PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Congressional Research Service
Version 35 · Passed Senate amended · Jul 29, 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Congressional Operations Title II: Other Agencies Title III: General Provisions Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1998 - Makes appropriations for the legislative branch for FY 1998. Title I: Congressional Operations - Congressional Operations Appropriations Act, 1998 - Makes appropriations for the House of Representatives for: (1) House leadership offices; (2) Members' representational allowances; (3) committee employees; (4) officers and employees; (5) specified allowances and expenses; and (6) the House Child Care Center. (Sec. 101) Makes permanent certain laws establishing the Calendar Corrections Office and providing a lump sum allowance for the Office. (Sec. 103) Amends the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1996 to authorize lump sum payments to House employees upon approval of the employing authority. (Current law authorizes such payments for accrued annual leave of separated employees.) (Sec. 104) Amends the House of Representatives Administrative Reform Technical Corrections Act to authorize the hiring of clerk hire interns in Members' offices outside of the District of Columbia. (Sec. 106) Amends the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1987 to authorize the Chief Administrative Officer of the House to donate computer-related equipment to public elementary and secondary schools in the District of Columbia in FY 1998 without regard to certain requirements governing donations. Limits the total amount of workstations donated to 1,000. Makes appropriations for the Senate for: (1) expense allowances; (2) representation allowances for the Majority and Minority leaders; (3) salaries of specified officers, employees, and committees; (4) agency contributions for employee benefits; (5) inquiries and investigations; (6) the U.S. Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control; (7) the Offices of the Secretary, Sergeant at Arms, and Doorkeeper of the Senate; (8) miscellaneous items; (9) the Senators' Official Personnel and Office Expense Account; (10) stationery; and (11) official mail costs. (Sec. 1) Authorizes the Secretary of the Senate to make advance payments under contracts to provide services or deliver articles for the U.S. Government without regard to requirements governing advances under Federal public finance law. (Sec. 3) Amends the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1973 to raise the limit on authorized mail, telegraph, telephone, stationery, office supplies, and home State office and travel expenses for Senators. Amends Federal law to make the Senators' Official Personnel and Office Expense Account available for the payment of franked mail expenses of Senators, beginning in FY 1998. Repeals a provision of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1991, which authorized transfers of a limited amount of funds for mass mail to such Account. (Sec. 4) Increases the aggregate amount authorized for Senate committees by S. Res. 54, 105th Congress. (Sec. 5) Provides for increases in the aggregate compensation paid to employees in Senate offices. Makes appropriations for: (1) the Joint Economic, Printing, and Taxation Committees; (2) the Office of the Attending Physician; and (3) the Capitol Police Board. (Sec. 101) Sets forth administrative provisions regarding the Capitol Police Board and requires the Board to establish unified schedules of rates of basic pay and a unified leave system for members and civilian employees. Appropriates funds for the Capitol Guide Service and Special Services Office and for statements of appropriations. Makes appropriations for: (1) the Office of Compliance; (2) the Congressional Budget Office; (3) the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) for salaries and expenses, Capitol buildings and grounds, House and Senate office buildings, and the Capitol power plant; (4) the Library of Congress for the Congressional Research Service's (CRS) salaries and expenses; and (5) the Government Printing Office (GPO) for congressional printing and binding. Title II: Other Agencies - Appropriates funds for: (1) the Botanic Garden; and (2) the Library of Congress for salaries and expenses, the Copyright Office, books for the blind and physically handicapped, and furniture and furnishings. (Sec. 201) Provides a limited amount of funds for the Library and CRS for attendance at meetings concerned with the function for which an appropriation is made. (Sec. 202) Prohibits the use of funds by the Library to administer any flexible or compressed work schedule which: (1) applies to any manager or supervisor in a position equal to or higher than a GS-15 grade; and (2) grants such individual the right to not be at work on a workday because of time worked on another workday. (Sec. 203) Establishes limits on: (1) the number of employees hired by the Library to perform reimbursable work for other agencies; and (2) funds for representation and reception expenses associated with the Library incentive awards program and overseas field offices. (Sec. 207) Establishes the Cooperative Acquisitions Program Revolving Fund for financing a Library program to acquire foreign publications and research materials on behalf of participating institutions on a cost-recovery basis. Makes appropriations for: (1) the AOC for Library buildings and grounds; (2) GPO for salaries and expenses of the Office of the Superintendent of Documents; and (3) the General Accounting Office (GAO). Earmarks a specified amount of GAO funds for studies and assessments by not-for-profit scientific, technological, or educational institutions to carry out functions formerly performed by the Office of Technology Assessment. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limits on, such funds. Title III: General Provisions - Sets forth prohibitions on the use of funds appropriated by this Act. (Sec. 305) Authorizes appropriations as necessary to an account for awards and settlements authorized under the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995. (Sec. 308) Amends Federal law to treat Members of the Congress and their spouses, dependents, and staff as permanent residents and domiciliaries of the State represented by the Member even if such individuals are absent from, or maintain an abode outside of, such State. Confers the same rights and responsibilities on such persons as apply to other State residents. (Sec. 309) Amends Federal civil service law to apply severance pay provisions to employees of the Senate restaurants, other than temporary employees. Sets forth early retirement provisions with respect to such employees and entitles them to annuities. Requires the AOC to establish a program under which voluntary separation incentive payments may be offered to up to 50 eligible Senate restaurant employees for voluntary separation, through resignation or retirement, through FY 1999. Treats any AOC service of certain Senate restaurant employees who are involuntarily separated before FY 2000 as competitive service in the case of employees who apply for executive branch positions. Authorizes the AOC to establish a program to provide retraining, job placement, and counseling services to current and former Senate restaurant employees (other than reemployed annuitants or temporary employees).
People & committees
Rep. Walsh, James T. [R-NY-25] · R–NY
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Became Public Law No: 105-55.
Became Public Law No: 105-55.
Signed by President.
Signed by President.
Presented to President.
Presented to President.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Senate agreed to conference report by Yea-Nay Vote. 90-10. Record Vote No: 257. (consideration: CR S9875-9877)
Senate roll call 257 · Individual votesConference report agreed to in Senate: Senate agreed to conference report by Yea-Nay Vote. 90-10. Record Vote No: 257.(consideration: CR S9875-9877)
Senate roll call 257 · Individual votesConference papers: message on House action held at the desk in Senate.
On agreeing to the conference report Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 309 - 106 (Roll no. 432). (consideration: CR H7754)
House roll call 432 · Individual votesMotion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Conference report agreed to in House: On agreeing to the conference report Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 309 - 106 (Roll no. 432).(consideration: CR H7754)
House roll call 432 · Individual votesThe previous question was ordered without objection.
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 238, the House proceeded with one hour of debate.
Mr. Walsh brought up conference report H. Rept. 105-254 for consideration under the provisions of H. Res. 238.
Rule H. Res. 238 passed House.
Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 238 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of the conference report to H.R. 2209. The resolution waives all points of order against the conference report to accompany the bill, and all points of order against its consideration.
Conference report H. Rept. 105-254 filed. (text of conference report: CR H7580-7589)
Conference report filed: Conference report H. Rept. 105-254 filed.(text of conference report: CR H7580-7589)
Conferees agreed to file conference report.
Conference committee actions: Conferees agreed to file conference report.
The Speaker appointed conferees: Walsh, Young (FL), Cunningham, Wamp, Latham, Livingston, Serrano, Fazio, Kaptur, and Obey.
On motion that the House instruct conferees Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 202 - 208 (Roll no. 352). (consideration: CR H6758)
House roll call 352 · Individual votesThe previous question was ordered without objection.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on the motion to instruct conferees on the part of the House to receed to the Senate position on the bill, increasing funding for the Joint Committee on Taxation by $4.6 million.
Mr. Serrano moved that the House instruct conferees.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion that the House disagree to the Senate amendment, and agree to a conference Agreed to without objection. (consideration: CR H6755)
Mr. Walsh asked unanimous consent that the House disagree to the Senate amendment, and agree to a conference.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Senate insists on its amendments asks for a conference, appoints conferees Bennett; Stevens; Craig; Cochran; Dorgan; Boxer; Byrd. (consideration: CR S8216)
Passed Senate in lieu of S. 1019 with amendments by Unanimous Consent.
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate in lieu of S. 1019 with amendments by Unanimous Consent.
Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S8216)
Received in the Senate, read twice.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 214 - 203 (Roll no. 335).
House roll call 335 · Individual votesPassed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 214 - 203 (Roll no. 335).
House roll call 335 · Individual votesOn motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 198 - 220 (Roll no. 334). (consideration: CR H5893-5895)
House roll call 334 · Individual votesDEBATE - The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Gejdenson amendment.
Mr. Gejdenson moved to recommit with instructions to Appropriations.
The House adopted the amendments en gross as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.
The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 2209.
The Chair announced the unfinished business to be the further consideration of those amendment on which proceedings were postponed, to be considered in the following order: the amendment by Mr. Fazio and the amendment by Mr. Klug.
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 197, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Roemer amendment.
At the conclusion of debate, the Chair put the question on agreeing to the Klug amendment and announced that, by voice vote, the amendment was not agreed to. Mr. Fazio demanded a recorded vote. Further proceedings were postponed.
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 197, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Klug amendment.
At the conclusion of debate, the Chair put the question on agreeing to the Fazio amendment and announced that, by voice vote, the amendment was not agreed to. Mr. Fazio demanded a recorded vote. Further proceedings were postponed.
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 197, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 30 minutes of debate on the Fazio amendment.
Debate - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 197, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Davis (VA) amendment.
GENERAL DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate.
House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 197 and Rule XXIII.
The Speaker designated the Honorable Ray LaHood to act as Chairman of the Committee.
Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 2209 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit. Measure will be read by section. Specified amendments are in order. No amendment shall be in order except those amendments printed in the report accompanying this resolution, to be considered in the order and manner specified. The Chairman of the Committee of the Whole may postpone until a time during further consideration a request for a recorded vote on any amendment and reduce to five minutes the minimum time for a vote on any postponed question that follows another electronic vote without intervening business, provided that the minimum time for voting on the first in any series shall be 15 minutes.
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 197. (consideration: CR H5868-5895)
Rule H. Res. 197 passed House.
Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 197 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 2209 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit. Measure will be read by section. Specified amendments are in order. No amendment shall be in order except those amendments printed in the report accompanying this resolution, to be considered in the order and manner specified. The Chairman of the Committee of the Whole may postpone until a time during further consideration a request for a recorded vote on any amendment and reduce to five minutes the minimum time for a vote on any postponed question that follows another electronic vote without intervening business, provided that the minimum time for voting on the first in any series shall be 15 minutes.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 121.
The House Committee on Appropriations reported an original measure, H. Rept. 105-196, by Mr. Walsh.
The House Committee on Appropriations reported an original measure, H. Rept. 105-196, by Mr. Walsh.
Introduced in House
Ordered to be Reported.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee.
Final Day of Subcommittee Mark-Up.
First Day of Subcommittee Mark-Up.
Senate Committee on Appropriations. Hearings held on the subject prior to measure being received from the House. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 105-264.
Senate Committee on Appropriations. Hearings held on the subject prior to measure being received from the House. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 105-264.
Senate Committee on Appropriations. Hearings held on the subject prior to measure being received from the House. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 105-264.
Senate Committee on Appropriations. Hearings held on the subject prior to measure being received from the House. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 105-264.
Final Day of Subcommittee Hearings.
Referred to the House Committee on Appropriations.
First Day of Subcommittee Hearings Prior to Referral (Feb 4, 97).
Referred to the Subcommittee on Legislative.
Primary sources
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Analyze H.R.2209 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
Examine H.R.2209 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.
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