The House of Representatives approved a legislative branch appropriations bill on Friday that would preserve critical functions of Congress and prevent pay increases for its members in fiscal year 2017.
U.S. Rep. Tom Graves (R-GA), the chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch, said that a “zero-based budgeting approach” required each agency of the legislative branch to justify its budget requests from scratch.
“The overarching 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,” Graves said. “I am 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 that Congress can do even during a time of lean budgets.”
The bill outlines $3.48 billion for the House and joint operations, excluding Senate-only items. That amount would be $73 million more than in fiscal year 2016 and $152 million less than the president requested.
“Additionally, we continue the freeze on members’ pay,” Graves said. “Now, this was a simple decision for me. If our constituents aren’t getting a raise in this economy, then we shouldn’t either.”
U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers (R-KY), the chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, said that it was a “good bill” that would fund critical operations while keeping a close eye on every tax dollar.
“From maintaining the hallowed halls of the Capitol building, to supporting constituent services, to providing funding for the agencies that keep us informed and in check, this bill supports the largest and most free democracy the world has ever known,” Rogers said.
U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-IL) added that he was pleased that the bill outlines efforts to make Capitol Hill more accessible to young families.
“Upwards of five million families from across the nation come see their government at work each year,” Davis said. “I am pleased this bill contains report language that will make it easier for families with infants and small children to visit the Capitol, House and Senate office buildings by implementing additional changing stations and other family-friendly improvements throughout this Capitol Hill complex.”
U.S. Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, said that members of Congress have been leading by example by “making do with less” on the Capitol grounds since 2011.
“In fact, funding for House operations and member offices has been reduced by 13.2 percent to date,” Cole said. “I am pleased that the funding bill passed this week reflects fiscal responsibility and also reassures the American people that the buildings and facilities that serve as a symbol of freedom and democracy will be properly maintained and protected.”
U.S. Rep. Pete Sessions (R-TX), the chairman of the House Rules Committee, said that the appropriations bill would provide important funding to the Capitol Police in particular.
“This fiscally-conservative bill also provides the resources necessary to fund the Library of Congress, Congressional Budget Office, U.S. Copyright Office and Government Accountability Office to ensure important legislative information continues to be publicly available,” Sessions said. “The Capitol grounds themselves are a historical and significant symbol of freedom and democracy, and I was happy to support funding to maintain their preservation.”