District of Columbia Appropriations Act for FY2003: Comparison of General Provisions of P.L. 107-96 and S. 2809

District of Columbia Appropriations Act for FY2003: Comparison of General Provisions of P.L. 107-96 and S. 2809

Order Code RL31592
Report for Congress
Received through the CRS Web
District of Columbia Appropriations Act for
FY2003:
Comparison of General Provisions
of P.L. 107-96 and S. 2809
September 26, 2002
Eugene Boyd
Analyst in American National Government
Government and Finance Division
Congressional Research Service ˜ The Library of Congress

District of Columbia Appropriations Act for FY2002:
Comparison of General Provisions of P.L. 107-96
and S. 2809
Summary
On September 17, 2002, the District’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) notified
city leaders of the potential $323 million budget shortfall facing the city in FY2003.
On July 26, 2002, the Senate Appropriations Committee reported S. 2809, a bill
appropriating funds for the District of Columbia for FY2003, and the Senate report
(S. Report 107-225) accompanying the bill. In keeping with last year’s efforts, which
reduced the number of general provisions from 67 to 41, S. 2809, as reported by the
Committee, reduces the number of general provisions from 41 to 36. It modifies a
number of provisions that some observers consider intrusive. Among the more
controversial sections is a general provision that prior to FY2002, prohibited the use
of both federal and District funds to implement a 1992 District law allowing
unmarried heterosexual or homosexual couples to register as domestic partners.
Under the provision, first enacted as part of the District’s FY2002 appropriations act,
and included in S. 2809, District employees who register as domestic partners would
be allowed to include domestic partners under their health insurance policies. The
provision lifts the ban on the use of District, but not federal, funds to implement the
1992 Health Care Benefits Expansion Act.
The District’s elected leadership has voiced concern about the inclusion of
social riders in past appropriations bills and hope to negotiate with the congressional
leaders on the contents of the general provisions to be included in the FY2003
appropriations bill for the District of Columbia. In previous years, city officials had
complained about the inclusion of a number of home rule and “social” riders dealing
with such issues as voting representation in Congress, abortion, medical marijuana,
domestic partners health insurance expansion, and needle and syringe exchange
programs.
The District of Columbia Appropriations Act for FY2003, as reported by the
Senate Appropriations Committee, would continue existing prohibitions and
restrictions on the use of federal and District funds for abortions and medical
marijuana. However, S. 2809 includes provisions that would remove existing
restrictions on the use of District funds for needle exchange programs, statehood
lobbying, court challenges aimed at providing city residents with voting
representation in Congress. It also includes a provision that would allow the District
to continue to use local funds to administer the city’s Health Care Benefits Expansion
Act of 1992, as described earlier in this summary. For additional information on the
District of Columbia’s FY2003 Appropriations Act, including proposed funding
levels and summaries of key policy issues see the following CRS report:
Appropriations for FY2003: District of Columbia, RL31313, by Eugene Boyd.

Contents
Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
District of Columbia General Provisions: P.L. 107-96 and H.R. 2809 . . . . . . . . . 3

District of Columbia Appropriations Act for
FY2002: Comparison of General Provisions
of P.L. 107-96 and S. 2809
Background
The chronology of District of Columbia Appropriations for FY2003 is as
outlined below. On February 4, 2002, President Bush submitted his budget
recommendations for FY2003. The Administration’s proposed budget included $379
million in federal payments and assistance to the District of Columbia. On May 25,
2002, Mayor Anthony Williams, transmitted to Congress a budget approved by the
city council that totaled $7.3 billion in operating funds and capital outlays, including
$5.7 billion in general operating fund expenditures; $662 million in enterprise funds;
and $931 million in capital outlays. The District budget, which must be approved by
Congress, requests $698.4 million in special federal payments for courts, corrections,
and other activities. On July 26, 2002, the Senate Appropriations Committee reported
S. 2809, the Senate version of the District of Columbia Appropriations Act for
FY2003. The Senate Appropriations Committee recommends an appropriation of
$517 million in special federal assistance to the District of Columbia, including $15
million for emergency and security management. This is $138 million more than the
$379 million requested by the Administration. On September 17, 2002, the city’s
CFO released official financial projections showing a potential deficit of $323
million for FY2003. Congress set an October 1, 2002, deadline for the city to
develop a plan of action on the deficit, which may include a combination of tax
increases, budget cuts, and the use of reserve funds.
Differences exist between the general provisions of S. 2809 and those of the
District of Columbia Appropriations Act for FY2002, P.L. 107-96. The Senate
Appropriation bill continues a trend established by last year’s appropriations act,
which included 25 fewer general provisions; 41 down from 67 in the FY2001
appropriations. This year’s Senate Appropriations Committee version of bill
includes 5 fewer provisions and provides for expanded local autonomy. It would
continue to allow the District to use its funds to implement the city’s Health Care
Benefits Expansion Act (this provision was first approved in the FY2002
appropriations act), and removes penalties for teenage smoking, restrictions on the
use of District funds for needle exchange programs, and provisions limiting city
involvement in court challenges aimed at providing city residents with voting
representation in Congress. The Act maintains prohibitions and restrictions on the
use of federal and District funds for abortions, except in cases of rape or incest; and
medical marijuana.
In previous years, city officials had complained to past Administrations and the
leadership of Congress about the inclusion of a number of social riders dealing with
such issues as abortion, medical marijuana, domestic partners health insurance

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expansion, and needle and syringe exchange programs. They asserted that such riders
interfered with the right of District residents to make their own policy decisions, and
violated the spirit of home rule. Proponents of social riders counter that such
provisions are within the powers of Congress under Article I, Section 8, of the
Constitution, which conveys to Congress exclusive legislative control over the
District of Columbia. In addition, supporters of specific social riders, such as the
prohibition against the implementation of the District’s domestic partners health care
expansion program, contend that they are intended to protect the institution of
marriage, or, in the case of medical marijuana and needle exchange programs,
prohibit government sanctioning of illegal drug use.
The following is a side-by-side comparison of the general provisions of the
District of Columbia Appropriations Act for FY2003, P.L. 107-96, and the Senate
bill S 2809. House and conference provisions will be added when the legislation is
reported out of the respective committee. This comparison follows the structure of
P.L. 107-96. Any identical or equivalent Senate language that may not share the
same section number as corresponding P.L.107-96 provisions is identified in the
same row as its P.L. 107-96 counterpart. Provisions included in P.L. 107-96, but not
included in S. 2809, are highlighted in gray. For detailed information on proposed
funding levels and summaries of key policy issues see the following CRS report:
Appropriations for FY2003: District of Columbia, RL31313, by Eugene Boyd.

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District of Columbia General Provisions:
P.L. 107-96 and S. 2809
P.L. 107-96
S. 2809
House
Conference
Sec. 101. Prohibition Against Deficit Spending. The provision prohibits deficit
Sec. 101. Identical to provision in P.L. 107-96.
spending by limiting spending to not more than the amount specifically
appropriated.
Sec. 102. Payment of Travel and Dues Related Expenses. The provision allows
Sec. 102. Identical to provision in P.L. 107-96.
funds appropriated under this Act to be used for travel and dues-related expenses of
organizations concerned with the work of the District when approved by the mayor,
and by the chair of the city council in the case of travel and dues related to the
activities of the city council.
Sec. 103. Payment of Judgments. The provision allows District funds to be used to
Sec. 103. Identical to provision in P.L. 107-96.
pay judgments against the city. The provision does not affect or modify Sec. 11(c)
of Title XII of the District of Columbia Income and Franchise Tax Act of 1947
(D.C. Code, sec. 47-1812.11(c)(3), a provision governing credits and refunds for
overpayments of District taxes.
Sec. 104. Prohibition Against the Carryover of Appropriated Funds. The provision
Sec. 104. FY2003 language identical to
requires the city to expend funds appropriated for FY2002 during that fiscal year,
provision in P.L. 107-96.
unless provided by another provision of this act.
Sec. 105. Use of Public Schools. The act allows public schools to be used for
Sec. 105. Identical to provision in P.L. 107-96.
community or partisan political activities during non-school hours.
Sec.106. Congressional Inspection of Personnel Records. The personnel records
Sec. 106. Identical to provision in P.L. 107-96.
of all persons employed by the District government would be made available for
inspection by House and Senate authorization and appropriations subcommittees,
and the District of Columbia City council.
Sec. 107. Prohibition on the Use of Funds for Lobbying. Prohibits the city from
Sec. 109. Identical to provision in P.L. 107-96.
using city or federal funds to defeat any legislation pending before Congress or any
state legislature. Allows the use of District funds for lobbying except in instances
involving the promotion or support of any boycott or activities in support of
statehood for the District or voting representation in Congress. See Sec. 124.

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P.L. 107-96
S. 2809
House
Conference
Sec. 108. Capital Borrowing Plan. Requires the mayor to develop an annual capital
Sec. 108. Identical to provision in P.L. 107-96.
outlays borrowing plan. The plan is to include quarterly and project information.
The mayor is to report to the city council and Congress on actual and projected
spending.
Sec. 109. Prohibition on the Reprogramming of Funds. Prohibits the District
Sec. 109. Identical to provision in P.L. 107-96.
government from reprogramming federal and District funds appropriated under the
Act for seven specific activities. Funds could not be reprogrammed in order to:
create new programs;
eliminate a program or project;
establish or change allocations specifically denied, limited, or increased by
Congress;
increase funds for activities or personnel in areas where funds have been denied or
restricted;
re-establish funding for any project previously deferred through reprogramming;
augment existing programs or projects by reprogramming funds that exceed $1
million or 10% of the existing program’s funding;
prohibit a 20% or greater increase in personnel assigned to a specific project.
Funds may be reprogrammed after congressional review by House and Senate
Appropriations Committees. Limits the transfer of reprogrammed funds to not more
than 2% of the local funds in the appropriations.
Sec. 110. Limitation on the Use of Appropriated Funds. Limits the use of funds to
Sec. 110. Identical to provision in P.L. 107-96.
the activities or objects for which the appropriations were made except as otherwise
provided by law.
Sec. 111. Merit Personnel Act Responsibility of the Mayor. States that the mayor
Sec. 111. Identical to provision in P.L. 107-96.
shall be responsible for the administration of personnel function of employees under
the city’s merit pay personnel code. In determining employee compensation, the
provisions of the District of Columbia Government Comprehensive Merit Personnel
Act of 1978 shall apply.
Sec. 112. City Council Review of Revised Revenue Estimates. Requires the mayor
Sec. 112. City Council Review of Revised
to submit to the City council revised revenue estimates for the first quarter of
Revenue Estimates. Requires the mayor to
FY2002 not later than 30 days after the first quarter of FY2002.
submit to the City council revised revenue
estimates for the first quarter of FY2003 not later
than 30 days after the first quarter of FY2003.

CRS-5
P.L. 107-96
S. 2809
House
Conference
Sec. 113. Sole Source Contracts. Prohibits sole source contracts for services unless
Sec. 113. Identical to provision in P.L. 107-96.
competitive bidding is not feasible and the contract has been approved by the control
board as set forth by D.C. Code, sec. 1-1183.3.
Sec. 114. Sequestration under the Balanced Budget. In order to comply with
Sec. 114. Identical to provision in P.L. 107-96.
sequestration order under Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of
1985, federal funds appropriated under a District of Columbia appropriations act are
to be sequestered from each account and not the aggregate total of those accounts.
Sec. 115. Gifts and Donations. Allows District government agencies and officials
Sec. 115. Identical to provision in P.L. 107-96.
to accept gifts and donations in FY2000 only if:
C
the mayor approves, (this provision does not apply in cases of gifts or
donation to the city council);
C
the gift or donation is used to carry out an agency function;
C
the government entity receiving the gift or donation keeps records of all
gifts and donations available for audit and public inspection.
This section does not apply to the Board of Education.
Sec. 116. Prohibits the Use of Funds for Statehood Lobbying. Prohibits the use of
Sec. 116. Identical to provision in P.L. 107-96.
federal funds for the payment of expenses related to the offices of U.S. Senate or
U.S. House of Representative under the District of Columbia Statehood Constitution
Initiative.
Sec. 117 Abortion. Prohibits the use of funds for abortion services except in cases
Sec. 117. Identical to provision in P.L. 107-96.
of rape, incest, or when the mother’s health is endangered.
Sec. 118. Health Care Benefits Expansion Act. Prohibits the use of federal funds
Sec. 118. Identical to provision in P.L. 107-96,
to implement the Health Care Benefits Expansion Act of 1992, which extends
which prohibits the use of federal funds, but
medical, employment, and government benefits to unmarried couples, including
allows the use of District funds.
homosexuals.

CRS-6
P.L. 107-96
S. 2809
House
Conference
Sec. 119(a). Acceptance of Grant Funds Not Included in Ceiling. The mayor, after
Sec. 119. Identical to provision in P.L. 107-96.
consulting with the CFO, may accept and expend grants from private and federal
sources that are not part of this appropriation. Such gifts may be accepted and
expended only after the CFO has submitted to the city council a detailed report
regarding such grants. The city council has 14 days after receipt of the report to
review and approve its acceptance or to file a resolution of disapproval. The Council
has 30 calendar days from initial receipt of the report from the CFO to act on a
resolution of disapproval. The provision:
C
prohibits the city from expending city funds in anticipation of a grant
award;
C
requires the CFO to submit to the city council and House and Senate
Appropriations Committees detailed reports regarding all federal and
private grants approved under this section.
Sec. 120. Use of City Vehicles. Limits a District employee’s use of official vehicles
Sec. 120. Identical to provision in P.L. 107-96
only to performance of official duties. Grants four exceptions:
except inventory of all vehicles owned, leased or
C
a police officer may use police vehicles to travel to and from work and home
operated by the city is due November 15, 2002..
only if the officer resides in the District of Columbia, or is granted permission
by the Chief of Police;
C
an employee of the Fire and Emergency Ambulance Department who resides
in the District and is on call 24 hours a day;
C
the mayor; and
C
chair of the city council.
Requires the CFO to submit an inventory of all vehicles owned, leased or operated
by the District government by November 15, 2001. Does not specify to whom the
inventory is to be submitted. Includes an additional provision that requires the
District to conduct a cost analysis for the procurement of all goods and services in
excess of $2,500, excluding goods and services being acquired by CIO, CFO, and
Metropolitan Police. In conducting such analysis the District is to compare costs
under District procurement regulations and procedures with those applicable under
the federal GSA supply schedules.
Sec. 121. Special Education Evaluation Time Frame. This provision requires that
Sec. 121. Identical to provision in P.L. 107-96.
the school board complete an evaluation of students who may be in need of special
education services within 120 days of the student’s referral, and to place students
with special education needs, as defined by federal law (Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1401(a)(1)) or the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 29 U.S.C.
706(8)) in appropriate programs.

CRS-7
P.L. 107-96
S. 2809
House
Conference
Sec. 122. Buy American Act. Encourages District government to comply with the
Sec. 122. Identical to provision in P.L. 107-96.
Buy American Act 41 U.S.C. 10a-10c). Includes a sense of the Congress provision
encouraging the purchase of American made products.
Sec. 123. Inspector General Audits. Only the District of Columbia Inspector
Sec. 123. Identical to provision in P.L. 107-96.
General may conduct and certify agency audits in compliance with the District of
Columbia Procurement Practices Act of 1985 (D.C. Code, sec. 1-1182.8(a)(4).
Sec. 124. Voting Representation Cost Prohibition. Prohibits the use of federal and
Sec. 124. Voting Representation Cost
District funds, including funds for the corporation counsel, to cover the cost of court
Prohibition. Prohibits the use of federal, but not
challenges aimed at providing city residents with voting representation in Congress.
District, funds to cover the cost of court
challenges aimed at providing city residents with
voting representation in Congress.
Sec. 125. Needle Exchange Program. Prohibits the creation and funding of a needle
Sec. 125. Needle Exchange Program. Allows
exchange program with federal or District government funds. Such programs may
the use of District funds for such programs, but
be funded with private funds and must be accounted for separately.
prohibits the use of federal government funds.
Requires entities administering needle exchange
programs to track program funds used for such
activities separately from any funds appropriated
under this act.
Sec. 126. CFO Certifications. Funds may not be used to pay agency CFOs 60 days
Sec. 126. Identical to provision in P.L. 107-96.
after the passage of this Act if the agency CFO has not filed a statement with the

mayor and CFO of the District certifying that the agency CFO understands and will
abide by the duties and restrictions of his office.
Sec. 127. Medical Marijuana Initiative. Prohibits the use of federal or District
Sec. 127. Identical to provision in P.L. 107-96.
funds in carrying out any law or regulation that legalizes or reduces the penalty for
possession of a Schedule I substance, including the medical use of marijuana.
Prohibits the implementation of citizen approved medical marijuana initiative.
Sec. 128. Conscience Clause Covering Contraceptive Coverage in Private Health
Sec. 128. Identical to provision in P.L. 107-96.
Plans. The provision requires the inclusion of a conscience clause allowing
employers to exclude contraceptive coverage in the employer’s health insurance
plan for moral or religious reasons.

CRS-8
P.L. 107-96
S. 2809
House
Conference
Sec. 129. Prompt Payment of Appointed Counsel. Requires the DC Court of
Sec. 129. Covers claims received during fiscal
Appeals to make payment to counsel representing indigent persons, and children in
year 2003 and unpaid claims that remained at
neglect and abuse cases within 45 days of receiving a payment voucher. Failure to
the end of fiscal year 2002.
make payment within the 45-day time period would require the DC Court of
Appeals to pay interest to the attorneys representing indigent persons, and children
in neglect and abuse cases. Requires the Court to establish standards for the
submission of completed vouchers. Covers claims received during fiscal year 2002
and unpaid claims that remained at the end of fiscal year 2001.
Sec. 130. Teenage Smoking. Bans possession of tobacco by minors and imposes
Not included in this bill.
fines, community service, and revocation of driving privileges. Provides $100,000
in federal assistance for enforcement activities.
Sec. 131. Budget-linked Quality of Life Factors. Identifies a number of quality-of-
Sec. 130. Identical to Sec. 131 of P.L. 107-96.
life indicators that characterize the city’s deficiencies in the areas of crime,
education, corrections, management of public services. Directs the mayor to submit
quarterly reports to House and Senate appropriation and oversight committees.
Sec. 132. Corporation Counsel Review of Private Lawsuits. The provision permits
Sec. 131. Identical to Sec. 132 of P.L. 107-96.
the district’s corporation counsel to review and comment on briefs in lawsuits filed
by private citizens, and to consult government officials regarding such lawsuits. This
includes lawsuits seeking voting representation in Congress.

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P.L. 107-96
S. 2809
House
Conference
Sec. 133. Emergency Cash Reserve and Contingency Reserve Funds. Requires
Not included in this bill.
budget reserve of $120 million in FY2002, and $70 million in FY2003. For each of
fiscal years 2004 and 2005 the District must maintain a cumulative cash reserve of
$50 million. Outlines the conditions under which budget and cash reserves may be
used to include:
! CFO certification that funds are available;
! amounts are to be obligated or expended in accordance with laws
enacted by city council;
! prohibition on the use of funds for agencies under court ordered
receivership; and
! only after House and Senate Appropriations Committees have
been notified by the mayor in writing 30 days in advance of any
obligation or expenditure.
Requires funds taken from the reserve be replenished in order to maintain required
balance. Transfers all funds in the $150 million budget reserve created under Sec.
106-113 into the Emergency and Contingency Reserve Funds established under Sec.
159 of P.L. 106-522.
Sec. 134. Integrated Products Team. Prohibits the appropriation of funds for the
Not included in this bill.
Integrated Product Team. The city has approved a reorganization plan for the team
and a Capital Construction services Administration
Sec. 135 Revised Operating Budget Submission. Requires the CFO to submit to
Sec. 132. Identical to Sec. 135 of P.L. 107-96
the appropriate committees of Congress, the mayor, and the city council a revised
appropriated funds operating budget budget no later than 30 days after the
enactment of this act. The revised budget should reflect anticipated actual
expenditures for the fiscal year.
Sec. 136. City Council Chairman Compensation. Eliminates the provision
Not included in this bill.
that provides $10,000 in additional annual compensation to the chairman of
the city council above the amount of compensation provided to other council
members. Provides additional compensation to chairman of the city council
equal to $10,000 less than the compensation paid to the mayor.
Sec. 137. Risk Management for Settlements and Judgments. Allows any Sec. 133. Identical to Sec. 137 of P.L. 107-96.
District government agency to pay a settlement or judgement stemming from
a claim or lawsuit that does not exceed $10,000.

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P.L. 107-96
S. 2809
House
Conference
Sec. 138. Closing of Certain Streets. Waives the period of congressional review for
Not included in this bill.
closing of portions of 2nd and N Streets, NE.
Sec. 139. Boy Scouts. Prohibits the use of District or federal funds for payment to
Sec. 134. Identical to Sec. 139 of P.L. 107-96.
plaintiffs awarded $50,000 by the District’s Commission on Human Rights related
to Boy Scout’s policy prohibiting homosexuals from serving as scout leaders.
Sec. 140. Attorney’s Fees for Special Education. Prohibits the use funds
Not included in this bill.
appropriated under this and subsequent appropriation acts from being used to pay
attorney’s associated with representing disabled students fees incurred prior to the
enactment of this act. Requires the DC public school system to submit to Congress
a report that lists all judgments against the DC public schools under the Individuals
with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The report is to be submitted within 60
days of enactment of this act and is to include detailed information for each of the
years 1999 to 2001, on the amount paid and owed plaintiffs’attorneys and attorneys
representing the school board.
Sec. 141. GAO Report on Attorney’s Fees for Special Needs Students. Directs GAO,
Not included in this bill.
with the assistance of relevant agencies and House and Senate subcommittees on DC
appropriations and oversight, to submit by March 31, 2002,. a report to the House
and Senate appropriations and oversight committees detailing the awards in
judgment rendered in the District of Columbia that were in excess of the cap
imposed by prior appropriations acts in effect during the fiscal year when the work
was performed, or when payment was requested for work previously performed, in
actions brought against the District of Columbia Public Schools under the
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. §1400 et. seq.).