Subcommittee approves Legislative Branch Appropriations bill

Subcommittee approves Legislative Branch Appropriations bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The House Appropriations Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch today approved its funding legislation for fiscal year 2009. The legislation funds the various Congressional agencies that support the day-to-day operations of the House of Representatives, including the Capitol Police and the Library of Congress. The bill contains $3.4 billion in total spending, which is $362 million above last year and $226 million below the President’s request.

“The ability of all Members of Congress to effectively represent their constituents relies on the staff that works every day to give us the support we need,” Lewis said. “It is important that we adequately reward their service and provide the necessary resources to allow them to do their jobs, but it is also important to do it in an efficient and economical manner.”

The legislation contains $293 million in funding – an $11 million increase over last year – for the Capitol Police who protect Members of Congress, dignitaries, the visiting public, and the Capitol grounds. The bill also contains $622 million in funding for the Library of Congress, including $34.5 million funding for the Books for the Blind program that will allow the transfer of materials into an accessible format for visual impaired individuals within three years. The “Members Representational Allowance” - the program that pays House staff salaries – is funded at $603 million.

“Adequately funding these support programs is necessary to the efficient and successful operations of the U.S. Congress. However, it is critically important that we continue vigilant oversight on these funds, and strive to be as thrifty as possible with taxpayer dollars,” Lewis continued.