Bill > HR4903

This bill, titled the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2015, outlines the financial appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2015, and includes various provisions to govern the use of these funds. Key provisions include limitations on the availability of appropriations beyond the current fiscal year unless explicitly stated, the ability to transfer and merge unexpended balances of prior appropriations into new accounts, and strict rules regarding the reprogramming of funds. Specifically, reprogramming is prohibited if it creates new programs, eliminates existing ones, increases funds for programs Congress has restricted, diverts funds from their intended purpose as specified by the Appropriations Committees, or involves contracting out functions without prior notification to Congress. The bill also sets thresholds for reprogramming amounts and requires advance notification to Congress for transfers between appropriations, with exceptions for emergencies. Furthermore, it addresses the operations of the Department of Homeland Security Working Capital Fund, establishes reporting requirements for budget and staffing, and includes provisions related to grant and contract awards, facility acquisition, construction projects, and adherence to the Buy American Act. It also contains specific restrictions on the use of funds for certain activities, such as the transfer of detainees from Guantanamo Bay, the amendment of the oath of allegiance, the development of a national identification card, and the prohibition of funds for abortions except in specific circumstances. The bill also mandates reporting on cybersecurity improvements, the use of funds for international conferences, and contracts with companies convicted of felonies or with unpaid federal tax liabilities, and includes provisions for the disposition of certain Department of Homeland Security properties and the reporting of weapon and ammunition purchases. Finally, it rescinds certain funds from various accounts within the Department of Homeland Security.