Legislative Branch Appropriations: Frequently Asked Questions

Changes from July 14, 2022 to October 31, 2022

This page shows textual changes in the document between the two versions indicated in the dates above. Textual matter removed in the later version is indicated with ~~red strikethrough~~ and textual matter added in the later version is indicated with blue.

Legislative Branch Appropriations:
~~July 14~~October 31, 2022 , 2022
Frequently Asked Questions
Ida A. Brudnick
This report responds to frequently asked questions about legislative branch This report responds to frequently asked questions about legislative branch
appropriations. Specialist on the Congress Specialist on the Congress
~~appropriations.~~ Frequently asked questions include the items that are funded within this Frequently asked questions include the items that are funded within this

bill; development, bill; development, presentation, and consideration of the legislative branch budget presentation, and consideration of the legislative branch budget
requests; the legislative branch budget in historical perspective; and recent actions. requests; the legislative branch budget in historical perspective; and recent actions.

Division I of the FY2022 Division I of the FY2022 Consolidated Appropriations Act (P.L. 117-103),Consolidated Appropriations Act (P.L. 117-103), enacted on March 15, 2022, provides enacted on March 15, 2022, provides
$5.924 billion for legislative branch activities for FY2022 (+11.7% from the FY2021$5.924 billion for legislative branch activities for FY2022 (+11.7% from the FY2021 level, not including FY2021 level, not including FY2021
emergency appropriations; or an increase of +2.9%, when including FY2021 emergency appropriations). emergency appropriations; or an increase of +2.9%, when including FY2021 emergency appropriations). ~~For~~
~~additional information, see CRS Report R46936, Legislative Branch: FY2022 Appropriations, by Ida A. Brudnick.~~
Consideration of FY2023 funding began with the submission of the budget Consideration of FY2023 funding began with the submission of the budget ~~requests~~request on March 28, 2022 on March 28, 2022~~. The~~
~~legislative branch requested $7.230 billion.~~
~~Subsequently:~~ ($7.233 billion, +22.1%; including a budget amendment submitted June 7, 2022). Subsequently
 The House Legislative Branch Appropriations Subcommittee held hearings in March, April, and  The House Legislative Branch Appropriations Subcommittee held hearings in March, April, and
May 2022. May 2022.
 The Senate Legislative Branch Appropriations Subcommittee held hearings in May and June  The Senate Legislative Branch Appropriations Subcommittee held hearings in May and June
2022. 2022.
 The House Appropriations Committee Legislative Branch Subcommittee held a markup on June  The House Appropriations Committee Legislative Branch Subcommittee held a markup on June
15, 2022. 15, 2022.
 The House Appropriations Committee held a markup on June 22, 2022, and ordered an original  The House Appropriations Committee held a markup on June 22, 2022, and ordered an original
bill ~~bill~~ reported (H.R. 8237, H.Rept. 117-389)reported (H.R. 8237, H.Rept. 117-389) by recorded vote (Roll Call #3, 32-26). It would by recorded vote (Roll Call #3, 32-26). It would
provide $5.provide $5.~~701~~ 702 billion, not including Senate items .  The chair of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Senator Patrick Leahy, released drafts of the 12 annual appropriations bills along with draft accompanying explanatory statements on July 28, 2022. Senator Jack Reed, chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch, subsequently introduced the legislative branch bill text as S. 4720. It would provide $4.781 billion, not including House items, a $775.4 million increase (+19.4%) from the comparable FY2022 enacted level.  A FY2023 continuing appropriations resolution (CR) providing funding for legislative branch activities through December 16, 2022, was enacted on September 30, 2022 (P.L. 117-180). For additional information, see CRS Report R47296, Legislative Branch: FY2023 Appropriations~~billion, not including Senate items~~. .

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Legislative Branch Appropriations: Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions
In addition to the Senate and House of Representatives, what is funded by the
legislative branch appropriations bill?
In addition to the Senate and House of Representatives, the legislative branch In addition to the Senate and House of Representatives, the legislative branch ~~bill typically~~bil typical y funds funds
Joint Items, including the Joint Economic Committee, Joint Committee on Taxation, Office of the Joint Items, including the Joint Economic Committee, Joint Committee on Taxation, Office of the
Attending Physician, Office of Congressional Accessibility Services, and in some years, the Joint Attending Physician, Office of Congressional Accessibility Services, and in some years, the Joint
Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies; Capitol Police; Office of Congressional Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies; Capitol Police; Office of Congressional
Workplace Rights (OCWR, formerly the Office of Compliance); Congressional Budget Office Workplace Rights (OCWR, formerly the Office of Compliance); Congressional Budget Office
(CBO); Architect of the Capitol (AOC); Library of Congress (LOC), including the Congressional (CBO); Architect of the Capitol (AOC); Library of Congress (LOC), including the Congressional
Research Service (CRS); Government Publishing Office (GPO); Government Accountability Research Service (CRS); Government Publishing Office (GPO); Government Accountability
Office (GAO); and the Congressional Office for International Leadership (formerly the Open Office (GAO); and the Congressional Office for International Leadership (formerly the Open
World Leadership Center, renamed in the FY2022 Consolidated Appropriations Act). World Leadership Center, renamed in the FY2022 Consolidated Appropriations Act).
Why is the legislative branch budget request included in the President’s
budget request? Does the President play any role in its development?
The President has no formal role in the development of the legislative The President has no formal role in the development of the legislative branch budget request, branch budget request,
even though it is included in the President’s annual budget request documents. even though it is included in the President’s annual budget request documents.
By long-standing law and practice, the legislative branch request and any supplemental requests By long-standing law and practice, the legislative branch request and any supplemental requests
are submitted to the President and included in the budget without change.1 While the executive are submitted to the President and included in the budget without change.1 While the executive
branch budget submissions branch budget submissions ~~generally~~general y involve interaction between an agency and the Office of involve interaction between an agency and the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB), the legislativeManagement and Budget (OMB), the legislative branch requests do not. The executive branch branch requests do not. The executive branch
does not review or maintain documentation in support of the legislative branch requests.2does not review or maintain documentation in support of the legislative branch requests.2
What percentage of discretionary budget authority historically goes to the
legislative branch?
Discretionary budget authority is provided and controlled by the annual appropriations acts. Discretionary budget authority is provided and controlled by the annual appropriations acts.

1 Pursuant to 31 U.S.C.1 Pursuant to 31 U.S.C. §1105, “§1105, “ Estimated expenditures and proposed appropriations for the legislative branch and the Estimated expenditures and proposed appropriations for the legislative branch and the
judicialjudicial branch to be includedbranch to be included in each budgetin each budget ... shall be... shall be submitted to the President ... and includedsubmitted to the President ... and included in the budgetin the budget by the by the
President without change.” Division C of the FY2012 Consolidated Appropriations Act (President without change.” Division C of the FY2012 Consolidated Appropriations Act ( P.L. 112-74) added language P.L. 112-74) added language
to 31 U.S.C.to 31 U.S.C. §1107 relating to budget§1107 relating to budget amendments, stating: “amendments, stating: “~~The~~ T he President shall transmit promptly to Congress without President shall transmit promptly to Congress without
change, proposed deficiency and supplemental appropriations submitted to the President by the legislative branch and change, proposed deficiency and supplemental appropriations submitted to the President by the legislative branch and
the judicialthe judicial branch.”branch.”
2 OMB Circular2 OMB Circular A-11, Part 2, “Preparation and SubmissionA-11, Part 2, “Preparation and Submission of Budgetof Budget Estimates,” Section 25, provides the following Estimates,” Section 25, provides the following
information for agencies and entities, includinginformation for agencies and entities, including the legislative branch, “the legislative branch, “ not subject to Executive Branch review by law not subject to Executive Branch review by law
or custom. or custom. ~~That~~T hat means that the requirements for submitting materials in support of your budget means that the requirements for submitting materials in support of your budget request dorequest do not apply to not apply to
you. However, you do need to submit the information required for inclusion in the budgetyou. However, you do need to submit the information required for inclusion in the budget ~~database~~ database and documents, and documents,
which OMBwhich OMB incorporates without revisionincorporates without revision ” (https://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/whitehouse.gov/files/omb/assets/” (https://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/whitehouse.gov/files/omb/assets/
a11_current_year/s25.pdf). a11_current_year/s25.pdf).
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Since FY1976, the legislative Since FY1976, the legislative branch as a proportion of total discretionary budget authority has branch as a proportion of total discretionary budget authority has
averaged approximately 0.40%.3 The maximum level, not including the transition quarter,4 was in averaged approximately 0.40%.3 The maximum level, not including the transition quarter,4 was in
FY1995 (0.48%), and the minimum was in FY2020 (0.28%). FY1995 (0.48%), and the minimum was in FY2020 (0.28%).
What percentage of total budget authority (mandatory and discretionary)
historically goes to the legislative branch?
Total budget authority includes both discretionary budget authority controlled by the annual Total budget authority includes both discretionary budget authority controlled by the annual
appropriations acts and mandatory budget authority controlled by previous laws, including appropriations acts and mandatory budget authority controlled by previous laws, including
entitlements. entitlements.
Since FY1976, the legislative Since FY1976, the legislative branch as a proportion of total budget authority has averaged branch as a proportion of total budget authority has averaged
0.16%. The maximum level, 0.23%, was in FY1977, and the minimum, 0.07%, was in FY2020.50.16%. The maximum level, 0.23%, was in FY1977, and the minimum, 0.07%, was in FY2020.5
How is funding divided across the legislative branch?
Figure 1 shows the distribution of funding across the legislative branch in FY2022. shows the distribution of funding across the legislative branch in FY2022.

3 Calculations by CRS3 Calculations by CRS with data from Office of Management and Budgetwith data from Office of Management and Budget (OMB), “(OMB), “~~Table 5.4~~T able 5.4 —Discretionary Budget —Discretionary Budget
Authority By Agency: 1976-2027,” in Historical Authority By Agency: 1976-2027,” in Historical ~~Tables~~T ables, , Budget of the United States ~~Government~~Governm ent, FY2023, at , FY2023, at
https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/historical-tables/. https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/historical-tables/. ~~The~~T he calculations have some limitations, since the OMB data do not calculations have some limitations, since the OMB data do not
completely align with items fundedcompletely align with items funded in the annual and supplemental legislative branch appropriations acts. in the annual and supplemental legislative branch appropriations acts. ~~The~~T he
differences may be partially traced to the definition of “legislative branch” in the OMB Public Budgetdifferences may be partially traced to the definition of “legislative branch” in the OMB Public Budget Database user’s Database user’s
guide.guide. Some entities regularly includedSome entities regularly included with the legislative branch in many OMB budgetwith the legislative branch in many OMB budget documents, like the U.S.documents, like the U.S. ~~Tax~~ T ax
Court and some Legislative Branch BoardsCourt and some Legislative Branch Boards and Commissions, are not fundedand Commissions, are not funded through the annual legislative branch through the annual legislative branch
appropriations acts. Consequently, an examination of the discretionary budget authority listed in the Historical appropriations acts. Consequently, an examination of the discretionary budget authority listed in the Historical ~~Tables~~T ables
reveals some differences with the reported total budget authority provided in the annual legislative branch reveals some differences with the reported total budget authority provided in the annual legislative branch
appropriations acts. appropriations acts. ~~The~~T he difference in legislative branch budget difference in legislative branch budget authority resulting from the different definitions of the authority resulting from the different definitions of the
legislative branch in the OMB budgetlegislative branch in the OMB budget documents and in the appropriations acts, however, does not represent a documents and in the appropriations acts, however, does not represent a
significant difference in the proportion of total discretionary budget significant difference in the proportion of total discretionary budget ~~authority~~auth ority. .
4 “Prior to 1977, the fiscal year began on July 4 “Prior to 1977, the fiscal year began on July 1 and1 and ended on Juneended on June 30 ... Fiscal30 ... Fiscal year 1976 ended on June 30, 1976, and year 1976 ended on June 30, 1976, and
fiscal year 1977 began on October 1, 1976. fiscal year 1977 began on October 1, 1976. ~~The~~T he period July 1, 1976, to September 30, 1976, is period July 1, 1976, to September 30, 1976, is ~~called~~ calle d the ‘transition the ‘transition
quarter’ or quarter’ or TQT Q.” (Office of Management and Budget,.” (Office of Management and Budget, ~~Budget~~ Budget Analysis Branch,Analysis Branch, Public Budget Database User’s Guide, ,
Budget of the United States ~~Government~~Governm ent, Fiscal Year 2022 , May 2021, p. 2.) , May 2021, p. 2.)
5 FY2021 is the most recent year for which actual, rather than estimated, data are available. Calculations by CRS 5 FY2021 is the most recent year for which actual, rather than estimated, data are available. Calculations by CRS with with
data from Office of Management and Budgetdata from Office of Management and Budget (OMB), “(OMB), “~~Table 5.2~~T able 5.2 —Budget Authority by Agency: 1976–2027,” in —Budget Authority by Agency: 1976–2027,” in
Historical Historical ~~Tables~~T ables, , Budget of the United States ~~Government~~Governm ent, FY2023, at https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/historical-, FY2023, at https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/historical-
tables/. tables/. ~~The~~T he calculations have some limitations, since, as stated above, the OMB data do not completely align with calculations have some limitations, since, as stated above, the OMB data do not completely align with
items fundeditems funded in the annual and supplemental legislative branch appropriations acts.in the annual and supplemental legislative branch appropriations acts.
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Legislative Branch Appropriations: Frequently Asked Questions

Figure 1. Legislative Branch Funding: Distribution in FY2022

Source: CRS analysis of legislative CRS analysis of legislative branch appropriations acts and relatedbranch appropriations acts and related budget documents. budget documents.
Notes: Total does not include permanent budget authorities, Total does not include permanent budget authorities, including funding for Memberincluding funding for Member pay, that are not pay, that are not
included in the annual legislativeincluded in the annual legislative branch appropriations bil .branch appropriations bil . Total also excludes offsetting col ections,Total also excludes offsetting col ections, authority to authority to
spend receipts,spend receipts, administrative provisions,administrative provisions, and scorekeepingand scorekeeping adjustments. COIL refersadjustments. COIL refers to the Congressional to the Congressional
Office for International LeadershipOffice for International Leadership (formerly(formerly the Open Worldthe Open World Leadership Center, renamed in the FY2022 Leadership Center, renamed in the FY2022
Consolidated Appropriations Act). Consolidated Appropriations Act).
Why do the initial committee-reported versions of the annual bill not fund the
other chamber?
The House and Senate both consider funding levels for the legislative The House and Senate both consider funding levels for the legislative branch agencies and joint branch agencies and joint
entities. By long-standing tradition, however, the House entities. By long-standing tradition, however, the House ~~bill~~ bil does not propose funding levels for does not propose funding levels for
Senate items, including the account that funds the Senate and the Senate office buildings account Senate items, including the account that funds the Senate and the Senate office buildings account
within the Architect of the Capitol.6 Similarly, the Senate does not comment on House items, within the Architect of the Capitol.6 Similarly, the Senate does not comment on House items,
including the account that funds the House and the House office buildings account within the including the account that funds the House and the House office buildings account within the
Architect of the Capitol. The House, Senate, and conference reports on legislative branch Architect of the Capitol. The House, Senate, and conference reports on legislative branch
appropriations appropriations ~~bills~~bil s regularly contain language regularly contain language ~~illustrating~~il ustrating the deference of each chamber to the the deference of each chamber to the
internal practices of the other.7 If comparing the House and Senate internal practices of the other.7 If comparing the House and Senate ~~bill~~ bil totals, or the total provided totals, or the total provided

~~6 The~~ 6 T he House and Senate office building House and Senate office building accounts are 2 of the 10 accounts that fund accounts are 2 of the 10 accounts that fund ~~operations~~o perations of the Architect. of the Architect. ~~The~~T he
other accounts fund capital construction and operations, Capitol building, Capitol grounds,other accounts fund capital construction and operations, Capitol building, Capitol grounds, Capitol Power Plant, Capitol Power Plant,
Library buildingsLibrary buildings and grounds,and grounds, Capitol Police buildingsCapitol Police buildings and grounds,and grounds, Capitol Visitor Center, and Botanic Garden.Capitol Visitor Center, and Botanic Garden.
7 For example, the FY1996 conference report (U.S. Congress, House 7 For example, the FY1996 conference report (U.S. Congress, House Committee on Appropriations, Committee on Appropriations, FY1996
Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill, H.Rept. 104-212, report to accompany H.R. 1854, p. 9) states: , H.Rept. 104-212, report to accompany H.R. 1854, p. 9) states:
Inasmuch as the amendment relates solely to the Senate and in accord with Inasmuch as the amendment relates solely to the Senate and in accord with long practice under long practice under
which each body concurs without intervention, the managers on the part of the House, at the which each body concurs without intervention, the managers on the part of the House, at the
request of the managers on the part of the Senate, have receded to the Senate amendment, as request of the managers on the part of the Senate, have receded to the Senate amendment, as
amended. amended.
Similarly, the FY2010 conference report (U.S. Congress, conference committee, Similarly, the FY2010 conference report (U.S. Congress, conference committee, FY2010 Legislative Branch
Appropriations Bill, H.Rept. 111-265, report to accompany H.R. 2918, p. 33) states, H.Rept. 111-265, report to accompany H.R. 2918, p. 33) states:
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to the Architect of the Capitol at different stages of consideration, adjustments may be necessary to the Architect of the Capitol at different stages of consideration, adjustments may be necessary
to address any omissions due to this practice. to address any omissions due to this practice.
How has funding for the legislative branch changed in recent years in current
and constant (inflation-adjusted) dollars?
Table 1 provides information on the enacted funding levels provided for the legislativeprovides information on the enacted funding levels provided for the legislative branch branch
from FY2008 to FY2022. from FY2008 to FY2022.
What funding has been provided in recent years for the Senate, House of
Representatives, and legislative branch agencies?
Table 2 provides information on funding levels for the Senate, House of Representatives, and provides information on funding levels for the Senate, House of Representatives, and
legislativelegislative branch agencies in recent years as branch agencies in recent years as ~~well~~ wel as the requestedas the requested ~~and House-reported~~, House-reported, and Senate- introduced levels for levels for
FY2023. FY2023.
By law, the President includes the legislative By law, the President includes the legislative branch request in the annual budget submission branch request in the annual budget submission
without change. without change.

Inasmuch as these items relate solely to the House, and in accord with long practice under which Inasmuch as these items relate solely to the House, and in accord with long practice under which
each bodyeach body determines its owndetermines its own housekeeping requirements and the other concurs withouthousekeeping requirements and the other concurs without
intervention, the managers on the part of the Senate, at the requestintervention, the managers on the part of the Senate, at the request of the managers on the part of of the managers on the part of
the House, have recededthe House, have receded to the amendment of the House as amended. to the amendment of the House as amended.
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Table 1. Legislative Branch Funding, FY2008-FY2022: Current and Constant Dollars
(in (in ~~billions of dollars~~bil ions of dol ars) )
Fiscal
Year
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
Current Current
3.970 3.970
4.50 4.501a
4.66 4.669b
4.54 4.543c
4.307 4.307
4.06 4.061d
4.259 4.259
4.300 4.300
4.363 4.363
4.440 4.440
4.70 4.700e
4.84 4.846f
5.04 5.049g
5.30 5.304h
5.924 5.924
Dol ars Dol ars
Constant Constant
5.133 5.133
5.827 5.827
5.938 5.938
5.652 5.652
5.249 5.249
4.872 4.872
5.030 5.030
5.051 5.051
5.091 5.091
5.092 5.092
5.273 5.273
5.345 5.345
5.454 5.454
5.584 5.584
5.924 5.924
Dol ars Dol ars
Source: CRS analysis of legislative CRS analysis of legislative branch appropriations acts and relatedbranch appropriations acts and related budget documents. budget documents.
Notes: These figures exclude permanent budget authorities, These figures exclude permanent budget authorities, including funding for Memberincluding funding for Member pay, that are not included in the annual pay, that are not included in the annual ~~legislative~~ leg islative branch appropriations bil . branch appropriations bil .
Constant 2022 dol ars calculated using the “Total Non-Defense” deflator in Constant 2022 dol ars calculated using the “Total Non-Defense” deflator in Table 10.1—Gross Domestic Product and Deflators Used in the Historical Tables: 1940–2027 in in
the President’sthe President’s FY2023 budget request. See notes below or related CRS reports for additional information on specific years. FY2023 budget request. See notes below or related CRS reports for additional information on specific years.
a. This number contains appropriations provided by P.L. 111-8 (the FY2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act), $25.0 mil iona. This number contains appropriations provided by P.L. 111-8 (the FY2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act), $25.0 mil ion for the Governmentfor the Government Accountability Office Accountability Office
provided by P.L. provided by P.L. 111-5 (the American Recovery111-5 (the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009), and $73.6 mil ionand Reinvestment Act of 2009), and $73.6 mil ion provided by P.L. 111-32 (the Supplemental Appropriationsprovided by P.L. 111-32 (the Supplemental Appropriations Act, Act,
2009) for the U.S. Capitol Police2009) for the U.S. Capitol Police and the Congressionaland the Congressional Budget Office. Budget Office.
b. This number contains appropriations provided by P.L. 111-68 (the FY2010 Legislative Branch Appropriations b. This number contains appropriations provided by P.L. 111-68 (the FY2010 Legislative Branch Appropriations Act), and $12.96 mil ionAct), and $12.96 mil ion in supplemental appropriations in supplemental appropriations
provided for the U.S. Capitol Police in P.L. provided for the U.S. Capitol Police in P.L. 111-212 (the Supplemental Appropriations111-212 (the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2010). Act, 2010).
c. This number does not include scorekeeping c. This number does not include scorekeeping adjustment. adjustment.
d. FY2013 level obtained from the CBO cost estimated. FY2013 level obtained from the CBO cost estimate for “Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2014 (H.J.Res.for “Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2014 (H.J.Res. 59), Including the Amendment59), Including the Amendment Reported by the Reported by the
House Committee House Committee on Rules on September 18, 2013 (H.Res. 352) Discretionaryon Rules on September 18, 2013 (H.Res. 352) Discretionary spending (in mil ionsspending (in mil ions of dol ars),” which listsof dol ars),” which lists a total for legislativea total for legislative branch budget branch budget
authority of $4.061 bil ion,authority of $4.061 bil ion, noting that it “includes effects of the 2013 sequestration.” This bil contained a noting that it “includes effects of the 2013 sequestration.” This bil contained a ~~small~~ smal anomaly for the legislativeanomaly for the legislative branch. branch.
e. Does not include $14.0 mil ion e. Does not include $14.0 mil ion provided to the Governmentprovided to the Government Accountability Office “for audits and investigations relating to Accountability Office “for audits and investigations relating to ~~Hurricanes~~ Hu rricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria and Harvey, Irma, and Maria and
the 2017 wildfires” the 2017 wildfires” (P.L. 115-123, Title IX of Division(P.L. 115-123, Title IX of Division B, enacted February 9, 2018).B, enacted February 9, 2018).
f. f.
The total includes $10.0 mil ion The total includes $10.0 mil ion in FY2019 supplemental appropriations forin FY2019 supplemental appropriations for GAO for audits and investigations related to stormsGAO for audits and investigations related to storms and disastersand disasters (P.L. 116-20, enacted (P.L. 116-20, enacted
June 6, 2019). June 6, 2019).
g. The total does not include $93.1 mil ion g. The total does not include $93.1 mil ion in FY2020 supplemental appropriations, including $10.0 mil ionin FY2020 supplemental appropriations, including $10.0 mil ion for the Senate, $25.0 mil ionfor the Senate, $25.0 mil ion for the House of for the House of
Representatives, Representatives, $400,000 for the Office of the Attending Physician, $12.0 mil ion$400,000 for the Office of the Attending Physician, $12.0 mil ion for the Capitol Police,for the Capitol Police, $25.0 mil ion$25.0 mil ion for the Architect of the Capitol, $700,000 for for the Architect of the Capitol, $700,000 for
the Library of Congress,the Library of Congress, and $20.0 mil ionand $20.0 mil ion for the Government Accountability Office (CARES Act, P.L. 116-136, enacted March 27, 2020). for the Government Accountability Office (CARES Act, P.L. 116-136, enacted March 27, 2020).
h. The total does not include funding provided in the Emergency Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (P.L. 117-31, July 30, 2021), which provided $448.6 h. The total does not include funding provided in the Emergency Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (P.L. 117-31, July 30, 2021), which provided $448.6
mil ion. mil ion.

CRS-5 CRS-5

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link to page 10 link to page 10 link to page 10 link to page 10 link to page 10 Table 2. Legislative Branch Appropriations: Prior Enacted Levels and FY2023 Action
(in thousands of (in thousands of ~~dollars~~dol ars) )
FY2023
House- FY2023 Reported Senate FY2014
FY2015
FY2016
FY2017
FY2018
FY2019
FY2020
FY2021
FY2022
FY2023
~~House-~~
(H.R. Intro. Entity
Enacted
Enacted
Enacted
Enacted
Enacteda
Enactedb
Enactedc
Enactedd
Enacted
~~Request~~
~~Reported~~Requestl 8237) (S. 4720)
Senate Senate
$859,293 $859,293
$864,286 $864,286
$870,159 $870,159
$871,177 $871,177
$919,932 $934, $919,932 $934,667e667e
$969,396 $969,396
$998,560 $998,560
$1,094,894$1,094,894 ~~$1,146,580~~
—f $1,156,069 —f $1,135,180
House House
1,180,908 1,180,908
1,180,735 1,180,735
1,180,909 1,180,909
1,189,223 1,189,223
1,200,173 1,200,173
1,232,66 1,232,663e
1,365,725 1,365,725
1,476,607 1,476,607
1,715,170 1,715,170
1,829,474 1,829,474
1,868,785 1,868,785
—f Joint Joint
18,994 18,994
19,056 19,056
20,732 20,732
19,565 19,565
20,654 20,654
20,656 20,656
22,643 22,643
21,513 21,513
22,337 22,337
23,042 23,042
23,042 23,042
23,114 ItemItemsg
USCP USCP
338,459 338,459
347,959 347,959
375,000 375,000
393,300 393,300
426,500 426,500
456,308 456,308
464,341 464,341
515,541 515,541
602,509 602,509
708,098 708,098
708,098 708,098
707,098 OCW OCWRh
3,868 3,868
3,959 3,959
3,959 3,959
3,959 3,959
4,959 4,959
6,333 6,333
6,333 6,333
7,500 7,500
7,500 7,500
7,500 7,500
8,000 8,000
7,500 CBO CBO
45,700 45,700
45,700 45,700
46,500 46,500
46,500 46,500
49,945 49,945
50,737 50,737
54,941 54,941
57,292 57,292
60,953 60,953
64,637 64,637
64,637 64,637
64,637 AO AOCf
602,030 602,030
600,261 600,261
612,904 612,904
617,887 617,887
712,105 712,105
733,745 733,745
695,933 695,933
675,073 675,073
773,898 773,898
1,669,417 1,669,417
1,268,13 1,268,130f 1,100,028f
LOC LOC
578,982 578,982
590,921 590,921
599,912 599,912
631,958 631,958
669,890 669,890
696,112 696,112
725,359 725,359
757,346 757,346
794,019 794,019
~~832,140~~ 824,895
831,395 831,395
819,264 (w/CRS) (w/CRS)
CRS ~~(non-~~
105,350
106,945
106,945
107,945
119,279
125,688
120~~,495~~,49 5i
125,495
129,106
132,600 133,600 132,600 (non-~~133,132~~
~~133,600~~
add)
GPO GPO
119,300 119,300
119,993 119,993
117,068 117,068
117,068 117,068
117,068 117,068
117,000 117,000
117,000 117,000
117,000 117,000
124,237 124,237
130,904 130,904
130,904 130,904
129,854 GAO GAO
505,383 505,383
522,000 522,000
531,000 531,000
544,506 544,506
578,91 578,917a
589,75 589,750b
630,000 630,000
661,139 661,139
719,230 719,230
810,319 810,319
790,319 790,319
785,832 COI COILj
6,000 6,000
5,700 5,700
5,600 5,600
5,600 5,600
5,600 5,600
5,600 5,600
5,900 5,900
6,000 6,000
6,000 6,000
6,000 6,000
6,000 6,000
6,000 Stennis Stennis
430 430
430 430
430 430
430 430
430 430
430 430
430 430
430 430
430 430
430 430
430 430
430 Admin. Admin.
-1,000 -1,000
-1,000 -1,000
-1,000 -1,000
-1,000 -1,000
-2,000 -2,000
-2,000 -2,000
-2,000 -2,000
-2,000 -2,000
-2,000 -2,000
-3,000 -3,000
-3,000 -3,000
~~Provisions~~
~~Otherk~~-3,000 Prov. Otherk
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
-4,000 -4,000
-6,000 -6,000
-7,000 -7,000
7,000 7,000
5,000 5,000
5,000 5,000
5,000 5,000
5,000 Total
$4,258,347
$4,300,000
$4,363,172
$4,440,173 $4,700,173a $4,836,001b $5,049,000c ~~$4,700,173a~~ ~~$4,836,001b $5,049,000c~~ $5,304,213d
$5,924,177
$7,~~230,541~~232,785l
$5,701,740f7 40f $4,780,937f
Leg.
Branch
CRS-6 CRS-6

Sources: P.L. 113-76, P.L. 113-235, P.L. 114-113, P.L. 115-31, P.L. 115-141, P.L. 115-244, P.L. 116-94, P.L. 116-260, P.L. 117-103, explanatory materials P.L. 113-76, P.L. 113-235, P.L. 114-113, P.L. 115-31, P.L. 115-141, P.L. 115-244, P.L. 116-94, P.L. 116-260, P.L. 117-103, explanatory materials for FY2014, for FY2014,
FY2015, FY2016, FY2017, FY2018, FY2020, FY2021, and FY2022 inserted into the FY2015, FY2016, FY2017, FY2018, FY2020, FY2021, and FY2022 inserted into the Congressional Record,, H.Rept. 115-929, the H.Rept. 115-929, the Budget for Fiscal Year 2023, , the budget amendment submitted on June 7, 2022, H.R. 8237 (117th H.R. 8237 (117th
Cong.), H.Rept. 117-389, Cong.), H.Rept. 117-389, S. 4720 (117th Cong.), the Senate Appropriations Committee chairman’s draft explanatory statement, and CRS calculations. See notes below or related CRS reportsand CRS calculations. See notes below or related CRS reports for additional information on specific years. for additional information on specific years.
a. Does not include emergency appropriation provided by P.L. 115-123. Title IX of Divisiona. Does not include emergency appropriation provided by P.L. 115-123. Title IX of Division B provided $14.0 mil ionB provided $14.0 mil ion to GAOto GAO “for audits and investigations relating to “for audits and investigations relating to
Hurricanes Harvey, Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria and the 2017 wildfires.”Irma, and Maria and the 2017 wildfires.”
b. Does not include emergency appropriation provided by P.L. 116-20. Title IX provided $10.0 mil ion b. Does not include emergency appropriation provided by P.L. 116-20. Title IX provided $10.0 mil ion to GAO for audits and investigationsto GAO for audits and investigations related to stormsrelated to storms and and
disasters. disasters.
c. The table does not include emergency c. The table does not include emergency appropriations of $93.1 mil ionappropriations of $93.1 mil ion provided in P.L.provided in P.L. 116-136 ($10.0 mil ion for the Senate, $25.0 mil ion116-136 ($10.0 mil ion for the Senate, $25.0 mil ion for the House of for the House of
Representatives, Representatives, $400,000 for the Office of the Attending Physician, $12.0 mil ion$400,000 for the Office of the Attending Physician, $12.0 mil ion for the Capitol Police,for the Capitol Police, $25.0 mil ion$25.0 mil ion for the Architect of the Capitol, $700,000 for for the Architect of the Capitol, $700,000 for
the Library of Congress,the Library of Congress, and $20.0 mil ionand $20.0 mil ion for the Government Accountability Office). for the Government Accountability Office).
d. The table does not include provisions d. The table does not include provisions in the Emergency Security Supplemental Appropriationsin the Emergency Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (Act, 2021 ( P.L. 117-31, enacted on July 30, 2021) for the House of P.L. 117-31, enacted on July 30, 2021) for the House of
Representatives, Representatives, Senate, Capitol Police,Senate, Capitol Police, or Architect of the Capitol, or emergencyor Architect of the Capitol, or emergency appropriations included in P.L. 116-260appropriations included in P.L. 116-260. Total includes a rescission of $5.212 mil ion. .
e. Total does not include gratuity payments for survivors of deceased Members e. Total does not include gratuity payments for survivors of deceased Members of Congress. of Congress.
f. f.
By tradition, the House does not consider By tradition, the House does not consider appropriations for the Senate or Senate office buildings, and the Senate does not considerappropriations for the Senate or Senate office buildings, and the Senate does not consider appropriations for the House appropriations for the House
or House office buildings. The levelsor House office buildings. The levels in the FY2023 House-reported bilin the FY2023 House-reported bil column do not include Senate or Senate office buildingcolumn do not include Senate or Senate office building funding, and the Senate-introduced bil does not include House or House office building funding. funding.
g. “Joint Items” g. “Joint Items” ~~generally~~general y contains funding for the Joint Economic Committee, contains funding for the Joint Economic Committee, the Joint Committeethe Joint Committee on Taxation, the Office of the Attending Physician, and the Office on Taxation, the Office of the Attending Physician, and the Office
of Congressional of Congressional ~~Accessibility~~ Accessibility Services.Services. In fiscal years prior to an inauguration, it also contains funding for the Joint In fiscal years prior to an inauguration, it also contains funding for the Joint ~~Congressional Committee~~ Con gressional Committee on Inaugural on Inaugural
CeremoniesCeremonies (e.g., $1.25 mil ion(e.g., $1.25 mil ion for FY2016; $1.5 mil ionfor FY2016; $1.5 mil ion for FY2020). for FY2020).
h. Formerly h. Formerly known as the Office of Compliance,known as the Office of Compliance, the Office of Congressional Workplacethe Office of Congressional Workplace Rights (OCWR) was renamed by the CongressionalRights (OCWR) was renamed by the Congressional Accountability Act of Accountability Act of
1995 Reform Act (P.L. 115-397). 1995 Reform Act (P.L. 115-397).
i. i.
The House Appropriations Committee The House Appropriations Committee report (H.Rept. 116-64) describes “Appropriations Shifts to Reflect Centralized Funding for Information Technology” that report (H.Rept. 116-64) describes “Appropriations Shifts to Reflect Centralized Funding for Information Technology” that
affected the four LOC appropriations headings. The report states that the House-reported FY2020 levelaffected the four LOC appropriations headings. The report states that the House-reported FY2020 level ~~represents~~ represents an increasean increase of $2.99 mil ionof $2.99 mil ion for CRS when for CRS when
reflecting the centralized IT funding. reflecting the centralized IT funding.
j. j.
The FY2022 appropriations act contained a provision The FY2022 appropriations act contained a provision changing the name from the Open Worldchanging the name from the Open World Leadership Center to the CongressionalLeadership Center to the Congressional Office for International Office for International
Leadership (COIL). Leadership (COIL).
k. Includes, for example, k. Includes, for example, ~~scorekeeping~~ scorekeeping adjustments or prior-yearadjustments or prior-year outlays. l. The President submitted a budget amendment on June 7, 2022. The amendments impacted the funding request for the Senate and Library of Congress (President Joseph R. Biden, “Letter to the Speaker of the House of Representatives on Fiscal Year 2023 Budget Amendments,” June 7, 2022, https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2022/06/07/letter-to-the-speaker-of-the-house-of-representatives-on-fiscal-year-2023-budget-amendments/). The budget requests in the table reflect the revised requested levels. ~~outlays.~~
CRS-7 CRS-7

Legislative Branch Appropriations: Frequently Asked Questions

Are Member salaries funded or adjusted in the legislative branch
appropriations bill?
No, salaries for Members of Congress are neither funded nor increased in the legislative branch No, salaries for Members of Congress are neither funded nor increased in the legislative branch
~~bill.~~
bil . Member salaries have been included as mandatory spending since FY1983, and the amount of Member salaries have been included as mandatory spending since FY1983, and the amount of
potential Member pay adjustments is calculated pursuant to the Ethics Reform Act of 1989, which potential Member pay adjustments is calculated pursuant to the Ethics Reform Act of 1989, which
established a formula based on changes in the Employment Cost Index (ECI).8 The adjustment established a formula based on changes in the Employment Cost Index (ECI).8 The adjustment
~~automatically~~automatical y takes effect unless (1) Congress statutorily prohibits the adjustment; (2) Congress takes effect unless (1) Congress statutorily prohibits the adjustment; (2) Congress
statutorily revises the adjustment; or (3) the annual base pay adjustment of General Schedule statutorily revises the adjustment; or (3) the annual base pay adjustment of General Schedule
(GS) federal employees is established at a rate less than the scheduled increase for Members, in (GS) federal employees is established at a rate less than the scheduled increase for Members, in
which case the percentage adjustment for Member pay is which case the percentage adjustment for Member pay is ~~automatically~~automatical y lowered to match the lowered to match the
percentage adjustment in GS base pay. percentage adjustment in GS base pay.
Members of Congress last received a pay adjustment in January 2009. Since then, the Members of Congress last received a pay adjustment in January 2009. Since then, the
compensation for most Senators, Representatives, Delegates, and the Resident Commissioner compensation for most Senators, Representatives, Delegates, and the Resident Commissioner
from Puerto Rico has been $174,000. from Puerto Rico has been $174,000.
The maximum potential January 2022 member pay adjustment based on the ECI was 2.3%, or The maximum potential January 2022 member pay adjustment based on the ECI was 2.3%, or
$4,000. The 2022 GS base pay adjustment was 2.2%, $4,000. The 2022 GS base pay adjustment was 2.2%, ~~automatically~~automatical y limiting any Member pay limiting any Member pay
adjustment to $3,800.9 Both the FY2022 House-passed legislative branch appropriations adjustment to $3,800.9 Both the FY2022 House-passed legislative branch appropriations ~~bill~~
bil (H.R. 4346), and the Senate Appropriations Committee majority print included a provision (H.R. 4346), and the Senate Appropriations Committee majority print included a provision
prohibiting any Member pay adjustment in 2022. P.L. 117-43, which provided continuing funding prohibiting any Member pay adjustment in 2022. P.L. 117-43, which provided continuing funding
for legislative branch operations for FY2022, extended Section 7 of P.L. 116-260, which had for legislative branch operations for FY2022, extended Section 7 of P.L. 116-260, which had
prohibited the pay adjustment in 2021. This language was further extended by P.L. 117-70, and prohibited the pay adjustment in 2021. This language was further extended by P.L. 117-70, and
then enacted for the remainder of the year by the FY2022 Consolidated Appropriations Act (P.L. then enacted for the remainder of the year by the FY2022 Consolidated Appropriations Act (P.L.
117-103). 117-103).
The House-reported FY2023 legislative branch appropriations The House-reported FY2023 legislative branch appropriations ~~bill~~ bil (H.R. 8237) (H.R. 8237) ~~would continue~~
and the Senate-introduced bil (S. 4720) both contain language to continue the pay freeze for another year the pay freeze for another year (Section 212). (Section 212).
Although discussion of Member pay is often associated with appropriations Although discussion of Member pay is often associated with appropriations ~~bills~~bil s, these , these ~~bills~~bil s do do
not contain language funding or increasing Member pay, and a prohibition on the automatic not contain language funding or increasing Member pay, and a prohibition on the automatic
annual Member pay adjustments could be included in any annual Member pay adjustments could be included in any ~~bill~~bil , or be introduced as a separate , or be introduced as a separate ~~bill~~bil . .
For a list of the laws that have previously contained provisions prohibiting the annual pay For a list of the laws that have previously contained provisions prohibiting the annual pay
adjustments, see “Table 3. Legislative Vehicles Used for Pay Prohibitions, Enacted Dates, and adjustments, see “Table 3. Legislative Vehicles Used for Pay Prohibitions, Enacted Dates, and
Pay Language” in CRS Report 97-1011, Pay Language” in CRS Report 97-1011, Salaries of Members of Congress: Recent Actions and
Historical Tables, by Ida A. Brudnick. , by Ida A. Brudnick.

8 For mandatory spending language,8 For mandatory spending language, see P.L. 97-51, 95 Stat. 966, September 11, 1981; and, for example, “see P.L. 97-51, 95 Stat. 966, September 11, 1981; and, for example, “~~Table~~T able 26-1. 26-1.
FederalFederal ~~Budget~~ Budget By Agency and Account” in By Agency and Account” in Analytical Perspectives, Budget of the United States ~~Government~~Governm ent, Fiscal , Fiscal
Year 2023, pp. 2, 3. For the Ethics Reform Act, see P.L. 101-194, 103 Stat. 1767-1768, November 30, 1989. Year 2023, pp. 2, 3. For the Ethics Reform Act, see P.L. 101-194, 103 Stat. 1767-1768, November 30, 1989.
9 9 ~~The~~T he potential Member pay adjustment was potential Member pay adjustment was determined by a formula usingdetermined by a formula using the Employment Cost Index (private the Employment Cost Index (private
industry wagesindustry wages and salaries, not seasonally adjusted),and salaries, not seasonally adjusted), ~~based~~ based on the 12on the 12 -month percentage change reported for the quarter -month percentage change reported for the quarter
ending December 31, minusending December 31, minus 0.5%. 0.5%. ~~The~~T he 2.3% potential adjustment was determined by taking the percentage increase in 2.3% potential adjustment was determined by taking the percentage increase in
the index betweenthe index between the quarters endingthe quarters ending December 2019 and December 2020, which wasDecember 2019 and December 2020, which was 2.8%, and subtracting 0.5%. 2.8%, and subtracting 0.5%.
U.S.U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, ~~Employment~~Em ploym ent Cost Index—~~December~~Decem ber 2020, January 31, 2020, p. , January 31, 2020, p.
3. Pursuant to 2 U.S.C.3. Pursuant to 2 U.S.C. §4501(2)(A), this amount is “rounded to the nearest multiple of $100.” §4501(2)(A), this amount is “rounded to the nearest multiple of $100.”
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

8 8

Legislative Branch Appropriations: Frequently Asked Questions

In contrast, the salaries and benefits for legislative branch employees are provided by the In contrast, the salaries and benefits for legislative branch employees are provided by the
~~legislative~~ legislative branch appropriations acts, although they branch appropriations acts, although they ~~generally~~general y do not address pay adjustments.10 do not address pay adjustments.10
Author Information

Ida A. Brudnick Ida A. Brudnick

Specialist on the Congress Specialist on the Congress

Disclaimer
This document was prepared by the Congressional Research Service (CRS). CRS serves as nonpartisan This document was prepared by the Congressional Research Service (CRS). CRS serves as nonpartisan
shared staff to congressional committees and Members of Congress. It operates solely at the behest of and shared staff to congressional committees and Members of Congress. It operates solely at the behest of and
under the direction of Congress. Information in a CRS Report should under the direction of Congress. Information in a CRS Report should ~~not~~n ot be relied upon for purposes other be relied upon for purposes other
than public understanding of information that has been provided by CRS to Members of Congress in than public understanding of information that has been provided by CRS to Members of Congress in
connection with CRS’s institutional role. CRS Reports, as a work of the United States Government, are not connection with CRS’s institutional role. CRS Reports, as a work of the United States Government, are not
subject to copyright protection in the United States. Any CRS Report may be reproduced and distributed in subject to copyright protection in the United States. Any CRS Report may be reproduced and distributed in
its entirety without permission from CRS. However, as a CRS Report may include copyrighted images or its entirety without permission from CRS. However, as a CRS Report may include copyrighted images or
material from a third party, you may need to obtain the permission of the copyright holder if you wish to material from a third party, you may need to obtain the permission of the copyright holder if you wish to
copy or otherwise use copyrighted material. copy or otherwise use copyrighted material.

10 Rather, adjustments may be10 Rather, adjustments may be determined by employing authorities (in the case of House and Senate employees) or determined by employing authorities (in the case of House and Senate employees) or
broader or agency-specific pay systems. For example, see the broader or agency-specific pay systems. For example, see the Orders of the Speaker of the House of Representatives
(issued(issued pursuant to 2 U.S.C.pursuant to 2 U.S.C. §4532 note); §4532 note); Orders of the President pro ~~Tempore~~Tem pore (issued (issued pursuant to 2 U.S.C.pursuant to 2 U.S.C. 4571); and 4571); and
lawslaws governing employment for individual agencies,governing employment for individual agencies, positions, or pay systems. positions, or pay systems.
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service
R43397 R43397 · VERSION 1921 · UPDATED
9 9