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H.R. 2055: Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2012

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H.R. 2055: Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2012

112th Congress · introduced 2011-05-31 · Economics and Public Finance · Latest: Became Public Law No: 112-74.

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Follow this bill, step by step

  1. Where it came from: introduced 2011-05-31 · official record
  2. Who proposed it: Rep. Culberson, John Abney [R-TX-7] · what a sponsor is
  3. What happened next: 15 recorded votes in our records. Latest: Senate vote 235 (2011): On the Conference Report, HR2055 (2011-12-17), Conference Report Agreed to. See all
  4. Where it stands now: Became Public Law No: 112-74. (final step reached)
  5. If it becomes law and spends money: follow the money to money laws, then agencies and contracts and grants.

What does this mean?

Official title

Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2012

Plain summary

(This measure has not been amended since the Conference Report was filed in the House on December 15, 2011. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2012 - Division A: Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2012 - Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2012 - Title I: Military Personnel - Appropriates funds for FY2012 for active-duty and reserve personnel in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force (the military departments), and for National Guard personnel in the Army and Air Force. Title II: Operation and Maintenance - Appropriates funds for FY2012 for operation and maintenance (O&M) for the military departments, the defense agencies, the reserve components, and the Army and Air National Guard. Appropriates funds for: (1) the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces; (2) environmental restoration for the military departments, the Department of Defense (DOD), and at formerly used defense sites; (3) overseas humanitarian, disaster, and civic aid; (4) former Soviet Union threat reduction; and (5) the Department of Defense Acquisition Workforce Development Fund. Title III: Procurement - Appropriates funds for FY2012 for procurement by the Armed Forces of aircraft, missiles, weapons, tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, shipbuilding and conversion, and other procurement. Appropriates funds for: (1) defense-wide procurement, and (2) certain procurements under the Defense Production Act of 1950. Title IV: Research, Development, Test and Evaluation - Appropriates funds for FY2012 for research, development, test and evaluation (RDT&E) by the Armed Forces and defense agencies. Appropriates funds for the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation. Title V: Revolving and Management Funds - Appropriates funds for: (1) the Defense Working Capital Funds, and (2) programs under the National Defense Sealift Fund. Title VI: Other Department of Defense Programs - Appropriates funds for: (1) the Defense Health Program; (2) the destruction of lethal chemical agents and munitions; (3) drug interdiction and counter-drug activities, defense; and (4) the Office of the Inspector General. Title VII: Related Agencies - Appropriates funds for the: (1) Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System Fund, and (2) Intelligence Community Management Account. Title VIII: General Provisions - Specifies authorized, restricted, and prohibited uses of authorized funds. (Sec. 8007) Requires a report from DOD to the defense committees to establish the baseline for application of FY2012 reprogramming and transfer authorities. (Sec. 8010) Allows for the use of procurement funds for multiyear contracts for: (1) UH-60M/HH-60M and MH-60R/MH-60S helicopter airframes; and MH-60R/S mission avionics and common cockpits. (Sec. 8012) Prohibits, during FY2012, the management by end strengths of DOD civilian personnel. (Sec. 8021) Authorizes DOD to incur obligations of up to $350 million for DOD military compensation, construction projects, and supplies and services in anticipation of receipts of contributions from the government of Kuwait. (Sec. 8023) Prohibits the use of funds from this Act to establish a new federally funded research and development center (FFRDC). Limits the federal compensation to be paid to FFRDC members or consultants. Prohibits the use of FY2012 funds for new building construction, cost-sharing payments for projects funded by government grants, absorption of contract overruns, or certain charitable contributions. Limits the staff years of technical effort that may be funded for FFRDCs from FY2012 funds. Reduces, by $150.245 million, the total amount appropriated in this Act for FFRDCs. (Sec. 8024) Provides Buy American requirements with respect to the DOD procurement of carbon, alloy, or armor steel plating. (Sec. 8027) Requires the Secretary of Defense (Secretary) to report to Congress on the amount of DOD purchases from foreign entities in FY2012. (Sec. 8029) Authorizes the Secretary of the Air Force to convey to Indian tribes located in Nevada, Idaho, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Oregon, Minnesota, and Washington relocatable military housing units currently located at Grand Forks, Malmstrom, Mountain Home, Elllsworth, and Minot Air Force Bases that are excess to the needs of the Air Force. Requires the Operation Walking Shield Program to resolve any housing unit conflicts arising after such conveyance. (Sec. 8035) Prohibits the use of funds: (1) by a DOD entity without compliance with the Buy American Act; (2) to establish additional field operating agencies of DOD elements, except for those funded within the National Foreign Intelligence Program and Army agencies established to eliminate, mitigate, or counter the effects of improvised explosive devices, or to improve the effectiveness and efficiencies of biometric activities; (3) to convert to contractor performance a DOD activity or function performed by DOD civilian employees, unless specified conditions are met; (4) for assistance to the Democratic People's Republic of North Korea, unless specifically appropriated for such purpose; and (5) to reduce the civilian medical and medical support personnel assigned to military treatment facilities below the September 30, 2003, level. (Sec. 8040) Rescinds specified funds from various accounts under prior defense appropriations Acts. (Sec. 8045) Prohibits the transfer to any other department or agency, except as specifically provided in an appropriations law, of funds available to DOD or the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) for drug interdiction or counter-drug activities. (Sec. 8049) Prohibits current fiscal year DOD funds from being obligated or expended to transfer to another nation or international organization defense articles or services for use in any United Nations (UN) peacekeeping or peace enforcement operation, or for any other international peacekeeping, peace enforcement, or humanitarian assistance operation, unless Congress is given 15 days' advance notice. (Sec. 8056) Prohibits funds from being used to approve or license the sale of the F-22A advanced tactical fighter to any foreign government. (Sec. 8057) Authorizes the Secretary, on a case-by-case basis, to waive limitations on the procurement of defense items from a foreign country if: (1) the Secretary determines that such limitations would invalidate cooperative or reciprocal trade agreements for the procurement of defense items, and (2) such country does not discriminate against the same or similar defense items procured in the United States for that country. Provides exceptions. (Sec. 8058) Prohibits the use of appropriated funds to support any training program involving a unit of the security forces of a foreign country if the Secretary has received credible information that such unit has committed a gross violation of human rights, unless all necessary corrective steps have been taken. Requires the monitoring of such information. Authorizes the Secretary to waive such prohibition under extraordinary circumstances (requiring a report to the defense committees within 15 days after any such waiver). (Sec. 8063) Authorizes members of the National Guard performing full-time duty to support ground-based elements of the National Ballistic Missile Defense System. (Sec. 8064) Prohibits appropriated funds from being used to transfer to any nongovernmental entity specified armor-piercing ammunition, except to an entity performing demilitarization services for DOD. (Sec. 8065) Authorizes the Chief of the National Guard Bureau to waive payment for the lease of non-excess DOD personal property to certain, youth, social, or fraternal nonprofit organizations. (Sec. 8069) Appropriates funds to DOD for construction and furnishing of additional Fisher Houses for use by family members confronted with the illness or hospitalization of a military beneficiary. (Sec. 8070) Authorizes the Secretary, using DOD O&M funds, to reimburse the Secretary of Homeland Security for costs associated with the processing and adjudication of applications for naturalization as U.S. citizens through service in the Armed Forces. (Sec. 8071) Earmarks specified procurement and RDT&E funds for the Israeli Cooperative Programs (missile defense). (Sec. 8077) Requires the FY2013 budget to include separate budget justification documents for costs of U.S. Armed Forces' participation in contingency operations for the military personnel, O&M, and procurement accounts. (Sec. 8078) Prohibits funds from being used for RDT&E, procurement, or deployment of nuclear armed interceptors of a missile defense system. (Sec. 8079) Appropriates funds to DOD for grants to the United Service Organizations and the Red Cross. (Sec. 8081) Prohibits the availability of funds for integration of foreign intelligence information unless such information has been lawfully collected and processed during the conduct of authorized foreign intelligence activities. (Sec. 8082) Requires reserve members called or ordered to active duty in time of national emergency to be notified in writing of their expected mobilization period. Allows the Secretary to waive such requirement in order to respond to a national security emergency or to meet dire operational requirements. (Sec. 8086) Earmarks specified Navy O&M funds for the Asia Pacific Regional Initiative Program for enabling the Pacific Command to execute Theater Security Cooperation activities such as humanitarian assistance, and the payment of incremental and personnel costs of training and exercising with foreign security forces. (Sec. 8089) Authorizes the transfer of specified prior-year DOD funds to the Global Security Contingency Fund. (Sec. 8091) Reduces by $15 million the amount of O&M funds appropriated in this Act, to reflect excess cash balances in DOD working capital funds. (Sec. 8092) Requires the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) to report to the intelligence committees to establish the baseline for application of reprogramming and transfer authorities for FY2012. Prohibits funds provided for the National Intelligence Program (NIP) from being available for reprogramming or transfer until the report is submitted, unless the DNI certifies to such committees that the reprogramming or transfer is necessary as an emergency requirement. (Sec. 8093) Requires advance notice of 15 days to the appropriations committees before using NIP funds for a reprogramming or transfer for certain purposes. (Sec. 8094) Directs the DNI to submit annually to Congress a future-years intelligence program reflecting estimated expenditures and proposed appropriations included in the President's budget. (Sec. 8096) Requires DOD to continue to report incremental contingency operations costs for Operations New Dawn and Enduring Freedom on a monthly basis. (Sec. 8098) Makes specified Intelligence Community Management Account funds available for transfer by the DNI to other departments and agencies for government-wide information sharing activities. (Sec. 8099) Makes O&M funds available for remittances to the Defense Acquisition Workforce Development Fund. (Sec. 8100) Requires any agency receiving funds appropriated under this Act to post on its public website any report required to be submitted to Congress in this or any other Act, upon the determination by such agency head that it shall serve the national interest. Provides exceptions when posting the report would compromise national security or for reports containing proprietary information. (Sec. 8101) Provides specific requirements on the use of this Act's funds for any federal contract in excess of $1 million with respect to contractor resolution of claims under title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Allows the Secretary to waive such requirements to avoid harm to national security. (Sec. 8102) Prohibits the use of National Intelligence Program funds from this Act for a mission critical or mission essential business management information technology system not registered with the DNI. (Sec. 8103) Prohibits funds from being distributed to the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) or its subsidiaries. (Sec. 8104) Earmarks specified O&M funds for operations of the integrated Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center in Chicago, Illinois. (Sec. 8105) Amends the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2009 to increase from two to three years after implementing rules take effect the authorized period for filing claims for retroactive stop-loss special pay compensation. (Sec. 8106) Prohibits the DNI from employing more Senior Executive employees than that specified in the classified annex. (Sec. 8108) Allows DOD funds to be used for the purchase of heavy and light armored vehicles for the physical security of personnel or for force protection purposes, up to a limit of $250,000 per vehicle. (Sec. 8109) Requires a report from the DOD Inspector General on a review of Anti-deficiency Act violations and their causes in DOD military personnel accounts. (Sec. 8110) Earmarks specified DOD O&M funds for grants to assist the civilian population on Guam in response to the U.S. military buildup there. (Sec. 8111) Prohibits the Secretary from taking beneficial occupancy of more than 2,000 parking spaces in and around the BRAC (base realignment and closure) 133 project. Authorizes the waiver of such limitation upon a specified certification from the Secretary to Congress concerning the levels of existing service in and around such area. (Sec. 8112) Prohibits O&M funds from being used to relocate Air Force program offices, or acquisition management functions of major weapons systems, to any location other than the Air Force Material Command until 30 days after the Secretary reports to the defense committees on the proposed relocation. (Sec. 8113) Directs the Secretary to resume quarterly reporting on the number of civilian personnel end strength by appropriation account used to finance federal civilian personnel salaries. (Sec. 8114) Appropriates funds for the Secretary of the Army to conduct research on alternative energy resources for deployed forces. (Sec. 8115) Directs the Secretary to study and report to the defense committees on the feasibility of using commercially available telecommunications expense management solutions across DOD by March 1, 2012. (Sec. 8116) Prohibits the use of funds to take any action to implement the separation of the NIP budget from the DOD budget. (Sec. 8117) Authorizes the DNI, in the national interest and with OMB approval, to transfer up to $2 billion of the funds made available for the NIP. (Sec. 8118) Appropriates funds to the Secretary, or for transfer to the Secretary of Education, to make grants to construct, renovate, repair, or expand elementary and secondary schools on military installations in order to address capacity or condition deficiencies. (Sec. 8119) Prohibits any federal funds from being used to transfer or release to or within the United States or its territories or possessions Khalid Sheikh Mohammed or any other detainee who is not a citizen or member of the Armed Forces and is or was held by DOD on or after June 24, 2009, at U.S. Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba (Guantanamo). (Sec. 8120) Prohibits any federal funds from being used to transfer any individual detained at Guantanamo to the custody or control of that individual's country of origin or any other foreign country or entity until 30 days after the Secretary certifies to Congress that, among other things, such country is not a designated state sponsor of terrorism and has agreed to ensure that such individual cannot take action to threaten the United States or its citizens or allies in the future. Prohibits the Secretary from making a transfer to a country or entity if there is a confirmed case of an individual who was detained at Guantanamo any time after September 11, 2001, was transferred to such country or entity, and subsequently engaged in any terrorist activity. Provides an exception to the latter prohibition. (Sec. 8121) Prohibits the use of DOD funds to construct, acquire, or modify any facility in the United States or its territories or possessions in order to house any individual detained by DOD for the purpose of detention or imprisonment. Makes such prohibition inapplicable to facility modifications at Guantanamo. (Sec. 8122) Earmarks specified DOD O&M funds to conduct an independent assessment of the current and prospective situation on the ground in Afghanistan and Pakistan. (Sec. 8123) Requires a report from the Secretary to the defense committees on the approximately $100 billion in efficiency savings identified by the military departments in the defense budget covering FY2012-FY2016 that are to be reinvested in military department priorities. (Sec. 8124) Prohibits the use of funds to enter into a contract with, make a grant to, or provide a loan or loan guarantee to any corporation: (1) against which an unpaid federal tax liability has been assessed; or (2) that was convicted of a felony criminal violation within the preceding 24 months. (Sec. 8126) Establishes in the Treasury the Military Intelligence Program Transfer Fund, and makes appropriations to the Fund. (Sec. 8127) Prohibits the use of funds: (1) in contravention of federal laws concerning human trafficking or the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000; (2) to support any military training or operations that include child soldiers, unless such assistance is otherwise permitted under the Child Soldiers Prevention Act of 2008; or (3) in contravention of the War Powers Resolution. Title IX: Overseas Contingency Operations - Appropriates funds for FY2012 for overseas contingency operations directly related to the global war on terrorism, specifically for: (1) military personnel; (2) O&M; (3) the Afghanistan Infrastructure Fund; (4) the Afghanistan Security Forces Fund; (5) procurement, including National Guard and Reserve equipment; (6) the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle Fund; (7) RDT&E; (8) Defense Working Capital Funds; (9) the Defense Health Program; (10) drug interdiction and counter-drug activities; (11) the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Fund; and (12) the Office of the Inspector General. (Sec. 9002) Authorizes the Secretary, in the national interest, to transfer up to $4 billion of the amounts made available to DOD in this title between any such appropriations for that fiscal year. Requires prompt congressional notification of each transfer. (Sec. 9004) Authorizes the Secretary to use funds appropriated in this title to purchase motor vehicles for use by military and civilian DOD employees in Iraq and Afghanistan, with a limit of $75,000 per passenger vehicle and $250,000 per each heavy or light armored vehicle. (Sec. 9005) Authorizes the use of up to $400 million to fund the Commander's Emergency Response Program (urgent humanitarian relief and reconstruction assistance in Iraq and Afghanistan). (Sec. 9006) Allows DOD O&M funds to be used to provide supplies, services, transportation, and other logistical support to coalition forces supporting military and stability operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Requires quarterly reports from the Secretary to the defense committees regarding such support. (Sec. 9007) Prohibits any funds from being obligated or expended to: (1) establish any military installation or base for providing for the permanent stationing of U.S. Armed Forces in Iraq or Afghanistan, or (2) exercise U.S. control over any oil resource of Iraq. (Sec. 9008) Prohibits funds from being used in contravention of specified laws enacted or regulations promulgated to implement the United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. (Sec. 9009) Prohibits funds provided for the Afghanistan Security Forces Fund from being obligated prior to the approval of a financial and activity plan by DOD's Afghanistan Resources Oversight Council. (Sec. 9010) Allows the use of specified overseas contingency operations funds for outreach and integration services under the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration program. (Sec. 9012) Allows specified O&M funds to be used by the Task Force for Business and Stability Operations to carry out strategic business and economic assistance activities in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Requires 15 days' advance notification to the defense committees. (Sec. 9013) Authorizes the Secretary to use specified O&M funds to support U.S. government transition activities in Iraq by funding the operations and activities of the Office of Security Cooperation in Iraq, security assistance teams, and facilities renovation and construction. Requires 15 days' advance notification to the defense committees. (Sec. 9014) Reduces by $4,042.5 billion the amount appropriated under this title, to reflect reduced troop strength in theater. Requires 15 days' advance notification to the defense committees prior to any reduction. (Sec. 9015) Rescinds specified funds from various accounts under prior defense appropriations Acts. Division B : Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2012 - Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2012 - Makes appropriations for energy and water development and related agencies for FY2012. Title I: Corps Of Engineers - Civil - Appropriates funds to the Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers-Civil, for: (1) civil functions pertaining to rivers and harbors, flood and storm damage reduction, shore protection, and aquatic ecosystem restoration (including the Mississippi River alluvial valley below Cape Girardeau, Missouri); (2) the regulatory program pertaining to navigable waters and wetlands; (3) the formerly utilized sites remedial action program for clean-up of early atomic energy program contamination; (4) flood control and coastal emergencies, including hurricanes and other natural disasters; and (5) the Office of Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works). (Sec. 101) Prohibits the availability of funds for obligation or expenditure through a reprogramming that would: (1) either create, initiate, or eliminate a new program, project, or activity; (2) increase funds or personnel for any program, project, or activity for which funds are either denied or restricted by this Act without prior approval from the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations; (3) propose to use for a different purpose any funds directed for a specific activity, without prior approval from such Committees; or (4) increase or reduce funds for any existing program, project, or activity in excess of specified amounts without prior approval from such Committees. Permits reprogramming under specified conditions for: (1) general investigations, (2) general construction, and (3) operation and maintenance (including the Mississippi River and Tributaries, and formerly utilized sites remedial action program). Prohibits reprogrammings for less than $50,000. Exempts from the general prohibition against reprogramming any project or activity funded under the continuing authorities program. Directs the Corps of Engineers to report to the congressional appropriations committees to establish a baseline for application of reprogramming and transfer authorities for the current fiscal year. (Sec. 102) Prohibits the use of funds (except those made available through reprogramming) to award or modify any contract that commits funds beyond the amounts appropriated for a program, project, or activity that remain unobligated. (Sec. 103) Prohibits the use of funds to award any continuing contract that commits additional funding from the Inland Waterways Trust Fund before enactment of a long-term mechanism to enhance revenues in this Fund sufficient to meet the cost-sharing authorized in the Water Resources Development Act of 1986. (Sec. 104) Directs the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works to submit to certain congressional committees the report of the Chief of Engineers Report on a water resource matter. (Sec. 105) Authorizes the Secretary of the Army (Secretary in this title) to implement measures recommended in a specified efficacy study, with appropriate modifications or emergency measures, to prevent aquatic nuisance species from dispersing into the Great Lakes by way of any hydrologic connection between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River Basin. (Sec. 106) Authorizes the Secretary to transfer to the Corps of Engineers-Civil--Construction specified funds provided for: (1) reinforcing or replacing flood walls, and (2) the West Bank and Vicinity and Lake Ponchartrain and Vicinity projects. (Sec. 107) Authorizes the Secretary to transfer specified sums to the Fish and Wildlife Service to mitigate for fisheries lost because of Corps of Engineers projects. (Sec. 108) Authorizes the Secretary to permit an Armed Forces member and employees of the Department of the Army to serve without compensation as directors, officers, or otherwise in the management of the organization established to support and maintain the participation of the United States in the permanent international commission of the congresses of navigation, or any successor entity. (Sec. 109) Authorizes the Secretary to use the Revolving Fund through the Plant Replacement and Improvement Program to acquire any real property and associated real property interests in the vicinity of Hanover, New Hampshire, as may be needed for the Engineer Research and Development Center laboratory facilities at the Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory. (Sec. 110) Prohibits the use of funds by the Corps of Engineers to relocate, or study the relocation of, any regional division headquarters of the Corps located at a military installation or any permanent employees of such headquarters. (Sec. 111) Revises the authority of the Secretary of the Army to receive funds contributed by states and their political subdivisions for authorized flood control or environmental restoration work. Includes planning and design in such work and replaces the characterization of such work as "flood control or environmental restoration" with "water resources development study or project." Connotes states to include U.S. territories and possession and federally recognized Indian tribes. (Sec. 112) Extinguishes certain deed restrictions described in Auditor's instrument No. 2006-014428 of Benton County, Washington. (Sec. 113) Terminates authorization for a certain cut-stone breakwater portion of the project for navigation, Block Island Harbor of Refuge, Rhode Island. (Sec. 114) Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to construct: (1) a Consolidated Infrastructure Research Equipment Facility, (2) an Environmental Processes and Risk Lab, (3) a Hydraulic Research Facility, (4) an Engineer Research and Development Center headquarters building, and (5) a Modular Hydraulic Flume building. Authorizes the Secretary to purchase real estate, perform construction, and make facility, utility, street, road, and infrastructure improvements to the Engineer Research and Development Center's installations and facilities. (Sec. 115) Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1986 to authorize the Secretary to transfer by quitclaim deed certain land in the Passaic River Basin, New Jersey, to the non-federal sponsor. (Sec. 116) Requires the New London Disposal Site and the Cornfield Shoals Disposal Site in Long Island Sound, selected by the Department of the Army as alternative dredged material disposal sites, to remain open for five years after enactment of this Act to allow for completion of a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement to support final designation of an Ocean Dredged Material Disposal Site in eastern Long Island Sound. (Sec. 117) Rescinds the authorization for a specified portion of the project for navigation, Newport Harbor, Rhode Island. Recharacterizes a specified area as an eighteen-foot channel and turning basin. (Sec. 118) Prohibits funds made available in this Act to the Corps of Engineers from being used for removal or associated mitigation of Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project number 2342 (Condit hydroelectric project, Washington). (Sec. 119) Prohibits the use of funds to: (1) study certain Missouri River Projects authorized in the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2009, or (2) continue a certain study by the Army Corps of Engineers, pursuant to the Water Resources Development Act of 2007, of the Missouri River and its tributaries to mitigate losses of aquatic and terrestrial habitat, recover federally listed species under the Endangered Species Act, and restore the ecosystem to prevent further declines among other native species. Title II: Department Of The Interior - Makes appropriations for FY2012 to the Department of the Interior for: (1) the Central Utah Project; and (2) the Bureau of Reclamation, including for water and related natural resources, the Central Valley Project Restoration Fund, California Bay-Delta Restoration, and administrative expenses in the Office of the Commissioner (the Denver office), and offices in the five regions of the Bureau of Reclamation. Makes appropriations for the Bureau of Reclamation available for purchase of up to five passenger motor vehicles, for replacement only. (Sec. 201) Prohibits the availability of funds for obligation or expenditure through a reprogramming that would: (1) create or initiate a new program, project, or activity; (2) eliminate an existing program, project, or activity; (3) increase funds for any program, project, or activity for which funds have been denied or restricted by this Act without prior approval from congressional appropriations committees; or (4) restart or resume any program, project or activity for which funds are either not provided in this Act, or for which funds are transferred in excess of specified limits without prior approval from such committees. Prohibits funds without prior approval from such committees for any reprogramming that transfers funds in excess of: (1) 15% for any program, project, or activity for which $2 million or more is available at the beginning of the fiscal year; or (2) $300,000 for any program, project, or activity for which less than $2 million is available at the beginning of the fiscal year. Extends the same prohibition without prior approval from such committees for any reprogramming that transfers more than: (1) $500,000 from either the Facilities Operation, Maintenance, and Rehabilitation category or the Resources Management and Development category to any program, project, or activity in the other category; or (2) $5 million to provide adequate funds for settled contractor claims, increased contractor earnings due to accelerated rates of operations, and real estate deficiency judgments when necessary to discharge legal obligations of the Bureau of Reclamation. (Sec. 202) Prohibits the use of funds to determine the final point of discharge for the interceptor drain for the San Luis Unit until development by the Secretary of the Interior and the State of California of a plan which conforms to California water quality standards as approved by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to minimize any detrimental effect of the San Luis drainage waters. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to classify as reimbursable or nonreimbursable and collected until fully repaid the costs of the Kesterson Reservoir Cleanup Program and the costs of the San Joaquin Valley Drainage Program pursuant to specified alternative repayment plans. Requires future federal obligations of funds regarding drainage service or drainage studies for the San Luis Unit to be fully reimbursable by San Luis Unit beneficiaries of such service or studies. (Sec. 203) Increases to $30 million the authorization of appropriations for the Las Vegas Wash wetlands restoration and Lake Mead improvement project (Nevada). (Sec. 204) Amends the Water Desalination Act of 1996 to extend through FY2013 the authorization of appropriations for desalination research, demonstration, and development. (Sec. 205) Requires that federal policy addressing California water supply and environmental issues related to the Bay-Delta be consistent with state law. Directs the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Commerce, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the EPA Administrator to coordinate their efforts jointly and work with the state of California to issue the Bay Delta Conservation Plan Final Environmental Impact Statement by February 15, 2013. (Sec. 206) Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to participate in non-federal groundwater banking programs in California, including making payments for: (1) the storage of Central Valley Project water supplies, (2) the purchase of stored water, (3) the purchase of shares or an interest in ground banking facilities, or (4) the use of Central Valley Project water as a medium of payment for groundwater banking services. (Sec. 207) Deems a specified transfer of irrigation water among specified Central Valley Project contractors to meet certain conditions in the Reclamation Projects Authorization and Adjustment Act of 1992. Directs the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the Commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation (Commissioner), to complete programmatic environmental compliance in order to facilitate voluntary water transfers within the Central Valley Project. Instructs the Commissioner to report to certain congressional committees regarding efforts to facilitate and improve water transfers: (1) within the Central Valley Project, and (2) between the Central Valley Project and other water projects in the State of California. (Sec. 208) Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 with respect to funds authorized for lease of water and purchase of land, appurtenant water, and related interests for the benefit of at-risk natural desert terminal lakes and associated riparian and watershed resources. Repeals the restriction of such authority to the Walker River and Walker River Basin (Nevada). Amends the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 to authorize the local nonprofit entity exercising water rights for the Walker Basin Restoration Program to manage land, appurtenant water, related interests for the Program as well. Title III: Department Of Energy - Makes appropriations for FY2012 to the Department of Energy (DOE) for energy and science programs, including: (1) energy efficiency and renewable energy, (2) electricity delivery and energy reliability, (3) nuclear energy, (4) fossil energy research and development, (5) naval petroleum and oil shale reserves, (6) the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) as well as the SPR Petroleum Account and the Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve, (7) the Energy Information Administration, (8) non-defense environmental cleanup, (9) the Uranium Enrichment Decontamination and Decommissioning Fund, (10) science activities, (11) nuclear waste disposal, (12) the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E), (13) the Title 17 Innovative Technology Loan Guarantee Loan Program, (14) the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program, (15) departmental administration, (16) the Office of the Inspector General, (17) the National Nuclear Security Administration and atomic energy defense weapons activities, (18) defense nuclear nonproliferation activities, (19) naval reactors activities, (20) Office of the Administrator in the National Nuclear Security Administration, (21) atomic energy defense environmental cleanup, and (22) other defense activities. Approves expenditures from the Bonneville Power Administration Fund for: (1) the Kootenai River Native Fish Conservation Aquaculture Program, (2) the Lolo Creek Permanent Weir Facility, and (3) Improving Anadromous Fish production on the Warm Springs Reservation. Prohibits any new direct loan obligations from being made from such Fund during FY2012. Makes FY2012 appropriations for operation and maintenance of: (1) the Southeastern Power Administration; (2) the Southwestern Power Administration; (3) the Western Area Power Administration, including construction and rehabilitation, (4) the Falcon and Amistad Operating and Maintenance Fund; (5) the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC); and (6) specified DOE activities. (Sec. 301) Prohibits the use of funds or authority made available by this Act for DOE for a program, project, or activity that has not been funded by Congress. Prohibits DOE from using budget authority for Energy Programs to enter into a multi-year contract, award a multi-year grant, or multi-year cooperative agreement unless: (1) such instruments condition the federal obligation upon the availability of future-year budget authority, and (2) the Secretary of Energy (Secretary in this title) notifies congressional committees on appropriations at least 14 days in advance. Requires DOE to notify congressional appropriations committees at least 30 days in advance if reprogramming of funds made available under this Act would cause the funding level for a program, project, or activity to increase or decrease during the time period covered by this Act by more than $5 million or 10%, whichever is less. Prohibits the availability of funds provided in this Act for obligation or expenditure through a reprogramming of funds that: (1) creates, initiates, or eliminates a program, project, or activity; (2) increases funds or personnel for any program, project, or activity for which funds are denied or restricted by this Act; or (3) reduces funds designated by this Act for a specific program, project, or activity. Authorizes the Secretary to waive any requirement or restriction in this section that applies to the use of DOE funds if compliance would pose a substantial risk to human health, the environment, welfare, or national security. (Sec. 302) Permits the availability to the same appropriation accounts of unexpended balances of prior appropriations provided for activities in this Act. (Sec. 303) Deems funds appropriated for intelligence activities to be specifically authorized by Congress during FY2012 until the enactment of the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012. (Sec. 304) Directs DOE to submit annually to Congress a future-years energy program that reflects the estimated expenditures and proposed appropriations included in the President's annual budget. Requires a future-years energy program to be included in the FY2014 budget submitted to Congress and every fiscal year thereafter. (Sec. 305) Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to modify the terms and conditions governing DOE loan guarantees for innovative technologies to allow as one alternative condition that a combination of one or more appropriations and one or more payments from the borrower has been made that is sufficient to cover the cost of the guarantee. (Sec. 306) Considers plant or construction projects for which amounts are made available under this and subsequent appropriation Acts with an estimated cost of less than $10 million to be for certain purposes: (1) a plant project for which the approved total estimated cost does not exceed the minor construction threshold; and (2) a construction project with an estimated cost of less than a minor construction threshold. (Sec. 307) Increases from $1 million to $2.5 million the minimum estimated construction cost of capital facilities for which the Administrator of the Bonneville Power Administration is authorized to make expenditures from Bonneville Power Administration Fund. (Sec. 308) Prohibits the use of funds made available in this Act for construction of high-hazard nuclear facilities unless independent oversight is conducted by the Office of Health, Safety, and Security (OSHA) to ensure compliance with nuclear safety requirements. (Sec. 309) Rescinds $73.3 million of appropriations to DOE under this Act to reflect savings from the DOE contractor pay freeze. (Sec. 310) Prohibits funds made available in this Act from being used to approve critical decision-2 or critical decision-3 under DOE Order 413.3B, or any successive departmental guidance, for construction projects where the total project cost exceeds $1 billion until a separate independent cost estimate has been developed. (Sec. 311) Requires the Secretary to notify congressional committees on appropriations at least 3 full business days in advance of making a grant allocation, discretionary grant award or contract award, or Other Transaction Agreement, or to issue a letter of intent, totaling in excess of $1 million, or to announce publicly the intention to do so, or to issue such a letter, including a contract covered by the Federal Acquisition Regulation. (Sec. 312) Restricts to a maximum period of two calendar years the validity of any DOE determination that the sale or transfer of uranium will not have an adverse material impact on the domestic uranium mining, conversion, or enrichment industry. Instructs the Secretary to submit to congressional appropriations committees: (1) a revised excess uranium inventory management plan for FY2013-FY2018, and (2) an evaluation of the economic feasibility of re-enriching depleted uranium located at federal sites. (Sec. 313) Prohibits funds made available in this Act from being used to pay the salaries of DOE employees to implement increased assistance under the Weatherization Assistance Program required by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. (Sec. 314) Authorizes DOE to openly compete and issue an award to allow a third party, on a fee-for-service basis, to operate and maintain an underutilized metering station and related equipment of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR). Requires the Secretary, before issuing the award, to certify to congressional appropriations committees that it will not reduce the reliability or accessibility of the SPR, raise costs of oil in the local market, or negatively impact the supply of oil to current users. (Sec. 315) Prohibits the use of funds made available in this Act to implement or enforce standards or regulations with respect to certain incandescent lamps, or to BPAR incandescent reflector lamps, BR incandescent reflector lamps, and ER incandescent reflector lamps. (Sec. 316) Requires recipients of DOE grants in excess of $1 million to certify that they will, by the end of the fiscal year, upgrade the efficiency of their facilities by replacing lighting that does not meet or exceed certain energy efficiency standards for incandescent light bulbs. Title IV: Independent Agencies - Makes FY2012 appropriations to: (1) the Appalachian Regional Commission; (2) the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board; (3) the Delta Regional Authority; (4) the Denali Commission; (5) the Northern Border Regional Commission; (6) the Southeast Crescent Regional Commission; (7) the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), including the Office of Inspector General; (8) the Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board; and (9) the Office of the Federal Coordinator for Alaska Natural Gas Transportation Projects. (Sec. 401) Prohibits the availability of funds designated in this Act for NRC salaries and expenses for obligation or expenditure through a reprogramming of funds that: (1) increases funds or personnel for any program, project, or activity for which funds are denied or restricted by this Act; or (2) reduces funds that are directed to be used for a specific program, project, or activity by this Act. Prohibits the NRC Chairman from terminating any program, project, or activity without the approval of a majority vote of NRC Commissioners. Sets forth a procedure by which the NRC may waive the reprogramming restriction on a case-by-case basis. (Sec. 402) Directs the NRC to require reactor licencees to: (1) reevaluate the seismic, tsunami, flooding, and other hazards at their sites against current NRC requirements; and (2) respond to the NRC, when appropriate, that the design basis for each reactor meets NRC licensing requirements; and (3) update where necessary the design basis of each reactor. Title V: General Provisions - (Sec. 503) Prohibits the expenditure of funds made available under this Act for any new hire by any federal agency funded in this Act that is not verified through the E-Verify Program under the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996. (Sec. 504) Prohibits the use of funds made available under this Act to enter into a contract, memorandum of understanding, or cooperative agreement with, make a grant to, or provide a loan or loan guarantee to any corporation convicted (or which had an officer or agent convicted) of a federal criminal violation within the preceding 24 months, where the awarding agency is aware of the conviction, unless suspension or debarment of the corporation (or officer or agent) is not necessary to protect government interests. (Sec. 505) Makes the same prohibition with respect to any corporation that has unpaid federal tax liability for which judicial and administrative remedies have been exhausted or have lapsed, and that is not being paid in a timely manner, where the awarding agency is aware of the unpaid tax liability, unless suspension or debarment of the corporation is not necessary to protect government interests. (Sec. 506) Prohibits the use of funds made available under this Act in contravention of Executive Order No. 12898 of February 11, 1994 ("Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations"). Division C: Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2012 - Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2012 - Title I: Department of the Treasury - Department of the Treasury Appropriations Act, 2012 - Makes appropriations for FY2012 to the Department of the Treasury for: (1) departmental offices, (2) the Office of Inspector General, (3) the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, (4) the Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP), (5) the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, (6) the Financial Management Service, (7) the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, (8) the U.S. Mint for the U.S. Mint Public Enterprise Fund, (9) the Bureau of the Public Debt, (10) the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund Program Account, and (11) the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Sets forth certain transfers of funds, plus a rescission of certain funds from the Treasury Forfeiture Fund. (Sec. 102) Requires the IRS to maintain a training program for IRS employees in taxpayers' rights, in dealing courteously with taxpayers, and in cross-cultural relations. (Sec. 103) Requires the IRS to institute and enforce policies and procedures that will safeguard the confidentiality of taxpayers' information and protect them against identity theft. (Sec. 104) Makes funds for the IRS under any Act available for improved facilities and increased staffing to provide sufficient and effective 1-800 help line service for taxpayers. (Sec. 109) Bars the use of funds to the Department of the Treasury or the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to redesign the $1 Federal Reserve note. (Sec. 111) Extends from 12 to 14 years the authorization for the personnel management demonstration project for employees who fill critical scientific, technical, engineering, intelligence analyst, language translator, and medical positions in the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF). (Sec. 112) Prohibits the U.S. Mint from using any federal funds to construct or operate any museum without the explicit approval of specified congressional committees. (Sec. 113) Prohibits the use of funds to merge the U.S. Mint and the Bureau of Engraving and Printing without the explicit approval of the same congressional committees. (Sec. 114) Deems any funds appropriated by this Act, or made available by the transfer of funds in this Act, for intelligence activities to be specifically authorized by Congress for purposes of the National Security Act of 1947 during FY2012, until the enactment of the Intelligence Authorization Act for FY2012. (Sec. 115) Requires up to $5,000 to be made available from the Bureau of Engraving and Printing's Industrial Revolving Fund for necessary official reception and representation expenses. (Sec. 116) Makes permanent the Secretary of the Treasury's authority to enter into a contract to manufacture distinctive paper for U.S. currency and securities. (Sec. 117) Requires any person who forwards to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing a mutilated paper currency claim equal to or exceeding $10,000 for redemption to provide the Bureau a taxpayer identification number (TIN). (Sec. 118) Revises the prohibition against notification by a financial institution, director, officer, employee, or agent, or by a federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial government officer or employee, to any person involved in a suspicious transaction that the transaction has been reported to a government agency. Extends the prohibition to formerly as well as currently employed individuals. (Sec. 119) Exempts certain reports on and records of monetary instruments from disclosure requirements under any state, local, tribal, or territorial "freedom of information," "open government," or law similar to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). (Sec. 120) Requires any clerk of a federal or state criminal court who receives more than $10,000 in cash as bail for any individual charged with a specified criminal offense to file a report with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. (Sec. 121) Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to submit a Capital Investment Plan to congressional appropriations committees within 30 days after the submission of the President's annual budget. Title II: Executive Office of the President and Funds Appropriated to the President - Executive Office of the President Appropriations Act, 2012 - Makes appropriations for FY2012 for compensation of the President and designated White House agencies, including: (1) the Council of Economic Advisers; (2) the National Security Council (NSC) and the Homeland Security Council; (3) the Office of Administration; (4) the Office of Management and Budget (OMB); (5) the Office of National Drug Control Policy; (6) various other specified federal drug control programs; (7) integrated, efficient, and effective uses of information technology in the federal government; (8) unanticipated needs; and (9) special assistance to the President and the official residence of the Vice President. Sets forth certain transfers of funds. (Sec. 202) Requires the Director of OMB to submit to congressional appropriations committees: (1) by April 2, 2012, a quarterly report on the implementation of Executive Order 13563 (relating to Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review); and (2) a report on the costs of implementing the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Dodd-Frank). (Sec. 204) Requires the Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy to submit to the congressional appropriations committees, within 60 days after the enactment of this Act, and before the initial obligation of more than 20% of the funds appropriated in any account for the Office, a detailed narrative and financial plan on the proposed uses of all funds under the account by program, project, and activity. (Sec. 205) Limits the availability of appropriations to such Office in this Act to: (1) a 2% transfer between appropriated programs upon the advance approval of the congressional appropriations committees; and (2) up to $1 million for reprogramming within a program, project, or activity upon such approval. (Sec. 207) Rescinds specified unobligated balances of prior year appropriations made available for the Counterdrug Technology Assessment Center. (Sec. 208) Rescinds specified unobligated balances of prior year appropriations made available for other federal drug control programs for a chronic users study and for the National Anti-Drug Youth Media Campaign. (Sec. 209) Rescinds specified unobligated balances under the heading "Executive Office of the President and Funds Appropriated to the President--Partnership Fund for Program Integrity Innovation" in title II of division C of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2010. Appropriates an additional amount made available under such heading in this Act, to remain available through FY2013. Title III: The Judiciary - Judiciary Appropriations Act, 2012 - Makes appropriations to the Judiciary for FY2012 for: (1) the U.S. Supreme Court; (2) the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit; (3) the U.S. Court of International Trade; (4) the courts of appeals, district courts, and other judicial services, including defender services; (5) fees of jurors and commissioners; (6) court security; (7) the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts; (8) the Federal Judicial Center; (9) the judicial retirement funds; and (10) the U.S. Sentencing Commission. Sets forth certain transfers of funds. (Sec. 305) Requires the U.S. Marshals Service to provide, as a pilot program, specified security services (except investigations) for courthouses which federal law authorizes the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to provide. (Sec. 306) Amends the Judicial Improvement Act of 1990 to prohibit the filling of: (1) the first vacancy in the office of district judge in the district of Kansas occurring 21 (currently, 20) years or more after the confirmation date of the judge named to fill the temporary judgeship, and (2) the first vacancy in such office in the district of Hawaii occurring 18 (currently, 17) years or more after such confirmation date. (In effect lengthens by one year the period of the respective temporary judgeships in such districts.) Title IV: District of Columbia - District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 2012 - Makes appropriations to the District of Columbia for FY2012, including amounts for the federal payments: (1) for District of Columbia Resident Tuition Support, (2) for emergency planning and security costs in the District, (3) to District of Columbia Courts, (4) for Defender Services in District of Columbia Courts, (5) to the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency for the District of Columbia, (6) to the District of Columbia Public Defender Service, (7) to the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority, (8) to the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, (9) to the Commission on Judicial Disabilities and Tenure and the Judicial Nomination Commission, (10) for school improvement, (11) for the D.C. National Guard, and (12) for testing and treatment of HIV/AIDS. Requires certain funds appropriated for operating expenses to be subject to specified proposals of the Fiscal Year 2012 Proposed Budget and Financial Plan submitted to Congress by the District of Columbia. Title V: Independent Agencies - Makes appropriations for FY2012 for independent agencies, including: (1) the Administrative Conference of the United States; (2) the Christopher Columbus Fellowship Foundation; (3) the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC); (4) the Election Assistance Commission (EAC), including election reform activities; (5) the Federal Communications Commission (FCC); (6) the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), for its Office of Inspector General; (7) the Federal Election Commission (FEC); (8) the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA); (9) the Federal Trade Commission (FTC); (10) the General Services Administration (GSA); (11) government-wide policy activities and operating expenses; (12) the GSA Office of Inspector General; (13) the Electronic Government Fund; (14) allowances and office staff for former presidents; (15) the Office of Citizen Services and Innovative Technologies; (16) the Harry S Truman Scholarship Foundation; (17) the Merit Systems Protection Board; (18) the Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall Foundation; (19) the Environmental Dispute Resolution Fund; (20) the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), including the Office of Inspector General; (21) the National Historic Publications and Records Commission grants program; (22) the Credit Union Community Development Revolving Loan Fund of the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA); (23) the Office of Government Ethics; (24) the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), including the Office of Inspector General; (25) the government payment for annuitants, employee health benefits, employee life insurance, and the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund; (26) the Office of Special Counsel; (27) the Postal Regulatory Commission; (28) the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board; (29) the Recovery Accountability and Transparency Board; (30) the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC); (31) the Selective Service System; (32) the Small Business Administration (SBA), including the Office of Inspector General and the Office of Advocacy; (33) the U.S. Postal Service, including the Office of Inspector General; and (34) the U.S. Tax Court. Limits for FY2012 the administrative expenses and the gross obligations of the NCUA Central Liquidity Facility for the principal amount of new direct loans to member credit unions. Sets forth certain transfers of funds. (Sec. 501) Amends the Consumer Product Safety Act to authorize the CPSC Chairman to provide to officers and employees, who are appointed or assigned by CPSC to serve abroad, travel benefits similar to those authorized for certain members of the Foreign Service of the United Service. (Sec. 502) Amends the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act to extend the state swimming pool safety grant program through FY2012. Revises grant eligibility requirements to include swimming pools constructed six months after the enactment of this Act. (Sec. 503) Requires the Comptroller General (GAO) to analyze the potential safety risks associated with new and emerging consumer products, including chemicals and other materials used in their manufacture, taking into account the ability and authority of the CPSC to: (1) identify, assess, and address such risks in a timely manner; and (2) keep abreast of the effects of new and emerging consumer products on public health and safety. (Sec. 504) Requires GAO to analyze: (1) the extent to which manufacturers comply with voluntary industry standards for consumer products, particularly with respect to inexpensive, imported ones; (2) whether there are consequences for such manufacturers for failing to comply with such standards, and whether the CPSC has the authority and the ability to require compliance with them; and (3) whether there are patterns of non-compliance with such standards among certain types of products or certain types of manufacturers. (Sec. 510) Amends the Universal Service Antideficiency Temporary Suspension Act to extend through December 31, 2013, the waiver of certain limitations on: (1) expending, obligating, or apportioning appropriations with respect to federal universal service contributions collected or received under the Communications Act of 1934; and (2) expending or obligating funds attributable to such contributions for universal service support programs. (Sec. 511) Prohibits the use of funds by the FCC to modify, amend, or change its rules or regulations for universal service support payments to implement the February 27, 2004, recommendations of the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service regarding single connection or primary line restrictions on universal service support payments. (Sec. 525) Requires GSA, if specified congressional committees adopt a resolution granting lease authority pursuant to a specified GSA prospectus, to ensure that the delineated area of procurement is identical to the delineated area included in the prospectus for all lease agreements. (Sec. 527) Rescinds specified amounts made available to GSA in prior years for policy and operations for the maintenance, protection, and disposal of the U.S. Coast Guard Service Center at Governor's Island, NY, and the Lorton Correctional Facility in Lorton, VA. (Sec. 528) Requires GSA to report to specified congressional committees a detailed description of each program, project, or activity funded by GSA appropriations that is not under GSA control or direction in statute or in practice. (Sec. 531) Amends the Small Business Act to extend from 3 to 7 years the maximum term of SBA disaster loans commencing on or after October 1, 1982. (Sec. 532) Requires the SBA budget request, beginning in FY2013, to provide a detailed justification of any proposed changes from the enacted level by individual appropriation. Title VI: General Provisions (This Act) - Sets forth permissions for and restrictions upon the use of funds under this Act. (Sec. 606) Prohibits the expenditure of funds under this Act by an entity unless it agrees that such expenditure will comply with the Buy American Act. (Sec. 607) Prohibits the availability of funds under this Act to any person or entity that has been convicted of violating the Buy American Act. (Sec. 610) Prohibits the availability of funds under this Act for use by the Executive Office of the President to request from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) any official background investigation report on any individual, except when: (1) such individual has given his or her express written consent for such request within six months before the date of the request and during the same presidential administration, or (2) the request is required due to extraordinary circumstances involving national security. (Sec. 611) Makes certain cost accounting standards promulgated under the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act inapplicable to a federal employees health benefits program contract. (Sec. 612) Authorizes OPM to accept and utilize (without regard to any restriction on unanticipated travel expenses) funds made available to OPM pursuant to court approval for resolving litigation and implementing any settlement agreements regarding the nonforeign area cost-of-living allowance program. (Sec. 613) Prohibits the availability of funds appropriated by this Act to pay for an abortion, or the administrative expenses in connection with any health plan under the federal employees health benefits program (FEHBP) which provides any benefits or coverage for abortions, unless the life of the mother would be endangered if the fetus were carried to term, or the pregnancy is the result of an act of rape or incest. (Sec. 615) Makes the restriction on purchasing nondomestic articles, materials, and supplies set forth in the Buy American Act inapplicable to the acquisition by the federal government of commercial information technology. (Sec. 616) Prohibits an officer or employee of any regulatory agency or commission funded by this Act from accepting, on behalf of that agency, or the agency or commission from accepting, payment or reimbursement from a nonfederal entity for travel-related expenses to enable an officer or employee to attend and participate in any meeting or similar function relating to official duties, when the entity offering payment or reimbursement is subject to regulation by such agency or commission, or represents such person or entity, unless the person or entity is a nonprofit tax-exempt organization. (Sec. 617) Authorizes the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board to obligate funds for the scholarship program established by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 in an aggregate amount not exceeding the amount of funds collected by the Board as of December 31, 2011, including accrued interest, resulting from the assessment of monetary penalties. Requires funds available for obligation in FY2012 to remain available until expended. (Sec. 618) Rescinds specified unobligated balances of prior year appropriations made available for the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board. (Sec. 619) Requires the President to transmit promptly to Congress, without change, proposed deficiency and supplemental appropriations submitted to the President by the legislative and the judicial branches. (Sec. 620) Permits the use of funds made available to the CFTC and the SEC for the interagency funding and sponsorship of a joint advisory committee to advise on emerging regulatory issues. (Sec. 621) Extends from 2 years to 2 years and 9 months the period of time before any proceeds derived from the surcharge imposed on the sale of Abraham Lincoln commemorative coins may remain unpaid by the Numismatic Public Enterprise Fund to the designated recipient organization, solely by reason of the matching fund requirement, before they must be deposited in the Treasury as miscellaneous receipts. (Sec. 622) Amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to require the EAC to post on its website, upon receipt, a state's plan for local distribution of EAC payments for activities to meet certain voting systems standards requirements. Requires publication in the Federal Register of notice by a state before it: (1) files its statement of certification, and (2) makes material changes in the administration of its plan. (Sec. 623) Rescinds specified obligated balances available in the SEC Reserve Fund established by Dodd-Frank. (Sec. 624) Requires the Department of the Treasury, the Executive Office of the President, the Judiciary, the FCC, the FTC, GSA, the NARA, the SEC, and SBA to provide congressional appropriations committees a quarterly accounting of the cumulative balances of any unobligated funds received during any previous fiscal year. (Sec. 625) Requires an executive agency covered by this Act to consult with GSA before issuing a solicitation for offers of new leases or construction contracts, and in the case of succeeding leases, before entering into negotiations with the current lessor. Authorizes any such agency with authority to enter into an emergency lease to do so during any period for which the President requires emergency leasing authority. (Sec. 626) Prohibits the use of FTC funds to complete the draft report entitled "Interagency Working Group on Food Marketed to Children: Preliminary Proposed Nutrition Principles to Guide Industry Self-Regulatory Efforts" unless the Working Group complies with Executive Order 13563 ("Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review"). (Sec. 627) Bars the use of funds to pay the salaries and expenses for the following positions: (1) Director of the White House Office of Health Reform, (2) Assistant to the President for Energy and Climate Change, (3) Senior Advisor to the Secretary of the Treasury assigned to the Presidential Task Force on the Auto Industry and Senior Counselor for Manufacturing Policy, and (4) White House Director of Urban Affairs. (Sec. 628) Prohibits the use of FCC funds to remove the conditions imposed on commercial terrestrial operations in the Order and Authorization adopted by the FCC on January 26, 2011 (DA 11-133), or otherwise permit such operations, until it has resolved concerns of potential widespread harmful interference by such commercial terrestrial operations with commercially available Global Positioning System (GPS) devices. (Sec. 629) Bars the expenditure of funds made available by this Act for any new hire by any federal agency funded in this Act that is not verified through the E-Verify Program established under the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996. (Sec. 630) Prohibits the use of funds to enter into a contract, memorandum of understanding, or cooperative agreement with, make a grant to, or provide a loan or loan guarantee to, any corporation for which any unpaid federal tax liability has been assessed, for which all judicial and administrative remedies have been exhausted or have lapsed, and that is not being paid in a timely manner pursuant to an agreement with the authority responsible for collecting the tax liability, where the awarding agency is aware of the unpaid tax liability, unless the agency has considered suspension or debarment of the corporation and made a determination that this further action is not necessary to protect the interests of the government. (Sec. 631) Subjects to the same requirements and conditions any corporation that was convicted or had an officer or agent acting on behalf of the corporation convicted of a felony criminal violation under any federal law within the preceding 24 months. (Sec. 632) Extends from October 4, 2011, until August 1, 2012, the period of time during which the U.S. Postal Service must make a payment of $5.5 billion to the Postal Service Retiree Health Benefit Fund. Title VII: General Provisions Government - Wide - Sets forth requirements for the use of appropriations by designated departments, agencies, and corporations. (Sec. 701) Sets restrictions upon the use of appropriations by any federal department, agency, or instrumentality unless it has in place, and will continue to administer in good faith, a written policy designed to ensure that all workplaces are free from the illegal use, possession, or distribution of controlled substances by the officers and employees of such department, agency, or instrumentality. (Sec. 726) Prohibits the use of funds by federal agencies to collect, review, create or contract for any aggregation of data by any means of any personally identifiable information relating to an individual's access to or use of any federal government or nongovernmental Internet site. (Sec. 727) Prohibits the use of funds to enter into or renew a contract for a federal employee health plan which includes a provision providing prescription drug coverage, except where the contract also includes a provision for contraceptive coverage. Exempts specified religious plans from such prohibition. Prohibits a federal employee health plan, however, from discriminating against an individual on the basis that the individual refuses to prescribe or otherwise provide for contraceptives because such activities would be contrary to his or her religious beliefs or moral convictions. (Sec. 728) Declares that the United States is committed to: (1) ensuring the health of its Olympic, Pan American, and Paralympic athletes; and (2) supports the strict adherence to antidoping in sport through testing, adjudication, education, and research as performed by nationally recognized oversight authorities. (Sec. 729) Allows the use of funds appropriated for official travel by federal departments and agencies, if consistent with OMB Circular A-126 regarding official travel for government personnel, to participate in the fractional aircraft ownership pilot program. (Sec. 730) Bars the use of funds to: (1) implement or enforce restrictions or limitations on the Coast Guard Congressional Fellowship Program, or (2) implement proposed OPM regulations relating to the detail of executive branch employees to the legislative branch. (Sec. 731) Prohibits an executive branch agency from purchasing, constructing, and/or leasing any additional facilities, except within or contiguous to existing locations, to conduct federal law enforcement training without advance approval of congressional appropriations committees. Authorizes the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center to obtain the temporary use of additional facilities by lease, contract, or other agreement for training which cannot be accommodated in existing Center facilities. (Sec. 732) Bars the availability of funds, for FY2012, for transfers or reimbursements to the E-Government initiatives sponsored by OMB before 15 days following an OMB report to the congressional appropriations committees and receipt of their explicit approval of such transfer. (Sec. 733) Prohibits the use of funds to begin or announce a study or public-private competition regarding the conversion to contractor performance of any function performed by federal employees pursuant to OMB Circular A-76 or any other administrative regulation, directive, or policy. (Sec. 734) Bars the use of funds by an executive branch agency, unless otherwise authorized by existing law, to produce any prepackaged news story intended for broadcast or distribution in the United States, unless the story includes a clear notification within its text or audio that it was prepared or funded by that agency. (Sec. 735) Bars the use of funds in contravention of the Privacy Act or regulations concerning protection of privacy and freedom of information. (Sec. 736) Requires each executive department and agency to evaluate the creditworthiness of an individual before issuing him or her a government travel charge card. Prohibits issuance of such a card, except in specified circumstances, to individuals that either lack a credit history or are found to have an unsatisfactory credit history. Requires such evaluation to include an assessment of the individual's consumer report from a consumer reporting agency. (Sec. 737) Requires OMB, in coordination with the governor of each Great Lakes state and the Great Lakes Interagency Task Force, to submit to the appropriate authorizing and appropriating congressional committees an interagency budget crosscut report displaying the budget proposed, including any planned interagency or intra-agency transfer, for each of the federal agencies that carries out Great Lakes restoration activities. (Sec. 738) Prohibits the use of funds for any federal government contract with any foreign incorporated entity which is treated as an inverted domestic corporation under the Homeland Security Act of 2002, or any subsidiary of such an entity. Requires any Secretary to waive such prohibition if so required in the interest of national security. Exempts contracts entered into before the enactment of this Act or task orders issued pursuant to such contracts. (Sec. 739) Bars the use of funds to implement, administer, enforce, or apply the rule entitled "Competitive Area" published by OPM in the Federal Register on April 15, 2008. (Sec. 740) Amends the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2010 to revise the requirement that the head of each federal department or agency, other than DOD, report annually to OMB an inventory of specified service contracts awarded or extended through the exercise of an option on or after April 1, 2010, for or on behalf of such entity. Requires inclusion of task orders issued under such contracts on or after that date. (Sec. 741) Requires for each employee, during FY2012, who retires under voluntary early retirement authority (VERA) of the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) or the Federal Employees' Retirement System (FERS), or under any other CSRS or FERS requirement and receives a voluntary separation incentive payment (VISP), that the separating agency remit to the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund an amount equal to OPM's average unit cost of processing a retirement claim for the preceding year. (Sec. 743) Bars the use of funds to recommend or require any entity submitting an offer for a federal contract to disclose specified information regarding contributions or expenditures with respect to a federal election as a condition of such offer or acquisition. (Sec. 744) Authorizes the Chairman of the CFTC, until the end of FY2013, to transfer to pay CFTC salaries and expenses up to $10 million of funds made available for information technology investments. Title VIII: General Provisions (District of Columbia) - Sets forth authorized or prohibited uses of funds appropriated by this Act identical or similar to corresponding provisions of the District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 2011. (Sec. 802) Prohibits the use of federal funds provided in this Act for publicity or propaganda purposes or implementation of any policy including boycott designed to support or defeat legislation pending before Congress or any state legislature. (Sec. 806) Prohibits the use of federal funds contained in this Act by the District of Columbia Attorney General or any other officer or entity of the District government to provide assistance for any petition drive or civil action which seeks to require Congress to provide for voting representation in Congress for the District. Declares that nothing in this section bars the Counsel from reviewing or commenting on briefs in private lawsuits, or from consulting with officials of the District government regarding such lawsuits. (Sec. 807) Bars the use of federal funds contained in this Act to distribute any needle or syringe to prevent the spread of blood borne pathogens in any location that has been determined by the local public health or local law enforcement authorities to be inappropriate for such distribution. (Sec. 808) Provides that nothing in this Act may be construed to prevent the Council or the Mayor from addressing the issue of the provision of contraceptive coverage by health insurance plans. Expresses the intent of Congress that any legislation enacted on such issue should include a "conscience clause" which provides exceptions for religious beliefs and moral convictions. (Sec. 809) Directs the Mayor of the District of Columbia to report annually to specified congressional committees on: (1) crime, (2) access to substance and alcohol abuse treatment, (3) education, (4) improvement in basic District services, and (5) application for and management of federal grants. (Sec. 810) Prohibits the use of federal funds contained in this Act to enact or carry out any law, rule, or regulation to legalize or otherwise reduce penalties associated with the possession, use, or distribution of any schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act or any tetrahydrocannabinols (THC) derivative. (Sec. 811) Prohibits the expenditure of funds appropriated under this Act for abortions except where the mother's life would be endangered if the fetus were carried to term, or in cases of rape or incest. (Sec. 814) Allows the transfer of amounts appropriated in this Act as operating funds to the District's enterprise and capital funds. Requires such transferred amounts to retain appropriation authority consistent with this Act. (Sec. 815) Requires the Director of the District of Columbia Public Defender Service for FY2012 and ensuing fiscal years to provide representation for and hold harmless, or provide liability insurance for, any employee, member of the Board of Trustees, or officer of the Service for money damages arising out of any claim, proceeding, or case at law relating to the furnishing of representational services or management services or related services while acting within the scope of that person's office or employment. (Sec. 816) Amends the District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 2005 to change from every two years to every five years the interval between mandatory management evaluations by the Comptroller General of the District of Columbia Chartering Authorities for the District of Columbia Public Charter Schools. Requires the evaluation to include the actual budget expenditures for the preceding five (currently, two) fiscal years. Division D: Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2012 - Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2012 - Title I: Departmental Management and Operations - Makes appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for FY2012, including for: (1) the Office of the Secretary of Homeland Security and executive management, (2) the Office of the Under Secretary for Management, (3) the Office of the Chief Financial Officer, (4) the Office of the Chief Information Officer and Department-wide technology investments, (5) the Office of the Inspector General, and (6) intelligence analysis and operations coordination activities. Prohibits specified funds from being available until the Secretary submits a comprehensive plan for implementation of the biometric air exit system. Title II: Security, Enforcement, and Investigations - Makes appropriations for FY2012 for: (1) United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP), including for border security fencing, infrastructure, and technology and for air and marine interdiction, operations, maintenance, and procurement; (2) United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), including specified amounts to reimburse other agencies for costs associated with the repatriation of smuggled aliens unlawfully present in the United States, to identify aliens convicted of a crime who may be deportable and to remove them from the United States once they are judged deportable, and for detention and removal operations; (3) the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), including for aviation security (including for explosive detection systems among screening operations), surface transportation security, the development and implementation of screening programs of the Office of Transportation Threat Assessment and Credentialing, transportation security support and intelligence, and Federal Air Marshals; (4) the Coast Guard, including specified funds for the global war on terrorism and for prevention, removal, and enforcement related to oil discharges; and (5) the United States Secret Service. Requires the Border Patrol to maintain an active duty presence of not less than 21,370 full-time equivalent agents protecting the U.S. borders in the fiscal year. Prohibits the obligation of specified CBP funds for: (1) the Automated Commercial Environment program until the CBP Commissioner submits an expenditure plan; and (2) border security fencing, infrastructure, and technology until the Commissioner submits a program to establish and maintain a security barrier along the U.S. borders of fencing and vehicle barriers and other forms of tactical infrastructure and technology. Prohibits Members of Congress, heads of federal agencies and commissions, or senior members of the Executive Office of the President from being exempt from federal passenger and baggage screening. Title III: Protection, Preparedness, Response, and Recovery - Makes appropriations for FY2012 for: (1) the National Protection and Programs Directorate, including for the Federal Protective Service and the United States Visitors and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology Project (US-VISIT); (2) the Office of Health Affairs, including for BioWatch operations; and (3) the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), including for the Urban Search and Rescue Response System, state and local programs, firefighter assistance grants, emergency management performance grants, the United States Fire Administration, disaster relief, the disaster assistance direct loan program account, the flood hazard mapping and risk analysis program, the National Flood Insurance Fund, the predisaster mitigation grant program, and the emergency food and shelter program. Prohibits the obligation of specified funds for US-VISIT until the Secretary submits a multiyear investment and management plan. Title IV: Research and Development, Training, and Services - Makes appropriations for FY2012 for: (1) United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS), including for the E-Verify Program; (2) the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center; (3) the Office of the Under Secretary for Science and Technology; and (4) the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office. Title V: General Provisions - (Sec. 501) Sets forth limitations and prohibitions on the availability, use, reprogramming, or transfer of funds for specified programs and activities under this Act. (Sec. 513) Prohibits the use of funds available in this Act: (1) to amend the oath of allegiance required under the Immigration and Nationality Act, (2) to enforce provisions of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 regarding the prohibition against air passengers carrying butane lighters unless the Assistant Secretary (TSA) reverses the determination of July 19, 2007, that butane lighters are not a significant threat to civil aviation security, (3) by CIS to grant an immigration benefit unless the results of required background checks have been received and do not preclude granting the benefit, (4) to approve a waiver of the navigation and vessel-inspection laws for the transportation of crude oil distributed from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve until the DHS Secretary takes adequate measures to ensure the use of U.S. flag vessels, or (5) to reduce the Coast Guard's Operations Systems Center mission or its government-employed or contract staff levels. (Sec. 532) Prohibits the use of CBP funds to prevent an individual from importing a prescription drug from Canada if: (1) such individual is not in the business of importing a prescription drug; and (2) such drug complies with specified provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and is not a controlled substance or a biological product. Makes this section applicable only to individuals transporting on their person a personal-use quantity of the prescription drug not exceeding a 90-day supply. (Sec. 535) Prohibits the use of funds for planning, testing, piloting, or developing a national identification card. (Sec. 536) Requires the TSA Administrator, upon determining that an airport does not need to participate in the E-Verify Program, to certify that no security risks will result from such non-participation. (Sec. 537) Requires the FEMA Administrator to publish on the FEMA website a report regarding a decision by the President to declare a major disaster that summarizes damage assessment information used to determine whether a major disaster exists. (Sec. 541) Prohibits the use of funds under this Act to: (1) transfer or release to or within the United States Khalid Sheikh Mohammed or any other detainee who is not a U.S. citizen or a member of the U.S. Armed Forces and who is or was held on or after June 24, 2009, at the U.S. Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, by the Department of Defense (DOD); or (2) employ an unauthorized alien. (Sec. 548) Requires the TSA Administrator to submit a report that either certifies that a requirement for screening all air cargo on passenger aircraft has been met or includes a strategy to comply with that requirement. (Sec. 549) Requires the DHS Secretary to ensure that any process to screen aviation passengers and crews for transportation or national security purposes takes into consideration such passengers' and crews' privacy and civil liberties. (Sec. 550) Prohibits the obligation of funds made available in this Act for construction of the National Bio- and Agro-defense Facility until DHS completes 50% of design planning for the facility and submits specified reports, including a revised site-specific biosafety and biosecurity mitigation risk assessment. (Sec. 561) Prohibits the use of funds to enforce specified requirements of the fire grant program. (Sec. 564) Provides for civil penalties of up to $10,000 for violating provisions regarding entering aircraft or an airport area in violation of security requirements. Requires each operator of an airport in the United States that is required to establish an air transportation security program to ensure that signs providing notice of penalties are displayed near all screening locations and at other specified areas. (Sec. 565) Disaster Assistance Recoupment Fairness Act of 2011 - Authorizes the FEMA Administrator to waive a debt owed to the United States relating to federal assistance provided under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to individuals and households in relation to a major disaster declared by the President between August 28, 2005, and December 31, 2010, if: (1) such assistance was distributed based on an error by FEMA, (2) there was no fault on behalf of the debtor, and (3) the collection of the debt would be against equity and good conscience. . (Sec. 566) Makes recipients of Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster loans for damage to their homes related to disasters between August 28, 2005, and August 28, 2006, eligible for reimbursement for documented and eligible mitigation work at the discretion of the state. (Sec. 567) Prohibits funds from being provided to the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) or any of its affiliates. (Sec. 568) Directs the Commissioner of CBP and the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security for ICE to submit with the congressional budget justification a multiyear investment and management plan for their Offices of Information Technology. (Sec. 569) Directs the Secretary to ensure enforcement of immigration laws. (Sec. 570) Rescinds various amounts from specified agencies, including the Coast Guard, ICE, CBP, DHS, and FEMA. (Sec. 573) Provides for an extension of the national flood insurance program. Division E: Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2012 - Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2012 - Makes appropriations for the Department of the Interior, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and related agencies for FY2012. Title I: Department of the Interior - Makes appropriations for FY2012 to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for: (1) land and resource management; (2) construction; (3) land acquisition; (4) Oregon and California grant lands; (5) range improvements; (6) service charges, deposits, and forfeitures with respect to public lands; and (7) miscellaneous trust funds. Appropriates funds for FY2012 to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) for: (1) resource management; (2) construction; (3) land acquisition; (4) expenses related to state conservation programs under the ... [summary shortened here: the full Congressional Research Service summary is 225,744 characters; read it at congress.gov]

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Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2012

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Words on this page, explained (15)
Appropriation
Money a legislature sets aside by law for a specific purpose. Government agencies may spend public money only as it has been appropriated.
Authorization
A law that creates or continues a government program and says what it may do, often with a suggested spending ceiling. An authorization alone does not provide money; a separate appropriation does.
Bail
Money or conditions a court sets so a person charged with a crime can leave jail while waiting for trial, to make sure they come back to court.
Ballot initiative
A proposed law or constitutional amendment that citizens place on the ballot by gathering enough voter signatures, so voters decide it directly. About half the states allow some form of it.
CBO cost estimate
The Congressional Budget Office's estimate of how a federal bill would change government spending and revenue. CBO is nonpartisan.
Exemption
A rule that removes certain people, property or activities from a tax or requirement.
Federal Register
The official daily publication of the U.S. government for agency rules, proposed rules, public notices and presidential documents.
Fiscal year
The 12-month period a government uses for its budget. The federal fiscal year runs from October 1 to September 30 and is named for the calendar year in which it ends. Most states use July 1 to June 30.
Legislature
The elected body that makes laws. In Texas it has a House of Representatives (150 members) and a Senate (31 members). In Florida it has a House of Representatives (120 members) and a Senate (40 members).
Obligation
A binding promise by a government agency to pay money, for example by signing a contract or awarding a grant. Spending data such as USAspending.gov counts money when it is obligated, which can be before it is actually paid out.
Resolution
A formal statement or decision by a legislative body. Simple resolutions often only express an opinion or set rules for one chamber; they do not become law.
Rulemaking
The process agencies use to write regulations that carry out laws passed by Congress or a legislature. Usually an agency publishes a proposed rule, takes public comments, then publishes a final rule.
Securities
Financial investments that can be bought and sold, such as stocks and bonds.
Sponsor and cosponsor
The sponsor is the member who introduces a bill and leads it. Cosponsors are other members who sign on to show support.
Statute
A written law passed by a legislature. A statute can be changed by a later law; changing a constitution needs an amendment.

Plain meanings written from linked sources. All words.

Sources

Record fed-us-cong112-hr2055 · catalog fed-us-congress-bills-cong112 · updated 2026-11-15 by psicol fed-bills-cong112