05.19.16

FY2017 Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill Approved by Senate Committee

Congressional Operations and Support Agencies Funded in Senate Legislation

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Appropriations Committee today unanimously approved the FY2017 Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill with funding recommendations to maintain the essential operations and security of the U.S. Capitol, Congress and support agencies.

The Senate measure totals $3.021 billion, $251.565 million (7.7 percent) below the FY2017 budget request and $23.5 million (0.8 percent) above the FY2016 enacted level.  An additional $1.378 billion is reserved for House items, consistent with long-standing tradition, resulting in total funding of $4.399 billion that meets the subcommittee’s allocation.

“As the Appropriations Committee continues its consideration of each subcommittee bill, I am pleased to present a bill that is bipartisan and fiscally responsible.  In it, we seek to provide resources that enable the Legislative Branch of the government to do its job for the American people, and ensure the safety and security of the thousands of men and women who work in and visit our Capitol Complex every day,” said U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), chair of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Subcommittee.

“This bill responsibly sets priorities for the operation of the Capitol complex.   The legislation will ensure that this historic site functions well as a modern seat of government, and as an educational and inspirational attraction for millions of visitors,” said U.S. Senator Thad Cochran, chairman of the Appropriations Committee.  “Senators Capito and Schatz have worked well together to produce this legislation, and I look forward to it being debated on the Senate floor.”

Bill Highlights:

U.S. Senate – $871.2 million, $1 million (0.1 percent) above the FY2016 enacted level and $64.5 million below the FY2017 budget request.  The increase provides funding necessary for critical modernization and upgrades of the Senate financial management system and other information technology systems security enhancements.  Members’ personal offices and committees are held steady at the FY2016 enacted level.  The bill includes a provision to freeze the pay of Members of Congress, preventing any pay increases in FY2017.  A freeze on Members’ salaries has been in place since 2009.

U.S. Capitol Police – $387 million for the U.S. Capitol Police, $12 million above the FY2016 enacted level and $22.6 million below the FY2017 budget request.  This funding level will maintain current officer and civilian staffing, provide some lifecycle replacement for information technology systems and equipment, and allow the Department to continue mission-essential training.

Architect of the Capitol (AOC) – $419.3 million, $8.7 million below the FY2016 enacted level and $75.5 million below the FY2017 budget request, to allow the AOC to maintain current operations and prioritize some of the critical projects that address safety concerns for those who visit or work in the Capitol complex.  An additional $197.5 million is reserved for House Office Buildings, consistent with tradition.  Current exterior repairs and restoration work on the Capitol Building are on-budget and remain on-time for completion prior to the 2017 presidential inauguration.

Library of Congress (LOC) – $608.9 million, $8.9 million above the FY2016 enacted level and $58.3 million below the FY2017 budget request, to allow the LOC to continue support functions for Congress and maintain services for the public.

Government Accountability Office (GAO) – $542.4 million, $11.4 million above the FY2016 enacted level and $25.4 million below the FY2017 budget request.  This funding level will continue GAO support to Congress by providing critical oversight with accurate, nonpartisan reporting of federal programs and tracking the expenditure of taxpayer dollars.

Government Publishing Office (GPO) – $117 million, equal to the FY2016 enacted level and the FY2017 budget request.  Congressional printing activities will remain at current levels.

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