07.13.23

Senate Committee Approves FY24 Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill

Bill passes Committee by a vote of 29-0

 

Washington, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Appropriations today approved the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, providing support for physical and cyber security, communications infrastructure, and overall legislative work capacity.

 

The measure, which was advanced by a bipartisan vote of 29-0, provides $4.742 billion in discretionary funding for legislative branch agencies, including $1.24 billion for the U.S. Senate—an increase of $88.1 million above the FY23 enacted level.

 

"This bill provides the resources that help Congress fulfill its constitutional responsibilities, funding everything from the Government Accountability Office, which helps Congress make informed decisions with taxpayer dollars, to the congressional staff, who provide analysis to us, as well as invaluable constituent service,” said Senator Collins.  “Thank you, Ranking Member Deb Fischer, for your work on this important legislation, which also supports the men and women of the Capitol Police who work every day to keep the Capitol complex safe.”

 

“In Congress, we have a responsibility to make sure taxpayer dollars are being spent wisely.  This year’s Legislative Branch bill provides resources for strong oversight, including an increase in funding to the Government Accountability Office to boost government transparency.  The legislation will also support the responsible daily operations and security of the Capitol complex while still cutting overall Legislative Branch funding by 2% to rein in federal spending,” said Senator Deb Fischer, Ranking Member of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Subcommittee.

 

Bill Highlights: 

 

U.S. Capitol Police: $792.5 million—an increase of $57.9 million above the FY23 enacted level—to support new sworn officer and civilian hires, continue recruitment and retention benefits, meet officer overtime requirements, and cover election year-related travel needs.

 

Congressional Budget Office (CBO): $70.1 million—an increase of $6.9 million above the FY23 enacted level—for IT investments, maintenance of current personnel levels, and expanding transparency and responsiveness efforts.

 

Architect of the Capitol (AOC): $797.7 million to maintain current services and personnel.

 

Library of Congress: $855.8 million—an increase of $27.3 million above the FY23 enacted level—including  $57.5 million for the Copyright Office, $136 million for the Congressional Research Service, and $66.1 million for the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled.

 

Government Accountability Office (GAO): $814 million—an increase of $23.6 million above the FY23 enacted level—to support GAO’s oversight of taxpayer funds by maintaining current services and allowing for the hiring of a limited number of new personnel in subject areas of congressional interest. 

 

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