Bill > HR8773

This bill makes appropriations for financial services and general government for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025, and for other purposes. * **Internal Revenue Service (IRS):** The bill allows for the transfer of up to 5% of IRS appropriations between IRS accounts with committee approval, but prohibits transfers to "Enforcement." It also mandates an employee training program covering taxpayer rights, courteous taxpayer interaction, cross-cultural relations, ethics, and impartial tax law application. The IRS is required to implement policies to safeguard taxpayer confidentiality and protect against identity theft. Funds are also allocated for improving the IRS 1-800 help line service, including response times for victims of tax-related crimes. The IRS must issue address change confirmations to employers and give special consideration to offers-in-compromise from victims of fraud by payroll tax preparers. The bill prohibits the IRS from targeting citizens for exercising First Amendment rights or targeting groups for regulatory scrutiny based on ideological beliefs. It also restricts funds for conferences that do not adhere to specific procedures and verification processes. Bonuses, awards, and hiring processes must consider employee conduct and tax compliance. Funds cannot be used in contravention of taxpayer confidentiality laws. The Secretary of the Treasury may use direct hire authority to process backlogged tax returns and return information. Funds can be used for the Commissioner of Internal Revenue's transportation and protection between residence and employment. The development of a free, public electronic return-filing service requires prior approval from Congressional committees. The bill limits the purchase of firearms and ammunition for the IRS to levels not exceeding those possessed on December 22, 2022. * **Department of the Treasury:** Appropriations are available for uniforms, allowances, and related expenses. Up to 2% of appropriations for Departmental Offices, the Office of Inspector General, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, the Bureau of the Fiscal Service, and the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau can be transferred between these accounts with committee approval. Up to 2% of appropriations for the IRS can be transferred to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration with committee approval. Funds are prohibited from being used to redesign the $1 Federal Reserve note. The Bureau of the Fiscal Service can transfer funds to the Debt Collection Fund for debt collection costs, with reimbursements from collected debt. The United States Mint cannot construct or operate a museum without explicit committee approval. Consolidating functions of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing and the United States Mint requires explicit committee approval. Funds for Treasury's intelligence activities are deemed authorized for fiscal year 2025 until the enactment of the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025. Up to $5,000 from the Bureau of Engraving and Printing's Industrial Revolving Fund is available for official reception and representation expenses. The Secretary of the Treasury must submit a Capital Investment Plan to Congressional committees. During fiscal year 2025, the Department of the Treasury, including the IRS, is prohibited from issuing, revising, or finalizing regulations related to the standard for determining if an organization is operated exclusively for social welfare purposes under section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code, with the standard and definitions in effect on January 1, 2010, remaining in place. The Secretary of the Treasury must submit a report on Franchise Fund charges. The Office of Financial Research must submit quarterly reports on its activities. * **Executive Office of the President:** The bill appropriates funds for the White House ($60,000,000), the Executive Residence at the White House ($15,000,000), White House repair and restoration ($2,475,000), the Council of Economic Advisers ($4,200,000), the National Security Council and Homeland Security Council ($12,500,000), the Office of Administration ($106,500,000), the Office of Management and Budget ($126,000,000), the Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator ($1,838,000), the Office of the National Cyber Director ($19,126,000), and the Office of National Drug Control Policy ($19,000,000). The High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program receives $299,600,000, and other Federal Drug Control Programs receive $134,950,000. Funds are also provided for Unanticipated Needs ($990,000), Information Technology Oversight and Reform ($8,000,000), Special Assistance to the President ($5,000,000), and Official Residence of the Vice President Operating Expenses ($315,000). The Director of the Office of Management and Budget must provide a written statement on the budgetary impact of any Executive order or Presidential memorandum issued or revoked during fiscal year 2025. Federal agencies are directed to comply with provisions in title VII. Funds are prohibited from being used to develop or implement guidance related to the valuation of ecosystem and environmental services and natural assets in Federal regulatory decision-making. Funds are also prohibited from being used to implement proposed revisions to OMB Circular A-4. * **The Judiciary:** The bill appropriates funds for the Supreme Court of the United States ($136,000,000), the care of the building and grounds ($13,506,000), the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ($37,500,000), the United States Court of International Trade ($21,700,000), and other judicial services ($6,106,841,000). It also provides $1,500,000,000 for Defender Services, $38,555,000 for Fees of Jurors and Commissioners, and $777,361,000 for Court Security. The Administrative Office of the United States Courts receives $104,578,000, the Federal Judicial Center receives $34,837,000, and the United States Sentencing Commission receives $22,050,000. The bill allows for the transfer of up to 5% of Judiciary appropriations between accounts, with certain exceptions and conditions. It also permits the use of funds for official reception and representation expenses for the Judicial Conference of the United States. The bill makes technical amendments to statutes related to judicial district residency periods. The United States Marshals Service is authorized to provide security services at designated courthouses as part of a pilot program. * **District of Columbia:** The bill provides Federal payments for resident tuition support ($20,000,000), emergency planning and security costs ($77,000,000, with $47,000,000 for the Presidential Inauguration), and the District of Columbia Courts ($300,000,000). It also allocates funds for Defender Services in District of Columbia Courts ($46,005,000), the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency ($295,000,000), the District of Columbia Public Defender Service ($59,000,000), the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council ($2,450,000), Judicial Commissions ($630,000), School Improvement ($55,500,000), the District of Columbia National Guard ($600,000), and HIV/AIDS testing and treatment ($4,000,000). An $8,000,000 payment is made to the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority, contingent on a 100% match. Local funds are appropriated for the District of Columbia's operating budget. The bill prohibits the use of Federal funds for certain activities, including those related to the District of Columbia's representation in Congress, official vehicles for certain employees, assistance for petition drives for voting representation, or the legalization of Schedule I substances for recreational purposes. It also repeals the Death With Dignity Act of 2016 and prohibits the use of funds to enforce certain District of Columbia laws related to vehicle emissions standards, right turns on red, and the Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2022. The bill also addresses the carrying of concealed handguns by individuals with valid permits from other states. * **Independent Agencies:** The bill appropriates funds for the Administrative Conference of the United States ($3,430,000), the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ($650,000,000), and the Consumer Product Safety Commission ($142,000,000). It also provides funds for the Election Assistance Commission ($20,000,000), the Federal Communications Commission ($416,112,000), the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of the Inspector General ($52,632,000), the Federal Election Commission ($76,500,000), the Federal Labor Relations Authority ($29,500,000), the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council Environmental Review Improvement Fund ($4,000,000), the Federal Trade Commission ($388,700,000), the General Services Administration ($8,932,122,000 for the Federal Buildings Fund, $69,000,000 for Government-wide Policy, and $52,000,000 for General Activities), the Harry S Truman Scholarship Foundation ($2,500,000), the Merit Systems Protection Board ($49,135,000), the Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall Foundation ($1,782,000), the Environmental Dispute Resolution Fund ($3,904,000), the National Archives and Records Administration ($427,250,000 for Operating Expenses and $10,000,000 for Repairs and Restoration), the National Historical Publications and Records Commission Grants Program ($5,000,000), the National Credit Union Administration Community Development Revolving Loan Fund ($3,423,000), the Office of Government Ethics ($22,386,000), the Office of Personnel Management ($198,137,000), the Office of Special Counsel ($31,585,000), the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board ($13,700,000), the Public Buildings Reform Board ($3,605,000), the Securities and Exchange Commission ($2,004,663,000), the Selective Service System ($31,300,000), the Small Business Administration ($305,378,000 for Salaries and Expenses, $299,550,000 for Entrepreneurial Development Programs, $42,020,000 for Office of Inspector General, $10,109,000 for Office of Advocacy, and program accounts for Business Loans and Disaster Loans), and the United States Postal Service ($49,750,000 for Payment to the Postal Service Fund and $274,000,000 for Office of Inspector General). The bill includes numerous provisions restricting the use of funds for specific regulations, policies, or activities by these agencies, including those related to climate change, digital assets, cybersecurity, and various consumer protection rules. It also includes provisions related to the structure and operations of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, moving from a single director to a commission. * **General Provisions:** The bill prohibits the use of funds for planning or executing programs to pay intervenors in regulatory or adjudicatory proceedings. It also states that no funds appropriated shall remain available for obligation beyond the current fiscal year unless expressly provided. The expenditure of funds for consulting services through procurement contracts is limited to those that are a matter of public record. Funds may not be transferred to other government departments or agencies except as provided in the Act. Funds are prohibited from being used to enforce section 307 of the Tariff Act of 1930. Entities receiving assistance must agree to comply with chapter 83 of title 41, United States Code. No funds may be made available to entities convicted of violating chapter 83 of title 41, United States Code. The bill outlines reprogramming guidelines for funds, requiring prior approval from Congressional committees for significant changes. It also allows for the carryover of unobligated balances for salaries and expenses accounts, subject to committee approval. The Executive Office of the President is prohibited from requesting background investigation reports or determinations regarding tax-exempt status of organizations without specific consent or national security exceptions. Cost accounting standards do not apply to contracts under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program. The Office of Personnel Management may accept funds for resolving litigation related to the nonforeign area cost-of-living allowance program. Funds are prohibited from being used for abortions, with exceptions for the life of the mother or cases of rape or incest. The Buy American Act does not apply to the acquisition of information technology that is a commercial item. Agencies are restricted from accepting payment or reimbursement for travel and subsistence expenses from non-Federal entities subject to their regulation, with exceptions for certain non-profit organizations. Executive agencies must consult with the General Services Administration before issuing solicitations for new leases or construction contracts for office space, with exceptions for emergency leases. The bill appropriates funds for statutory pay systems and retirement benefits. Agencies must submit annual reports to their Inspectors General or senior ethics officials regarding conference costs and contracting procedures. Funds are prohibited from being used for employee training that does not meet identified needs, induces high emotional response, lacks prior notification and evaluation, contains religious or quasi-religious elements, or is offensive to personal values. Agencies are prohibited from using funds for publicity or propaganda purposes to support or defeat legislation pending before Congress. Federal employee home addresses cannot be provided to labor organizations without employee authorization or a court order. Non-public information cannot be provided to outside entities without committee approval. Funds cannot be used for publicity or propaganda purposes within the United States not previously authorized by Congress. Employees must use official time for official duties. Funds are available for interagency funding of Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board administrative costs. Funds are available for interagency funding of specific projects for the National Science and Technology Council. Federal agencies are prohibited from collecting or reviewing personally identifiable information related to individuals' internet use on Federal or non-governmental sites, with exceptions for law enforcement and system security. Funds are prohibited from being used to contract for prescription drug coverage without also providing contraceptive coverage, with exceptions for religious plans and objections based on religious beliefs. The United States supports anti-doping in sports. Agencies may use funds for fractional aircraft ownership pilot programs. Funds are prohibited from being used to implement restrictions on the Coast Guard Congressional Fellowship Program or proposed Office of Personnel Management regulations regarding employee details to the legislative branch. Agencies require advance approval for new facilities for federal law enforcement training, except for temporary use by the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers. Agencies are prohibited from producing prepackaged news stories intended for broadcast in the U.S. without clear notification that they were prepared or funded by the agency. Funds cannot be used in contravention of the Privacy Act. Federal contracts cannot be entered into with foreign incorporated entities treated as inverted domestic corporations unless a national security waiver is granted. Agencies must remit costs for processing retirement claims to the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund. Funds cannot be used to require entities submitting offers for Federal contracts to disclose political contributions or expenditures. Funds are prohibited from being used to pay for portraits of government officers or employees. Prevailing rate employees' pay adjustments are limited. Agencies must report conference costs exceeding $100,000 to their Inspectors General. Grants or contracts cannot be used for conferences not directly related to the grant or contract's purpose. Travel and conference activities must comply with OMB Memorandum M-12-12. Funds cannot be used to increase, eliminate, or reduce funding for a program proposed in the President's budget until enacted, unless made pursuant to reprogramming or transfer provisions. The Office of Personnel Management's "Competitive Area" rule is prohibited from implementation or enforcement. Agencies are prohibited from initiating or announcing studies or competitions for converting federal employee functions to contractor performance based on OMB Circular A-76. Contracts, grants, or cooperative agreements cannot be entered into with entities that require employees to sign confidentiality agreements prohibiting reporting of fraud, waste, or abuse. Nondisclosure policies or agreements must contain specific provisions related to classified information, communications to Congress, and reporting to Inspectors General or the Office of Special Counsel. Funds cannot be used to enter into contracts, grants, or loans with corporations that have unpaid Federal tax liabilities or have been convicted of a felony, unless further action is deemed unnecessary to protect government interests. The Vice President and certain Executive Schedule employees will not receive pay rate increases in calendar year 2025. Funds are prohibited from being used to contract with NewsGuard Technologies, Inc. or Global Disinformation Index, or similar entities that rate the credibility of domestic entities based on lawful speech. Funds are prohibited from being used to recruit, hire, promote, or retain individuals convicted of child pornography or sexual assault charges, or disciplined for accessing child pornography with federal resources. Funds are prohibited from being used to implement Executive Order No. 14019, except for specific sections related to voting access. Funds are prohibited from being used to implement or enforce COVID-19 mask or vaccine mandates. Funds are available for interagency funding for the United States Digital Service. Funds are prohibited from being provided to states, cities, or localities that allow non-citizens to vote in Federal elections. Funds are prohibited from being used for Thrift Savings Plan investments in mutual funds based primarily on environmental, social, or governance criteria. Funds are prohibited from being used to classify or facilitate the classification of communications as mis-, dis-, or mal-information, or to partner with or fund organizations that pressure private companies to censor lawful speech. The bill includes a spending reduction of $0.