Congressman Tim Ryan Statement on Appropriations Committee Approval of the FY 2019 Legislative Branch Funding Bill

Washington, DC – Congressman Tim Ryan released the following statement in response to the Appropriations Committee passing the Fiscal Year 19 Legislative Branch Bill. Congressman Ryan is the Ranking Member of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Subcommittee:

“I am pleased the Appropriations Committee passed this much-needed funding. As the Ranking Member of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee on Appropriations, I hear every day why proper resources and funding are needed to make the House of Representatives run efficiently. Over 10,000 employees work every day to ensure this important branch of government is serving the needs of its constituents. While this bill is not perfect, it ensures that the House of Representatives continues to operate smoothly and follows through with its priorities,” said Congressman Ryan.

“I am also pleased that language was included that would direct the Library of Congress to expand civic education and participation, increase healthier food options in the House cafeterias, and direct the Architect of the Capitol to study what measures can be taken to conserve resources and promote a more sustainable campus. This bill also directs the Chief Administrative Officer to produce a much needed study on the salary and benefits of Congressional employees and the disparity between genders and ethnic and racial groups. This study will give Congressional leadership and members the information necessary to make sure every employee is paid equally and fairly.”

The FY 2019 Legislative Branch Appropriations Billi contains several important provisions and funding measures. Highlights below:

• Fiscal Year 2019 Legislative Branch Appropriations bill provides $3.81 billion for the Legislative Branch of the Federal government, excluding the Senate.
• The bill provides $1.257 billion for the House of Representatives.
• The bill also provides $456.4 million for the Capitol Police, a $63.1 million increase. The largest component of the requested increase is salary and benefit growth for current employees.
• The bill also provides $2.75 million for the House Wounded Warriors program, a $250,000 increase.
• The House Chief Administrative Officer receives $152.6 million, a 35.4 million increase from last year. The increase is attributable to expanded IT and cybersecurity efforts and to pay for increased workplace rights training and the new Office of Employee Advocacy.
• This bill includes $642 million for the Architect of the Capitol which will help continue to reduce the backlog of deferred maintenance of House buildings.
• The Office of Compliance receives $4.6 million, which will help address the workplace harassment problem on Capitol Hill.
• This bill also included funding for the Library of Congress’ Visitor Experience, which ultimately will allow the Library to be a more valuable resource for all of our constituents when they visit Washington DC.
• The Botanic Garden receives $100,000 above their request to continue support for one employee for the urban agriculture initiative.