House Appropriations Committee Issues Report on Financial Services, General Government Appropriations Bill (Part 6 of 6)

WASHINGTON, July 2 -- The House Appropriations Committee issued a report (H.Rpt. 115-792) on legislation (H.R. 6258) making appropriations for financial services and general government for the fiscal ending Sept. 30, 2019. The report was advanced by Rep. Tom Graves, R-Georgia, on June 28.

Continues from Part 5 of 6

Title IV--District of Columbia

Language is included under Federal Payment for Resident Tuition Support, permitting the amount appropriated to remain available until expended; specifying conditions for the use, award, and financial accounting of funds; and requiring quarterly reports.

Language is included under Federal Payment for Emergency Planning and Security Costs in the District of Columbia, providing that the amount appropriated shall remain available until expended for providing public safety at events, including support of the United States Secret Service, and to respond to terrorist threats or attacks.

Language is included under Federal Payment to the District of Columbia Courts, authorizing official reception and representation expenses; specifying certain amounts for specific purposes; providing all amounts under this heading shall be apportioned quarterly by the Office of Management and Budget and obligated and expended in the same manner as funds appropriated for salaries and expenses of other Federal agencies; allowing funds made available for capital improvements to remain available until September 30, 2020; providing for the reallocation of funds and providing for certain payments.

Language is included under Federal Payment for Defender Services in the District of Columbia Courts, providing that the amount appropriated shall remain available until expended; specifying who shall administer these funds; and providing that all amounts under this heading shall be apportioned quarterly by the Office of Management and Budget and obligated and expended in the same manner as funds appropriated for salaries and expenses of other Federal agencies; and that not more than $20,000,000 in unobligated funds provided in this account may be transferred to and merged with funds made available under the heading Federal Payment to District of Columbia Courts.

Language is included under Federal Payment to the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency for the District of Columbia, allowing the transfer and hire of motor vehicles; authorizing official reception and representation expenses; specifying certain amounts for specific purposes and programs; allowing $13,223,000 to remain available until September 30, 2021 for costs associated with replacement leases; providing that all amounts under this heading shall be apportioned quarterly by the Office of Management and Budget and obligated and expended in the same manner as funds appropriated for salaries and expenses of other Federal agencies; allowing the use of programmatic incentives for offenders and defendants who successfully meet the terms of their supervision; authorizing the Director to accept, solicit and use on the behalf of the Agency any monetary or nonmentary gift to support offenders and defendants successfully meeting terms of supervision.

Language is included under Federal Payment to District of Columbia Public Defender Service, allowing the transfer and hire of motor vehicles; providing that all amounts under this heading shall be apportioned quarterly by the Office of Management and Budget and obligated and expended in the same manner as funds appropriated for salaries and expenses of other Federal agencies; and authorizing the acceptance and use of voluntary and uncompensated services to facilitate the work of the District of Columbia Public Defender Service.

Language is included under Federal Payment to the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, specifying that the amount appropriated shall remain available until expended to support initiatives related to the coordination of Federal and local criminal justice resources.

Language is included under Federal Payment for Judicial Commissions, specifying certain amounts for certain commissions and allowing for appropriations to remain available until September 30, 2020.

Language is included under Federal Payment for School Improvement, allowing for appropriations to remain available until expended for payments authorized under the Scholarship for Opportunity and Results Act.

Language is included under Federal Payment for the District of Columbia National Guard, providing funds for the National Guard Retention and College Access Program to remain available until expended.

Language is included under Federal Payment for Testing and Treatment of HIV/AIDS for testing and treatment.

Language is included under District of Columbia Funds: (1) providing funds as proposed in the fiscal year 2019 Budget Request Act of 2018 submitted to Congress by the District of Columbia; (2) limits the amount provided in this Act for the District of Columbia to the amount of the proposed budget or the sum of total revenues; (3) providing conditions for increasing the amount provided; and (4) directing the Chief Financial Officer to ensure the District of Columbia meets all requirements, but prohibits the reprogramming of capital projects.

Title V--Independent Agencies

Language is included for the Administrative Conference of the United States, Salaries and Expenses, providing for expenses, including official reception and representation and allowing funds to be available until September 30, 2019.

Language is included for the Consumer Product Safety Commission, Salaries and Expenses, that provides funds for expenses, the hire of motor vehicles, services as authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109 (with a limitation on rates for individuals), and official reception and representation expenses.

The bill includes the following administrative provisions under the Consumer Product Safety Commission:

Section 501. Language is included prohibiting funds to finalize, implement, or enforce the proposed rule on recreational off-highway vehicles until a study is completed by the National Academy of Sciences.

Language is included for the Election Assistance Commission, Salaries and Expenses, that provides necessary funds, including transfer of funds, for salaries and expenses and to carry out the Help America Vote Act of 2002.

Language is included under the Federal Communications Commission, Salaries and Expenses, permitting funds for uniforms and allowances therefor, official reception and representation expenses, purchase and hire of motor vehicles, special counsel fees, and services as authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109. Language provides for the assessment and collection of offsetting collections, authorizes retention of such collections, and provides that they remain available until expended. Language prohibits the availability for obligation of excess collections. Language limits the use of proceeds from the use of a competitive bidding system. Language provides funding for the Office of Inspector General.

The bill includes the following administrative provisions under the Federal Communications Commission:

Section 510. Language is included prohibiting the FCC from changing rules governing the Universal Service Fund regarding single connection or primary line restrictions.

Language is included for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of Inspector General, that provides for the funds to be derived from the Deposit Insurance Fund, and the FSLIC Resolution Fund.

Language is included for the Federal Election Commission, Salaries and Expenses, providing for expenses including official reception and representation.

Language is included for the Federal Labor Relations Authority, Salaries and Expenses, that provides funds for services authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109, the hire of experts and consultants, hire of motor vehicles, reception and representation expenses and the rental of conference rooms; authorizes travel payments to public members of the Federal Service Impasses Panel; and allows for fees collected to be transferred to and merged with the appropriation.

Language is included for the Federal Trade Commission, Salaries and Expenses, permitting funds for uniforms and allowances therefor, services authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109, official reception and representation expenses, hire of motor vehicles, and contract for collection services. Language provides for the crediting and retention of certain fees. Language also prohibits funds from being used to implement subsection (e)(2)(B) of section 43 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act.

Language is included for the General Services Administration, Federal Buildings Fund that allows for revenues and collections to be spent from the Fund; specifies the conditions under which funds made available can be used; limits the availability of funds for certain purposes; specifies funding for construction and acquisition projects; specifies funding for special emphasis programs; provides for certain transfers of funds; requires spending plans; and prohibits excess funds from being available.

Language is included for the General Services Administration, Government-wide Policy, that provides funds for policy and evaluation activities associated with the management of real and personal property assets and certain administrative services; support responsibilities relating to acquisition, telecommunications, motor vehicles, information technology management, and related technology activities; and services authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109.

Language is included for the General Services Administration, Operating Expenses that provides funds for Government-wide activities associated with personal and real property disposal, and services authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109; for expenses for activities associated with agency-wide policy direction and management.

Language is included for the General Services Administration, Civilian Board of Contract Appeals for activities associated with the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals.

Language is included for the General Services Administration, Office of Inspector General that makes certain funds available until expended and provides for awards in recognition of efforts that enhance the office. Language is included for services authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109 and designates funds for information and detection of fraud.

Language is included for the General Services Administration, Allowances and Office Staff for Former Presidents, for carrying out the provisions of 3 U.S.C. 102 note and Public Law 95-138.

Language is included for the General Services Administration, Federal Citizen Services Fund, which provides funds for the Office of Citizen Services and other information technology costs. Language is included allowing for certain transfers to the Federal Citizen Services Fund. Language is also included for the Federal Citizen Services Fund that authorizes funds to be deposited in the Fund and limits the availability of funds in the Fund.

Language is included for the General Services Administration, Technology Modernization Fund, for technology- related modernization activities.

Language is included for the General Services Administration, Asset Proceeds and Space Management Fund for the purposes of carrying out actions pursuant to recommendations of the Public Buildings Reform Board focusing on civilian real property.

Language is included for the General Services Administration, Environmental Review Improvement Fund for the authorized activities of the Environmental Review Improvement Fund and the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council.

In addition, the bill includes the following administrative provisions under the General Services Administration (GSA):

Section 520. Language is included providing authority for the use of funds for the hire of motor vehicles.

Section 521. Language is included providing that funds made available for activities of the Federal Buildings Fund may be transferred between appropriations with advance approval of the Congress to apply to funds provided in prior appropriations Acts.

Section 522. Language is included requiring funds proposed for developing courthouse construction requests to meet appropriate standards and the priorities of the Judicial Conference.

Section 523. Language is included providing that no funds may be used to increase the amount of occupiable square feet, provide cleaning services, security enhancements, or any other service usually provided, to any agency which does not pay the assessed rent.

Section 524. Language is included permitting GSA to pay small claims (up to $250,000) made against the Federal Government.

Section 525. Language is included requiring the Administrator to ensure that the delineated area of procurement for all lease agreements is identical to the delineated area included in the prospectus unless prior notice is given to the Committees.

Section 526. Language is included requiring a spend plan for certain accounts and programs.

Section 527. Language is included directing the Administrator of the General Services Administration to submit a report on the implementation of Section 846 of the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2018.

Language is included for the Harry S Truman Scholarship Foundation as established by section 10 of Public Law 93-642.

Language is included for the Merit Systems Protection Board, Salaries and Expenses, that provides funds for services authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109, rental of conference rooms, hire of passenger motor vehicles, direct procurement of survey printing, official reception and representation expenses, specifies the period of availability for certain funds, provides for administration expenses to adjudicate retirement appeals, and provides for the transfer of some funds.

Language is included for the National Archives and Records Administration, Operating Expenses, that provides funds for uniforms or allowances therefor, as authorized by 5 U.S.C. 5901 et seq., including maintenance, repairs, and cleaning, the hire of passenger motor vehicles, activities of the Public Interest Declassification Board, the review and declassification of documents, and the operations and maintenance of the electronic records archive.

Language is included for the National Archives and Records Administration, Office of Inspector General, that provides funds for the hire of motor vehicles.

Language is included for the National Archives and Records Administration, Repairs and Restoration, that provides funds for the repair, alteration, improvement, and provision of adequate storage; and provides that funds remain available until expended.

Language is included under the National Archives and Records Administration, National Historical Publications and Records Commission Grants Program, that provides funds for allocations and grants for historical publications and records; and provides that funds remain available until expended.

Language is included under the National Credit Union Administration, Community Development Credit Union Revolving Loan Fund, that provides funds for technical assistance and extends the availability of funds.

Language is included under the Office of Government Ethics, Salaries and Expenses, that provides funds for services authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109, rental of conference rooms, hire of passenger motor vehicles, and official reception and representation expenses.

Language is included under the Office of Personnel Management, Salaries and Expenses, that provides funds for services authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109, medical examinations for veterans, rental of conference rooms, hire of passenger motor vehicles, official reception and representation expenses, advances for reimbursements, payment of per diem or subsistence allowances, and the transfer of administrative expenses; directs that provisions shall not affect other authorities; prohibits funds for the Legal Examining Unit; and authorizes the acceptance of donations under certain conditions. Language is also included specifying the period of availability for certain funds and requiring a report on information technology.

Language is included for the Office of Personnel Management, Office of Inspector General, Salaries and Expenses, that provides funds for services authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109, hire of passenger motor vehicles, rental of conference rooms, and a transfer for administrative expenses.

Language is included for the Office of Special Counsel, Salaries and Expenses, that provides funds for services authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109, payment of fees and expenses for witnesses, rental of conference rooms, and the hire of passenger motor vehicles.

Language is included for the Postal Regulatory Commission, Salaries and Expenses, that provides funds derived from a transfer from the Postal Service Fund.

Language is included for the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board, Salaries and Expenses, that provides funds authorized by section 1061 of 42 U.S.C. 2000ee.

Language is included for the Public Buildings Reform Board, Salaries and Expenses, that provides funds for carrying out the Federal Assets Sale and Transfer Act of 2016 (P.L. 114-287).

Language is included for the Securities and Exchange Commission, Salaries and Expenses, that provides for rental of space, services, reception and representation expenses, a permanent secretariat for the International Organization of Securities Commissions, and consultations and meetings hosted by the Commission. Language is included designating funds for information technology initiatives, the economics division and a replacement lease for the NY regional office. Language is included that provides for the crediting of offsetting collections. Language provides for the assessment and collection of offsetting collections, authorizes retention of such collections, and provides that they remain available until expended.

Language is included for the Selective Service System, Salaries and Expenses, that provides funds for attendance of meetings, training, hire of passenger motor vehicles, services authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109, and official reception and representation expenses; authorizes certain exemptions under certain conditions; and prohibits funds used in connection with the induction of any person into the Armed Forces of the United States.

Language is included for the Small Business Administration, Salaries and Expenses, that provides for hire of motor vehicles and official reception and representation expenses. Language is also included to provide authority to charge fees and credit such fees to the account without further appropriation. Language is also included designating funds for lender oversight. Language is also included for the Loan Modernization and Accounting System and co-sponsor activities.

Language is included for the Small Business Administration, Entrepreneurial Development Programs, that provides for supporting entrepreneurial and small business development grant programs. Language is included extending the availability of funds.

Language is included for the Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General, that provides funds to carry out the provisions of the Inspector General Act of 1978.

Language is included for the Small Business Administration, Office of Advocacy, that provides funds to carry out the provisions of the Independent Office of Advocacy Act of 2003 and the Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 and allows funds to remain available until expended.

Language is included for the Small Business Administration, Business Loans Program Account, limiting commitments for certain guaranteed loan programs and for providing for the cost of direct loans and guaranteed loans. Language is also included authorizing the transfer of funds to Salaries and Expenses for administrative expenses.

Language is included for the Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Program Account, that provides for administrative expenses, the transfer of funds to the Office of Inspector General and to Salaries and Expenses and allows funds to remain available until expended.

Section 530 allows for the transfer of funds between Small Business Administration appropriations.

Section 531 rescinds prior year unobligated balances.

Section 532 amends requirements for the Microloan program.

Language is included for the United States Postal Service, Payment to the Postal Service Fund, that provides funds for revenue foregone; stipulates that mail for overseas voting and mail for the blind is free; provides that 6-day delivery shall continue at not less than the 1983 level; prohibits funds in this Act from being used to charge a fee to a child support enforcement agency seeking the address of a postal customer; prohibits funds from being used to consolidate or close small rural and other small post offices.

New language is included that requires the United States Postal Service to maintain and comply with delivery standards for First Class Mail and periodicals effective on July 1, 2012.

Language is included for the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, that provides for transfer from the Postal Service Fund.

Language is included for the United States Tax Court, Salaries and Expenses, that provides funds for contract reporting and services authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109, and that travel expenses of the judges shall be paid upon the written certificate of the judge.

Title VI--General Provisions--This Act

In addition, the bill provides the following provisions under this title:

Section 601. Language is included prohibiting pay and other expenses for non-Federal parties in regulatory or adjudicatory proceedings funded in this Act.

Section 602. Language is included prohibiting obligations beyond the current fiscal year and prohibits transfers of funds unless expressly so provided herein.

Section 603. Language is included limiting procurement contracts for consulting service expenditures to contracts that are matters of public record and available for public inspection.

Section 604. Language is included prohibiting transfer of funds in this Act without express authority.

Section 605. Language is included prohibiting the use of funds to engage in activities that would prohibit the enforcement of section 307 of the 1930 Tariff Act.

Section 606. Language is included concerning compliance with the Buy American Act.

Section 607. Language is included prohibiting the use of funds by any person or entity convicted of violating the Buy American Act.

Section 608. Language is included specifying reprogramming procedures. The provision requires that agencies or entities funded by the Act notify the Committee and obtain prior approval from the Committee for any reprogramming of funds that: (1) creates a new program; (2) eliminates a program, project, or activity; (3) increases funds or personnel for any program, project, or activity for which funds have been denied or restricted by the Congress; (4) proposes to use funds directed for a specific activity by either the House or Senate Committees on Appropriations for a different purpose; (5) augments existing programs, projects, or activities in excess of $5,000,000 or 10 percent, whichever is less; (6) reduces existing programs, projects, or activities by $5,000,000 or 10 percent, whichever is less; or (7) reorganizes offices, programs, or activities. The provision also directs the agencies funded by this Act to submit operating plans for the Committee's review within 60 days of the bill's enactment.

Section 609. Language is included providing that fifty percent of unobligated balances may remain available for certain purposes.

Section 610. Language is included prohibiting funding for the Executive Office of the President to request either a Federal Bureau of Investigation background investigation or Internal Revenue Service determination with respect to section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, except with the express consent of the individual involved in an investigation or in extraordinary circumstances involving national security.

Section 611. Language is included regarding cost accounting standards for contracts under the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program.

Section 612. Language is included regarding non-foreign area cost of living allowances.

Section 613. Language is included prohibiting the expenditure of funds for abortion under the Federal Employees Health Benefits program.

Section 614. Language is included making exceptions to the preceding provision where the life of the mother is in danger or the pregnancy is a result of an act of rape or incest.

Section 615. Language is included waiving restrictions on the purchase of non-domestic articles, materials, and supplies in the case of acquisition of informati on technology by the Federal government.

Section 616. Language is included prohibiting officers or employees of any regulatory agency or commission funded by this Act from accepting travel payments or reimbursements from a person or entity regulated by such agency or commission.

Section 617. Language is included permitting the Securities and Exchange Commission and Commodities Futures Trading Commission to fund a joint advisory committee to advise on emerging regulatory issues, notwithstanding Section 708 of this Act.

Section 618. Language is included requiring certain agencies in this Act to consult with the General Services Administration before seeking new office space or making alterations to existing office space.

Section 619. Language is included providing for several appropriated mandatory accounts. These are accounts where authorizing language requires the payment of funds. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the cost for the following programs addressed in this provision: $450,000 for Compensation of the President including $50,000 for expenses, $190,000,000 for the Judicial Retirement Funds (Judicial Officers' Retirement Fund, Judicial Survivors' Annuities Fund, and the United States Court of Federal Claims Judges' Retirement Fund), $13,519,000,000 for the Government Payment for Annuitants, Employee Health Benefits, $49,000,000 for the Government Payment for Annuitants, Employee Life Insurance, and $8,060,000,000 for the Payment to the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund.

Section 620. Language is included prohibiting funds for the Federal Trade Commission to complete or publish the study, recommendations, or report prepared by the Interagency Working Group on Food Marketed to Children.

Section 621. Language is included preventing conflicts of interest by prohibiting contractor security clearance related background investigators fr om undertaking final Federal reviews of their own work.

Section 622. Language is included requiring that the head of any executive branch agency ensure that the Chief Information Officer (CIO) has authority to participate in the budget planning process and approval of the information technology (IT) budget.

Section 623. Language is included prohibiting funds in contravention of the Federal Records Act.

Section 624. Language is included prohibiting agencies from requiring Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to disclose electronic communications information in a manner that violates the Fourth Amendment.

Section 625. Language is included relating to Universal Service Fund payments for wireless providers.

Section 626. Language is included prohibiting funds to be used to deny inspectors general access to records.

Section 627. Language is included prohibiting any funds made available in this Act from being used to establish a computer network unless such network blocks the viewing, downloading, and exchanging of pornography.

Section 628. Language is included prohibiting funds for the Securities and Exchange Commission to require the disclosure of political contributions to tax exempt organizations, or dues paid to trade associations.

Section 629. New language is included that provides the Archivist of the United States with the authority to force action on records that are past their disposition date or currently unscheduled and do not have a disposition date, and to unilaterally dispose of archival records in NARA's legal custody.

Section 630. Language is included repealing the Federal Election Commission's prior approval requirement for corporate member trade association PACs.

Section 631. Language is included prohibiting funds to pay for an abortion or the administrative expenses in connection with a multi-State qualified health plan offered under a contract under section 1334 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act which provides any benefits or coverage for abortions, except for endangerment of the life of the mother, rape or incest.

Section 632. Language is included prohibiting funds to the Securities and Exchange Commission for the purpose of requiring single ballot proxies.

Title VII--General Provisions--Government-Wide

In addition, the bill provides the following provisions under this title:

Section 701. Language is included requiring agencies to administer a policy designed to ensure that all of its workplaces are free from the illegal use of controlled substances.

Section 702. Language is included establishing price limitations on vehicles to be purchased by the Federal Government with certain exceptions.

Section 703. Language is included allowing funds made available to agencies for travel to also be used for quarters allowances and cost-of-living allowances.

Section 704. Language is included prohibiting the employment of noncitizens with certain exceptions.

Section 705. Language is included giving agencies the authority to pay General Services Administration bills for space renovation and other services.

Section 706. Language is included allowing agencies to finance the costs of recycling and waste prevention programs with proceeds from the sale of materials recovered through such programs.

Section 707. Language is included providing that funds made available to corporations and agencies subject to 31 U.S.C. 91 may pay rent and other service costs in the District of Columbia.

Section 708. Language is included prohibiting interagency financing of groups absent prior statutory approval.

Section 709. Language is included prohibiting the use of funds for enforcing regulations disapproved in accordance with the applicable law of the U.S.

Section 710. Language is included limiting the amount of funds that can be used for redecoration of offices under certain circumstances.

Section 711. Language is included allowing for interagency funding of national security and emer gency telecommunications initiatives.

Section 712. Language is included requiring agencies to certify that a Schedule C appointment was not created solely or primarily to detail the employee to the White House.

Section 713. Language is included prohibiting the payment of any employee who prohibits, threatens or prevents another employee from communicating with Congress.

Section 714. Language is included prohibiting Federal training not directly related to the performance of official duties.

Section 715. Language is included prohibiting, other than for normal and recognized executive-legislative relationships, propaganda, publicity and lobbying by executive agency personnel in support or defeat of legislative initiatives.

Section 716. Language is included prohibiting any Federal agency from disclosing an employee's home address to any labor organization, absent employee authorization or court order.

Section 717. Language is included prohibiting funds to be used to provide non-public information such as mailing, telephone, or electronic mailing lists to any person or organization outside the government without the approval of the Committees on Appropriations.

Section 718. Language is included prohibiting the use of funds for propaganda and publicity purposes not authorized by Congress.

Section 719. Language is included directing agency employees to use official time in an honest effort to perform official duties.

Section 720. Language is included allowing the use of funds to finance an appropriate share of the Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board.

Section 721. Language is included allowing the transfer of funds to the General Services Administration to finance an appropriate share of various government-wide boards and councils and for Federal Government Priority Goals under certain conditions.

Section 722. Language is included permitting breast feeding in a Federal building or on Federal property if the woman and child are authorized to be there.

Section 723. Language is included permitting interagency funding of the National Science and Technology Council and provides for a report on the budget and resources of the National Science and Technology Council.

Section 724. Language is included requiring documents involving the distribution of Federal funds to indicate the agency providing the funds and the amount provided.

Section 725. Language is included prohibiting the use of funds to monitor personal access or use of Internet sites or to collect, review, or obtain any personally identifiable information relating to access to or use of an Internet site.

Section 726. Language is included requiring health plans participating in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program to provide contraceptive coverage and provides exemptions to certain religious plans.

Section 727. Language is included supporting strict adherence to anti-doping activities.

Section 728. Language is included allowing funds for official travel to be used by departments and agencies, if consistent with OMB Circular A-126, to participate in the fractional aircraft ownership pilot program.

Section 729. Language is included restricting the use of funds for Federal law enforcement training facilities.

Section 730. Language is included prohibiting Executive Branch agencies from creating prepackaged news stories that are broadcast or distributed in the United States unless the story includes a clear notification within the text or audio of that news story that the prepackaged news story was prepared or funded by that executive branch agency.

Section 731. Language is included prohibiting use of funds in contravention of section 552a of title 5, United States Code (the Privacy Act) and regulations implementing that section.

Section 732. Language is included prohibiting funds from being used for any Federal Government contract with any foreign incorporated entity which is treated as an inverted domestic corporation.

Section 733. Language is included requiring agencies to pay a fee to the Office of Personnel Management for processing retirement of employees who separate under Voluntary Early Retirement Authority or who receive Voluntary Separation Incentive payments.

Section 734. Language is included prohibiting funds to require any entity submitting an offer for a Federal contract or participating in an acquisition to disclose political contributions.

Section 735. Language is included prohibiting funds for the painting of a portrait of an employee of the Federal government including the President, the Vice President, a Member of Congress, the head of an executive branch agency, or the head of an office of the legislative branch.

Section 736. Language is included limiting the pay increases of certain prevailing rate employees.

Section 737. Language is included requiring agencies to submit reports to Inspectors General concerning expenditures for agency conferences.

Section 738. Language is included prohibiting funds to be used to increase, eliminate, or reduce funding for a program or project unless such change is made pursuant to reprogramming or transfer provisions.

Section 739. Language is included prohibiting agencies from using funds to implement regulations changing the competitive areas under reductions-in-force for Federal employees.

Section 740. Language is included ensuring contractors are not prevented from reporting waste, fraud, or abuse by signing confidentiality agreements that would prohibit such disclosure.

Section 741. Language is included prohibiting the expenditure of funds for the implementation of certain nondisclosure agreements unless certain provisions are included in the agreements.

Section 742. Language is included prohibiting funds to any corporation with certain unpaid Federal tax liabilities unless an agency has considered suspension or debarment of the corporation and made a determination that further action is not necessary to protect the interests of the Government.

Section 743. Language is included prohibiting funds to any corporation that was convicted of a felony criminal violation within the preceding 24 months unless an agency has considered suspension or debarment of the corporation and made a determination that further action is not necessary to protect the interests of the Government.

Section 744. Language is included requiring the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection to notify certain Committees of requests for a transfer of funds from the Federal Reserve System and to post any such notifications on the Bureaus website.

Section 745. The Committee continues a provision addressing possible technical scorekeeping differences for fiscal year 2019 between the Office of Management and Budget and the Congressional Budget Office.

Section 746. Language is included prohibiting funds from implementing, administering, carrying out, modifying, revising, or enforcing Executive Order 13690.

Section 747. New language is included prohibiting funds to implement, administer, or enforce a rule issued pursuant to section 13(p) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Section 748. Language is included prohibiting the use of funds to begin or announce a study or a public-private competition regarding the conversion to contractor performance of any function performed by civilian Federal employees pursuant to Office of Management and Budget Circular A-76 or any other administrative regulation, directive, or policy.

Section 749. Language is included concerning the non- application of these general provisions to title IV and to title VIII.

Title VIII--General Provisions--District of Columbia

In addition, the bill provides the following provisions under this title:

Section 801. Language is included that appropriates funds for refunding overpayments of taxes collected and for paying settlements and judgments against the District of Columbia government.

Section 802. Language is included prohibiting the use of Federal funds for publicity or propaganda purposes.

Section 803. Language is included establishing reprogramming procedures for Federal and local funds.

Section 804. Language is included prohibiting the use of Federal funds to provide salaries or other costs associated with the offices of United States Senator or Representative.

Section 805. Language is included restricting the use of official vehicles to official duties.

Section 806. Language is included prohibiting the use of Federal funds for any petition drive or civil action which seeks to require Congress to provide for voting representation in Congress for the District of Columbia.

Section 807. Language is included prohibiting the use of Federal funds for needle exchange programs and programs that support supervised consumption facilities.

Section 808. Language is included providing for a "conscience clause" on legislation that pertains to contraceptive coverage by health insurance plans.

Section 809. Language is included prohibiting the use of Federal funds to legalize or reduce penalties associated with the possession, use, or distribution on any schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act or any tetrahydrocannabinols derivative.

Language is also included prohibiting local and Federal funds to legalize or reduce penalties associated with the possession, use, or distribution of any schedule I substance under the Controlled Substance Act or any tetrahydrocannabinols derivative for recreational use.

Section 810. Language is included prohibiting the use of funds for abortion except in the cases of rape or incest or if necessary to save the life of the mother.

Section 811. Language is included requiring the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to submit a revised operating budget for all agencies in the D.C. government, no later than 30 calendar days after the enactment of this Act that realigns budgeted data with anticipated actual expenditures.

Section 812. Language is included requiring the CFO to submit a revised operating budget for D.C. Public Schools, no later than 30 calendar days after the enactment of this Act, that realigns school budgets to actual school enrollment.

Section 813. Language is included allowing the transfer of local funds and capital and enterprise funds.

Section 814. Language is included prohibiting the obligation of Federal funds beyond the current fiscal year and transfers of funds unless expressly provided herein.

Section 815. Language is included providing that not to exceed 50 percent of unobligated balances from Federal appropriations for salaries and expenses may remain available for certain purposes.

Section 816. Language is included appropriating local funds during fiscal year 2020 if there is an absence of a continuing resolution or regular appropriation for the District of Columbia. Funds are provided under the same authorities and conditions and in the same manner and extent as provided for in fiscal year 2019.

Section 817. New language is included prohibiting funds to enact any act, resolution, rule, regulation, guidance, or other law to permit any person to carry out any activity to which subsection (a) of section 3 of the Assisted Suicide Funding Restriction Act of 1997 applies, and repeals the District of Columbia Death With Dignity Act of 2016.

Section 818. New language is included prohibiting funds in this Act from being used to carry out the Reproductive Health Non-Discrimination Amendment Act of 2018 (D.C. Law 20-261).

Section 819. Language is included repealing the Local Budget Autonomy Amendment Act of 2012.

Section 820. Language is included limiting references to "this Act" as referring to only this title and title IV.

Title IX--Financial Reforms

The bill includes a number of financial services reforms that have been passed by the House of Representatives in the 115th Congress.

Title X--Email Privacy Act

The bill includes H.R. 387, the Email Privacy Act, which was passed by the House of Representatives on February 6, 2017.

Title XI--Amateur Radio Parity Act

The bill includes H.R. 555, the Amateur Radio Parity Act of 2017, which was passed by the House of Representatives on January 23, 2017.

Title XII--Additional General Provisions

Section 1201. The Committee includes a provision establishing a "Spending Reduction Account" in the bill.

Appropriations Not Authorized by Law

Pursuant to clause 3(f)(1)(B) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the following table lists the appropriations in the accompanying bill which are not authorized by law for the period concerned:

[Dollars in thousands]

(TABLE OMITTED)

Comparison With the Budget Resolution

Pursuant to clause 3(c)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives and Section 308(a)(1)(A) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, the following table compares the levels of new budget authority provided in the bill with the appropriate allocations under section 302(b) of the Budget Act:

BUDGETARY IMPACT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019 (AS ORDER REPORTED ON 13 JUNE 2018) PREPARED IN CONSULTATION WITH THE CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE PURSUANT TO SEC. 308(a), PUBLIC LAW 93- 344, AS AMENDED

[In millions of dollars]

(TABLE OMITTED)

Five-Year Outlay Projections

Pursuant to section 308(a)(1)(B) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, the following table contains five-year projections prepared by the Congressional Budget Office of outlays associated with the budget authority provided in the accompanying bill, as provided to the Committee by the Congressional Budget Office:

[In millions of dollars]

(TABLE OMITTED)

Assistance to State and Local Governments

Pursuant to section 308(a)(1)(C) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, the amounts of financial assistance to State and local governments is as follows:

[In millions of dollars]

(TABLE OMITTED)

Program Duplication

No provision of this bill establishes or reauthorizes a program of the Federal Government known to be duplicative of another Federal program, a program that was included in any report from the Government Accountability Office to Congress pursuant to section 21 of Public Law 111-139, or a program related to a program identified in the most recent Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance.

Directed Rule Making

The bill does not direct any rule making.

Comparative Statement of New Budget (Obligational) Authority

The following table provides a detailed summary, for each Department and agency, comparing the amounts recommended in the bill with amounts enacted for fiscal year 2017 and budget estimates presented for fiscal year 2018.

Compliance With Rule XIII, Cl. 3(e) (Ramseyer Rule)

In compliance with clause 3(e) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, changes in existing law made by the bill, as reported, are shown as follows (existing law proposed to be omitted is enclosed in black brackets, new matter is printed in italic, existing law in which no change is proposed is shown in roman):

Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, as Reported

In compliance with clause 3(e) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, changes in existing law made by the bill, as reported, are shown as follows (existing law proposed to be omitted is enclosed in black brackets, new matter is printed in italic, and existing law in which no change is proposed is shown in roman):

DODD-FRANK WALL STREET REFORM AND CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT

DISSENTING VIEWS

The Bipartisan Budget Act enacted early this year provided relief from unworkable discretionary spending caps. The agreement was supposed to provide the country with stability following a year of shutdowns, last-minute veto threats, and general uncertainty in government. That stability lasted long enough for Congress to pass a bipartisan Omnibus appropriations bill for Fiscal Year (FY) 2018, and then Republican chaos reigned again. The President threatened to veto the bill, unhappy with Congress' large investments in programs to help low- and middle-income Americans and rejection of his campaign- promised border wall.

Even after the President signed the bill, the Administration and Republican leadership in Congress who voted for the Bipartisan Budget Act and the Omnibus bill have continued to attempt to undo those bipartisan agreements. The majority passed H.R. 3, a rescission bill to undo funding and mollify an angry President. We have been told by OMB Director Mick Mulvaney that this was the first of many rescission packages meant to bring spending in line with the President's priorities, ignoring Congressional action that dismissed the President's draconian FY 2018 budget request.

In addition to the unacceptable rescissions proposals, the majority's lack of transparency in allocating the FY 2019 discretionary budget also endangers future bipartisan compromise. The majority abandoned longstanding committee practice to provide Members and the public with a budget blueprint for domestic spending, known as 302(b) allocations. Members were asked to vote on bills without having the full picture on what impact each bill would have on the other bills.

The Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) bill funds critical programs that impact the lives of every American in their capacity as consumers, as investors, and as taxpayers. The bill's jurisdiction covers a diverse range of agencies including those that provide oversight and regulation of the financial and telecommunications industries, manage government buildings and infrastructure projects, and oversee the federal workforce. In addition, funding in this bill supports the operations of the White House, the Federal Judiciary, and the District of Columbia.

While we appreciate the majority's work in assembling the Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 FSGG bill, the sheer number of policy provisions in this bill reflects an unprecedented degree of focus on partisan priorities from the Majority's side of the aisle. The bill's allocation is the same as the 2018 enacted level, $23.423 billion, which does not adequately meet the growing needs of taxpayers, consumers, and investors.

The bill's most galling feature is its failure to provide any funding for Election Assistance Commission grants. Our election infrastructure is outdated, reliant on antiquated technology, and unable to adequately defend against future intrusions. For instance, before the 2016 election, Russia targeted the election systems of at least 21 states--including accessing the Illinois voter database. Congress has been repeatedly warned that Russia and other hostile actors will attempt to tamper with the 2018 or 2020 elections. With foreign governments attempting to disrupt and influence our democratic process, now is the time to double down on our efforts to prevent all forms of election hacking. Yet not a single Republican voted for an amendment from Ranking Member Quigley to provide $380 million, the amount appropriated in FY 2018, to help states fortify and protect election systems.

The bill would also reduce the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund, one of the most significant bipartisan priorities within the subcommittee's jurisdiction. Even after accepting an amendment to increase funding, the bill as reported out of committee is $34 million below the FY 2018 enacted level. CDFIs have historically generated twelve dollars of financing for every one dollar of appropriated funding. This committee should be doing more to ensure that low-income rural, urban, and Native American communities have access to quality, affordable, and responsible financial services products.

Another particularly irresponsible cut targets the General Services Administration (GSA), which functions as the Federal Government's developer and landlord. The bill decimates funding for the Federal Buildings Fund, forcing the agency to neglect high-priority safety and security projects. This lack of sufficient funding for repair projects further exacerbates an already dire situation. Every dollar that GSA is unable to spend on basic maintenance and repairs leads to a long-term capital liability of four to five dollars in the future.

These reductions are particularly problematic when compared to some of the priorities of the majority. Most notable is the creation of a $585 million "Fund for America's Kids and Grandkids." This is an obvious attempt to not spend the subcommittee's full allocation under the guise of deficit reduction. Instead of throwing $585 million in a black hole, the resources provided for this program could have been far better invested in a number of areas that would have actually helped the next generation of Americans.

Even more troubling than inadequate funding for critical priorities is the laundry list of ideological riders and authorizing provisions included in the bill. Titles IX, X, and XI contain 31 different authorizing bills. While several of these are non-controversial and received substantial Democratic support, they do not belong in a spending bill. It is disappointing that Republicans opposed an amendment offered by Rep. Kaptur to strike the extraneous titles.

As in previous years, House Republicans have used the FSGG bill to attempt to weaken campaign finance laws. Riders are included to prevent the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) from requiring the disclosure of political contributions and to repeal the Federal Election Commission's prior approval requirement, which places limits on political solicitation. Republicans rejected an amendment from Rep. Cartwright to strike the SEC provision.

Democrats also tried to remove provisions that interfere in women's health decisions. Our Republican colleagues evidently are not satisfied with the restrictions already in place under current law, so this year's FSGG appropriations bill would make it even more difficult for a woman to purchase the health insurance she wants. Ranking Member Lowey offered an amendment to strike this harmful provision and protect a woman's right to make legal and private health choices without government interference, which Republicans opposed.

Several of the objectionable Republican provisions that attack women's right to safe and legal abortion services also continued the Republican tradition of interfering in the local affairs of the District of Columbia. As in past years, the bill contains a variety of provisions that impose limits on the District's ability to govern itself. Rep. Ryan and Rep. Lee offered amendments to protect the District's ability to spend its own funds to enforce its Reproductive Health Non- Discrimination Act and to cover safe and legal abortion under its Medicaid program, respectively. Republicans opposed both of these amendments.

Rep. Aguilar offered an amendment that was rejected to make sure that individuals in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which covers certain non-criminal immigrants who entered the country as children and remain without U.S. citizenship, can lend their talents to the Federal workforce. Despite more Republican broken promises, Democrats will continue to work to help our Dreamers.

Democrats sought to make a number of other improvements to the bill, including an amendment from Rep. McCollum to restore a provision to block pay raises for the Vice President and high ranking political appointees, an amendment from Rep. Serrano to nullify part-time Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Director Mulvaney's firing of the entire Consumer Advisory Board, an amendment from Rep. Wasserman Schultz to remove the prohibition on funds for the Internal Revenue Service to deny tax exemption to churches for engaging in political activity, and an amendment from Reps. Price and Serrano to restore the FCC's Open Internet Order and save net neutrality. All of these amendments were defeated.

We were also disappointed that Republicans opposed an amendment from Rep. Joyce to ensure that financial institutions are not penalized solely because they provide services to entities involved with handling marijuana in states where such activity is legal. After several Republicans implied that they would support an amendment limited to entities handling medical marijuana, Rep. Joyce proposed such an amendment. The Majority encouraged him to withdraw that amendment as well. Democrats will continue to work to provide clarity for financial institutions and others operating legal businesses.

Despite the bill's numerous shortcomings, we are pleased that it would increase funding for the Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, Federal Defender Services, Small Business Administration, and Office of National Drug Control Policy. Additionally, we thank Chairman Graves for directing the United States Postal Service to issue a report on the adequacy of personnel levels, the use of temporary employees, and consolidation of distribution centers. Inconsistent mail delivery has reached epidemic proportions in many areas, and must be improved.

However, on balance the reductions to critical programs and poison pill riders make this a bill Democrats strongly oppose. It is the latest example of House Republicans following President Trump's lead and turning their backs on hardworking American families.

Nita M. Lowey.

Mike Quigley.

TARGETED NEWS SERVICE: Myron Struck, editor; 703/304-1897; [email protected]; https://targetednews.com