Hearing of the House Appropriations Committee - FY 2016 Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill
Hearing
I want to begin by congratulating Chairman Graves on his first bill as Chairman. I know you
have put a great deal of thought and effort into this bill, and the result is a fine bill. Thank you to
you, the Ranking Member, and your subcommittee and staff for all you have done to bring this
bill before the Committee today.
As I noted earlier, this is our third bill to come before the Committee this cycle, and I couldn't be
more pleased with the clip at which we are getting our work done. This Committee exemplifies
the good work that the Congress can do -- even within tighter budget times.
The bill before us today provides $3.3 billion for the operations of the Legislative Branch --
including Committee, Leadership, and Member offices, the support services we rely on to do our
jobs, and the buildings and grounds that serve as our offices. This total excludes Senate-only
items, which are traditionally determined by that body.
This is essentially flat funding relative to last year, and comes in $172.3 million below the
President's request.
This level continues the 14 percent in reductions for the House since Republicans took the
majority in January 2011, and underscores our commitment to responsible budgeting -- starting in
our own backyard. Just as we are asking every federal agency to do, we as Members of Congress
must live within our means, tighten our belts, and get rid of the excess.
We are lucky enough to get to come to work in this historic edifice -- a symbol of American
democracy. The funding in this bill ensures that the Capitol preserves not only its sanctity, but its
safety -- for all those who visit and work in its halls.
It also allows for necessary upgrades and repairs to the office buildings, and continues funding
for the upkeep and maintenance of the Capitol grounds, Visitors Center, and Botanic Gardens.
And the bill supports the functions of the Library of Congress, the Government Publishing
Office, and the Government Accountability Office, services that enable us to do our jobs -- and
do our jobs well.
I'm pleased to endorse this bill today, and I ask that this Committee support it as well.
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