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Today, House Appropriations Committee Chairman Hal Rogers gave the following statement on the floor in support of H.R. 5325, the Fiscal Year 2017 Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill:

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5325, the Fiscal Year 2017 Legislative Branch Appropriations bill, which provides the important funding that Congress needs to do our work on behalf of the American people.

From maintaining the hallowed halls of this very building, to providing services for our constituents, to funding the agencies that keep us informed and in check, the $3.48 billion in this bill supports the largest and freest democracy the world has ever known.

In total, funding is increased slightly - $73 million above current levels. This increase is directed to essential health and safety improvements to aging or damaged facilities, as well as to the Capitol Police, to protect Members, staff, and visitors.

Today, House Appropriations Legislative Branch Subcommittee Chairman Tom Graves gave the following statement on the floor in support of H.R. 5325, the Fiscal Year 2017 Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill:

The goal of the bill we are considering here today is to ensure that we continue to preserve the beauty, enhance the security and improve the institutions of the United States Capitol complex. I'm glad to report that we have accomplished our mission, and we have done it in a way that respects taxpayers. By making tough choices, this bill demonstrates the great work Congress can do even during a time of lean budgets.

The American people will be proud to know that this bill continues to use a zero-based budgeting approach. That means each Legislative Branch agency was required to justify its budget request from scratch. This practice curbs wasteful spending and safeguards taxpayer dollars.