Appropriations Committee Approves Fiscal Year 2013 Financial Services Appropriations Bill
Legislation invests in programs to boost the economy and small business growth, and protects against government overspending and overreach
Washington,
Jun 20, 2012 -
The House Appropriations Committee today approved the fiscal year 2013 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill. The legislation provides annual funding for the Treasury Department, the Executive Office of the President, the Judiciary, the District of Columbia, the Small Business Administration, the General Services Administration, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and several other independent agencies.
The bill includes a total of $21.15 billion in funding for these agencies, which is $376 million below last year’s level and $2 billion below the President’s request. The bill is $3 billion, or nearly 13%, below fiscal year 2010 – the last year of Democrat control of Congress. When adjusted for inflation, the legislation is virtually equal to the 2008 funding level.
“This bill will help America continue on the path to recovery and fiscal solvency by suppressing job-killing government overreach and overspending, and supporting our economic drivers and job creators,” House Appropriations Chairman Hal Rogers said.
“Our federal debt is approaching $16 trillion, and this bill meets the goal of reducing spending at federal agencies while preserving their important responsibilities to the American people. In particular, the General Services Administration and the Judiciary are charged with greater accountability for taxpayer-funded travel. Many more agencies are asked to find value for taxpayers, and we have greatly reduced the president’s unjustified request for a budget increase,” Subcommittee Chairwoman Jo Ann Emerson said.
The following amendments to the FY 2013 Financial Services Appropriations bill were adopted by the full committee:
Rep. Emerson – The manager’s amendment makes technical and non-controversial changes to the bill and report. The amendment was adopted on a voice vote.
Rep. Emerson – The amendment changes a provision in the bill related to the FCC’s “Political File" rule. The amendment would not prohibit funding for the FCC to implement the new reporting rule, but would require the Government Accountability Office to conduct a study on the issue. The amendment was adopted on a voice vote.
Rep. Wolf – The amendment prohibits former Members of Congress and senior executive branch officials from lobbying on behalf of a foreign government identified by the State Department as a “country of particular concern.” This would include Burma, China, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, and others. The amendment was adopted on a voice vote.
Rep. Flake – The amendment prohibits funding for bonuses for GSA employees under investigation for misconduct. The amendment was adopted on a voice vote.
Rep. Moran – The amendment adds report language encouraging the FCC to work with private entities seeking to deploy certain broadband services, while heeding concerns regarding potential interference with GPS devices. The amendment was adopted on a voice vote.
Rep. Nunnelee – The amendment expands an existing prohibition that restricts the Federal Employees Health Benefits program from proving coverage for abortions to include multi-state health insurance programs administered by the federal government under ObamaCare. The amendment was adopted on a vote of 28-20.
Rep. Lummis – The amendment adds report language encouraging the FCC to review conflicting federal and state regulations on telephone service rates. The amendment was adopted on a voice vote.
The legislation was approved by the full committee on a voice vote.
For the text of the legislation, please visit: http://appropriations.house.gov/uploadedfiles/bills-112hr-fc-ap-fy13-fservices.pdf
For the bill report, please visit: http://appropriations.house.gov/uploadedfiles/hrpt-112-ap-fy13-fservices.pdf
#####
