Appropriations Committee Approves the Fiscal Year 2013 Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill
Legislation Continues Spending Cuts for House Operations and Offices
Washington,
May 31 -
The House Appropriations Committee today approved the fiscal year 2013 Legislative Branch Appropriations bill. The bill provides annual funding for the offices of Members of the House of Representatives, the support agencies of Congress, services for visitors, and Capitol operations and maintenance.
The total included for the House and joint operations – excluding Senate-only items – is $3.3 billion, $34 million below last year’s level and $190 million below the requested level. This continues the spending cuts from previous years, resulting in a 10.5% reduction in funding for the House of Representatives since Republicans gained control of the House in January 2011.
“This bill is needed to continue the work of the legislative branch of government, and to maintain the safety and security of the Members, staff, and the thousands of visitors who come to the Capitol Complex each day,” House Appropriations Chairman Hal Rogers said.
“However, the House must also continue our commitment to reduce spending where possible, and this legislation cuts spending in the House and Capitol operations by $34 million, adding to a 10.5% cut to these programs that has occurred over the last two years. It hasn’t always been easy, but we’ve tightened our belts, showing Americans that their government can make some of the same sacrifices that they’ve had to make in recent years,” Rogers continued.
Congressman Ander Crenshaw, Legislative Branch Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman, said, “Americans are sending hard-earned dollars to Washington and deserve to know they are being cost-effectively spent. This bill takes that philosophy to heart and makes tough, but workable choices that will allow our agencies to move forward in an efficient manner.”
The following amendments were approved by the Committee today:
Rep. Crenshaw – The managers amendment made non-controversial changes to the bill and report. The amendment was adopted on a voice vote.
Rep. Honda – The amendment requires the House Inspector General to provide the Appropriations Committee with copies of audits and investigations, and report on ongoing operations. The amendment was adopted on a voice vote.
The FY 2013 Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill was approved by the Full Committee on a voice vote.
The text of the bill and report, please visit:
http://appropriations.house.gov/UploadedFiles/BILLS-112HR-SC-AP-FY13-LegislativeBranch.pdf
and
http://appropriations.house.gov/UploadedFiles/LEGBRANCH-FY13-FULLCOMMITTEEREPORT.pdf
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