Should Congress appropriate $4.802 billion to the U.S. Legislative Branch for the 2022 fiscal year?
This bill makes appropriations for the Legislative Branch of the U.S. government for the 2022 fiscal year. Overall, this bill provides $4.802 billion in funding for the Legislative Branch, including the U.S. House of Representatives (HOR), the Capitol Police, the Congressional Budget Office, and the Library of Congress. It provides $1.715 billion in discretionary appropriations for the HOR and $729.3 million for the Government Accountability Office. The bill includes language permitting the Legislative Branch agencies it funds to employ Dreamers. It also includes language directing the Architect of the Capitol to remove statues or busts in the U.S. Capitol that represent figures of the Confederate Army or government.
Sponsor: Rep. Tim Ryan (Democrat, Ohio, District 13)
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How do you feel?
Oppose
Support
Opponents say
• "However, I'm concerned about the steep increase in spending, which is over 13% more than last year's level, as well as a number of controversial majority authored provisions that included no consultation from the minority, and no improvements or changes made to how the Capitol Police leadership - especially the Capitol Police board - operates." Source: Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler (Republican, Washington, District 3)
• "This bill is based on a funding framework that the Majority Party developed without Republican support. In fact, in this proposal, total spending for the Legislative Branch increases by more than thirteen percent. If we want to fund the good things contained in this bill, we must work together to develop spending levels both sides can support. In addition, there are riders that are more appropriately addressed by other committees, specifically related to immigration policy. I am concerned that this difference of opinion on funding priorities and on policy positions could needlessly slow down our appropriations process this year." Source: Rep. Kay Granger (Republican, Texas, District 12)
Proponents say
• "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... 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, the Wounded Warrior Program." Source: Rep. Tim Ryan (Democrat, Ohio, District 13)
• "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... 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." Source: Rep. Rosa DeLauro (Democrat, Connecticut, District 3)
- Appropriations Committee Releases Fiscal Year 2022 Legislative Branch Funding Bill (Press Release)
- Chairman Ryan Statement to Rules Committee on Legislative Branch Bill (Representative Ryan Statement)
- Committee Republicans Object to Subcommittee Allocations and Financial Services-General Government and Legislative Branch Bills
