The House of Representatives Tuesday passed the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act (H.R. 2250), which was authored by Rep. Tom Graves (R-GA-14) who is chairman of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee on Appropriations. The bill provides annual funding for the offices of Members of the House of Representatives, the support agencies of Congress, security, services for visitors, and Capitol operations and maintenance.
The total included for the House and joint operations, excluding Senate-only items, is $3.3 billion. This is the same as the 2015 level and $172.3 million below the President’s request. In all, funding for the House of Representatives has been reduced by 14 percent since Republicans gained control in January 2011.
The legislation also includes a provision to freeze the pay of Members of Congress, preventing any pay increases in fiscal year 2016. A freeze on the salaries of representatives has been in place since 2010.
Additionally, the bill eliminates the Open World Leadership Center – an outdated multi-million dollar per year program – redirecting the savings to the spending reduction account.
“This bill honors and respects taxpayers. It makes tough decisions and stretches every dollar just like families across America do every day,” said Chairman Graves. “House spending and member pay are frozen and we’ve implemented new oversight rules for major construction projects. Additionally, this bill preserves the beauty of the Capitol campus, provides essential security for visitors and staff, and ensures that Members of Congress are able to provide the services their constituents expect and deserve.”
"This is the smallest Appropriations bill, but it is hugely important for the continued functioning of the nation’s Capitol and our democratic process," said Appropriations Committee Chairman Hal Rogers. "It provides security for Members, staff, and visitors alike, continues day-to-day operations that give visitors access to this great institution, and allows each and every Member’s office to best serve their constituents. Our Capitol is an important symbol of the world’s greatest democracy at work, and this bill will help preserve and honor that legacy.”
H.R. 2250 passed the House by a bipartisan vote of 357 to 67.
Bill Summary
House Operations – The bill contains $1.2 billion to fund the operations of the House – the same as fiscal year 2015. This account provides funding for Members’ Representational Allowances, leadership, committees and Officers of the House.
Member Pay Freeze – The legislation freezes pay for Members of Congress, preventing any pay increases in fiscal year 2016.
Open World Leadership Center Trust Fund – This bill eliminates the Open World Leadership Center, applying the $5.7 million in savings to the spending reduction account.
Capitol Police – The bill funds the Capitol Police at $369 million, an increase of $21 million above the fiscal year 2015 enacted level. This will fund critical safety and security functions for all Members, staff, and visitors of the Capitol Complex, and maintain public access to the Capitol and its office buildings.
Architect of the Capitol – The legislation provides $496.9 million – excluding Senate items – for the AoC, which is $9 million below the fiscal year 2015 enacted level. The legislation will allow the AoC to prioritize essential projects that promote the safety and health of those who visit and work in the Capitol Complex, and address deferred maintenance projects.
The bill includes authority for the restoration and renovation of the Cannon House Office Building, and mandates enhanced oversight of this project and any other project over $5 million. The new oversight features require any projects over $5 million be submitted to the GAO and the Committee for approval, along with a plan projecting the schedule and costs, and a description of the safeguards taken to ensure the project is on time and on budget.
Library of Congress – The legislation provides $591.4 million for the Library of Congress, an increase of $510,000 above the fiscal year 2015 enacted level, to allow the Library to continue support functions for Congress and maintain services for the public. Funding in the bill will also help to reduce the Library’s processing time for copyright registrations and claims backlog.
Government Accountability Office – The bill contains $522 million in funding for the GAO, the same as the fiscal year 2015 enacted level. This funding will continue GAO’s critical oversight work – providing Congress with accurate, nonpartisan reporting of federal programs and tracking of how taxpayer dollars are spent.
Government Publishing Office – The legislation includes $110 million for GPO, a decrease of $9.8 million below the fiscal year 2015 enacted level. The legislation maintains the previous year’s level for printing and binding services.