Amodei Remarks at Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill Full Committee Markup

Hearing

Thank you, Chairwoman Granger.

I would like to start by saying thank you to our Ranking Member, Mr. Espaillat. His cooperation and patience as we have moved through the process this year is greatly appreciated.

Thank you to the Chairwoman, Ms. Granger for your leadership getting the Legislative Branch bill to this point, and Ranking Member DeLauro for all your support of the Legislative Branch.

The Fiscal Year 2024 Legislative Branch Appropriations bill provides $5.313 billion -- a 4.5 percent decrease from the fiscal year 2023 enacted House levels and a 2.2 percent decrease in total allocation when you add in Senate items.

The bill reflects both an acknowledgement that the Legislative Branch must set itself as an example for fiscal restraint while serving as an essential branch of government that is open and accessible to the American people. I will provide a quick summary of the highlights and recommendations before us today.

The bill includes $1.85 billion for the operations of the House. This is $3.4 million more than last year's enacted level. The bill provides level funding for the Member's Representational Allowances, House Leadership, intern pay, and congressional committees while providing the resources needed by the House to do its job well, retain staff, and best serve constituents.

I am proud to say that the largest spending increase in this bill is for funding to help the Capitol Police recruit, train, and retain officers. The bill includes $781 million for the Capitol Police to allow for the hiring of up to 2,204 sworn officers to fill mission critical requirements to keep the Capitol complex secure for all those who work and visit the Capitol. We are all happy that the Capitol complex is finally open to the public. Along with the heightened threats on Members and Congressional staff, the mission of our Capitol Police has never been more in focus.

The bill includes $798 million for the Architect of the Capitol, which provides the necessary funding for the top 10 most critical infrastructure requests.

The bill provides $844 million for the Library of Congress. This is a modest increase of 2% from last year's enacted level to allow the Library to maintain current operations with a slight increase for the Copyright Office, Congressional Research Service, and the National Library Service for Blind and Print Disabled.

The Government Accountability Office and the Congressional Budget Office also received a 2% increase to $806 million and $64.6 million respectively.

The Government Publishing Office, Office of Congressional Workplace Rights, and the Congressional Office for International Leadership all remain at the FY23 funding level.

This bill ensures Congress remains open and working for the American people and provides the resources necessary for Congress to effectively serve their constituents and conduct our oversight responsibilities.

Finally, I also want to thank the Subcommittee staff on both sides. From the Majority, Michelle Reinshuttle and Jackie Ripke, and from the Minority Faye Cobb and Raquel Spencer. Thank you all for your due diligence and hard work.

Madam Chair, with that I yield back.

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