The House today passed, on a bipartisan 215 to 207 vote, the 2022 Legislative Branch funding bill. The legislation provides annual funding for the Congress, the Capitol Police, and other Legislative Branch agencies.
For 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 to bolster the Capitol Police and secure the Capitol
* Improves training and bolsters wellness support for the Capitol Police, who were attacked on January 6 and deserve our support
* 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
“In a year full of trauma and hurt, with the apex being the Insurrection on January 6th, there is no question that the House of Representatives must make the changes necessary to continue serving the American people. This legislation makes strides 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."
“This bill honors the sacrifices of the brave women and men in uniform who risked their lives defending this institution, shockingly on display at the first hearing of the January 6 Select Committee. It gives these heroes the funding, the resources, and the training they need to ensure what happened on January 6 never happens again, and it also says: we respect what you do," Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) said. “Together, the initiatives in this bill will not only protect the Congress and our democracy - they also strengthen and sustain it. I appreciate the leadership of Chairman Ryan and all our Appropriators in crafting this legislation and look forward to it being enacted."
The text of the bill, H.R. 4346, before action on the House Floor, is. The Appropriations Committee’s report accompanying the bill is. A summary of the bill, before action on the House Floor, is. Information on amendments considered on the Floor is here.
Source: U.S. Department of HCA
