    251,629

    Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Emergency Appropriations

    16,217

    16,289

    16,217

    16,217

    16,217

    Miscellaneous Items

    720

    720

    720

    720

    720

    Transition Activities

    3,737

    2,084

    2,084

    2,084

    2,084

    Wounded Warrior Programb

    2,500

    2,500

    2,500

    2,500

    2,500

    Office of Congressional Ethics

    1,467

    1,524

    1,467

    1,467

    1,467

    House of Representatives, Total

    $1,180,735

    $1,180,735

    $1,180,735c $1,180,909d $1,180,909d

    Sources: P.L. 113-235, the Budget for Fiscal Year 2016, H.Rept. 114-110, S.Rept. 114-64, and P.L. 114-113.

    Notes: Numbers may not add due to rounding.

    a. By tradition, the Senate does not consider appropriations for House operations. b. The House Wounded Warrior Program, which is operated through the House of Representatives Chief Administrative Officer's office, provides two-year paid fellowships within the House of Representatives for disabled veterans. Fellows are eligible for the benefits of other House employees. The program has received funding since FY2009. Additional information is available at http://cao.house.gov/wounded-warrior. c. Not including the "Payments—Heirs of Deceased Members of Congress." d. Including the "Payments—Heirs of Deceased Members of Congress." Table 8. Capitol Police Appropriations

    (in thousands of dollars)

    Accounts

    FY2015 Enacted

    FY2016 Requested

    FY2016 House-passed

    FY2016 Senate-reported

    FY2016 Enacted

    Salaries, Capitol Police

    $286,500

    $307,428

    $300,000

    $300,000

    $309,000

    General Expenses

    61,459

    71,472

    69,000

    66,465

    66,000

    Total, Capitol Police

    $347,959

    $378,900

    $369,000

    $366,465

    $375,000

    Source: P.L. 113-235, the     Budget for Fiscal Year 2016, , and H.Rept. 114-110. Table 8, S.Rept. 114-64, and P.L. 114-113. Table 9. Architect of the Capitol Appropriations (in thousands of dollars) Accounts General administration/Capitol Construction and Operationsa CRS-24 FY2015 Enacted FY2016 Requested FY2016 House $91,455 $95,396 $90,946 Capitol building 54,665 58,052 46,737 Capitol grounds 11,973 15,273 11,880 FY2016 Senate FY2016 Enacted FY2016 Enacted Accounts Senate office buildings FY2015 Enacted FY2016 Requested FY2016 House FY2016 Senate FY2016 Enacted 94,313 84,748 —b House office buildings 89,447 90,282 149,962 —c House Historic Buildings Revitalization Fund 70,000 70,000 10,000 —c Capitol Power Plantd 90,652 120,803 91,550 Library buildings and grounds 42,180 65,801 36,589 Capitol Police buildings and grounds 19,159 28,247 22,058 Botanic garden 15,573 12,113 11,892 Capitol Visitor Center 20,844 21,043 20,557 $600,261 $661,758 $492,171 House of Representatives Total, Architect of the Capitol Source: P.L. 113-235, the Budget for Fiscal Year 2016, and H.Rept. 114-110. Notes: a. The FY2016 budget request, as well as the House subcommittee mark, would rename the “General Administration” account the “Capitol Construction and Operations” account. b. The House does not consider appropriations for Senate office buildings. c. The Senate does not consider appropriations for House office buildings. d. Not including offsetting collections. CRS-25 Legislative Branch: FY2016 Appropriations Appendix. Fiscal Year Information and Resources Table A-1. Overview of Legislative Branch Appropriations: FY1998-FY2015 House, Senate, Conference, and CRS Reports and Related Legislative Vehicles Fiscal Year CRS Report Senate Conference H.Rept. 113-417 (H.R. 4487) S.Rept. 113-196 (H.R. 4487) explanatory materials inserted into the Congressional Record (H.R. 83) 12/16/2014 (P.L. 113235) Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 CRS Report R43557, Legislative Branch: FY2015 Appropriations H.Rept. 113-173 (H.R. 2792) S.Rept. 113-70 (S. 1283) explanatory materials inserted into the Congressional Record (H.R. 3547) 1/17/2014 (P.L. 113-76) Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014 CRS Report R43151, Legislative Branch: FY2014 Appropriations 2013 H.Rept. 112-511 (H.R. 5882) S.Rept. 112-197 (H.R. 5882) 3/26/2013 (P.L. 113-6) Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2013 CRS Report R42500, Legislative Branch: FY2013 Appropriations 2012 H.Rept. 112-148 (H.R. 2551) S.Rept. 112-80 (H.R. 2551) 12/23/2011 (P.L. 112-74) Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2012 CRS Report R41870, Legislative Branch: FY2012 Appropriations 4/15/2011 (P.L. 112-10) Department of Defense and Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2011 CRS Report R41214, Legislative Branch: FY2011 Appropriations H.Rept. 111-265 (H.R. 2918) 10/1/2009 (P.L. 111-68) Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2010 CRS Report R40617, Legislative Branch: FY2010 Appropriations explanatory materials inserted into the Congressional Record and issued in a committee print (H.R. 1105) 3/11/2009 (P.L. 111-8) Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009 CRS Report RL34490, Legislative Branch: FY2009 Appropriations explanatory materials inserted into the Congressional Record (H.R. 2764) 12/26/2007 (P.L. 110161) Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008 CRS Report RL34031, Legislative Branch: FY2008 Appropriations 2015 2014 2011 ___ 2010 H.Rept. 111-160 (H.R. 2918) 2009 2008 ___ H.Rept. 110-198 (H.R. 2771) S.Rept. 111-294 (S. 3799) S.Rept. 111-29 (S. 1294) ___ S.Rept. 110-89 (S. 1686) Congressional Research Service ___ H.Rept. 112-331 (H.R. 2055) Enacted Enactment Vehicle Title House ___ 26 Legislative Branch: FY2016 Appropriations Fiscal Year House Senate 2007 H.Rept. 109-485 (H.R. 5521) S.Rept. 109-267 (H.R. 5521) 2006 H.Rept. 109-139 (H.R. 2985) S.Rept. 109-89 (H.R. 2985) 2005 H.Rept. 108-577 (H.R. 4755) Conference Enacted Enactment Vehicle Title CRS Report 2/15/2007 (P.L. 110-5) Revised Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2007 CRS Report RL33379, Legislative Branch: FY2007 Appropriations H.Rept. 109-189 (H.R. 2985) 8/02/2005 (P.L. 109-55) FY2006 Legislative Branch Appropriations Act CRS Report RL32819, Legislative Branch: FY2006 Appropriations S.Rept. 108-307 (S. 2666) H.Rept. 108-792 (H.R. 4818) 12/8/2004 (P.L. 108447) Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2005 CRS Report RL32312, Appropriations for FY2005: Legislative Branch 2004 H.Rept. 108-186 (H.R. 2657) S.Rept. 108-88 (S. 1383) H.Rept. 108-279 (H.R. 2657) 9/30/2003 (P.L. 108-83) Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2004 CRS Report RL31812, Appropriations for FY2004: Legislative Branch 2003 H.Rept. 107-576 (H.R. 5121) S.Rept. 107-209 (S. 2720) 2/20/2003 (P.L. 108-7) Consolidated Appropriations Resolution, 2003 CRS Report RL31312, Appropriations for FY2003: Legislative Branch 2002 H.Rept. 107-169 (H.R. 2647) S.Rept. 107-37 (S. 1172) H.Rept. 107-259 (H.R. 2647) 11/12/2001 (P.L. 107-68) Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2002 CRS Report RL31012, Appropriations for FY2002: Legislative Branch 2001 H.Rept. 106-635 (H.R. 4516) S.Rept. 106-304 (S. 2603) H.Rept. 106-796 (H.R. 4516, incorporated into H.R. 4577) 12/21/2000 (P.L. 106554) Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2001 CRS Report RL30512, Appropriations for FY2001: Legislative Branch 2000 H.Rept. 106-156 (H.R. 1905) S.Rept. 106-75 (S. 1206) H.Rept. 106-290 (H.R. 1905) 9/29/1999 (P.L. 106-57) Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2000 CRS Report RL30212, Appropriations for FY2000: Legislative Branch 1999 H.Rept. 105-595 (H.R. 4112) S.Rept. 105-204 S. 2137) H.Rept. 105-734 (H.R. 4112) 10/21/1998 (P.L. 105275) Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1999 CRS Report 98-212, Appropriations for FY1999: Legislative Branch 1998 H.Rept. 105-196 (H.R. 2209) S.Rept. 105-47 (S. 1019) H.Rept. 105-254 (H.R. 2209) 10/7/1997 (P.L. 105-55) Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1998 CRS Report 97-212, Appropriations for FY1998: Legislative Branch ___ ___ Source: Congressional Research Service examination of LIS. Congressional Research Service 27 Legislative Branch: FY2016 Appropriations Author Contact Information Ida A. Brudnick Specialist on the Congress ibrudnick@crs.loc.gov, 7-6460 Congressional Research Service 28

    Accounts

    FY2015 Enacted

    FY2016 Requested

    FY2016 House-passed

    FY2016 Senate-reported

    FY2016 Enacted

    General administration/Capitol Construction and Operationsa

    $91,455

    $95,396

    $90,946

    $91,589

    $91,589

    Capitol building

    54,665

    58,052

    46,737

    45,546

    46,737

    Capitol grounds

    11,973

    15,273

    11,880

    11,973

    11,880

    Senate office buildings

    94,313

    84,748

    —b

    84,221

    84,221

    House of Representatives

             

    House office buildings

    89,447

    90,282

    149,962

    149,962c

    174,962

    House Historic Buildings Revitalization Fund

    70,000

    70,000

    10,000

    10,000c

    10,000

    Capitol Power Plantd

    90,652

    120,803

    91,550

    101,601

    94,722

    Library buildings and grounds

    42,180

    65,801

    36,589

    29,132

    40,689

    Capitol Police buildings and grounds

    19,159

    28,247

    22,058

    22,535

    25,434

    Botanic garden

    15,573

    12,113

    11,892

    11,980

    12,113

    Capitol Visitor Center

    20,844

    21,043

    20,557

    20,844

    20,557

    Total, Architect of the Capitol

    $600,261

    $661,758

    $492,171

    $579,383

    $612,904

    Source: P.L. 113-235, the Budget for Fiscal Year 2016, H.Rept. 114-110, S.Rept. 114-64, and P.L. 114-113.

    Notes:

    a. The FY2016 budget request, as well as the House subcommittee mark, would rename the "General Administration" account the "Capitol Construction and Operations" account.

    b. The House does not consider appropriations for Senate office buildings. c. The Senate does not consider appropriations for House office buildings. d. Not including offsetting collections. Fiscal Year Information and Resources Table A-1. Overview of Legislative Branch Appropriations: FY1998-FY2016

    House, Senate, Conference, and CRS Reports and Related Legislative Vehicles

    Fiscal Year

    House

    Senate

    Conference

    Enacted

    Enactment Vehicle Title CRS Report

    2016

    H.Rept. 114-110 (H.R. 2250)

    S.Rept. 114-64 (H.R. 2250)

    explanatory materials inserted into the Congressional Record

    12/18/2015(P.L. 114-113)

    Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016

    CRS Report R44029, Legislative Branch: FY2016 Appropriations

    2015

    H.Rept. 113-417 (H.R. 4487)

    S.Rept. 113-196(H.R. 4487) explanatory materials inserted into the Congressional Record (H.R. 83)

    12/16/2014 (P.L. 113-235)

    Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015

    CRS Report R43557, Legislative Branch: FY2015 Appropriations

    2014

    H.Rept. 113-173 (H.R. 2792)

    S.Rept. 113-70 (S. 1283)

    explanatory materials inserted into the Congressional Record (H.R. 3547)

    1/17/2014 (P.L. 113-76)

    Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014

    CRS Report R43151, Legislative Branch: FY2014 Appropriations

    2013

    H.Rept. 112-511(H.R. 5882) S.Rept. 112-197(H.R. 5882)

    ___

    3/26/2013 (P.L. 113-6)

    Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2013

    CRS Report R42500, Legislative Branch: FY2013 Appropriations

    2012

    H.Rept. 112-148 (H.R. 2551)

    S.Rept. 112-80 (H.R. 2551)

    H.Rept. 112-331(H.R. 2055) 12/23/2011(P.L. 112-74)

    Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2012

    CRS Report R41870, Legislative Branch: FY2012 Appropriations

    2011

    ___

    S.Rept. 111-294 (S. 3799)

    ___

    4/15/2011(P.L. 112-10)

    Department of Defense and Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2011

    CRS Report R41214, Legislative Branch: FY2011 Appropriations

    2010

    H.Rept. 111-160 (H.R. 2918) S.Rept. 111-29 (S. 1294) H.Rept. 111-265(H.R. 2918) 10/1/2009(P.L. 111-68)

    Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2010

    CRS Report R40617, Legislative Branch: FY2010 Appropriations

    2009

    ___

    ___

    explanatory materials inserted into the Congressional Record and issued in a committee print(H.R. 1105) 3/11/2009(P.L. 111-8)

    Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009

    CRS Report RL34490, Legislative Branch: FY2009 Appropriations

    2008

    H.Rept. 110-198 (H.R. 2771) S.Rept. 110-89(S. 1686) explanatory materials inserted into the Congressional Record(H.R. 2764) 12/26/2007(P.L. 110-161)

    Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008

    CRS Report RL34031, Legislative Branch: FY2008 Appropriations

    2007

    H.Rept. 109-485 (H.R. 5521) S.Rept. 109-267(H.R. 5521)

    ___

    2/15/2007(P.L. 110-5)

    Revised Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2007

    CRS Report RL33379, Legislative Branch: FY2007 Appropriations

    2006

    H.Rept. 109-139(H.R. 2985)

    S.Rept. 109-89 (H.R. 2985)

    H.Rept. 109-189(H.R. 2985) 8/02/2005 (P.L. 109-55)

    FY2006 Legislative Branch Appropriations Act

    CRS Report RL32819, Legislative Branch: FY2006 Appropriations

    2005

    H.Rept. 108-577(H.R. 4755) S.Rept. 108-307(S. 2666) H.Rept. 108-792 (H.R. 4818) 12/8/2004(P.L. 108-447)

    Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2005

    CRS Report RL32312, Appropriations for FY2005: Legislative Branch

    2004

    H.Rept. 108-186(H.R. 2657) S.Rept. 108-88 (S. 1383) H.Rept. 108-279(H.R. 2657) 9/30/2003(P.L. 108-83)

    Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2004

    CRS Report RL31812, Appropriations for FY2004: Legislative Branch

    2003

    H.Rept. 107-576(H.R. 5121) S.Rept. 107-209(S. 2720)

    ___

    2/20/2003(P.L. 108-7)

    Consolidated Appropriations Resolution, 2003

    CRS Report RL31312, Appropriations for FY2003: Legislative Branch

    2002

    H.Rept. 107-169(H.R. 2647) S.Rept. 107-37(S. 1172) H.Rept. 107-259 (H.R. 2647) 11/12/2001 (P.L. 107-68)

    Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2002

    CRS Report RL31012, Appropriations for FY2002: Legislative Branch

    2001

    H.Rept. 106-635(H.R. 4516) S.Rept. 106-304(S. 2603) H.Rept. 106-796(H.R. 4516, incorporated into H.R. 4577) 12/21/2000(P.L. 106-554)

    Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2001

    CRS Report RL30512, Appropriations for FY2001: Legislative Branch

    2000

    H.Rept. 106-156(H.R. 1905) S.Rept. 106-75(S. 1206) H.Rept. 106-290(H.R. 1905) 9/29/1999 (P.L. 106-57)

    Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2000

    CRS Report RL30212, Appropriations for FY2000: Legislative Branch

    1999

    H.Rept. 105-595(H.R. 4112) S.Rept. 105-204S. 2137) H.Rept. 105-734 (H.R. 4112) 10/21/1998(P.L. 105-275)

    Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1999

    CRS Report 98-212, Appropriations for FY1999: Legislative Branch

    1998

    H.Rept. 105-196(H.R. 2209) S.Rept. 105-47(S. 1019) H.Rept. 105-254 (H.R. 2209) 10/7/1997(P.L. 105-55)

    Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1998

    CRS Report 97-212, Appropriations for FY1998: Legislative Branch

    Source: Congressional Research Service examination of LIS.

    Author Contact Information

    [author name scrubbed], Specialist on the Congress ([email address scrubbed], [phone number scrubbed])

    Footnotes

    1.

    Office of Management and Budget, Appendix, Budget of the United States Government, FY2016 (Washington: GPO, 2014), pp. 13-44, available at https://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/omb/budget/fy2016/assets/leg.pdf.

    2.

    Pursuant to 31 U.S.C. 1105, "Estimated expenditures and proposed appropriations for the legislative branch and the judicial branch to be included in each budget ... shall be submitted to the President ... and included in the budget by the President without change." Division C of the FY2012 Consolidated Appropriations Act (P.L. 112-74) added language to 31 U.S.C. 1107 relating to budget amendments, stating: "The President shall transmit promptly to Congress without change, proposed deficiency and supplemental appropriations submitted to the President by the legislative branch and the judicial branch."

    3.

    The other decreases were for the Joint Economic Committee (-$28,000) and the Office of Congressional Accessibility Services (-$7,000). A decrease for the U.S. Tax Court (-$200,000), which appears within the legislative branch budget request but is funded through the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, was also included in this amendment. Available at https://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/omb/assets/budget_amendments/amendment_04_14_15.pdf.

    4.

    302(a) and 302(b) refer to the section of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-344) addressing the allocation of totals and reports by committees.

    5.

    U.S. Congress, House Committee on Appropriations, Report on the Suballocation of Budget Allocations for Fiscal Year 2016, 114th Cong., 1st sess., April 29, 2015, H.Rept. 114-97 (Washington: GPO, 2015), p. 2.

    6.

    U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Appropriations, Allocation to Subcommittees of Budget Totals from the Concurrent Resolution for Fiscal Year 2016, 114th Cong., 1st sess., May 21, 2015, S.Rept. 114-55 (Washington: GPO, 2015), p. 3.

    7.

    Senator Mikulski, ranking Member of the full committee, had previously offered alternative 302(b) allocations: http://www.appropriations.senate.gov/sites/default/files/Mikulski%20Alternative%20Allocations.pdf.

    8.

    For additional information on CR components generally, see CRS Report R42647, Continuing Resolutions: Overview of Components and Recent Practices, by [author name scrubbed].

    9.

    Chairman Rogers, House debate, Congressional Record, daily edition, December 17, 2015, p. H10362.

    10.

    The legislative branch previously experienced a funding gap in FY1996 (November 14-18, 1995).

    11.

    FY2013 level from the CBO cost estimate for "Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2014 (H.J.Res. 59), Including the Amendment Reported by the House Committee on Rules on September 18, 2013 (H.Res. 352) Discretionary spending" (http://www.cbo.gov/sites/default/files/cbofiles/attachments/hjres59amendment.pdf), which lists a total for legislative branch budget authority of $4.061 billion, noting that it "includes effects of the 2013 sequestration." This bill contained a small anomaly for the legislative branch.

    12.

    White House, President Obama, Sequestration Order for Fiscal Year 2013 Pursuant to Section 251A of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act, As Amended, March 1, 2013, available at http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/2013sequestration-order-rel.pdf.

    13.

    Executive Office of the President, Office of Management and Budget, OMB Report to the Congress on the Joint Committee Sequestration for Fiscal Year 2013, March 1, 2013, http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/omb/assets/legislative_reports/fy13ombjcsequestrationreport.pdf.

    14.

    P.L. 111-5, February 17, 2009, 123 Stat. 191.

    15.

    U.S. Congress, conference committee, Making Supplemental Appropriations for the Fiscal Year Ending September 30, 2009, and for Other Purposes, report to accompany H.R. 2346, 111th Cong., 1st sess., H.Rept. 111-151 (Washington: GPO, 2009), p. 117.

    16.

    This section contains information on the budget requests, hearings, and requested administrative provisions of the House, Senate, and legislative branch agencies and entities. If no hearing or administrative provision is discussed, then none was held (in the case of a hearing) or requested (in the case of a provision).

    17.

    U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Legislative Branch, Legislative Branch, 2016, report to accompany H.R. 2250, 114th Cong., 1st sess., June 11, 2015, S.Rept. 114-64 (Washington: GPO, 2015), p. 4.

    18.

    Not including one gratuity paid to the heirs of a deceased Member in FY2014. The House-passed FY2016 bill would also provide one gratuity.

    19.

    For additional information, see CRS Report R40962, Members' Representational Allowance: History and Usage, by [author name scrubbed].

    20.

    P.L. 104-1, 109 Stat. 3, January 23, 1995. The act, as amended, applies 12 civil rights, labor, and workplace safety laws to Congress and certain legislative branch agencies. These laws are the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Employee Polygraph Protection Act, Fair Labor Standards Act, Family and Medical Leave Act, Federal Services Labor-Management Relations Act, Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, Rehabilitation Act of 1970, Veterans' employment and reemployment rights at Chapter 43 of Title 38 of the U.S. Code, Worker Adjustment and Retraining Act, and Veterans Employment Opportunities Act.

    21.

    Among the office's activities are administration of a dispute resolution process, investigation and enforcement of occupational safety and health and disability provisions of the act, investigation of labor relations and enforcement of applicable provisions, and development of educational programs regarding the act's provisions.

    22.

    The Congressional Budget Office is required to use estimates provided by the Joint Committee on Taxation for all revenue legislation (Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985, P.L. 99-177, §273, 99 Stat.1098, December 12, 1985; 2 U.S.C. §621 (et seq.)).

    23.

    Figure obtained from the Annual Report of the Librarian of Congress for Fiscal Year 2013, Library of Congress, Washington, DC, 2014, p. 9. Available at http://www.loc.gov/about/reports/.

    24.

    An example of receipts are fees paid to the LOC for copyright registration.

    25.

    Formerly known as the Government Printing Office. For additional information on GPO, see CRS Report R40897, Congressional Printing: Background and Issues for Congress, by [author name scrubbed] and [author name scrubbed].

    26.

    For additional information, see CRS Report R40939, Legislative Branch Revolving Funds, by [author name scrubbed] and [author name scrubbed].

    27.

    GAO's guidelines for initiating studies are contained in U.S. Government Accountability Office, GAO's Congressional Protocols, GAO-04-310G (Washington: GAO, 2004). Posted on the website of the Government Accountability Office at http://www.gao.gov/special.pubs/d04310g.pdf.

    28.

    Offsetting collections include funds derived from reimbursable audits and rental of space in the GAO building.

    29.

    P.L. 106-554, 114 Stat. 2763, 2763A-120, December 21, 2000; P.L. 108-7, 117 Stat. 382, February 20, 2003. According to the 2003 act, the additional countries include "any country specified in §3 of the FREEDOM Support Act (22 U.S.C. 5801)," and "Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania." The countries specified in 22 U.S.C. 5801 are Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan.

    30.

    P.L. 108-447, 118 Stat. 3192, December 8, 2004.

    31.

    The Open World Leadership Center was discussed during the House hearing on the Library of Congress on February 26, 2015, but no Open World staff provided testimony.

    32.

    Available at http://appropriations.house.gov/uploadedfiles/hrpt-114-hr-fy2016-legbranch.pdf.

    33.

    U.S. Congress, House Committee on Appropriations, FY2014 Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill, H.Rept. 113-173, report to accompany H.R. 2792 (Washington: GPO, 2013), p. 20.

    34.

    U.S. Congress, House Committee on Appropriations, FY2013 Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill, H.Rept. 112-511, report to accompany H.R. 5882 (Washington: GPO, 2012), p. 42.

    35.

    The rescission equaled 0.032% for security programs, as defined by 250(c)(4)(B) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.

    36.

    U.S. Congress, House Appropriations Committee, FY2012 Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill, report to accompany H.R. 2551, H.Rept. 112-148 (Washington: GPO, 2011), p. 28.

    37.

    U.S. Congress, Senate Appropriations Committee, FY2012 Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill, report to accompany H.R. 2551, S.Rept. 112-80 (Washington: GPO, 2011), p. 45.

    38.

    U.S. House of Representatives, Committee on Appropriations, Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill, 2010, H.Rept. 111-160, (Washington: GPO, 2009), p. 29.

    39.

    U.S. Congress, Legislative Branch Appropriations, 2010, H.Rept. 111-265, conference report to accompany H.R. 2918 (Washington: GPO, 2009), p. 42.

    40.

    Testimony of Ambassador John O'Keefe, executive director, U.S. Congress, House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch, Legislative Branch Appropriations for 2009, hearings, 110th Cong., 2nd sess., March 12, 2008 (Washington: GPO, 2008), pp. 359-420.

    41.

    Congressional Record, February 23, 2009, p. H2398.

    42.

    In H.R. 2771 (110th Cong.), the House-passed version of the FY2008 appropriations bill, the House Appropriations Committee recommended $6.0 million for Open World. The committee report stated that an additional $6.0 million would be provided for transfer to the program in the FY2008 State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs appropriation. The House-passed bill, which retained the committee-recommended funding level, also contained an administrative provision transferring the Open World Leadership Center to the Department of State effective October 1, 2008. The Senate-reported bill (S. 1686, 110th Cong.) would have provided $13.5 million in new budget authority for Open World.

    43.

    P.L. 110-161, 121 Stat. 2251, December 26, 2007.

    44.

    Available at http://gao.gov/assets/250/241737.pdf.

    45. 2 U.S.C. 1105. See also http://www.stennis.gov/.