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Appropriations Committee Approves Fiscal Year 2013 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Legislation

Wed, 16 May 2012 17:00:00 GMT

The House Appropriations Committee today approved the fiscal year 2013 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill. The legislation totals $71.7 billion in discretionary funding, which is the same as the fiscal year 2012 level.

The bill provides the nation’s military with the infrastructure needed to house, train, and equip military personnel, provides for the quality of life of our troops and their families, and maintains our strong military base structure. It also funds veterans’ benefits and programs to ensure that all veterans receive the services they need and deserve.

Appropriations Chairman Hal Rogers made the following statement on the legislation:

“Our troops, veterans and military families deserve to have the programs and services they have earned as a result of their service and sacrifice. This bill provides for the most urgent needs of our nation’s veterans and active military members and supports important Department of Defense projects both here and abroad, all while holding the line on spending and keeping a close on taxpayer dollars,” Rogers said.

Military Construction-Veterans Affairs Subcommittee Chairman John Culberson also commented on his bill:

“The first duty of government is to protect our nation. It is Congress’ responsibility to ensure that the most urgent needs of our active duty military personnel and our nation’s veterans are met. However, we are facing a financial crisis that cannot be ignored. We were able to increase funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs by $2.3 billion more than fiscal year 2012, and Military Construction has been reduced by $2.4 billion without increasing the overall spending level from last year. This bill recognizes the absolute urgency of cutting government spending without compromising the high quality services provided to our troops, their families, and our veterans,” Chairman Culberson said.

The following amendments to the FY 2013 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill were approved today in the full committee:

Rep. Culberson – The manager’s amendment makes technical and non-controversial changes and additions to the bill and report. The amendment was adopted on a voice vote.

Rep. Flake – The amendment prohibits funding for the Department to solicit construction contracts that either favor or oppose project labor agreements. The amendment was adopted on a voice vote.

The FY 2013 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill was approved by the full committee on a voice vote.

For the text of the FY 2013 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill and report, please visit:

http://appropriations.house.gov/UploadedFiles/BILLS-112HR-SC-AP-FY13-MilConVA.pdf and

http://appropriations.house.gov/UploadedFiles/MILCON-FY13-FULLCOMMITTEEREPORT.pdf

For a summary of the bill, please visit: http://appropriations.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=294142

Appropriations Committee Approves Fiscal Year 2013 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill

Wed, 16 May 2012 15:30:00 GMT

The House Appropriations Committee today approved the fiscal year 2013 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Appropriations bill. The legislation strengthens America’s homeland security efforts while at the same time reducing government spending. The bill provides $39.1 billion in discretionary funding for DHS, a decrease of $484 million below last year’s level and a decrease of $393 million below the President’s request.

“The safety and protection of our citizens is of the utmost importance – and we must keep a sharp eye on how and why we are spending our tax dollars on national security. This bill shores up the most important programs, ensuring DHS has the resources it needs to do its job well, while reducing spending below last year’s level. At a time when we are facing both security threats, as well as the perils of mountains of debt, we can neither afford to overspend nor withstand the risks of an overburdened security system. This bill achieves that delicate balance,” House Appropriations Chairman Hal Rogers said.

“This bill addresses our Nation’s two most urgent needs — security and fiscal discipline. While the bill the Committee reported out today is a reduction of $484 million below the current fiscal year, we were still able to make key investments for cybersecurity, preparedness grants and research programs to promote job growth and innovation, and frontline and high-risk security operations. The bill also includes a provision to give hiring preference to our nation’s veterans – after risking their lives for our country, they deserve no less," Homeland Security Subcommittee Chairman Robert Aderholt said.

The following amendments to the fiscal year 2013 Homeland Security Appropriations bill were approved by the full committee today:

Rep. Aderholt – The amendment made technical and other non-controversial changes and additions to the bill and report. The amendment was adopted on a voice vote.

Reps. Latham/Price/Dent/Lowey – The amendment waives restrictions on SAFER firefighter grants, allowing the retention of existing firefighter personnel. The amendment was adopted on a voice vote.

Rep. Aderholt – The amendment prohibits federal funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to provide for abortions, except in certain life-threatening cases, rape, and incest. The language is virtually identical to provisions already in existing law. The amendment was adopted on a vote of 28-21.

Rep. Dent –The amendment prohibits funding to require private facilities to use certain personnel identification security measures if the facility already has sufficient security measures in place. The amendment was adopted on a voice vote.

The FY 2013 Homeland Security Appropriations bill was approved by the full committee on a voice vote.

For the text of the bill and report, please visit:

http://appropriations.house.gov/UploadedFiles/BILLS-112HR-SC-AP-FY13-Homeland.pdf and

http://appropriations.house.gov/UploadedFiles/HOMELAND-FY13-FULLCOMMITTEEREPORT.pdf

For a summary, please visit:

http://appropriations.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=294369

House Passes Fiscal Year 2013 Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations Bill

Thu, 10 May 2012 19:00:00 GMT

The U.S. House of Representatives today approved the fiscal year 2013 Commerce, Justice, Science (CJS) Appropriations bill (H.R. 5326), which funds the Department of Commerce, the Department of Justice, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the National Science Foundation (NSF), and other related agencies for the next fiscal year.

In total, the legislation contains $51.1 billion in funding for these agencies, which is $1.6 billion below last year’s levels and $731 million below the President’s request for these programs.

“This legislation funds important programs at adequate, responsible levels while cutting spending. Not all of these decisions were easy to make, and I am proud of the work that my Committee has done to ensure efficiency and sustainability in these federal budgets,” House Appropriations Chairman Hal Rogers said.

“We have worked hard to determine the best use of limited tax dollars that we must spread out over a great number of vital federal programs, services and agencies. As a result, the bill passed today funds federal programs that will help protect our people from threats at home, abroad, and in cyber-space; maintain the competitiveness of American industry and businesses; and encourage scientific research that will keep America at the forefront of the world in innovation,” Rogers continued.

“The bill passed today reflects a delicate balancing of needs and requirements. We have focused limited resources on the most critical areas: fighting crime and terrorism – including a new focus of preventing and investigating cyberattacks – and boosting U.S. competitiveness and job creation by investing in science, export promotion, and manufacturing programs. I’m proud that since the beginning of the 112th Congress, my subcommittee has cut $13.2 billion, reducing the total amount of the CJS bill by over 20 percent over the three fiscal years,” CJS Subcommittee Chairman Frank Wolf said.

The fiscal year 2013 Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations bill was approved by the House on a 247-163 vote.

For a list of adopted amendments to H.R. 5326, please visit: http://appropriations.house.gov/UploadedFiles/05.10.12_FY_13_CJS_Floor_Adopted_Amendments.pdf

Appropriations Committee Releases Fiscal Year 2013 State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill

Tue, 08 May 2012 15:00:00 GMT

The House Appropriations Committee today released the fiscal year 2013 State and Foreign Operations Appropriations bill, which will be considered in subcommittee tomorrow. The bill totals $40.1 billion in regular discretionary funding, which is $2 billion or 5% below last year’s level.

The bill contains funding for diplomatic operations and foreign assistance activities – including programs to promote security and stability in the developing world; activities to fight illegal drug-trafficking and crime; and security assistance to U.S. strategic allies, including assistance for Israel. The bill also includes significant reforms to improve the oversight and management of precious tax dollars, and supports important policy provisions to ensure the respect for life around the world.

The bill to be considered tomorrow saves taxpayer dollars by cutting funding to lower-priority international programs, while also providing responsible investments in critical national security, diplomatic, and life-saving efforts – such as security assistance for Latin American countries, global health, and humanitarian programs. The bill also includes $8.2 billion in Overseas Contingency Operations/Global War on Terror (OCO/GWOT) funding, which will adequately provide for continued U.S. involvement in front-line countries and other war-related efforts. In total, including war funding, the bill is $5 billion – or 9% – below fiscal year 2012.

“It is more important than ever that taxpayer dollars be used in the most efficient, frugal, and common-sense way to balance our international responsibilities with the very real economic and financial challenges we face here at home. This bill meets our commitment to providing essential security, diplomatic, and humanitarian assistance abroad, while reducing funding for lower-priority programs and providing a keen eye towards the oversight of every tax dollar,” Appropriations Chairman Hal Rogers said.

State and Foreign Operations Subcommittee Chairwoman Kay Granger echoed Rogers’ statement, saying:

“This is a tough, effective national security bill that continues to cut spending, reform our aid programs, and demand accountability from our partners and allies. This bill reflects principled funding decisions that give the United States the flexibility to respond to a rapidly changing world while making sure our foreign aid is not a blank check for foreign governments who do not support our national security priorities,” Chairwoman Granger said.

Bill Summary:

International Security Assistance – The bill provides $7.3 billion in discretionary funding for international security assistance, a decrease of $632 million from the President’s request and $39 million over last year’s level.

This includes funds for international narcotics control, anti-terrorism programs, nonproliferation programs, peacekeeping operations, and other international security efforts. The bill fully funds the $3.1 billion commitment outlined in the United States-Israel Memorandum of Understanding for security assistance, and the $300 million request for security assistance for Jordan. It also increases support for security initiatives in Mexico, Colombia, and Central America to help ongoing counter-narcotics and law enforcement efforts.

Bilateral Assistance – The legislation contains a total of $17.2 billion for bilateral economic assistance, a decrease of $1.1 billion below last year and $3 billion below the President’s request. While making sensible cuts to lower-priority areas, the bill restores some of the cuts proposed in the President’s request for priority global health programs, refugee assistance, and democracy promotion activities. Funding for the Peace Corps, Millennium Challenge Corporation, and Development Assistance is essentially maintained at last year’s level.

Multilateral Assistance – The legislation provides $2.2 billion for multilateral assistance, a reduction of $734 million below last year and $715 million below the President’s request. The bill makes significant cuts to many multilateral international organizations and programs, including reductions to international banks. The bill eliminates funding for the Clean Technology Fund and the Strategic Climate Fund, and provides just half of the requested capital for multilateral development banks. The bill also imposes conditions on multilateral development banks capital funding, requiring successful implementation of a number of transparency and accountability measures.

Export and Investment Programs – The bill continues to support export and investment assistance programs, including level funding for the Overseas Private Investment Corporation and the Trade and Development Agency.

State Department Operations and Related Agencies – The bill contains a total of $12.9 billion in discretionary funding for operational costs of the State Department and related agencies – a decrease of $433 million below last year’s level and $1.5 billion below the President’s request. This includes funding for programs such as diplomatic and consular affairs, embassy security and operations, assessed contributions to international organizations, and international broadcasting. No funding is included for the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Operations – The bill contains $1.2 billion for USAID – a reduction of $73 million from last year’s level and $252.5 million below the President’s request. An additional $258 million in OCO/GWOT funding is provided to cover costs of USAID operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.

Global War on Terror – The bill includes $8.2 billion in OCO/GWOT funding – a reduction of $3 billion below last year. This war funding is designed to be temporary, and year-to-year reductions are expected. This includes funding for programs and activities in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. In Iraq, these funds will support security forces previously funded by the Department of Defense. This funding will also provide for civilian programs in Afghanistan as part of the military’s counterinsurgency efforts.

Increased Oversight and Management – The bill includes several provisions to increase oversight and tighten the reins on the management of programs and use of taxpayer dollars. Some of these provisions include:

Direct Government Assistance – The bill includes layers of conditions on government-to-government assistance, including assessments, certifications, and annual reporting requirements.

United Nations Reform – The bill provides no funding for the Human Rights Council unless the Secretary of State certifies that it is in the national interest, and unless the Council stops its anti-Israel agenda. This bill also prohibits funds for UN organizations headed by terrorist countries, and withholds a portion of funds for the UN and international organizations until financial audits are fully available to the United States Government and the public.

Multi-Year Funding Commitments – The legislation requires additional Congressional oversight before the Administration makes public announcements of multi-year funding pledges to other countries or international organizations.

Afghanistan – The legislation withholds operating funds until a transition plan is submitted and withholds assistance until certifications that proper security is in place for civilian aid workers can be made.

Pakistan – The legislation prohibits economic and security assistance unless the Government of Pakistan is cooperating with the United States on counterterrorism efforts and other issues.

Egypt – The legislation prohibits economic and security assistance if the Government of Egypt does not adhere to the peace treaty with Israel, and requires the Secretary of State to certify that additional conditions have been met, including respect for due process of law.

Palestinian Authority – The legislation stops economic assistance to the Palestinian Authority if the Palestinians obtain membership at the United Nations or its specialized agencies without an agreement with Israel.

Important Policy Provisions – The bill supports important policy provisions to safeguard the respect for life around the globe. For example, the bill:

Reinstates Mexico City Policy, a policy prohibiting U.S. assistance to foreign nongovernmental organizations that promote or perform abortions.

Prohibits funding for the UN Population Fund, and caps family planning and reproductive health programs at no more than the fiscal year 2008 level.

Maintains long-standing pro-life riders, including the “Tiahrt Amendment,” which ensures family planning programs are voluntary; the “Helms Amendment,” which bans foreign aid from being spent on abortions; and the “Kemp-Kasten Amendment,” which prohibits funds to organizations the President determines to support coercive abortion or involuntary sterilization.

Contains no funds for needle exchange programs.

For the subcommittee draft of the fiscal year 2013 State and Foreign Operations Appropriations bill, please visit: http://appropriations.house.gov/UploadedFiles/BILLS-112HR-SC-AP-FY13-SFOPS.pdf

Appropriations Committee Releases Fiscal Year 2013 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill

Tue, 08 May 2012 14:20:00 GMT

The House Appropriations Committee today released its proposed fiscal year 2013 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Appropriations bill, to be considered in subcommittee tomorrow. The bill strengthens America’s homeland security efforts while at the same time reducing government spending. The bill provides $39.1 billion in discretionary funding for DHS, a decrease of $484 million below last year’s level and a decrease of $393 million below the President’s request.

Appropriations Chairman Hal Rogers made the following statement on the bill:

“Our country faces the dual challenge of providing essential resources for the protection of the nation while also reducing federal spending to help ensure future economic and financial success. This bill helps to address both of these areas by providing the critical resources for our homeland security efforts, while also trimming excess spending to help reduce the nation’s deficits and debt,” Chairman Rogers said.

“This year, DHS will observe its tenth anniversary. This bill aims to mark that milestone with bold measures to create a stronger, more effective Department,” Homeland Security Subcommittee Chairman Aderholt said. “Consistent with the Subcommittee’s work over the past two fiscal years, the bill demonstrates how we can sufficiently fund security while also reducing discretionary spending. The bill is focused upon fiscal discipline, hard-hitting oversight, and support for the most vital security programs. The reductions in spending are focused and precise, thus ensuring that there is full funding for frontline operations. There are appropriate increases for cybersecurity, preparedness grants, and research programs,” he continued.

Bill Highlights:

Critical Security Operations and Programs – The bill prioritizes funding for frontline security operations by continuing the highest levels in history for Border Patrol agents, CBP Officers, ICE agents, and ICE detention beds. The bill also provides funding for all operational, intelligence, threat-targeting activities, and the acquisition of essential tactical assets and equipment for CBP, Secret Service, and the Coast Guard.

FEMA– The bill fully funds FEMA’s stated requirement for disaster relief. The legislation also recommends $2.8 billion – an increase of over $400 million compared to fiscal year 2012 – for FEMA First Responder Grants, including $1.8 billion for State and Local Grants. The committee continues reforms to consolidate grant programs into a streamlined fund allocated based on common-sense conditions, such as risk to communities. The bill provides $670 million – the amount requested – for Assistance to Firefighter Grants and $350 million for Emergency Management Performance Grants.

Customs and Border Protection – The bill contains $10.2 billion for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) – an increase of $77 million above the President’s request and $9.4 million above last year’s level, when adjusted for proposed transfers and realignments.

This funding will provide for 21,370 Border Patrol agents and 21,186 CBP officers – the largest totals in history – and includes $117 million for Inspection and Detection Technology. In addition, the bill includes $518 million for Air and Marine operations and procurement to continue critical air patrol efforts on the U.S. border – funding that was cut in the President’s budget request.

The bill provides $68 million for CBP’s National Targeting Center – an increase of $16 million over fiscal year 2012 – to enhance the identification of known and suspected terrorists and criminals. The bill also provides no less than $20 million for outreach to counter human trafficking, and $327 million for border security fencing, infrastructure, and technology.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement – The bill provides $5.5 billion for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) – an increase of $141.6 million above the President’s request and $76.8 million below last year’s level. The bill denies many of the steep cuts to ICE requested in the President’s budget to ensure that the agency can effectively enforce our nation’s immigration and customs laws.

The bill includes over $1.7 billion for both domestic and international investigation programs, including $35 million for the Visa Security Program, $78 million for the Office of Intelligence, and an increase of $11 million to address human smuggling and trafficking. The bill also provides $138 million to complete the deployment of the Secure Communities program, and $2.7 billion for ICE detention bed spaces, providing for a total of 34,000 beds – the highest detention capacity in history.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) – The bill includes $5.1 billion for TSA – a decrease of $146.5 million below the President’s request (excluding proposed fee revenue) and $422 million below last year’s level. This includes funding for security enforcement, cargo inspections, and intelligence functions.

The bill restores funding for Federal Flight Deck Officers, includes funding for the Federal Air Marshals program for coverage of all high-risk flights, provides a $5 million increase over the President’s request in funding for canine enforcement teams, and includes a $15 million increase for privatized screening operations. The bill also encourages reform of passenger screening operations by capping full-time screening personnel at 46,000, and supporting TSA’s shift to more risk-based screening.

The bill applies additional cuts to trim spending, both for efficiency and to offset the President’s proposed but unauthorized passenger fee revenue increase, including a $61 million cut to TSA managerial overhead.

Cybersecurity – The bill includes a total of $748.9 million for cybersecurity, $20 million below the President’s request and $306 million above last year’s level. This increase provides funding for a new initiative to improve Federal Network Security that will help blunt cyber-attacks and foreign espionage.

Coast Guard – The bill contains $10 billion for the U.S. Coast Guard – an increase of $211.7 million above the President’s request and $63 million below last year’s level. The bill sustains military pay and allowances, and reverses cuts in the President’s request that would have curtailed important Coast Guard operations. Targeted funding is also provided to help the Coast Guard meet its mission requirements, including: funding for the 6^th National Security Cutter (NSC) vessel and long lead-time materials for the 7^th NSC; funding for four Fast Response Cutter vessels; funding for two MH-60 helicopters; and funding for one missionized C-130J aircraft.

Secret Service – The bill includes $1.6 billion for the U.S. Secret Service – an increase of $12 million above the President’s request and $53.8 million below last year’s level, reflecting normal reduction in operations following the Presidential election. The bill also continues funding for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which the President proposed to zero out.

Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) – To strengthen the nation’s ability to detect and respond to potential WMD threats, the bill includes a total of $316.3 million for the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office, $26.3 million above last year’s level, to fund needed technology for Border Patrol and Coast Guard field operations.

Research and Development – The bill includes $826 million for Science and Technology, $5.5 million below the President’s request and $158 million above last year’s level. This funding sustains investment in high-priority research and development efforts, including first responder needs, explosives detection, and cyber threats.

Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) – The bill provides $45.4 million for CFATS, $29.1 million below the amount requested and $47.9 million below last year’s level. This reduction is due to significant managerial problems, program delays, and poor budget execution.

Funding Restrictions – The bill continues a prohibition on funds to transfer or release detainees from Guantanamo Bay and includes numerous other funding restrictions to prevent waste and abuse. Some of these provisions include a restriction to prevent another “Fast and Furious” type program, and a limitation on spending for conferences and ceremonies.

For the complete text of the FY 2013 Subcommittee Draft Homeland Security Appropriations bill, please visit: http://appropriations.house.gov/UploadedFiles/BILLS-112HR-SC-AP-FY13-Homeland.pdf

Appropriations Committee Releases Fiscal Year 2013 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Legislation

Mon, 07 May 2012 15:15:00 GMT

The House Appropriations Committee today released the initial fiscal year 2013 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill. The legislation will be considered in subcommittee tomorrow. The bill totals $71.7 billion in discretionary funding, which is the same as the fiscal year 2012 level.

The legislation provides the nation’s military with the infrastructure needed to house, train, and equip military personnel, provides for the quality of life of our troops and their families, and maintains our strong military base structure. The bill also funds veterans’ benefits and programs to ensure that all veterans receive the services they have earned as a result of their sacrifices and service to the country.

Appropriations Chairman Hal Rogers made the following statement on the legislation:

“We are committed to ensuring the health and well-being of those who proudly serve and have served our nation, as well as providing care and support for their families both here and abroad. This bill addresses the needs of our nation’s troops, veterans, and military families, and provides funding for the programs and services that they deserve. At the same time, we have found efficiencies within the programs in the bill to trim spending, and have directed taxpayer dollars to most effectively provide for our troops and veterans,” he said.

Military Construction-Veterans Affairs Subcommittee Chairman John Culberson also commented on his bill:

“The safety and security of our nation is always my top priority. It is the responsibility of Congress to ensure that our military has every resource available to them to be successful on, and off, the battlefield. Once again this year, we have been able to cut excess spending without compromising the high-quality services provided to our troops, their families, and our veterans,” Chairman Culberson said.

Bill Highlights:

Military Construction – The bill provides $10.6 billion for military construction projects – a decrease of $2.4 billion below last year’s level. Much of the reduction is attributable to the deliberate pause in military construction by the Air Force (-$839 million) and a continued decline in funding requirements for the BRAC 2005 process. The bill also rescinds certain prior-year funds that have not been used.

Military Family Housing –The bill provides $1.65 billion for military family housing, which fully funds the budget request for family housing construction and operation and maintenance for fiscal year 2013. The funding provided will ensure quality housing is continued for 1,231,044 military families, and also supports privatization efforts of the remaining 7% of Department of Defense family housing inventory.
Military Medical Facilities – The legislation contains $927 million for construction and alterations for new or existing military medical facilities that support and care for 9.6 million beneficiaries, including the second phase of funding for the replacement hospital in Landstuhl, Germany, which is the main hospital for the care of our wounded troops abroad.
Department of Defense (DoD) Education Facilities –The bill includes $547 million for essential safety improvements and infrastructure work at DoD Education Activities facilities located in both the U.S. and overseas.

Veterans Affairs (VA) – The legislation includes a total of $135.4 billion in both discretionary and mandatory funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs. This funding will help provide our nation’s veterans with the services and care they have earned from their dedicated service to the country.

Discretionary funding in the bill equals $60.7 billion, which is $2.3 billion above last year’s level. Approximately $52 billion of this discretionary total was provided last year via an advance of funding in the fiscal year 2012 Appropriations bill.

VA Medical Services –The bill funds VA medical services at $41.4 billion – providing for approximately 6.3 million patients to be treated in fiscal year 2013. Some of these funds include: $6.2 billion in mental health care services; $73 million in suicide prevention activities; $220 million for traumatic brain injury treatment; $5.8 billion in homeless veterans treatment, services, housing, and job training; and $250 million in rural health initiatives.
Minor Construction – Minor construction at the VA is funded at $608 million, which is $125 million above fiscal year 2012 and the same as the budget request. These funds will allow VA to make progress on the hundreds of projects already scheduled to build or renovate health clinics, medical residences, and nursing homes, as well as acquire cemetery land and facilities.
VA Mandatory Funding – The bill fulfills mandatory funding requirements such as: veteran disability compensation programs for almost four million veterans and their survivors; post-9-11 GI bill education benefits for more than 600,000 veterans; and vocational rehabilitation and employment training for more than 200,000 veterans.
Oversight –The legislation includes provisions to increase oversight of taxpayer dollars at the VA, including requiring the agency to report on construction expenditures and savings, forbidding new changes in the scope of construction projects, and restricting the agency from taking certain spending actions without notifying Congress.

Advance Appropriations for Veterans Medical Programs – The bill contains $54.5 billion in advance fiscal year 2014 funding for the VA – the same level provided in the House-passed Budget Resolution. This funding will provide for medical services, medical support and compliance, and medical facilities, and ensure that our veterans have continued, full access to their medical care needs.

Arlington National Cemetery – The legislation includes $174 million for the Arlington National Cemetery, an increase of $128 million over last year’s level. Within the total, $84 million is provided for the Millennium Project, and $19 million is included for planning and design of the Navy Annex Expansion.

For the complete text of the FY 2013 Subcommittee Draft Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill, please visit: http://appropriations.house.gov/UploadedFiles/BILLS-112HR-SC-AP-FY13-MilConVA.pdf

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House Appropriations Committee Releases Fiscal Year 2013 Defense Appropriations Bill

Mon, 07 May 2012 14:00:00 GMT

The House Appropriations Committee today released the subcommittee draft of the fiscal year 2013 Defense Appropriations bill, which will be considered in subcommittee tomorrow. The legislation includes funding for critical national security needs, and provides the resources needed to continue the nation’s military efforts abroad. In addition, the bill provides essential funding for health and quality of life programs for the men and women of the Armed Forces and their families.

In total, the bill provides $519.2 billion in non-war funding, an increase of $1.1 billion over the fiscal year 2012 level and $3.1 billion above the President’s request*. In addition, the bill contains $88.5 billion for Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) for Defense activities related to the Global War on Terror.

“The number-one duty of the Congress is to provide adequate and timely funding for our national defense. This legislation funds essential defense activities, both at home and abroad, to keep our nation and its people secure. The bill also ensures our troops and commanders have the tools they need to advance U.S. missions, and to take care of our soldiers when they return home,” House Appropriations Chairman Hal Rogers said.

“This Subcommittee has worked tirelessly to mitigate risks associated with budget shortfalls in areas such as shipbuilding, force structure, and weapons and facility maintenance. We have worked in a true bipartisan fashion to provide the much-needed resources to modernize and maintain readiness at the levels required to preserve our military’s standing as the most capable and superior armed forces in the world. My long-standing commitment has always been that we will not adversely affect any soldier or have an impact on the readiness of our military. We have kept that promise with this bill, fulfilling our obligations to the brave men and women who selflessly serve our country, as well as their families,” Defense Subcommittee Chairman C.W. Bill Young said.

Bill Highlights:

Ongoing Military Operations – The bill contains $88.5 billion – the same amount requested by the President – for ongoing military operations in Afghanistan. This is a reduction of $26.6 billion compared to the previous year’s level, due to the strategic drawdown of forces overseas. This funding will provide the needed resources for our troops in the field, including funding for personnel requirements, operational needs, the purchase of new aircraft to replace combat losses, combat vehicle safety modifications, and maintenance of facilities and equipment.

Military Personnel and Pay – The legislation includes $128.5 billion to provide for 1,401,560 active-duty troops and 843,400 reserves. This funding level is $2.6 billion below last year, due to the reduction in troop totals. This also includes a 1.7% pay raise for the military, which is in-line with pending Defense authorization legislation.

Defense Health and Military Family Programs – The bill contains $35.1 billion – $334 million above last year’s level and $348 million above the request – for Defense health and family programs to provide care for our troops, military families, and retirees. Increases above the request include $246 million for cancer research, $245 million for medical facility and equipment upgrades, $125 million for traumatic brain injury and psychological health research, and $20 million for suicide prevention outreach programs. The legislation also includes $2.3 billion for family support and advocacy programs.

Operation and Maintenance – Included in the legislation is $175.2 billion for operation and maintenance – $221 million above the request and $12.1 billion above enacted levels. This contains essential funding for key readiness programs to prepare our troops for combat and peace-time missions, flight time and battle training, equipment and facility maintenance, and base operations.

Within this funding, the bill includes $589 million ($850 million bill-wide) to “pause” retirements and reassignments of Guard and Reserve aircraft until Congress and GAO review the cost-benefit analyses of the Air Force’s proposal, $133 million ($278 million bill-wide) to maintain the Global Hawk Block 30 aircraft, and $1.5 billion to restore unrealistic cuts to facility sustainment and base operating support.

Research and Development – The bill contains $70 billion – $2.4 billion below last year’s level and $576 million above the President’s request – for research, development, testing, and evaluation of new defense technologies. This basic and applied research, system development, and testing will help to advance the safety and success of current and future military operations, and will help prepare our nation to meet a broad range of potential future security threats.

The bill funds continued research and development of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, the KC-46A tanker program, the P8-A Poseidon, the new Air Force bomber program, the Broad Area Maritime Surveillance (BAMS) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, the Navy Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle, the Ohio class submarine replacement, the Army and Marine Corps Joint Light Tactical Vehicle, the Army Ground Combat Vehicle, the Israeli Cooperative Program, and other important development programs.

Equipment Procurement – The legislation provides a total of $102.5 billion – $2.1 billion below last year and $875 million above the President’s request – for equipment and upgrades. This funding is necessary to ensure our nation’s military readiness and provide the necessary platforms, weapons, and other equipment our forces need to train, maintain military force structure, and conduct successful operations.

For example, the bill includes $15.2 billion to procure 11 Navy ships, including three DDG-51 Destroyers and advance procurement for two SSN-774 Attack Submarines in fiscal year 2014; $5.2 billion for 29 F-35 aircraft; $3.6 billion for 12 E/A-18G Growlers and 37 F/A-18E/F Hornet aircraft, including advance procurement for 15 additional E/A-18G Growlers; $2.5 billion for 69 UH-60 Blackhawk and 42 MH-60S/R helicopters; $2.0 billion for the National Guard and Reserve Equipment Account; $1.7 billion for four Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicles; $1.2 billion for 14 C-130J variants; and $677 million ($792 million bill-wide) to maintain and modernize three Navy cruisers slated for decommissioning.

Guantanamo Bay – The legislation prohibits funding for transfers of Guantanamo detainees to the U.S. or its territories, prohibits funding to modify any facility in the U.S. to house detainees, and places conditions on the release of detainees to other countries. These provisions are identical to language contained in the fiscal year 2012 Defense Appropriations legislation.

Savings and Reductions to President’s Request – The bill reflects common-sense decisions to save taxpayer dollars where possible, in areas that will not affect the safety or success of our troops and missions. Some of these reductions include: -$2.5 billion in excess carryover funding from the Army Working Capital Fund; -$400 million in savings from the termination of the Medium Extended Air Defense System; -$500 million in savings from Marine Corps Field Logistics due to reduced force levels; and -$1.6 billion in savings from rescissions of unused prior-year funding.

For text of the legislation, please visit: http://appropriations.house.gov/UploadedFiles/BILLS-112HR-SC-AP-FY13-Defense.pdf

*As scored by the Congressional Budget Office.

Appropriations Committee Approves the Fiscal Year 2013 Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations Bill

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

The House Appropriations Committee today approved the fiscal year 2013 Commerce, Justice, Science (CJS) Appropriations bill. The bill funds the Department of Commerce, the Department of Justice, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the National Science Foundation (NSF), and other related agencies.

In total, the legislation contains $51.1 billion in funding. This is a reduction of $1.6 billion below last year’s level, and $731 million below the President’s request for these programs.

“The bill approved today makes responsible funding decisions to prioritize programs that fund our federal law enforcement to protect our people at home and abroad, programs which maintain the competitiveness of our businesses and industries, and scientific research to ensure America leads the world in innovation,” House Appropriations Chairman Rogers said.

“At the same time, this bill saves taxpayer dollars – it represents a funding level that is below what was spent in 2008 – by rooting out a number of extraneous or duplicative programs. These cuts were certainly not easy, but given the very real fiscal realities, they are necessary if we are to grow our economy and create an environment for job growth,” Rogers continued.

“This bill is a reduction of 3 percent below the current fiscal year and 1.4 percent below the President’s request. Since the beginning of the 112^th Congress, this Subcommittee has cut $13.2 billion, reducing the total amount of this bill by 20% over three fiscal years,” CJS Subcommittee Chairman Frank Wolf said.

“This year, we have focused limited resources on the most critical areas –fighting crime and terrorism, including a new focus preventing and investigating cyber-attacks; and boosting U.S. competitiveness and job creation by investing in science, exports and manufacturing,” Wolf continued.

The following amendments were approved today by the Committee:

Rep. Wolf – The amendment makes technical changes to the bill and report, as well as adjustments and additions to various non-controversial language provisions. The amendment was approved on a voice vote.

Rep. Carter – The amendment prohibits funding for the Justice Department to implement a regulation that would impose new, unnecessary, and costly ADA rules related to permanent swimming pool lifts. The amendment passed on a voice vote.

Rep. Kingston – The amendment prohibits funding for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to implement, administer, or enforce a regulation that would make it more difficult for companies to defend against age discrimination lawsuits. The amendment passed on a voice vote.

Rep. Rehberg – The amendment prohibits funding for an unauthorized reporting and registration requirement —proposed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) – on the sale of multiple rifles to the same person in various border-states. The amendment passed on a vote of 30-19.

Rep. Flake – The amendment adds report language encouraging the retention of graduate level science and technology students in the U.S. to maintain and encourage economic competitiveness. The amendment passed on voice vote.

The FY 2013 Commerce/Justice/Science and Related Agencies Appropriations bill was approved by the Full Committee on a voice vote.

For the text of the legislation considered today by the Appropriations Committee, please visit:

http://appropriations.house.gov/UploadedFiles/BILLS-112HR-SC-AP-FY13-CommerceJusticeScience.pdf

For the accompanying bill report, please visit:

http://appropriations.house.gov/UploadedFiles/CJS-FY13-FULL_COMMITTEE_REPORT.pdf

A summary of the FY 2012 CJS bill can be found here:

http://appropriations.house.gov/news/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=290672

#####

Fiscal Year 2013 Energy and Water Appropriations Bill Approved by Appropriations Committee

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

The House Appropriations Committee today approved the fiscal year 2013 Energy and Water and Related Agencies Appropriations bill. The legislation provides the annual funding for the various agencies and programs under the Department of Energy (DoE) and other related agencies, and totals $32.1 billion – a cut of $965 million below the President’s budget request.

“This bill makes targeted investments to encourage near-term job creation, improve public safety and regional commerce, strengthen national defense programs within the Department of Energy, and help reduce escalating energy costs that are putting pressure on family budgets around the country. Funding for important programs was balanced by cutting spending in other areas – putting tasks that are better suited for the private sector in the hands of entrepreneurs, while focusing tax dollars where they are best and most appropriately used,” Rogers said.

Energy and Water Subcommittee Chairman Rodney Frelinghuysen also commented on the bill:

“This legislation prioritizes investments in our nuclear security enterprise, programs to address gasoline prices, and opportunities to advance American competitiveness and get people back to work here at home,” Frelinghuysen said.

“All of our constituents are wrestling with how to pay for higher gasoline bills. This bill does not provide a quick-fix, since there is little these programs can do to immediately to change oil supply or demand. However, our bill provides investments to strengthen Department of Energy programs that address the causes of higher gasoline prices down the road,” Frelinghuysen continued.

The following amendments were approved by the Committee:

Rep. Frelinghuysen – The Managers Amendment makes technical changes to bill and report language, and makes minor adjustments in certain report language provisions. The amendment passed by voice vote.

Rep. Rehberg – The amendment prohibits funding for the Army Corps to develop or implement new guidance to expand the scope of federal jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act. The amendment passed on a vote of 29-20.

Rep. Alexander – The amendment prohibits funding to implement a mandate by the Energy Independence and Security Act which requires that all new or renovated federal buildings phase out the use of fossil generated electricity. The amendment passed on a voice vote.

Rep. Nunnelee – The Nunnelee amendment allows law-abiding citizens to legally possess firearms on Army Corps of Engineers Water Resource Development lands. The amendment passed on a voice vote.

Rep. LaTourette – The amendment adds language to the report directing the Army Corps of Engineers to consider the impact of flood risk on a small city’s economic viability in determining budget priorities within the Flood Control and Coastal Emergencies funding account. The amendment passed on a voice vote.

Rep. Rehberg – The amendment prohibits funding to implement instructions from the Secretary of Energy to alter operations – including possible changes to rate structures – at four regional power marketing administrations. The amendment passed on a voice vote.

The FY 2013 Energy and Water Appropriations Bill and Report were approved by the Full Committee on a voice vote.

For the text of the legislation considered today by the Appropriations Committee, please visit:

http://appropriations.house.gov/UploadedFiles/BILLS-112HR-SC-AP-FY13-EnergyWater.pdf

For the accompanying bill report, please visit:

http://appropriations.house.gov/UploadedFiles/EW-FY13-FULLCOMMITTEEREPORT.pdf

A summary of the 2013 Energy and Water Appropriations bill is available here:

http://appropriations.house.gov/news/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=290398

Appropriations Committee Releases Fiscal Year 2013 Funding Allocations for the 12 Appropriations Subcommittees

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

The House Appropriations Committee today released the proposed funding allocations – also known as the 302(b)s – for the 12 Appropriations bills for fiscal year 2013. The allocations represent the top-line funding level for each Appropriations bill, and are consistent with the overall top-line discretionary spending level of $1.028 trillion approved in the House Budget Resolution last month. The allocations will be voted on in committee tomorrow.

“The levels provided for each of the 12 Appropriations bills will continue to demonstrate how seriously this House takes its charge to rein in extraneous and unnecessary spending, encourage economic competitiveness and job growth, help strengthen the nation’s infrastructure, and ensure a strong national security for the protection of all Americans,” House Appropriations Chairman Hal Rogers said.

“These allocations will allow us to move forward with the Appropriations process. We are committed to working together across the aisle and across both chambers to ensure continued funding for important government programs, projects, and services that the American people expect and deserve. Fulfilling this basic duty of Congress is our highest priority,” Rogers continued.

The FY 2013 302(b) proposed subcommittee allocations are as follows*:

Agriculture – $19.405 billion
Commerce/Justice/Science – $51.131 billion
Defense – $519.22 billion
Energy and Water Development – $32.098 billion
Financial Services and General Government – $21.150 billion
Homeland Security – $39.117 billion
Interior, Environment – $28 billion
Labor, Health and Human Services – $150.002 billion
Legislative Branch – $4.289 billion
Military Construction/Veterans Affairs – $71.747 billion
State/Foreign Operations – $40.132 billion
Transportation, Housing and Urban Development – $51.606 billion

GRAND TOTAL = $1.027896 trillion

*Budget authority only. Does not include Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) funding.

Oversight Hearing - Department of Justice and the Department of Commerce - Inspector Generals

Wed, 09 Feb 2011 15:00:00 GMT

Witnesses: Todd Zinser, Inspector General, U.S. Department of Commerce; Cynthia A. Schnedar, Acting Inspector General, U.S. Department of Justice

Oversight Hearing - National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) - Inspector Generals

Thu, 10 Feb 2011 15:00:00 GMT

Budget Hearing - Securities and Exchange Commission - Inspector General

Thu, 10 Feb 2011 15:00:00 GMT

Witness: H. David Kotz, Inspector General.

An Assessment of Reentry Initiatives, Recidivism and Corrections Spending

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 15:00:00 GMT

Budget Hearing - Postal Service - Inspector General

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 15:00:00 GMT

Witness: David C. Williams, Inspector General.

Budget Hearing - Department of Justice - Attorney General

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 14:00:00 GMT

Witnesses: Attorney General Eric Holder

Major Management Challenges at the Department of the Interior

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 14:30:00 GMT

Budget Hearing - Department of Energy Weapons Activities - Under Secretary for Nuclear Security

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 15:00:00 GMT

Witnesses: Thomas D'Agostino, Under Secretary for Nuclear Security; Dr. Donald L. Cook, Deputy Administrator for Defense Programs; Brig. Gen. Sandra E. Finan, Principal Assistant Deputy Administrator for Military Application

Budget Hearing - Internal Revenue Service - Commissioner

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 15:00:00 GMT

Budget Hearing - US Department of Agriculture - Secretary of Agriculture

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 15:30:00 GMT

Witnesses: The Honorable Tom Vilsack, Secretary of Agriculture