The House Appropriations Committee today approved the fiscal year 2022 Legislative Branch funding bill on a 33 to 25 vote.
For fiscal year 2022, the bill appropriates a total of $4.802 billion, an increase of $581.9 million or 13.8 percent, over 2021. The legislation:
* Protects our democracy with funding, building on the emergency supplemental passed last month, to secure the United States Capitol
* Improves training and bolsters wellness support for the Capitol Police, who were attacked on January 6
* Strengthens Legislative Branch capacity by increasing funding for Congressional offices by 21 percent so they can recruit and retain a talented and diverse workforce
* Grows opportunity by increasing funding for internships to support more interns from working and middle-class families and allowing Dreamers to work in the Legislative Branch
“This legislation continues to modernize the House of Representatives and ensures we have the resources necessary to efficiently and effectively serve our constituents. I am proud that this legislation includes a $134 million increase for Members to hire and retain the staff needed to serve our constituents. I am also pleased that we are helping ensure our workforce reflects the diversity of our nation, including by increasing funding for paid internships and allowing DACA recipients to work in the halls of Congress," Legislative Branch Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Tim Ryan (D-OH-13) said. “I am pleased that this legislation increases transparency, diversity and leadership training for the United States Capitol Police and provides additional funding for the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, Office of Workplace Rights, and the Wounded Warrior Program."
“The United States Capitol is the heart of our democracy. This bill seeks to make it safe and secure. It also provides critical support for the Capitol Police, who were assaulted on January 6," Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) said. “A strong and well-functioning Legislative Branch is essential to our democracy, and this bill makes important investments to strengthen Congress as an institution. With work authorization for Dreamers and more funding for Congressional offices and paid internships, we will be able to recruit and retain a talented and diverse workforce to help Congress deliver for the people."
The following amendments to the bill were adopted by the full Committee:
- The manager’s amendment makes technical and noncontroversial changes to the bill and report. The amendment was adopted by voice vote.
- The amendment directs the Architect of the Capitol to obtain and display on the West Front of the Capitol an honorific plaque listing the names of all of the United States Capitol Police and District of Columbia Metropolitan Police Department officers who served at the United States Capitol in response to the January 6. The amendment was adopted by voice vote.
A summary of the bill is here. The text of the bill, before the adoption of amendments in full Committee, is. The bill report, before the adoption of amendments in full Committee, is.
Source: U.S. Department of HCA
