For other versions of this document, see http://wikileaks.org/wiki/CRS-RL34490 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Order Code RL34490 Legislative Branch: FY2009 Appropriations Updated October 31, 2008 Ida A. Brudnick Analyst on the Congress Government and Finance Division The annual consideration of appropriations bills (regular, continuing, and supplemental) by Congress is part of a complex set of budget processes that also encompasses the consideration of budget resolutions, revenue and debt-limit legislation, other spending measures, and reconciliation bills. In addition, the operation of programs and the spending of appropriated funds are subject to constraints established in authorizing statutes. Congressional action on the budget for a fiscal year usually begins following the submission of the President's budget at the beginning of each annual session of Congress. Congressional practices governing the consideration of appropriations and other budgetary measures are rooted in the Constitution, the standing rules of the House and Senate, and statutes, such as the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974. This report is a guide to the regular appropriations bills that Congress considers each year. It is designed to supplement the information provided by the House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on Legislative Branch. It summarizes the current legislative status of the bill, its scope, major issues, funding levels, and related legislative activity. The report lists the key CRS staff relevant to the issues covered and related CRS products. This report is updated as soon as possible after major legislative developments, especially following legislative action in the committees and on the floor of the House and Senate. NOTE: A Web version of this document with active links is available to congressional staff at [http://beta.crs.gov/cli/level_2.aspx?PRDS_CLI_ITEM_ID =73]. Legislative Branch: FY2009 Appropriations Summary Legislative branch entities requested nearly $4.7 billion for FY2009. This amount reflects an increase of approximately 18% over the nearly $4 billion approved by Congress for FY2008. The House Appropriations Legislative Branch Subcommittee held a markup of the bill on June 23, 2008, and ordered it reported to the full committee. The subcommittee bill provides $3.4 billion for the legislative branch (excluding Senate items). Among issues that were considered during hearings on the FY2009 budget in the House and Senate Appropriations Committees, Subcommittees on Legislative Branch, are the following: ! completion of the Capitol Visitor Center and funding for initial activities; ! the designation of appropriate locations for tour buses to drop off and pick up visitors given security concerns around the Capitol Complex; ! the Architect's request for $127 million to repair the Capitol Power Plant utility tunnels in accordance with the settlement agreed to with the Office of Compliance; ! funds for the Digital Talking Book program within the Library of Congress; ! the use of funds the U.S. Capitol Police received in the FY2007 emergency appropriations act to purchase new interoperable radios; ! funds requested to support the "Greening of the Capitol" initiative and the use of alternative fuels; and ! the future of the Open World Leadership Program, including the location of the program within the government and the selection of participant countries. On September 30, 2008, the President signed the Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009 (P.L. 110-329, 122 Stat. 3574). Division A, Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2009, extends funding for nine FY2009 regular appropriations bills, including the legislative branch, from October 1, 2008, through March 6, 2009, or until enactment of additional FY2009 legislation, if earlier. This report will be updated to reflect major congressional action. Key Policy Staff Area of CRS Expertise Name Division Telephone and E-mail Appropriations Bill Heniff G&F 7-8646 Process wheniff@crs.loc.gov Sandy Streeter G&F 7-8653 sstreeter@crs.loc.gov Legislative Ida Brudnick G&F 7-6460 Branch ibrudnick@crs.loc.gov Operations Committee Eric Petersen G&F 7-0643 Funding and epetersen@crs.loc.gov Staffing Franking Matthew G&F 7-3467 Glassman mglassman@crs.loc.gov Legislative Jacob Straus G&F 7-6438 Branch jstraus@crs.loc.gov Conservation and Recycling Division abbreviations: G&F = Government and Finance Contents Most Recent Developments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Introduction to the Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Changes in Structure of Legislative Branch Appropriations Effective in FY2003 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Reestablishment of House Subcommittee on Legislative Branch for the 110th Congress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Status of FY2009 Appropriations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Action on the FY2009 Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill . . . . . . . . . . 4 Submission of FY2009 Budget Request on February 4, 2008 . . . . . . . . 4 Congressional Caps on FY2009 Legislative Branch Discretionary Funds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Senate and House Hearings on FY2009 Budget . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 House Appropriations Subcommittee Markup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 FY2009 Legislative Branch Funding Issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Senate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Overall Funding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Senate Committee Funding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Senators' Official Personnel and Office Expense Account . . . . . . . . . . 6 House of Representatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Overall Funding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 House Committee Funding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Members' Representational Allowance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Green the Capitol Initiative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Support Agency Funding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 U.S. Capitol Police . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Architect of the Capitol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Congressional Budget Office (CBO) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Library of Congress (LOC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Congressional Research Service (CRS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Government Accountability Office (GAO) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Government Printing Office (GPO) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Office of Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Open World Leadership Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 John B. Stennis Center for Public Service Training and Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 For Additional Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 CRS Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Selected Websites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 List of Tables Table 1. Legislative Branch Appropriations, FY1995 - FY2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Table 2. Status of Legislative Branch Appropriations, FY2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Table 3. Legislative Branch Appropriations, FY2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Table 4. Capitol Police Appropriations, FY2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Table 5. Architect of the Capitol Appropriations, FY2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Table 6. Senate Appropriations, FY2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Table 7. House of Representatives Appropriations, FY2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Legislative Branch: FY2009 Appropriations Most Recent Developments On September 24, 2008, the House passed H.R. 2638, the Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009. The bill continues appropriations for the legislative branch at the FY2008 level until March 6, 2009. The bill passed the Senate on September 27 and was signed by the President on September 30 (P.L. 110-329). Continuing resolutions typically provide spending rates across accounts in the regular appropriations bills funded, in contrast to regular and supplemental appropriations acts, which include specific amounts for each account.1 Regarding discretionary spending, the continuing resolution (CR) generally extends funding for accounts across-the-board at the amounts provided in the applicable FY2008 regular appropriations acts. The CR provides funding adjustments for selected accounts and activities, although none of these are within the legislative branch. The measure also provided a gratuity payment to the survivors of a deceased Member. Funds provided by the CR are generally available under terms and conditions provided in the applicable FY2008 regular appropriations acts. For example, any provision prohibiting the use of funds in an account for a specified activity or project remains in effect. The FY2009 legislative branch budget request, which contains nearly $4.7 billion in discretionary budget authority, was submitted as part of the President's budget on February 4, 2008. The FY2008 Consolidated Appropriations Act, which was enacted on December 26, 2007, provided $3.97 billion in new budget authority for the legislative branch.2 1 For additional information, see CRS Report RL30343, Continuing Resolutions: Latest Action and Brief Overview of Recent Practices, by Sandy Streeter. 2 P.L. 110-161, Dec. 26, 2007. This total includes an across-the-board rescission of 0.25% which was applied to accounts within the legislative branch division of the act. A conference report on H.R. 2764 was not issued. Representative David Obey, chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, inserted explanatory materials into the Congressional Record of December 17 providing detailed tables on the discretionary spending included in the bill. Information on the legislative branch was included on pages H16371-H16380. The House Appropriations Committee subsequently issued a committee print containing additional information on funding provided in the act (U.S. Congress, House Appropriations Committee, Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008, H.R. 2764/Public Law 110-161, committee print, 110th Cong., 2nd sess. (Washington: GPO, 2008), p. 1841-1907). CRS-2 The Subcommittees on the Legislative Branch of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees held hearings during which Members considered the legislative branch requests. On June 23, 2008, the House subcommittee marked up its version of the FY2009 legislative branch bill. The subcommittee's proposal contains approximately $3.4 billion (excluding Senate items). Introduction to the Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill Since FY2003, the annual legislative branch appropriations bill has usually contained two titles. Appropriations for legislative branch agencies are contained in Title I. These entities, as they have appeared in the annual appropriations bill, are the Senate; House of Representatives; Joint Items;3 Capitol Police; Office of Compliance; Congressional Budget Office; Architect of the Capitol, including the Capitol Visitor Center; Library of Congress, including the Congressional Research Service; Government Printing Office; Government Accountability Office; and Open World Leadership Program. Title II contains general administrative provisions and, from time to time, appropriations for legislative branch entities. For example, Title II of the FY2003 Act, P.L. 108-7, contained funds for the John C. Stennis Center for Public Service Training and Development and for the Congressional Award Act. On occasion the bill may contain a third title for other provisions. For example, Title III of the FY2006 legislative branch appropriations act, P.L. 109-55, contained language providing for the continuity of representation in the House of Representatives in "extraordinary circumstances." Changes in Structure of Legislative Branch Appropriations Effective in FY2003 Prior to enactment of the FY2003 bill, and effective in FY1978, the legislative branch appropriations bill was structured differently. Title I, Congressional Operations, contained budget authority for activities directly serving Congress. Included in this title were the budgets of the Senate; House of Representatives; Joint Items; Office of Compliance; Congressional Budget Office; Architect of the Capitol, except funds for Library of Congress buildings and grounds; Congressional Research Service, within the Library of Congress; and congressional printing and binding activities of the Government Printing Office. 3 Funded within the Joint Items account are the Joint Economic Committee, Joint Committee on Taxation, Office of the Attending Physician, Capitol Guide Service and Special Services Office, and Statements of Appropriations. The Special Services Office, within the Capitol Guide Service, provides accessible and sign-language guided tours of the Capitol. The Statement of Appropriations account funds preparation of appropriations statements for each calendar year. These statements contain enacted appropriations, indefinite appropriations, authorized contracts, and a history of annual appropriations required by law. CRS-3 Title II, Related Agencies, contained budget authority for activities considered by the Committee on Appropriations not directly supporting Congress, including those for the Botanic Garden; Library of Congress (except the Congressional Research Service, which was funded in Title I); Library of Congress buildings and grounds maintained by the Architect of the Capitol; Government Printing Office (except congressional printing and binding costs, which were funded in Title I); and Government Accountability Office, formerly named the General Accounting Office. Occasionally, from FY1978 through FY2002, the annual legislative appropriations bill contained additional titles for such purposes as capital improvements and special one-time functions. Reestablishment of House Subcommittee on Legislative Branch for the 110th Congress Prior to the 109th Congress, the legislative branch appropriations bill was handled by the House Subcommittee on Legislative Branch, Committee on Appropriations. Under a House Appropriations Committee reorganization plan released on February 9, 2005, the subcommittee was abolished and its jurisdiction assumed by the full Appropriations Committee. Although changes were made in the structure of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, announced in March 2005, the Subcommittee on Legislative Branch was retained. Under a reorganization plan announced by the House Appropriations Committee on January 4, 2007, the House Subcommittee on Legislative Branch was reestablished for the 110th Congress.4 Table 1. Legislative Branch Appropriations, FY1995 - FY2008 (budget authority in billions of current dollars)a 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2.203 2.288 2.581b 2.486c 2.730d 3.252e 3.461f 3.528g 3.640h 3.793i 3.852j 3.970 a. These figures represent current dollars, exclude permanent budget authorities, and contain supplementals and rescissions. Permanent budget authorities are not included in the annual legislative branch appropriations bill but, rather, are automatically funded each year. b. Includes budget authority contained in the FY1999 Legislative Branch Appropriations Act (P.L. 105-275), the FY1999 emergency supplemental appropriation (P.L. 105-277), and the FY1999 supplemental appropriation (P.L. 106-31). c. Includes budget authority contained in the FY2000 Legislative Branch Appropriations Act (P.L. 106-57), a supplemental and a 0.38% rescission in P.L. 106-113, and supplementals in P.L. 106-246 and P.L. 106- 554. d. This figure contains (1) FY2001 appropriations contained in H.R. 5657, legislative branch appropriations bill; (2) FY2001 supplemental appropriations of $118 million and a 0.22% across-the-board rescission contained in H.R. 5666, miscellaneous appropriations bill; and (3) FY2001 supplemental appropriations of $79.5 million contained in H.R. 2216 (P.L. 107-20). H.R. 5657 and H.R. 5666 were incorporated by reference in P.L. 106-554, FY2001 Consolidated Appropriations Act. The first FY2001 legislative branch appropriations bill, H.R. 4516, was vetoed Oct. 30, 2000. The second legislative branch appropriations bill, H.R. 5657, was introduced Dec. 14, 2000, and incorporated in P.L. 106-554. This figure does not reflect any terrorism supplementals funds released pursuant to P.L. 107-38. 4 "Senate, House Appropriations Set Subcommittee Plans for New Congress," House Appropriations Committee press release, Jan. 4, 2007, available at [http://appropriations.house.gov/press_releases.aspx]. For additional information on subcommittee history, see CRS Report RL31572, Appropriations Subcommittee Structure: History of Changes from 1920-2007, by James V. Saturno. CRS-4 e. This figure contains appropriations in P.L. 107-68, transfers from the legislative branch emergency response fund pursuant to P.L. 107-117, and FY2002 supplemental appropriations in P.L. 107-206. f. This figure contains appropriations in P.L. 108-7, FY2003 Omnibus Appropriations Act, and supplemental appropriations in P.L. 108-11. g. This figure contains appropriations in P.L. 108-83, 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. h. This figure contains appropriations in P.L. 108-447, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY2005 (adjusted by a 0.80% rescission also contained in P.L. 108-447), and P.L. 109-13, FY2005 Emergency Supplemental. i. This figure contains appropriations in P.L. 109-55, FY2006 Legislative Branch Appropriations Act (adjusted by a 1.0% rescission contained in P.L. 109-148) and the FY2006 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act (P.L. 109-234). j. This figure contains appropriations in P.L. 110-5, the Revised Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2007, and P.L. 110-28, the U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act, 2007. Status of FY2009 Appropriations Table 2. Status of Legislative Branch Appropriations, FY2009 Conference Report Committee Markup Approval House House Senate Senate Conference Public House Senate Report Passage Report Passage Report House Senate Law Note: P.L. 110-329 continues funding for the legislative branch at FY2008 levels until March 6, 2009. Action on the FY2009 Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill Submission of FY2009 Budget Request on February 4, 2008. The FY2009 U.S. Budget contained a request for $4.7 billion in new budget authority for legislative branch activities, an increase of approximately 18% from FY2008 levels.5 A substantial portion of the increase requested by legislative branch entities is to meet (1) mandatory expenses, which include funding for annual salary adjustments required by law and related personnel expenses, such as increased government contributions to retirement based on increased pay, and (2) expenses related to increases in the costs of goods and services due to inflation. Congressional Caps on FY2009 Legislative Branch Discretionary Funds. As required by law, both houses are considering separate 302(b) budget allocations for legislative branch discretionary and mandatory funds in FY2009. The Senate allocation is $4.527 billion, including $127 million in mandatory budget 5 Office of Management and Budget, Analytical Perspectives, Budget of the United States Government, FY2009, Table 28 -- Federal Programs by Agency and Account (Washington: GPO, 2008), pp. 1-6; and Office of Management and Budget, Summary Tables, Budget of the United States Government, FY2009, Table S -- 3. Discretionary Funding by Major Agency (Washington: GPO, 2008), p. 141. These requests are "included in the budget by the President without change" (31 U.S.C. §1105). CRS-5 authority.6 The Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee has released a proposal for the allocations, which includes $4.404 billion in discretionary budget authority for the legislative branch.7 Senate and House Hearings on FY2009 Budget. The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Legislative Branch held budget hearings on February 13 for the Architect of Capitol; on March 5 for the Library of Congress; on March 6 for the Government Printing Office; on March 12 for the Office of Compliance, Congressional Budget Office, and Open World Leadership Center; on March 13 for the House of Representatives; on April 9 for the U.S. Capitol Police; and on April 10 for the Government Accountability Office. The subcommittee heard from public witnesses, including representatives of legislative branch employee unions and representatives of non-governmental groups with an interest in legislative operations, on May 7. The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Legislative Branch held a hearing on April 30 on the budget requests of the Architect of the Capitol, U.S. Capitol Police, and the Library of Congress. House Appropriations Subcommittee Markup. The House subcommittee held a markup on June 23, 2008. The subcommittee bill contains $3.4 billion, not including Senate items. The subcommittee agreed by voice vote to one amendment offered by the Chair, which slightly increased the budget authority for the Library of Congress salaries and expenses account. FY2009 Legislative Branch Funding Issues Senate Overall Funding. The Senate has requested $940.9 million in budget authority for its internal operations. This figure represents a 13.1% increase over the $831.8 million provided in the FY2008 Consolidated Appropriations Act. Senate Committee Funding. Appropriations for Senate committees are contained in two accounts:8 6 U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Appropriations, Allocation to Subcommittees of Budget Totals from the Concurrent Resolution, Fiscal Year 2009, 110th Cong., 2nd sess., S. Rept. 110-393 (Washington: GPO, 2008). 7 The proposed FY2009 allocations are available on the webpage of the House Committee on Appropriations [http://appropriations.house.gov/pdf/FY09302bProposal6-13-08.pdf]. 8 For additional information on committee funding, see CRS Report RL33905, Senate Committee Expenditures Resolutions, 110th Congress, and Funding Authorizations, 104th - 110th Congresses, by R. Eric Petersen. CRS-6 ! the inquiries and investigations account, contains funds for all Senate committees except Appropriations. The Senate request includes $142.6 million (an increase of $13.6 million, or 10.6%). ! the Committee on Appropriations account, for which $15.2 million was requested (an increase of $1.04 million, or 7.3%). Senators' Official Personnel and Office Expense Account. The Senators' Official Personnel and Office Expense Account 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 interchanged by the Senator, subject to limitations on official mail. A total of $425.59 million was requested for this account, an increase of 13.9% over the $373.6 million provided in FY2008. House of Representatives Overall Funding. The House has requested $1.33 billion in budget authority for its internal operations. The request represents a 12.8% increase ($151 million) over the budget authority provided in the FY2008 Consolidated Appropriations Act. House Committee Funding. Funding for House committees is contained in the appropriation heading "committee employees," which comprises two subheadings.9 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 FY2009 request of $164 million, an increase of 23.6%, includes funds for investigations. The second subheading contains funds for the personnel and nonpersonnel expenses of the Committee on Appropriations, for which $33.5 million is requested, a 12.8% increase over the $29.7 million in new budget authority provided for FY2008. Members' Representational Allowance. The Members' Representational Allowance (MRA) is available to support Members in their official and representational duties. The FY2009 budget contained a request for $590.6 million in budget authority, a 1.9% increase in the $579.5 million provided in the FY2008 Consolidated Appropriations Act. 9 For additional information on committee funding, see CRS Report RS22616, House Committee Funding, 110th Congress, by R. Eric Petersen. CRS-7 Green the Capitol Initiative.10 The Green the Capitol Initiative was created in March 2007, when Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, and the chair of the Committee on House Administration, the late Representative Juanita Millender-McDonald, asked the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of the House, Daniel Beard, to provide an "environmentally responsible and healthy working environment for employees."11 The initiative created three goals for reducing the House of Representatives' environmental impact:12 ! Operate the House in a carbon-neutral manner by the end of the 110th Congress. ! Reduce the House's carbon footprint by cutting energy consumption by 50% in 10 years. ! Make House operations a model of sustainability.13 For FY2008, the CAO requested $3.27 million to implement the Green the Capitol Initiative, which included $100,000 in the Architect of the Capitol's House office buildings account for new light bulbs and $500,000 in the Capitol Grounds section of the report for an E-85 gasoline pump.14 The FY2008 Omnibus Appropriations Act provided $3.9 million for new "green" initiatives, including $100,000 for the House Office Buildings account, $500,000 for the Capitol Grounds account, and $3.27 million for the Capitol Power Plant.15 In addition, the Omnibus Appropriations Act included an amendment to 2 U.S.C. § 117m(b), which governs the operation of the House Services Revolving Fund, allowing the CAO to use the revolving fund for environmental activities, including energy and water conservation, in buildings, facilities, and grounds under his jurisdiction.16 10 This section on the "Green the Capitol" initiative was contributed by Jacob R. Straus, Analyst on the Congress, Government and Finance Division. For additional information, see CRS Report RL34694, Administering Green Programs in Congress: Issues and Options, by Jacob R. Straus. 11 U.S. Congress, Chief Administrative Officer, Green the Capitol Initiative Final Report, 110th Cong., 1st sess. [http://cao.house.gov/greenthecapitol/green-the-capitol-final- report.pdf]. 12 U.S. Congress, Chief Administrative Officer, "Immediate Office," CAO Semi-Annual Report, 110th Cong., 1st sess. [http://cao.house.gov/report/cao-io.shtml]. 13 U.S. Congress, Chief Administrative Officer, Green the Capitol Initiative Final Report, 110th Cong., 1st sess. [http://cao.house.gov/greenthecapitol/green-the-capitol-final- report.pdf]. 14 U.S. Congress, House Committee on Appropriations, Legislative Branch Appropriations, 2008, report to accompany H.R. 2771, 110th Cong., 1st sess., H.Rept. 110-198 (Washington: GPO, 2007), p. 59. For additional information on this fuel, see CRS Report RL33290, Fuel Ethanol: Background and Public Policy Issues, by Brent D. Yacobucci. 15 The funds were provided in P.L. 110-161, 121 Stat. 1844, Dec. 26, 2007. See also, U.S. Congress, House Committee on Appropriations, Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008, committee print, 110th Cong., 1st sess (Washington: GPO, 2008), pp. 1887-1888. 16 The amendment to 2 U.S.C. § 121m was provided in P.L. 110-161, 121 Stat. 2225, Dec. 26, 2007. CRS-8 For FY2009, the CAO has requested $2 million for the Green the Capitol Initiative.17 Support Agency Funding U.S. Capitol Police. The Capitol Police have requested $333.7 million for FY2009, and an increase of 18.4% over the $281.9 million provided in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008. The FY2008 budget authority represented an increase of 5.8% over the $265.6 million (including supplemental appropriations) provided in FY2007. Appropriations for the police are contained in two accounts -- a salaries account and a 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. The Capitol Police have requested $269.2 million for salaries (an increase of $36.1 million, or 15.5%, over the amount provided in the FY2008 Consolidated Appropriations Act) and $64.4 million for general expenses (an increase of $15.7 million, or 32.1%). A second appropriation relating to the Capitol Police appears within the Architect of the Capitol account for Capitol Police buildings and grounds. The $24.9 million FY2009 request represents a nearly $10 million increase (66.96%) over the $14.9 million provided in FY2008. Administrative Provisions. The U.S. Capitol Police have requested an administrative provision that would grant law enforcement retirement status to criminal investigators of the Capitol Police Office of Inspector General. Highlights of the House and Senate Hearings on the U.S. Capitol Police. During the House hearing on April 9, Chief Phillip Morse was questioned by some Members on the necessity and propriety of conducting Interstate Identification Index (or Triple I) background investigations on employees.18 The investigations were conducted by the Capitol Police Inspector General. The 17 Justification of Budget Estimates, in U.S. Congress, House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch, Legislative Branch Appropriations for 2009, hearings, part 1, 110th Cong., 2nd sess. (Washington: GPO, 2008), p. 100. 18 Testimony of Phillip Morse, chief of the Capitol Police, U.S. Congress, House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch, Legislative Branch Appropriations for 2009, hearings, 110th Cong., 2nd sess., April 9, 2008 (Washington: GPO, 2008), p. 611. CRS-9 subcommittee also discussed recent restructuring and reforms in the USCP Office of Financial Management and the size of the force and its ability to handle increased staffing and security responsibilities with the opening of the Capitol Visitor Center. The Senate subcommittee hearing included a discussion of factors driving the USCP overtime budget as well as the relative costs involved in providing overtime as opposed to hiring, training, and providing the administrative support structure for additional officers.19 The subcommittee also asked for an update on the use of the funds the USCP received in FY2007 emergency appropriations to purchase new radios that will be interoperable.20 Architect of the Capitol. The Architect of the Capitol (AOC) is responsible for the maintenance, operation, development, and preservation of the United States 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 ten 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 of the Capitol has requested $642.7 million in new budget authority, an increase of $229.2 million (55.4%) over the $413.5 million provided in FY2008. The FY2008 budget authority represented a decrease of 8.1% from the $449.9 million (including supplemental appropriations) provided in FY2007. Capitol Visitor Center (CVC).21 The AOC has requested $44.5 million for the CVC. This includes $31.1 million (an increase of $10.9 million, or 54%) for the CVC project and $13.4 million (an increase of $4.9 million, or 58%) for operational costs. Both subcommittees expressed interest in the upcoming opening of the Capitol Visitor Center. In multiple hearings, they questioned the Architect, the Capitol Police, and representatives from tour operators about the transportation plans for 19 Testimony of Phillip Morse, chief of the Capitol Police, U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch, Legislative Branch Appropriations for 2009, hearings, 110th Cong., 2nd sess., April 30, 2008 (not yet published). 20 The budget authority was provided in P.L. 110-28, May 25, 2007, 121 Stat. 112. The House Subcommittee on Capitol Security of the Committee on House Administration held a hearing on June 18 to examine the USCP proposal for radio upgrades. Additional information on the subcommittee hearing is available at [http://cha.house.gov/view_hearing.aspx?r=33]. 21 For additional information on the Capitol Visitor Center, see CRS Report RL31121, The Capitol Visitor Center: An Overview, by Stephen W. Stathis. CRS-10 bringing large groups to the Capitol, including providing motorcoaches from Union Station, given security restrictions limiting bus travel around the Capitol Complex.22 Capitol Power Plant Utility Tunnels. The condition of the Capitol Power Plant utility tunnels, and the funds necessary to repair them, have been discussed during appropriations hearings in recent fiscal years. The funding for repairs follows a complaint issued February 28, 2006, by the Office of Compliance regarding health and safety violations in the tunnels. The Office of Compliance had previously issued a citation due to the condition of the tunnels on December 7, 2000. On November 16, 2006, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) wrote a letter to the chair and ranking minority members of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch, and the House Committee on Appropriations, examining the conditions of the tunnels, plans for improving conditions, and efforts to address workers' concerns.23 Potential hazards identified by the Office of Compliance and GAO include excessive heat, asbestos, falling concrete, lack of adequate egress, and insufficient communication systems. In May 2007, the Architect of the Capitol and the Office of Compliance announced a settlement agreement for the complaint and citations. Steps necessary to remedy the situation, as well as the actions and roles of the Architect of the Capitol and the Office of Compliance, have been discussed at multiple hearings of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees in 2006, 2007, and 2008. Other committees have also expressed concern about the utility tunnels and allegations of unsafe working conditions. For example, the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, Subcommittee on Employment and Workplace Safety, heard testimony on tunnel safety during a March 1, 2007, hearing on the effects of asbestos. Following the complaint by the Office of Compliance, Congress provided $27.6 million in FY2006 emergency supplemental appropriations to the Architect of the Capitol for Capitol Power Plant repairs,24 and an additional $50 million was provided in emergency supplemental appropriations for FY2007.25 The Architect of the 22 The Capitol Visitor Center, and associated planning for the transportation of visitors, was discussed during budget request hearings of the Senate subcommittee on April 30 and of the House subcommittee on February 13. The House subcommittee has held additional hearings on the Capitol Visitor Center on Feb. 7, Mar. 12, Apr. 15, May 22, July 8, and Sept. 24, 2008. 23 U.S. Government Accountability Office, Capitol Power Plant Utility Tunnels, GAO-07-227R, Nov. 16, 2006, available at [http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d07227r.pdf]. 24 P.L. 109-234, 120 Stat. 48, June 15, 2006. The funding was included as an amendment (S.Amdt. 3701) offered during Senate floor consideration of H.R. 4939, the emergency supplemental appropriations bill. The amendment was agreed to in the Senate by voice vote on April 27, 2006. The language was retained by conferees, whose report was agreed to by the House on June 13, and the Senate on June 15, 2006. 25 P.L. 110-28, 121 Stat. 112, May 25, 2007. CRS-11 Capitol had requested $24.77 million for FY2008.26 This request, which was submitted prior to the provision of funds in the May 2007 emergency supplemental appropriations act, was not supported by either the House or Senate Appropriations Committee.27 The Architect has requested $126.65 million in FY2009 budget authority to continue work on the tunnels and to meet the terms of the settlement agreement. AOC has indicated that "the bulk of this work will begin in early calendar year 2009, and will extend through the spring of 2011."28 Administrative Provisions. AOC has requested administrative provisions which would (1) amend the Federal Workforce Flexibility Act; (2) authorize the AOC to incur obligations and make expenditures to respond to an emergency; (3) allow the Architect to acquire insurance for items on loan to the AOC for exhibit; (4) permit membership in the House staff gym by certain employees as approved by the Committee on House Administration; (5) authorize the use of proceeds from AOC recycling programs and coin collection; (6) allow the AOC to establish a student loan repayment program; (7) amend the statute governing the authority for death gratuities for survivors of AOC employees; (8) permit the AOC to lease property for the Library of Congress; (9) allow the AOC to retain funds from energy and water savings for other conservation projects; (10) allow the AOC to grant compensatory time off to employees; (11) extend the Capitol grounds due to security concerns and work related to the utility tunnel repairs; (12) establish an AOC Senior Executive Service; and (13) extend AOC authority to maintain sidewalks to one additional area. Highlights of the House and Senate Hearings on the Architect of the Capitol. Stephen Ayers, the acting Architect of the Capitol, testified before the House subcommittee on February 13, 2008, on behalf of the AOC budget request. The hearing included a discussion of the backlog of deferred maintenance projects; a project that would measure the use of utilities in the House office buildings; and efforts to reduce the use of energy on the House side of the Capitol Complex.29 On April 30, 2008, the Senate subcommittee discussed the nearly $127 million request 26 Justification of Budget Estimates, in U.S. Congress, House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch, Legislative Branch Appropriations for 2008, hearings, part 1, 110th Cong., 1st sess. (Washington: GPO, 2007), p. 521. 27 U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Appropriations, Legislative Branch Appropriations, 2008, report to accompany S. 1686, 110th Cong., 1st sess., S.Rept. 110-89 (Washington: GPO, 2007), p. 30; U.S. Congress, House Committee on Appropriations, Legislative Branch Appropriations, 2008, report to accompany H.R. 2771, 110th Cong., 1st sess., H.Rept. 110- 198 (Washington: GPO, 2007), p. 20. 28 Justification of Budget Estimates, in U.S. Congress, House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch, Legislative Branch Appropriations for 2009, hearings, part 1, 110th Cong., 2nd sess. (Washington: GPO, 2008), p. 418. 29 Testimony of Stephen Ayers, acting Architect of the Capitol, U.S. Congress, House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch, Legislative Branch Appropriations for 2009, hearings, 110th Cong., 2nd sess., Feb. 13, 2008 (Washington: GPO, 2008), p 68. CRS-12 for utility tunnel repairs, asking why the project requires this sum and the implications if the budget authority is not provided in FY2009.30 Questions for the Architect also focused on the manner in which the Architect prioritizes fire- and life- safety projects, including the role of the Office of Compliance in this decision- making process. 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.31 CBO requested $42.7 million for FY2009, an increase of approximately 14.6% over the $37.3 million provided in the FY2008 Consolidated Appropriations Act. The FY2009 request would support 250 FTEs, an increase of 15 FTEs from FY2008. Highlights of the House Hearing on FY2009 Budget of the CBO. CBO Director Peter R. Orszag testified before the House Legislative Branch Subcommittee on March 12, 2008. As in FY2008, the director emphasized his desire to expand CBO's capacity in the area of health economics. Library of Congress (LOC). The Library of Congress provides research support for Congress through a wide range of services, from research on public policy issues to general information. Among its major programs are acquisitions, preservation, legal research for Congress and other federal entities, administration of U.S. copyright laws by the Copyright Office, research and analysis of policy issues by the Congressional Research Service, and administration of a national program to provide reading material to the blind and physically handicapped. The Library also maintains a number of collections and provides a range of services to libraries in the United States and abroad. The Library has requested $606.2 million for FY2009, an increase of approximately 5% over the $562.5 million provided in the FY2008 Consolidated Appropriations Act. These figures do not include additional authority to spend receipts.32 The FY2009 requests for the Library's accounts include ! salaries and expenses -- $411.7 million plus authority to spend $6.35 million in receipts; 30 Testimony of Stephen Ayers, acting Architect of the Capitol, U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch, Legislative Branch Appropriations for 2009, hearings, 110th Cong., 2nd sess., April 30, 2008 (not yet published). 31 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, sec. 273, 99 Stat.1098, Dec. 12, 1985; 2 U.S.C. §621 (et seq)). 32 An example of receipts are fees paid to the LOC for copyright registration. CRS-13 ! Copyright Office -- $18.3 million (not including authority to spend $33.3 million in receipts); ! Congressional Research Service -- $107.3 million; and ! Books for the Blind and Physically Handicapped -- $68.8 million. An additional $53.3 million was included in the Architect's FY2009 request for Library buildings and grounds. The requested funding is 93.8% higher than the FY2008 enacted level. Much of this increase is requested for multi-year capital projects.33 Highlights of the House and Senate Hearings on FY2009 Budget of the LOC. As during the FY2008 hearings, the House and Senate subcommittees discussed funding for the Books for the Blind program and efforts to update the technology that the "talking book" program currently uses from an analog to digital format.34 The Library also continued to express concern over the loss of $47 million in appropriated funds, and a total loss of $84 million due to lost matching funds, for the National Digital Information Infrastructure and Preservation Program (NDIIPP) from a rescission contained in the FY2007 appropriations act.35 The Library has requested $6 million for this program for FY2009. Congressional Research Service (CRS). CRS works exclusively for Members and committees of Congress to support their legislative, oversight, and representational functions by providing nonpartisan and confidential research and policy analysis. CRS requested $107.3 million for FY2009, an increase of 4.6% over the $102.3 million provided in the FY2008 Consolidated Appropriations Act. Government Accountability Office (GAO). GAO works for Congress by responding to requests for studies of federal government programs and expenditures. 33 Justification of Budget Estimates, in U.S. Congress, House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch, Legislative Branch Appropriations for 2009, hearings, part 1, 110th Cong., 2nd sess. (Washington: GPO, 2008), pp. 525-533. 34 On June 12, 2007, GAO released a study of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) planning and management of the digital talking book program. U.S. Government Accountability Office, Talking Books for the Blind, GAO-07-871R (Washington: GAO, 2007). 35 Testimony of James H. Billington, Librarian of Congress, U.S. Congress, House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch, Legislative Branch Appropriations for 2009, hearings, 110th Cong., 2nd sess., March 5, 2008 (Washington: GPO, 2008), p. 111. The Library was provided with $100 million in budget authority for the National Digital Information Infrastructure and Preservation Program in the FY2001 Consolidated Appropriations Act (P.L. 106-554, 114 Stat. 2763A -- 194, Dec. 21, 2000). CRS-14 GAO may also initiate its own work.36 Formerly the General Accounting Office, the agency was renamed the Government Accountability Office effective July 7, 2004. GAO requested $538.15 million for FY2009. The request represents an increase of $37.1 million (7.4%) over the $499.7 million in new budget authority provided in the FY2008 Consolidated Appropriations Act. Highlights of House Hearing on FY2009 Budget of the GAO. Gene L. Dodaro, who became the acting Comptroller General on March 13, 2008, testified in support of the GAO budget request at a House hearing on April 10, 2008. The House subcommittee discussed issues that included (1) the GAO request for 151 new FTEs; (2) the agency's relationship with the newly established union; and (3) staffing issues including diversity, recruitment, retention, and succession planning.37 Government Printing Office (GPO). GPO requested $174.35 million for FY2009, an increase of 39.8% over the $124.7 million provided in the FY2008 Consolidated Appropriations Act. GPO's budget authority is contained in three accounts: (1) congressional printing and binding, (2) Office of Superintendent of Documents (salaries and expenses), and (3) the revolving fund. FY2009 requests for these accounts are ! congressional printing and binding -- GPO has requested $97.9 million, an increase of 9.1% from the $89.8 million provided in the FY2008 Consolidated Appropriations Act; ! Office of Superintendent of Documents (salaries and expenses) -- GPO requested $43.4 million, an increase of 24.4% from the $34.9 million provided in the Consolidated Appropriations Act; and ! revolving fund -- GPO requested $33 million. The FY2008 Consolidated Appropriations Act did not include an appropriation for the revolving fund. The congressional printing and binding account pays for expenses of printing and binding required for congressional use, and for statutorily authorized printing, binding, and distribution of government publications for specified recipients at no charge. Included within these publications are the Congressional Record; Congressional Directory; Senate and House Journals; memorial addresses of Members; nominations; U.S. Code and supplements; serial sets; publications printed 36 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 o n t h e w e b s i t e o f t h e G o ve r n me n t A c c o u n t a b i l i t y O f f i c e a t [http://www.gao.gov/special.pubs/d04310g.pdf]. 37 Testimony of Gene L. Dodaro, acting Comptroller General, U.S. Congress, House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch, Legislative Branch Appropriations for 2009, hearings, 110th Cong., 2nd sess., April 10, 2008 (Washington: GPO, 2008), p. 655. CRS-15 without a document or report number, for example, laws and treaties; envelopes provided to Members of Congress for the mailing of documents; House and Senate business and committee calendars; bills, resolutions, and amendments; committee reports and prints; committee hearings; and other documents. The Office of Superintendent of Documents account funds the mailing of government documents for Members of Congress and federal agencies, as statutorily authorized; the compilation of catalogs and indexes of government publications; and the cataloging, indexing, and distribution of government publications to the Federal Depository and International Exchange libraries, and to other individuals and entities, as authorized by law. The $33 million requested for the revolving fund would support information technology and GPO facilities, and it would include $10 million for the Federal Digital System (FDsys).38 This project would allow GPO to manage information digitally and allow agencies to electronically submit publications and orders. In FY2008, GPO requested $26.8 million for the revolving fund, although the Consolidated Appropriations Act did not contain funds for this account. Previously, $1 million was provided for the revolving fund in FY2007. Highlights of House Hearing on FY2009 Budget of the GPO. Robert C. Tapella testified before the House Legislative Branch Subcommittee on March 6, 2008, in support of the GPO FY2009 budget request.39 Among the issues discussed were (1)staffing and succession planning at GPO, (2) recent discrimination lawsuits and GPO efforts in providing equal employment opportunity, (3) efforts to recycle and make GPO production more environmentally friendly, (4) GPO's request for a new facility, (5) GPO's efforts to transform to adjust to the digital age, (6) the funding of the congressional printing and binding account, and (7) passport production and security.40 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 1995.41 The 38 Justification of Budget Estimates, in U.S. Congress, House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch, Legislative Branch Appropriations for 2009, hearings, part 1, 110th Cong., 2nd sess. (Washington: GPO, 2008), p. 797. 39 Bruce James retired as Public Printer in January 2007. On May 24, 2007, the President nominated Robert C. Tapella to be Public Printer. The nomination, which requires Senate confirmation, was referred to the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, which reported it favorably on September 26, 2007. The confirmation was approved by the Senate on October 4, 2007. 40 Testimony of Robert C. Tapella, Public Printer, U.S. Congress, House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch, Legislative Branch Appropriations for 2009, hearings, 110th Cong., 2nd sess., March 6, 2008 (Washington: GPO, 2008), p. 257. 41 P.L. 104-1, 109 Stat. 3, Jan. 23, 1995. The act, as amended, applies 12 civil rights, labor, and workplace safety laws to Congress and certain legislative branch agencies. These laws (continued...) CRS-16 act applies various employment and workplace safety laws to Congress and certain legislative branch entities.42 The Office of Compliance has requested $4.3 million, an increase of 28.9% over the FY2008 level of $3.3 million. The FY2008 level represented an increase of 6.5% over the $3.1 million made available in FY2007. During the House hearing on the FY2009 bill, Tamara Chrisler, the Executive Director of the Office of Compliance, was asked for an update on asbestos abatement in the Capitol Power Plant tunnels and the settlement agreement between the Architect of the Capitol and the Office of Compliance. She indicated that progress was continuing and that the Office of Compliance supports the Architect's request for nearly $127 million for implementation of the settlement agreement.43 The executive director was also questioned regarding the funding request for education and outreach and whether or not these activities were part of the office's mandate, as well as the OOC position on the reimbursement requirement for the payment by agencies of an award or settlement under the Congressional Accountability Act. Open World Leadership Center. The center administers a program that supports democratic changes in other countries by giving their leaders opportunity 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.44 41 (...continued) 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. 42 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. 43 Testimony of Tamara Chrisler, 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), p. 370. 44 P.L. 106-554, 114 Stat. 2763, 2763A-120, Dec. 21, 2000; P.L. 108-7, 117 Stat. 382, Feb. 20, 2003. According to the 2003 act, the additional countries include "any country specified in section 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, (continued...) CRS-17 In 2004, Congress further extended the program's eligibility to other countries designated by the center's board of trustees, subject to congressional consideration.45 The center is housed in the Library and receives services from the Library through an inter-agency agreement. Open World requested $13.9 million for FY2009. In FY2008, Open World received $8.98 million in budget authority, a decrease of 35% from the $13.86 million provided in FY2007 and FY2006. During its budget hearing on March 12, 2008, the House Legislative Branch Subcommittee examined whether the program is more properly located within the legislative branch at the Library of Congress or within the executive branch at the State Department. Ambassador John O'Keefe, the executive director of Open World, testified that the program may attract people that it might not otherwise be able to if it were seen as an arm of the executive branch or associated with a particular administration.46 The subcommittee had previously discussed this issue during the FY2008 appropriations cycle,47 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."48 In addition, the subcommittee during the FY2009 hearing discussed the countries Open World currently hosts participants from and whether or not it should expand this list to include Iraq and Afghanistan. John B. 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. The FY2008 Consolidated Appropriations Act provided $429,000, including the rescission. The FY2009 request contains $430,000 for the Stennis Center, which is equal to the amount contained in the FY2008 House-passed bill and the Senate- reported bill. It also equals the budget authority provided in FY2007. 44 (...continued) Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan. 45 P.L. 108-447, 118 Stat. 3192, Dec. 8, 2004. 46 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. 47 In H.R. 2771 (110th Cong.), the House-passed version of the FY2008 appropriations bill, the House Appropriations Committee recommended $6 million for Open World. The committee report stated that an additional $6 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. 48 P.L. 110-161, 121 Stat. 2251, Dec. 26, 2007. CRS-18 Table 3. Legislative Branch Appropriations, FY2009 (in thousands of dollars) FY2008 FY2009 FY2009 FY2009 FY2009 Entity Enacteda Request House Bill Senate Bill Enacted Title 1: Legislative Branch Appropriations Senate 831,757 940,897 --d e House of Representatives 1,182,835 1,333,861 -- Joint Items 23,001 29,341 b Capitol Police 281,872 333,654 Office of Compliance 3,342 4,308 Congressional Budget Office 37,306 42,740 Architect of the Capitol 413,471 642,664 Library of Congress, Including CRS 563,049 606,164 Congressional Research Service, Lib. of Cong. (102,344) (107,323) Government Printing Office 124,688 174,354 Government Accountability Office 499,748 538,152 c Open World Leadership Center 8,978 13,900 Stennis Center for Public Service 429 430 Title II: General Provisions 0 0 Total Legislative Branch (Titles I and II) 3,970,476 4,660,465 CRS-19 Source: House Committee on Appropriations, the U.S. Budget, H.Rept. 110-198, S.Rept. 110-89, P.L. 110-161, and the statement of Chairman David Obey in the Congressional Record (daily edition, vol. 153, Dec. 17, 2007, pp. H16371-H16380). a. FY2008 funds are contained in P.L. 110-161 (Dec. 26, 2007). b. This account was effective with the FY2003 Legislative Branch Appropriation Act. Previously, Capitol Police funds were contained under the joint items account. . c. The center was named the Russian Leadership Program prior to FY2004. Appropriations represent payments to the center's trust fund. d. The House does not consider appropriations for internal Senate operations. e. The Senate does not consider appropriations for internal House operations. CRS-20 Table 4. Capitol Police Appropriations, FY2009 (in thousands of dollars) FY2008 FY2009 FY2009 FY2009 FY2009 Accounts Enacted Requested House Bill Senate Bill Enacted Salaries, Capitol Police 232,218 269,223 General Expenses 48,778 64,431 Emergency Appropriations 876 -- Total, Capitol Police 281,872 333,654 Source: House Committee on Appropriations, the U.S. Budget, H.Rept. 110-198, S.Rept. 110-89, P.L. 110-161, and the statement of Chairman David Obey in the Congressional Record (daily edition, vol. 153, Dec. 17, 2007, pp. H16371-H16380). Table 5. Architect of the Capitol Appropriations, FY2009 (in thousands of dollars) FY2008 FY2009 FY2009 FY2009 FY2009 Accounts Enacted Requested House Bill Senate Bill Enacted Architect of the Capitol General administration 79,697 99,111 Capitol building 24,030 37,640 Capitol grounds 10,065 9,309 Senate office buildings 70,107 64,780 House office buildings 65,471 79,687 Capitol power plant 85,097 219,292 Library buildings and grounds 27,484 53,271 Capitol Police buildings and grounds 14,929 24,926 Botanic garden 8,786 10,101 Capitol Visitor Center -- Project - Cost to complete 20,202 31,124 Operations 8,479 13,423 Rescission -876 Total, Architect of the Capitol 413,471 642,664 Source: House Committee on Appropriations, the U.S. Budget, H.Rept. 110-198, S.Rept. 110-89, P.L. 110-161, and the statement of Chairman David Obey in the Congressional Record (daily edition, vol. 153, Dec. 17, 2007, pp. H16371-H16380). CRS-21 Table 6. Senate Appropriations, FY2009 (in thousands of dollars) FY2009 FY2009 FY2009 Accountsa FY2008 Enacted FY2009 Request House Bill Senate Bill Enacted Payments -- Heirs of Deceased Members of Congress 0d 0 -- Expense Allowances and Representation 225 225 -- Salaries, Officers, and Employees 158,457 174,808 -- Office of Legislative Counsel 6,280 6,743 -- Office of Legal Counsel 1,439 1,484 -- Expense Allowances for Secretary of Senate, et al. 24 24 -- Contingent Expenses (subtotal) 665,332 757,613 -- Inquiries and Investigations 129,000 142,639 -- Senate Intl. Narcotics Caucus 520 520 -- Secretary of the Senateb 2,000 2,000 -- Sergeant at Arms/Doorkeeperc 142,389 156,601 -- Miscellaneous Items 17,528 29,962 -- Senators' Official Personnel and Office Expense Account 373,595 425,591 -- Official Mail Costs 300 300 -- Total, Senate 831,757 940,897 -- Source: House Committee on Appropriations, the U.S. Budget, revised FY2008 requests, S.Rept. 110-89, P.L. 110-161, and the statement of Chairman David Obey in the Congressional Record (daily edition, vol. 153, Dec. 17, 2007, pp. H16371-H16380). a. The Senate account contains seven appropriations headings, which are highlighted in bold. b. Office operations of the Office of the Secretary of the Senate are also funded under "Salaries, Officers, and Employees." c. Office operations of the Office of Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper are also funded under "Salaries, Officers, and Employees." d. A gratuity payment was included in the first FY2008 Continuing Appropriations Act, P.L. 110-92, which was enacted on Sept. 29, 2007. CRS-22 Table 7. House of Representatives Appropriations, FY2009 (in thousands of dollars) FY2008 FY2009 FY2009 FY2009 FY2009 Accountsa Enacted Request House Bill Senate Bill Enacted Payments -- Heirs of Deceased Members of Congress 0b 0 -- Salaries and Expenses, Total 1,182,835 1,333,861 -- House Leadership Offices 23,987 24,713 -- c Members' Representational Allowances 579,548 590,614 -- d Committee Employees (subtotal) 162,387 197,536 -- Standing Committees, Special and Select, except 132,668 164,001 -- Appropriations Appropriations Committee 29,719 33,535 -- Salaries, Officers, and Employees (subtotal) 166,367 188,917 -- Office of the Clerk 22,367 24,897 -- Office of the Sergeant at Arms 6,866 8,480 -- Office of Chief Administrative Officer 114,267 128,538 -- Office of Inspector General 4,357 4,945 -- Office for Emergency Planning, Preparedness, and 3,041 4,695 -- Operations Office of General Counsel 1,175 1,357 -- Office of the Chaplain 166 173 -- Office of the Parliamentarian 1,794 1,827 -- Office of the Law Revision Counsel 2,932 3,057 -- Office of the Legislative Counsel 7,240 8,446 -- Office of Interparliamentary Affairs 700 777 -- Other Authorized Employees: Technical Assistants, Office 1,013 1,191 -- of Attending Physician CRS-23 FY2008 FY2009 FY2009 FY2009 FY2009 Accountsa Enacted Request House Bill Senate Bill Enacted Office of Historian 449 534 Allowances and Expenses (subtotal) 250,546 332,081 Supplies, Materials, Administrative Costs and Federal Tort 3,579 27,953 Claims Official Mail for committees, leadership, administrative 309 410 and legislative offices Government Contributions 226,887 275,143 Capitol Visitor Center 2,256 1,900 Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery 16,814 25,933 Emergency Appropriations Miscellaneous Items 701 742 House of Representatives, Total 1,182,835 1,333,861 Sources: House Committee on Appropriations, the U.S. Budget, H.Rept. 110-198, P.L. 110-161, and the statement of Chairman David Obey in the Congressional Record (daily edition, vol. 153, Dec. 17, 2007, pp. H16371-H16380) a. The appropriations bill contains two House accounts: (1) payments to widows and heirs of deceased Members of Congress and (2) salaries and expenses. b. A gratuity payment was included in the first FY2008 Continuing Appropriations Act, P.L. 110-92, which was enacted on Sept. 29, 2007. An additional gratuity payment was included in the Second Continuing Appropriations Act, P.L. 110-116 and in the Fourth Continuing Appropriations Act, P.L. 110-149. c. This appropriation heading was new in the FY1996 bill. The heading represents a consolidation of: (1) the former heading Members' clerk hire; (2) the former heading official mail costs; and (3) the former subheading official expenses of Members, under the heading allowances and expenses. d. This appropriation heading was new in the FY1996 bill. The heading represents a consolidation of: (1) the former heading committee employees; (2) the former heading standing committees, special and select; (3) the former heading Committee on Budget (studies); and (4) the former heading Committee on Appropriations (studies and investigations). CRS-24 For Additional Reading CRS Report CRS Report RL34031, Legislative Branch: FY2008 Appropriations, by Ida A. Brudnick. CRS Report RL33379, Legislative Branch: FY2007 Appropriations, by Paul E. Dwyer and Ida A. Brudnick. Selected Websites These sites contain information on the FY2008 and FY2009 legislative branch appropriations requests and legislation, and the appropriations process. House Committee on Appropriations [http://appropriations.house.gov/] Senate Committee on Appropriations [http://appropriations.senate.gov/] CRS Appropriations Products Guide [http://www.crs.gov/products/appropriations/apppage.shtml] Congressional Budget Office [http://www.cbo.gov] Government Accountability Office [http://www.gao.gov] Office of Management & Budget [http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ For other versions of this document, see http://wikileaks.org/wiki/CRS-RL34490