WASHINGTON - Today, the Full Committee met to consider the Fiscal Year 2024 bill for the Legislative Branch Subcommittee. The measure was approved by the Committee with a vote of 33 to 24.
The Legislative Branch bill includes $5.302 billion in discretionary appropriations to fund the offices of the House of Representatives and joint legislative branch items, a decrease of $262.9 million (or 4.7%) from the FY23 enacted level. Including Senate items, the total amount provided is $6.735 billion, a 2.4% reduction from the FY23 enacted level. The bill strikes a delicate balance, maintaining essential oversight responsibilities but doing so in a fiscally responsible manner.
Fiscal Year 2024 Legislative Branch Bill
* Ensures Congress remains open and working for the American people by:
** Increasing funding for recruiting, training, and retaining sworn Capitol Police officers;
** Ensuring adequate resources for Members to effectively serve their constituents, including funding for staffing and other office expenditures; and
** Providing modest increases to agencies that provide research and support for Members, including the Congressional Budget Office, Library of Congress, and Government Accountability Office.
* Maintains funding to committees of the House of Representatives so it can hold the Biden Administration accountable by conducting vigorous oversight of the Executive Branch.
A summary of the bill is available.
During the markup, Committee Republicans rejected amendments offered by the Democrats that would have:
* Restored funding for the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and prevented the office from being reorganized under the Chief Administrative Office.
* Continued the restriction that prevents medical professionals from practicing while in Congress.
In addition, Republicans adopted the following amendments:
* Amodei (Manager’s Amendment) - makes technical changes to the bill and report.
** The amendment was adopted by voice vote.
* Amodei (En Bloc) - prohibits funding for unnecessary and polarizing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and environmental initiatives; protects Americans against religious discrimination; and directs the Librarian of Congress to conduct a study on creating an exhibit celebrating American exceptionalism.
** The amendment was adopted 33 to 25.
* Clyde - limits unjustified increases to the Architect of the Capitol’s budget.
** The amendment was adopted 33 to 24.
Bill text, before adoption of amendments in Full Committee, is available.
Bill report, before adoption of amendments in Full Committee, is available.
Source: U.S. Department of HCA