Senate Appropriations Committee Issues Report on FY 2020 Financial Services, General Government Appropriations Bill (Part 4 of 6)
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2019...
Budget estimate, 2020...70,537,500
Committee recommendation...70,537,500
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends
Foreign Influence in
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2019...
Budget estimate, 2020...24,890,000
Committee recommendation...24,890,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The
The FLRA's authority is divided by law and by delegation among a three-member authority and an
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW IMPROVEMENT FUND
Appropriations, 2019...
Budget estimate, 2020...
Committee recommendation...
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
This appropriation supports the authorized activities of the
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2019...
Budget estimate, 2020...312,300,000
Committee recommendation...312,300,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommendation provides
The
Consumer Privacy and Data Security.--The Committee encourages the
Sports Concussions.--According to the
Contact Lenses.--The Committee is encouraged by the
Credit Card Skimmers.--The Committee appreciates the
Consolidation and Competition in Health Care.--The Committee is concerned that consolidation among providers and insurers in the healthcare sector is leading to higher prices for American families and taxpayers. Peer reviewed analysis has shown that hospital prices in monopoly markets are 15.3 percent higher than those in markets with four or more hospitals. The Government Accountability Office has reported that the three largest issuers held 80 percent of the market or more in at least 37 of 50 States, and the
Social Media Bots and
Social Media and Algorithmic Bias.--Social media has fundamentally democratized Americans' ability to participate in civic discourse. However, while individuals are responsible for the creation of social media content, complex algorithms often determine the distribution, promotion, and placement of that content. This gives rise to the risk that any political biases in these algorithms--whether implicit or explicit; intentional or unintentional--leave social media users with a false understanding of the context of the information they receive. The Committee directs the
Robocalls.--The Committee is concerned by a significant increase in robocalls nationally, with more than 26,300,000,000 robocalls placed in 2018, an increase of more than 8,300,000,000 calls since 2017. According to the
Technical Expertise.--The Committee is concerned that the
"Made in USA" Standard.--The Committee is concerned that, for companies that brazenly violate the FTC Act's prohibition on deception by falsely labeling wholly imported products as "Made in USA," the
Resources for Data Privacy and Security.--The Committee urges the
Credit Report Accuracy.--The accuracy of information in a credit report is critical to both consumer protection and the integrity of a creditor's decision-making process. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, consumer reporting agencies must (1) maintain reasonable procedures to ensure the "maximum possible accuracy" of consumer reports and (2) maintain procedures through which consumers can dispute and correct inaccurate information in their consumer reports. The
Deceptive Online Marketing.--The Committee urges the
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
Federal Contractor Tax Check System.--Since fiscal year 2015, the Financial Services and General Government appropriations acts have included a governmentwide provision prohibiting Federal agencies from using appropriated funds to enter into contracts with entities that have qualifying Federal tax debts unless certain circumstances are met. This provision effectuates the straightforward proposition that contractors that ignore their Federal tax liabilities should not be allowed to enrich themselves with taxpayer dollars. Unfortunately, the Committee has serious concerns about agencies' compliance with this provision. In an
In order to better effectuate the governmentwide provision, an administrative provision provides an additional
Federal Fleet.--The Committee directs
In addition, the Committee encourages
The Committee continues to be reluctant to appropriate any additional funds for this project due to the unanswered questions regarding the new plan, including the revision of longstanding mission and security requirements. The Committee encourages
White Oak Expansion.--The Committee is aware that the
Flood Resiliency.--The Committee is concerned with the condition and resiliency of Federal buildings located in flood prone areas that were constructed prior to the creation of
Energy Efficiency.--The Committee encourages greater use of Energy Savings Performance Contracts [ESPCs] in
Shared Services.--The Committee is aware of the Administration's and
FEDERAL BUILDINGS FUND--LIMITATIONS ON AVAILABILITY OF REVENUE
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Limitation on availability of revenue:
Limitation on availability, 2019...
Limitation on availability, budget estimate, 2020...10,203,596,000
Committee recommendation...9,581,079,000
CONSTRUCTION AND ACQUISITION
Limitation on availability, 2019...
Limitation on availability, budget estimate, 2020...649,290,000
Committee recommendation...350,517,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The construction and acquisition fund finances the site, design, construction, management, and inspection costs of new Federal facilities.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends a limitation of
--
--
--
REPAIRS
Limitation on availability, 2019...
Limitation on availability, budget estimate, 2020...1,662,410,000
Committee recommendation...1,365,721,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Under this activity,
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends a limitation of
RENTAL OF SPACE
Limitation on availability, 2019....
Limitation on availability, budget estimate, 2020...5,508,390,000
Committee recommendation...5,497,297,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The rental of space program funds lease payments made to privately owned buildings, temporary space for Federal employees during major repair and alteration projects, and relocations from Federal buildings due to forced moves and relocations as a result of health and safety conditions.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends a limitation of
BUILDING OPERATIONS
Limitation on availability, 2019....
Limitation on availability, budget estimate, 2020...2,383,506,000
Committee recommendation...2,367,544,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
This activity provides for the operation of all Government- owned facilities under the jurisdiction of
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends a limitation of
GOVERNMENTWIDE POLICY
Appropriations, 2019...
Budget estimate, 2020...65,843,000
Committee recommendation...64,000,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of
Limiting Purchasing of Products that Contain Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances [PFAs].--The Administrator of
DotGov Program.--The ".gov" domain, managed by
City Pair Program.--The City Pair Program was developed to provide discounted airfare and flexibility for Federal Government travelers. The Committee is aware of concerns among some participants regarding certain city pair awards, but the Committee recognizes that
OPERATING EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2019...
Budget estimate, 2020...49,440,000
Committee recommendation...49,440,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Operating Expenses supports a variety of operational activities which are not feasible or appropriate for a user fee arrangement. Major programs include the personal property utilization and donation activities of the Federal Acquisition Service; the real property utilization and disposal activities of the Public Buildings Service; and the Management and Administration activities, including support of Governmentwide emergency response and recovery activities, and top-level agency-wide management, administration, and communications activities.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of
CIVILIAN BOARD OF CONTRACT APPEALS
Appropriations, 2019...
Budget estimate, 2020...9,301,000
Committee recommendation...9,301,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Civilian
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of
Appropriations, 2019...
Budget estimate, 2020...68,000,000
Committee recommendation...66,500,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
This appropriation provides agency-wide audit and investigative functions to identify and correct management and administrative deficiencies within
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of
ALLOWANCES AND OFFICE STAFF FOR FORMER PRESIDENTS
Appropriations, 2019...
Budget estimate, 2020...3,851,112
Committee recommendation...3,851,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
This appropriation currently provides pensions, office staffs, and related expenses for former Presidents
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends
FEDERAL CITIZEN SERVICES FUND
Appropriations, 2019...
Budget estimate, 2020...58,400,000
Committee recommendation...55,000,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Federal Citizen Services [
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends
Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act.--The Committee encourages
TECHNOLOGY MODERNIZATION FUND
Appropriation, 2019...
Budget estimates, 2020...150,000,000
Committee recommendation...
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends
PRE-ELECTION PRESIDENTIAL TRANSITION
Appropriations, 2019...
Budget estimate, 2020...
Committee recommendation...9,620,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
In accordance with the Pre-Election Transition Act of 2010, this appropriation will enable
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends
ASSET PROCEEDS AND SPACE MANAGEMENT FUND
Appropriation, 2019...
Budget estimates, 2020...31,000,000
Committee recommendation...
This account provides appropriations for the purposes of carrying out actions pursuant to the recommendations of the Public Buildings Reform Board focusing on civilian real property.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW IMPROVEMENT FUND
Appropriations, 2019...
Budget estimate, 2020...7,100,000
Committee recommendation...
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
This appropriation supports the authorized activities of the
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
Consistent with
WORKING CAPITAL FUND
Appropriations, 2019...
Budget estimate, 2020...
Committee recommendation...
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends no direct appropriation for the
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS--GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
(INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)
Section 520 authorizes
Section 521 authorizes
Section 522 requires that the fiscal year 2021 budget request meet certain standards.
Section 523 provides 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 requested rate.
Section 524 continues the provision that permits
Section 525 provides that certain lease agreements must conform to an approved prospectus.
Section 526 requires a
Section 527 provides
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2019...
Budget estimate, 2020...
Committee recommendation...1,670,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of
Merit Systems Protection Board
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriations, 2019...
Budget estimate, 2020...42,265,500
Committee recommendation...42,265,500
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Merit Systems Protection Board [MSPB] was established by the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978. MSPB is an independent quasi-judicial agency manifested to protect Federal merit systems against partisan political and other prohibited personnel practices and to ensure adequate protection for employees against abuses by agency management.
MSPB assists Federal agencies in running a merit-based civil service system. This is accomplished on a case-by-case basis through hearing and deciding employee appeals and on a systemic basis by reviewing significant actions and regulations of the
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of
MORRIS K. UDALL AND
Appropriations, 2019...
Budget estimate, 2020...1,800,000
Committee recommendation...1,725,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of
Previous annual appropriations provided that
ENVIRONMENTAL DISPUTE RESOLUTION FUND
Appropriations, 2019...
Budget estimate, 2020...3,200,000
Committee recommendation...3,200,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends an appropriation of
The
OPERATING EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2019...
Budget estimate, 2020...345,609,000
Committee recommendation...363,000,000
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
This account provides for basic operations dealing with management of the Federal Government's archives and records, operation of Presidential libraries, review for declassification of classified security information, and other duties.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee recommends
The Committee's recommendation supports initiatives to strengthen NARA's record management leadership role; address archival storage needs; continue to develop, build, and expand the IT infrastructure to conduct the business of the National Declassification Center established in Executive Order 13526; operate and maintain the Electronic Records Archive; and improve research room holdings protection.
Digitization of Records.--The Committee continues to encourage NARA to digitize and post on-line, on its own website, archival records that are relocated as a result of a facility closure. The Committee directs NARA to report, within 90 days of enactment, on its progress to digitize and preserve physical access to archival records that have been or will be relocated to another State by any facility closure occurring during fiscal years 2014 to 2019 or planned for fiscal year 2020. The report shall: (1) describe the progress that has been made to digitize and post online such records that have been moved; (2) describe NARA's digitization priorities for 2020 pertaining to any relocated archival records; and (3) include a timeline for completing the digitization and posting on-line process. The Committee further directs NARA to provide, on its
Recordkeeping.--The Committee remains concerned about the ability of Federal agencies to effectively manage email and other electronic Federal records so that essential records are available when required by
The Committee notes that NARA has made significant progress in issuing guidance directing executive branch agencies to manage electronic Federal records, including email records, as required by law. The Committee expects NARA to incorporate email recordkeeping standards into its inspections of other agencies' records management programs, with special emphasis on personal and alias email accounts used for conducting official business. The Committee also notes that NARA has received additional resources to increase oversight over executive branch compliance with Federal recordkeeping laws. The Committee directs NARA to continue to place a high priority on its recordkeeping oversight mission and to report to the Committees on Appropriations of the
Continues with Part 5 of
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