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Week Ending June 16, 2006

H.R.4939 Making emergency supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2006, and for other purposes.

This bill, if nothing else, has had the challenge of reconciling great gaps between the $98.7 billion requested by the President, the $91.7 billion passed by the House and nearly $109 billion approved by the Senate. The House/Senate conference resulted in a balanced $94.5 billion. But it is not the final chapter on supplemental spending as the report accompanying the conference bill anticipates another fiscal year 2007 supplemental raising spending on the War on Terror to $86.3 billion. In this bill $65 billion goes to the Global War on Terror, disaster assistance would get $19.8 billion, border security would receive $1.9 billion and Avian flu preparation would see $2.3 billion.

Such off-budget, deficit growing spending-as this bill proposes-was made legal when the administration began funding the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan off budget by referring to the funding as emergency spending related to national security. Now nearly all of the approximate $300 billion spent on those wars is off-budget although some has been included later in Department of Defense appropriation bills.

The committee concludes that this supplemental will not be the only spending effort. A total of $86.3 billion is expected to be needed in fiscal year 2007 for the war on terror requiring another supplemental appropriation bill. For the third year running the Senate has concluded that future requests for spending on the wars should be included in the President’s budget not in off-budget supplementals as such and has included an extra $50 billion for Iraq and Afghanistan in the Defense Authorization bill recently considered.

Highlights of the bill include:

War on Terror

$65.8 billion will be spent for armored humvees and tracked vehicles with an emphasis on the ‘safest, most effective armored vehicles” being delivered ‘in the most timely manner possible.” Abrams tanks and Bradley fighting vehicles are to be upgraded and a safer, up-armored humvee is ordered. The scourge of troops in Iraq, the Improvised Explosive Device, is addressed by $2 billion to procure and develop countermeasures to prevent attacks using the devices. The two year old increase $400,000 life insurance policy for active duty troops and the $100,000 death gratuity for combat related fatalilties are fully funded this year.

Two year back, commanders in the field were given the available funds to make immediate purchases of materiel necessary and needed quickly rather than waiting for the acquisition process to deliver the goods. This year $423 million is available to them for small-scale, urgent construction projects.

Training the security forces in Iraq and Afghanistan will spend $4.85 billion. A $1 billion cut over last year. Another $4 billion would go for fighting terror, providing humanitarian relief and spreading democracy worldwide. $1.6 billion in Iraq would aim to fund ‘various stabilization and local governance projects.” The diplomatic mission there would receive $1.1 billion of which $716 million is for security measures. Internationally $350 million will be spent for emergency food aid and $66 million would go to promote democracy in Iran.

Disaster Relief

Debris removal, reimbursing state and local governments for infrastructure repairs and assisting individuals and families will spend $6 billion. $5.2 billion is dispersed through Community Development Block grants to help hurricane stricken communities with long-term recovery projects. No one state can receive more that $4.2 billion.

Repairing levees and controlling floods would spend $3.7 billion through the Army Corps. $495 million goes to New Orleans levee reconstruction. The other $3.1 billion goes to ‘various hurricane-related activities in the Gul region.” Agriculture interests would see some help with hurricane impacts on farms and ranches. $500 million for that fund replaced the Senate effort to provide $3.4 billion.

$550 million will build a Veteran’s medical facility in New Orleans.

Sponsor: Rep. Jerry Lewis (R-CA-41^st)

Vote: A Motion to Recommit the bill with instructions failed 188 to 233 March 16, 2006 (RC 64). The House passed the bill 348 to 71 March 16, 2006 (RC 65) A Motion to Invoke Cloture succeeded 92 to 4 (RV 103) The bill passed the Senate May 4, 2006 78 to 20 (RV 112)Passed House June 13, 2006 351 to 67  (RC 257) Passed Senate 98 to 1 June 15, 2006 (RV 171)

Cost to the taxpayers: House: $92 billion for fiscal year 2006. Senate: $106.7 billion for fiscal year 2006. The Conference Report settled on $94.5 billion.

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MORE INFORMATION

TITLE I--GLOBAL WAR ON TERROR SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS

CHAPTER I--DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

CHAPTER 2 DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE--MILITARY

CHAPTER 3 BILATERAL ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE

GENERAL PROVISIONS AND TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS

CHAPTER 4   DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

CHAPTER 5  DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

CHAPTER 6  DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

DEPARTMENT OF STATE AND RELATED AGENCY

CHAPTER 7  DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

TITLE II--FURTHER HURRICANE DISASTER RELIEF AND RECOVERY

CHAPTER 1--DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

CHAPTER 2  DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE--MILITARY

CHAPTER 3 DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE--CIVIL

CHAPTER 4--DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

CHAPTER 5 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

CHAPTER 6 DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

CHAPTER 7 DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

CHAPTER 8 DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

CHAPTER 9 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

INDEPENDENT AGENCIES

TITLE III--EMERGENCY AGRICULTURAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE

TITLE IV--PANDEMIC FLU

TITLE V--BORDER SECURITY

CHAPTER 1 Border Security Initiative

CHAPTER 2 DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

CHAPTER 3  DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

TITLE VI LEGISLATIVE BRANCH

TITLE VII--GENERAL PROVISIONS AND TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS-What was and was not in the House and Senate versions of this bill.

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR--MINE SAFETY

RAILROAD RETIREMENT BOARD

SINGLE HOLDER RULE REPEAL AND CONSOLIDATION INTO DIRECT LENDING

NOTIFICATION OF EMERGENCY LEGISLATION

TITLE I--GLOBAL WAR ON TERROR SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS

   CHAPTER I--DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

   FOREIGN AGRICULTURAL SERVICE

   PUBLIC LAW 480 TITLE II GRANTS

   The conference agreement provides $350,000,000, to remain available until expended, for PL 480 Title II Grants as proposed by the House and the Senate.

To Top

   CHAPTER 2 DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE--MILITARY

   The conference agreement recommends $65,791,894,000 for the Department of Defense, instead of $67,557,241,000, as proposed by the House, and $65,657,269,000, as proposed by the Senate.

   The following table provides details of the supplemental appropriations for the Department of Defense-Military.

   Reporting Requirements

   The conferees direct the Secretary of Defense to provide a report to the congressional defense committees within 30 days after the date of enactment of this legislation on the allocation of the funds within the accounts listed in this chapter. The Secretary shall submit updated reports 30 days after the end of each fiscal quarter until funds listed in this chapter are no longer available for obligation. The conferees direct that these reports shall include: a detailed accounting of obligations and expenditures of appropriations provided in this chapter by program and subactivity group for the continuation of the war in Iraq and Afghanistan; and a listing of equipment procured using funds provided in this chapter. The conferees expect that in order to meet unanticipated requirements, the Department of Defense may need to transfer funds within these appropriations accounts for purposes other than those specified in this report. The conferees direct the Department of Defense to follow normal prior approval reprogramming procedures should it be necessary to transfer funding between different appropriations accounts in this chapter.

   Additionally, the conferees direct that the reporting requirements of section 9010 of Public Law 109-148, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2006, regarding military operations and stability in Iraq shall apply to the funds appropriated in this Act.

   Army Combat Brigades and Long-Term Equipment Repair Costs Reports

   The conferees agree on the House requirements for reports to be submitted to the congressional defense committees on Army Combat Brigades and Long-Term Equipment Repair Costs. The conferees direct that the reports shall be submitted not later than July 7, 2006.

   National Guard And Reserve

   The House report directed that not less than $3,571,083,000 of the funds provided in this bill shall be provided for the National Guard and Reserve forces to prosecute the Global War on Terror. The conferees agree that within the funds provided in the conference report, the National Guard and Reserve should receive not less than the President's budget request for these activities.

   Stryker Upgrades

   The conferees urge the Department of the Army to initiate Block 2 upgrade programs for existing Stryker brigades undergoing reset maintenance using funds available in this Act.

   Classified Programs

   Recommended adjustments to classified programs are addressed in a classified annex accompanying this report.

   MILITARY PERSONNEL

   The conference agreement recommends $10,282,131,000 for the military personnel accounts, instead of $9,933,381,000 as proposed by the House, and $10,204,007,000 as proposed by the Senate. The conference agreement on items addressed by either the House or Senate is as follows:

[Page: H3607]  GPO's PDF

  Basic Allowance for Housing   86,430   86,430   86,430     Marine Corps active duty overstrength   272,600   272,600   272,600     Pay and Allowances     20,000       SGLI/Death Gratuity   191,600   198,350   198,350     Total Military Personnel, Marine Corps   834,122   860,872   840,872     Military Personnel, Air Force:     Incremental OIF/OEF wartime costs   721,834   721,834   721,834     Basic Allowance for Housing   131,100   131,100   131,100     Pay and Allowances     40,000       SGLI/Death Gratuity   292,429   302,779   302,779     Total Military Personnel, Air Force   1,145,363   1,195,713   1,155,713     Reserve Personnel, Army:     Recruiting and Retention Initiatives   159,070   129,070   129,070     Branch Officer Basic Course     10,000       Foreign Army Training Command   4,500   4,500   4,500     Port Handling Operations   2,500   2,500   2,500     SGLI/Death Gratuity     4,500   4,500     Total Reserve Personnel, Army   166,070   150,570   140,570     Reserve Personnel, Navy:     Incremental OIF/OEF wartime costs   82,128   82,128   82,128     Basic Allowance for Housing   24,984   24,984   24,984     Recruiting and Retention     5,000       SGLI/Death Gratuity   2,300   2,600   2,600     GWOT Initiatives   1,000   1,000   1,000     Total Reserve Personnel, Navy   110,412   115,712   110,712     Reserve Personnel, Marine Corps:     Transitional Active Force Augmentation   9,127   9,127   9,127     Recruiting and Retention     2,565       SGLI/Death Gratuity   1,200   1,500   1,500     Total Reserve Personnel, Marine Corps   10,327   13,192   10,627     Reserve Personnel, Air Force:     Schools and Special Training     1,500       SGLI/Death Gratuity   1,940   1,940   1,940     Total Reserve Personnel, Air Force   1,940   3,440   1,940     National Guard Personnel, Army:     Recruiting and Retention Initiatives   35,000   55,000   45,000     SGLI/Death Gratuity   5,000   17,550   17,550     Inactive Duty Training   36,200   36,200   36,200     Annual Training (AT)   12,800   12,800   12,800     Incapacitation Pay   7,000         Total National Guard Personnel, Army   96,000   121,500   111,500     National Guard Personnel, Air Force:     Recruiting and Retention Initiatives     5,000       SGLI/Death Gratuity   1,200   1,200   1,200     Total National Guard Personnel, Air Force   1,200   6,200   1,200     Total Military Personnel   9,933,381   10,204,007   10,282,131

   OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

   The conference agreement recommends $37,899,717,000 for the operation and maintenance accounts, instead of $36,964,299,000 as proposed by the House, and $39,194,590,000 as proposed by the Senate. The conference agreement on items addressed by either the House or Senate is as follows:

[In thousands of dollars]

Account
Conference

   Operation and Maintenance, Army:

Incremental Wartime Operating Costs

   7,562,500

Incremental LOGCAP

   1,752,410

Civilian and Contractor Subsistence

   511,000

Second Destination Transportation

   646,500

Other Transportation

   754,600

Depot Maintenance

   773,700

Depot Maintenance: Army National Guard Abrams AIM

   130,000

Contractor Logistics Support (CLS)

   865,700

Other Maintenance--Organizational and Intermediate

   109,500

Communications and Electronics

   585,200

Other Personnel Support

   349,000

Recruiting and Retention

   4,000

Medical and Casualty Support

   62,600

Contract Linguists

   290,000

Training

   1,446,800

CONUS Base Support (to include CHPP Fire Damage)

   16,000

Army Modular Facilities

   247,700

Other GW OT Operations and Support

   125,100

OHDACA Reimbursement

   20,000

Lift and Sustain

   351,000

Commanders Emergency Response Program

   423,000

Project and Contracting Office

   200,000

Joint Improvised Explosive Device (JIED) Defeat Transfer to JIED Fund Coalition Blue Force Tracker and COB Communications

   16,000

Other Programs

   235,600

Baseline Budget Fuel Increase

   116,500

Reset

   150,000
Total Operation and Maintenance, Army

   17,744,410

   Operation and Maintenance, Navy:

Personnel Support Costs

   41,800

Body Armor

   13,200

Ship Depot Maintenance

   134,200

Aircraft Depot Maintenance

   19,600

Ground Depot Maintenance

   110,300

Reset

   36,700

Steaming Days

   130,200

Flying Hours

   503,900

C4I, Logistics, Material and Training Support

   268,600

Other Operational Support Costs

   203,100

OHDACA Reimbursement

   20,000

Baseline Fuel Rate Increase

   157,600

Other GWOT Operations and Support

   90,600

Classified Programs

   61,593

USMC Transportation

   326,900

Airlift

   255,700

Sealift

   20,800

Other Transportation

   301,900
Total Operation and Maintenance, Navy

   2,696,693

   Operation and Maintenance, Marine Corps:

Personnel Support Costs

   118,900

Body Armor/Initial Issue/Personal Protection Equipment

   238,700

Equipment Maintenance

   39,100

Reset

   240,800

In-Theater Logistics Support

   321,100

Horn of Africa LOG CAP

   149,900

Other Operating Support Costs

   190,511

Classified Programs

   8,600

Second Destination Transportation

   289,000

Airlift

   22,300

Sealift

   21,000
Total Operation and Maintenance, Marine Corps

   1,639,911

   Operation and Maintenance, Air Force:

Operating Support/Flying Hours/Unit Optempo

   1,262,849

Depot Maintenance and Contractor Logistics Support

   838,572

Transportation

   1,559,004

Fuel Rate Increase

   149,200

GWOT Airlift/SDT

   924,360

Personnel Support

   296,294

Body Armor

   24,700

Other Support

   275,549

OHDACA Reimbursement

   20,000

Classified Programs

   225,729
Total Operation and Maintenance, Air Force

   5,576,257

   Operation and Maintenance, Defense-Wide:

TJS--Combatant Commander Initiative Fund

    25,000

SOCOM--Special Operations Command

   856,852

DLA--Over Ocean Transportation

   100,000

DCAA--Contract Audit

   16,000

DCMA--Contract Management

   6,000

DODEA--Family Support Counseling

   85,000

DODEA--Transition Assistance to Separating Service Members

   8,000

DLSA--Military Tribunals

   11,000

DISA--Communications Network Support

   77,000

AFIS--Stars & Stripes, American Forces Radio/TV Service

   12,100

DSCA--Coalition Support

   740,000

OSD--Lift & Sustain

   95,000

OSD--NII/DCIP to Support USCENTCOM and Warfighter Activities

   32,600

DTRA--Cooperative Threat Reduction (Transfer to FSUTR Account)

   -

Other Defense-Wide Programs

   26,547

Coast Guard Support

   75,000

Classified Programs

   664,578

Border Security Initiative (Transfer to title V)

   -
Total Operation and Maintenance, Defense-Wide

   2,830,677

   Operation and Maintenance, Army Reserve:

Recruiting and Retention Support

   3,800

Premobilization Training

   65,400

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Port Handling Operations

   600

Pre/Post Mobilization Equipment Maintenance

   8,800

USAR Range Operations

   3,000

Foreign Army Training Command

   2,000

Soldier and Family Support Programs

   1,100

Baseline Budget Fuel Increase

   15,400
Total Operation and Maintenance, Army Reserve

   100,100

   Total Operation and Maintenance, Navy Reserve:

Reserve Operating Support Costs

   59,909

Classified Programs

   15,600

Depot Maintenance

   3,000
Total Operation and Maintenance, Navy Reserve

   78,509

   Total Operation and Maintenance, Marine Corps Reserve:

Body Armor/Initial Issue/Personal Protection Equipment

   68,900

Other Personnel Support

   2,100

Operating Forces

   9,825

Training and Support

   3,725

Base Operating Support

   3,125

Baseline Budget Fuel Increase

   200
Total Operation and Maintenance, Marine Corps Reserve

   87,875

   Operation and Maintenance, Air Force Reserve:

Personnel Operating Support Costs

   1,300

Baseline Budget Fuel Increase

   17,263
Total Operation and Maintenance, Air Force Reserve

   18,563

   Operation and Maintenance, Army National Guard:

Recruiting and Retention Support

   77,000

Premobilization Training

   21,500

Aviation Depot Level Maintenance

   19,300

Military Technician Program

   30,000

Battle Command Simulation

   1,200

Line of Duty Application Processing

   1,500

Baseline Budget Fuel Increase

   28,100
Total Operation and Maintenance, Army National Guard

   178,600

   Operation and Maintenance, Air National Guard:

Baseline Budget Fuel Increase

   30,400
Total Operation and Maintenance, Air National Guard

   30,400

Former Soviet Union Threat Reduction Account (FSUTRA)

   44,500

Afghanistan Security Forces Fund

   1,908,133

Iraq Freedom Fund

   3,007,000
Total Security Forces Funds

   4,915,133

Iraq Freedom Fund

   -

Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Fund

   1,958,089

   
Total Operation and Maintenance

   37,899,717

   Comprehensive Combat Casualty Care Center in San Diego

   The conferees are pleased that the Navy has made funds available to open the Comprehensive Combat Casualty Care Center in San Diego and that the Navy has agreed to continue financing this center in future budgets. The creation of this center will help marines, sailors and soldiers assigned to the West Coast return to their commands, families and communities, while ensuring that their rehabilitation continues without interruption.

   Operation and Maintenance, Defense-Wide

   The conference agreement includes $5,000,000 for emergencies and extraordinary expenses instead of $10,000,000 as proposed by the House. The Senate did not address this matter.

   The conference agreement includes $740,000,000 in coalition support funding as proposed by the Senate instead of $1,200,000,000 as proposed by the House.

   The conference agreement amends Senate language providing that up to $75,000,000 shall be transferred to the Coast Guard for operating expenses. The House bill addressed this matter in the Operation and Maintenance, Navy account.

   border Security Initiative

   On May 18, 2006, the Administration submitted a revised supplemental request for a border security initiative. The revised request provided an additional $1,900,000,000 to the Departments of Defense, Justice and Homeland Security for this initiative. The additional amount for the President's border security initiative was offset by a corresponding reduction to the Department of Defense's funding for the Global War on Terror.

   The conferees recommend $708,000,000, instead of $756,000,000 as proposed by the Administration, for the Department of Defense to fund the incremental military personnel and operation and maintenance costs of deploying up to 6,000 National Guard personnel to the U.S. border for one year in support of the Department of Homeland Security.

   The funds recommended for the Department of Defense are addressed in Title V of this Act.

   Counseling and Transition Assistance

   The conferees remain concerned about the effects of combat operations on the emotional and psychological well-being of our military forces returning from war. This concern is borne out by a recently released Veterans Administration (VA) report that indicates almost 30,000 Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom veterans have reported to VA hospitals with effects from post traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD). To address this issue, the conferees agree to include $93,000,000 for family support counseling and transition assistance, an increase of $50,000,000 over the request. The conferees believe the Department of Defense should redouble its efforts to understand the counseling and transition assistance needs of our returning troops and seek sufficient funding for programs that address these needs.

   Former Soviet Union Threat Reduction Account

   The conference agreement provides $44,500,000 for the Former Soviet Union Threat Reduction Account.

   Afghanistan and Iraq Security Forces Funds

   The conference agreement provides $1,908,133,000 for the Afghanistan Security Forces Fund, as proposed by the Senate, instead of $1,851,833,000 as proposed by the House; and provides $3,007,000,000 for the Iraq Security Forces Fund, as proposed by the House, instead of $3,703,000,000, as proposed by the Senate. The conferees agree that funds may be made available for infrastructure for the security forces in both countries that are being trained and equipped by the United States and its coalition allies, including police and military forces.

   While the conference agreement does not provide full funding as requested by the President for these funds, the conferees note that it would not have been possible for the requested funds to be fully obligated and expended in the remaining months of fiscal year 2006. The reduction is taken without prejudice.

   The conferees endorse language as proposed by the House regarding reporting requirements for the Afghanistan and Iraq Security Forces Funds.

   The conferees are concerned that Iraq's neighbors in the Middle East have not provided sufficient resources to ensure security and stability in that country. Many of these nations have experienced greatly increased revenue flows due to the rise in oil prices. While the United States and its coalition allies have borne the predominant burden of combat operations, supporting free elections, and helping establish a permanent government, Arab and other nations in the region now need to greatly enhance their assistance for the new Iraqi security forces. The conferees strongly urge the Department of Defense and the Administration to renew efforts to solicit contributions from these nations so that in the future the United States is not the primary source of funds for the modernization of the Iraqi security forces.

   Commander's Emergency Response Program

   The conferees provide $423,000,000 for the Commander's Emergency Response Program (CERP), as proposed by both the House and the Senate. The conferees endorse language

as proposed by the House that amends current CERP reporting requirements. The conferees also recognize that military commanders in the field are the first line of contact with the civilian population and therefore direct that the CERP funds remain under the operational control of the military commanders.

   Condolence Payments

   The conferees agree with the intent of the Senate language on condolence payments to civilians who have suffered injuries, or to the families of those who have died, as a result of combat operations. In addressing Department of Defense condolence payments, the report should only address activities funded under the CERP program. Recommendations on funding mechanisms for condolence payments should include a consideration of funding through other Federal Agencies.

   Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Fund

   The conferees provide $1,958,089,000 for the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Fund, as proposed by the Senate.

   The conferees endorse the Senate language which directs the Department of Defense to provide an initial report on the organization, funding, and other matters related to the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Fund. The initial report shall be provided to the congressional defense committees within 60 days of enactment of the accompanying Act. In addition, the Department is to provide subsequent reports not later than 30 days after the end of each fiscal quarter to the congressional defense committees.

   PROCUREMENT

   The conference agreement provides a total of$15,028,313,000 for various procurement appropriations, instead of $17,679,451,000 as proposed by the House and $15,456,598,000 as proposed by the Senate.

   The conference agreement on items addressed by either the House or Senate is as follows:

[Page: H3610]  

   RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TEST AND EVALUATION

   The conference agreement provides a total of $710,726,000 for research, development, test and evaluation appropriations, as proposed by the Senate, instead of $1,002,053,000 as proposed by the House.

e conference agreement on items addressed by either the House or Senate is as follows:

   REVOLVING AND MANAGEMENT FUNDS

   Defense Working Capital Funds

   The conference agreement provides $516,700,000 for the Defense Working Capital Funds, as proposed by the Senate, instead of $502,700,000 as proposed by the House, to be allocated as follows:

[In thousands of dollars]

Conference

   War Reserve Stocks--Army

   $49,100

   Prepositioned Stocks--Army (APS-5)

   43,000

   Spares Augmentation--Army

   255,000

   Increased Fuel Costs (Defense Working Capital Fund)

   37,600

   Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Fuel Distribution-Iraq

   107,000

   Theater Distribution Center Kuwait (DLA)

   25,000

   OTHER DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE PROGRAMS

   Defense Health Program

   The conference agreement provides $1,153,562,000 for the Defense Health Program, as proposed by the House and the Senate, for medical costs related to providing health care for activated reservists and their families, allowing military hospitals to contract for civilian medical staff to backfill deployed active duty medical staff, providing mental health services and medical treatment of mental health conditions, and for other medical-related costs for the Global War on Terror.

   The conferees agree that expanding the U.S. prosthetic and orthotic training capacity is an important long-term issue. However, the conferees do not agree to $20,000,000 within the total to expand the capacity to nine schools accredited by the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education as proposed by the House. The conferees encourage the Department to enhance this training in future budget requests.

   Drug Interdiction and Counter-Drug Activities, Defense

   The conference agreement provides $150,470,000 for Drug Interdiction and Counter-Drug Activities, Defense instead of $156,800,000 as proposed by the House, and $154,596,000 as proposed by the Senate. Adjustments to this account are shown below:

   Office of the Inspector General

   The conference agreement provides $5,000,000 for the Office of the Inspector General, instead of $6,120,000 as proposed by the House and $1,815,000 as proposed by the Senate. This increase is intended to allow the Inspector General to facilitate his oversight activities of the Afghanistan and Iraq Security Forces Funds, among other activities.

   RELATED AGENCIES

   Intelligence Community Management Account

   The conference agreement provides $158,875,000 for the Intelligence Community Management Account, as proposed by both the House and the Senate.

   GENERAL PROVISIONS--THIS TITLE

   The conferees agree to retain and amend section 1201, as proposed by the House and Senate, which provides the Secretary of Defense authority to transfer up to $2,000,000,000 of funds made available in this title.

   The conferees agree to retain and amend section 1202, as proposed by the Senate, which amends section 8005 of the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2006 to provide an additional $1,250,000,000 in transfer authority.

   The conferees agree to retain section 1203, as proposed by the Senate, which provides that funds in the Defense Cooperation Account may be transferred to other defense accounts.

   The conferees agree to retain section 1204, as proposed by the Senate, which increases the authorized United States contribution to NATO to $345,547,000.

   The conferees agree to retain and amend section 1205, as proposed by the House and Senate, which provides that not more than $22,200,000 may 706 233 be available for support for counter-drug activities of Afghanistan and Pakistan.

   The conferees agree to retain and amend section 1206, as proposed by the House and Senate, which provides that during the current fiscal year working capital funds of the Department of Defense may increase the limitation on advance billing to $1,200,000,000.

   The conferees agree to retain section 1207, as proposed by the House and Senate, which provides for an increase in the amount of funds that may be used for the Commander's Emergency Response Program (CERP).

   The conferees agree to retain section 1208, as proposed by the House and Senate, which includes a technical change to language regarding use of the Afghanistan Security Forces Fund and the Iraq Security Forces Fund for supervision and administration costs of construction projects that will be completed after fiscal year 2006.

   The conferees agree to retain section 1209, as proposed by the House and Senate, which prohibits funds provided in this chapter to finance programs or activities denied by Congress, or to initiate a new start program without prior notification to the congressional defense committees.

   The conferees agree to retain and amend section 1210, as proposed by the Senate, which amends Public Law 109-163 to provide retroactive payments of Death Gratuity benefits for those military members who died on active duty from May 12, 2005 to August 31, 2005.

   The conferees agree to retain and amend section 1211, which rescinds a total of $119,400,000 from funds provided in prior Department of Defense appropriations acts. The conferees include a rescission of $39,400,000 from ``Other Procurement, Air Force'', appropriated in fiscal year 2005/2007. The conferees also include a rescission of $80,000,000 from ``Missile Procurement, Air Force'' appropriated in fiscal year 2006/2008.

   The conferees agree to retain and amend section 1212, as proposed by the Senate, which directs the Department to continue the Interim Voting Assistance System (IV AS) Ballot Request Program.

   The conferees agree to retain section 1213, as proposed by the Senate, which includes Sense of the Senate language that any request for funds after fiscal year 2007 for an ongoing military operation overseas, including operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, should be included in the President's annual budget submission for that fiscal year.

   The conferees agree to delete language, as proposed by the Senate, which transfers

funds available for Cooperative Threat Reduction to the ``Former Soviet Union Threat Reduction Account''.

   The conferees do not agree to section 1312 of the Senate bill regarding Federal employee pay when serving as a member of the Uniformed Services or National Guard.

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   CHAPTER 3 BILATERAL ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE

   Funds Appropriated to the President

   UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

   CHILD SURVIVAL AND HEALTH PROGRAMS FUND

   The conference agreement provides $7,800,000 for ``Child Survival and Health Programs Fund'', instead of $5,300,000 as recommended by the House and $10,300,000 as recommended by the Senate.

   Development Assistance

   The conference agreement provides $16,500,000 for ``Development Assistance'' instead of $10,500,000 as proposed by the House and $22,500,000 as proposed by the Senate.

   The conference agreement includes $6,000,000 for assistance for Guatemala for relief and reconstruction activities related to Hurricane Stan, instead of no funding as proposed by the House and $12,000,000 as proposed by the Senate.

   INTERNATIONAL DISASTER AND FAMINE ASSISTANCE

   (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

   The conference agreement provides $161,300,000 for ``International Disaster and Famine Assistance'' instead of $136,290,000 as proposed by the House and $171,290,000 as proposed by the Senate. The conferees agree to provide these funds to meet the highest priority requirements for disaster and famine assistance.

   The conference agreement includes the Senate proposal to provide a transfer of $80,000 to Operating Expenses of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

   operating expenses of the united states agency for international development

   The conference agreement provides $101,000,000 for ``Operating Expenses of the United States Agency for International Development'' for expenses in Iraq, Afghanistan and Sudan, instead of $61,600,000 as proposed by the House and $141,600,000 as proposed by the Senate.

   OTHER BILATERAL ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE

   ECONOMIC SUPPORT FUND

   (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

   The conference agreement provides $1,686,000,000 for the ``Economic Support Fund'', instead of $1,584,500,000 as proposed by the House and $1,757,500,000 as proposed by the Senate.

   The conferees agree that the funds provided in this appropriation shall be expended as follows:

   The conference agreement includes $43,000,000 for assistance for Afghanistan as proposed by the Senate, instead of $5,000,000 as proposed by the House.

   The conference agreement includes a proposal by the Senate to provide $11,000,000 for costs of modifying direct loans and guarantees for Afghanistan and that the costs of modifying such loans should not be considered assistance.

   The conference agreement includes a proposal by the Senate to provide $5,000,000 for agriculture and rural development programs in Afghanistan to be administered through a national consortium of agriculture colleges and land-grant colleges.

   The conference agreement includes a proposal by the Senate to amend a provision carried in the Economic Support Fund appropriation of fiscal year 2006 and prior fiscal years.

   The conference agreement includes a total of $1,485,000,000 for assistance for Iraq instead of $1,489,000,000 as proposed by both the House and the Senate.

   Within the amounts provided for Iraq, the conference agreement includes $50,000,000 for continued support for the USAID Iraq Community Action Program (ICAP) which directly engages Iraqis in democratic decision making to restore basic services and reconstruct their own communities instead of $10,000,000 as proposed by the House and $75,000,000 as proposed by the Senate. The conferees agree that significant congressional support for ICAP is due to the fine work that has been achieved by this consortium of nongovernmental organizations committed to making the lives of Iraq's citizens more productive. These funds will enable ICAP to continue functioning at approximately the current level through fiscal year 2006, after which fiscal year 2007 funds will become available.

   The conference agreement includes language to transfer $5,000,000 of the ICAP funds to the Iraq Relief and Reconstruction Fund (IRRF) for the Marla Ruzicka Iraqi War Victims Fund, instead of $10,000,000 as proposed by the Senate, for assistance to Iraqi civilians who have suffered losses as a result of the military operations.

   Within the amounts provided for Iraq, the conference agreement includes $50,000,000 for democracy, rule of law, and reconciliation programs, including activities that promote the development of civil society, political parties, election processes and parliament. The Senate addressed this issue in Section 1407 of the bill. The conferees agree that the funds shall be provided to the following organizations in the following amounts:

[In thousands of dollars]

   IFES

   $10,000

   IREX

   3,000

   NED

   5,000

   ADF

   8,000

   NDI

   10,000

   IRI

   10,000

   USIP-Iraq and Afghanistan

   4,000

   TOTAL

   50,000

   The conferees expect compliance with the reporting requirements contained in Section 1407(b) of the Senate bill.

   The conference agreement includes $17,500,000 for Haiti instead of no funding as proposed by the House and $35,000,000 as proposed by the Senate for programs to increase economic opportunities, for police reform, and judicial and legal reforms.

   The conference agreement includes a proposal by the Senate requiring that funds made available under this heading for police and judicial reform programs for Haiti be subject to regular notification procedures.

   The conference agreement includes $50,000,000 for assistance for Jordan instead of no funding as proposed by the House and $100,000,000 as proposed by the Senate.

   The conference agreement includes $40,500,000 for assistance for Pakistan as proposed by the House and the Senate for assistance to meet urgent needs associated with the October 2005 earthquake, including reimbursement of funds previously expended for such purposes.

   The conference agreement includes $50,000,000 for assistance for Liberia as proposed by the House and the Senate. The conferees agree with the language as proposed by the Senate that assistance for Liberia should be for emergency employment activities, infrastructure development projects, democracy, human rights and rule of law programs, and activities to assist with the demobilization and reintegration of ex-rebel combatants.

   The conferees expect compliance with the reporting requirement and the limitation on expenditures with respect to PRTs/PRDCs in Iraq as proposed by the House.

   DEPARTMENT OF STATE

   Democracy Fund

   The conference agreement includes $22,500,000 for ``Democracy Fund'', instead of $10,000,000 as proposed by the House and $39,750,000 as proposed by the Senate.

   The conference agreement does not include language as proposed by the House that the funds are for the advancement of democracy in Iran.

   The conference agreement includes $20,000,000 for programs and activities promoting democracy in Iran instead of $10,000,000 as proposed by the House and $34,750,000 as proposed by the Senate.

   The conference agreement provides $2,500,000 for assistance for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) instead of no funding as proposed by the House and $5,000,000 as proposed by the Senate. The conferees agree to provide these funds for immediate electoral assistance and to improve governance and consolidate democracy following the elections this year, the first in the DRC in nearly half a century.

   The conference agreement includes a proposal by the Senate that funds available under this heading are available notwithstanding any other provision of law and those funds available to promote democracy in Iran shall be administered by the Middle East Partnership Initiative. The conference agreement includes a modification of this language to require consultation with the Department of State's Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor.

   The conference agreement includes a proposal by the Senate that funds available under this heading in this Act shall be subject to regular notification procedures.

   The conferees expect compliance with reporting requirements and limitation on expenditure of funds with respect to democracy programs in Iran as proposed by the House.

INTERNATIONAL NARCOTICS CONTROL AND LAW ENFORCEMENT

   (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

   The conference agreement includes $107,700,000 for ``International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement'', as proposed by both the House and the Senate.

   The conference agreement includes language making funds available until September 30, 2008 as proposed by the Senate instead of September 30, 2007 as proposed by the House.

   The conference agreement includes language that provides from within funds appropriated under this heading, up to $13,000,000 for maritime surveillance aircraft for the Colombian Navy, instead of $26,300,000 as proposed by the House and no funding as proposed by the Senate. The conference agreement also includes language that allows for the transfer of these funds to the ``Foreign Military Financing Program'' should this provide the most effective means of procuring a maritime patrol aircraft for the Colombian Navy.

   The conferees direct the Director of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency and the Deputy Secretary of State, prior to the obligation of the funds for the maritime patrol aircraft, to submit jointly a report to the Committees on Appropriations that describes: (a) an Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) for the acquisition of a maritime patrol aircraft for the Colombian Navy; (b) the source of funds most appropriate for supporting the recommended acquisition strategy (to include the viability of providing a maritime patrol capability through the transfer of excess defense articles); and (c) an assessment of the overall assistance needs of the Colombian Army, Air Force and Navy for fiscal year 2008. The AoA shall include at a minimum: the requirement or mission need for the aircraft to be procured; planned funding for the subject acquisition; cost of alternative aircraft to include mission essential communications, navigation and intelligence equipment; mission capabilities to include range, lift and operational limitations; estimated annual maintenance costs and requirements; and contract or availability limitations.

   The conference agreement includes a proposal by the Senate that from within funds appropriated under this heading, $3,300,000 shall be made available for assistance for the Peace and Justice Unit of the Colombia Fiscalia notwithstanding section 599E of Public Law 109-102. The conferees agree to provide these funds to support criminal investigations and prosecutions related to the demobilization of paramilitary organizations. These funds are in addition to the $1,700,000 made available in fiscal year 2005 funds that have already been allocated for this purpose.

   MIGRATION AND REFUGEE ASSISTANCE

   The conference agreement provides $75,700,000 for ``Migration and Refugee Assistance'' instead of $51,200,000 as proposed by the House and $110,200,000 as proposed by the Senate.

   The conference agreement includes the following amounts for the following programs:

[In thousands of dollars]

   Afghanistan

   $3,400

   Chad/Darfur humanitarian assistance

   11,700

   Southern Sudan repatriation

   12,300

   Liberia

   13,800

   Refugee food aid

   12,000

   Burma

   5,000

   Other

   17,500

   TOTAL

   75,700

   UNITED STATES EMERGENCY REFUGEE AND MIGRATION ASSISTANCE FUND

   The conference agreement does not include an appropriation for the ``United States Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund'' as proposed by the House instead of $20,000,000 as proposed by the Senate.

   Department of the Treasury

   International Affairs Technical Assistance

   The conference agreement includes $13,000,000 for ``International Affairs Technical Assistance'' as proposed by both the House and the Senate.

   Military Assistance

   Funds Appropriated to the President

   PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS

   The conference agreement includes $178,000,000 for ``Peacekeeping Operations'' instead of $173,000,000 as proposed by the House and $181,200,000 as proposed by the Senate.

   The conference agreement does not include language proposed by the House that the appropriation be increased by $50,000,000.

   The conference agreement includes the following amounts for the following programs:

[In thousands of dollars]

Conference

   Contractor logistics support/base operations

   $68,200

   Contract military observers

   2,300

   Security and infrastructure upgrades for AMIS base camps

   8,500

   Contractor train and equip AMIS battalions

   37,000

   Global Peace Operations Initiative

   57,000

   Democratic Republic of the Congo

   5,000

   Total

   178,000

   The conference agreement includes $5,000,000 for training and equipment for the Congolese National Army (FARDC) to improve the capacity of FARDC units that are integrated with United Nations peacekeeping troops to provide effective security. The conferees agree that rebuilding the FARDC into a professional, disciplined force that respects human rights and civilian authority will be essential to stability and peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The conferees direct the Department of State to consult with the Committees on Appropriations prior to the obligation of these funds.

   GENERAL PROVISIONS--THIS CHAPTER

   Section 1301. Availability of funds--The conference agreement includes a provision similar to that proposed by the House (Sec. 1301) and similar to that proposed by the Senate (Sec. 1403) concerning availability of funds.

   Sec. 1302. Iraq Relief and Reconstruction Fund--The conference agreement includes a provision similar to that proposed by the House (Sec. 1304) and the Senate (Sec. 1401) that extends the availability of the IRRF for an additional one year for the purposes of de-obligation and re-obligation of funds and provides new ``sectoral'' allocations for the IRRF.

   The conference agreement does not include a provision as proposed House (Sec. 1302) recommendmg the transfer of $185,500,000 from funds appropriated to the IRRF to the ``Economic Support Fund'' contained in this Act.

   Sec. 1303. Peacekeeping Operations (Rescission)--The conference agreement includes a provision similar to that proposed by the House (Sec. 1303) to rescind $7,000,000 of previously appropriated funds.

   Sec. 1304. Palestinian Authority--The conference agreement includes a provision similar to that proposed by the Senate (Sec. 1404) and similar to a provision proposed by the House (Sec. 3012) concerning assistance to the Palestinian Authority.

   Sec. 1305. Export-Import Bank (Rescission)--The conference agreement includes a provision similar to that proposed by the Senate (Sec. 1405) to rescind $37,000,000 of previously appropriated funds.

   Sec. 1306. Administrative Cost--The conference agreement includes a provision proposed by the Senate (Sec. 1402) stating that the administrative costs of the Department of Defense associated with a construction project funded by the IRRF may be obligated at the time of the contract award and for pre-existing contracts by September 30, 2006, and states that such costs include all in-house government costs.

   Democracy in Iraq--The conference agreement does not include a provision proposed by the Senate (Sec. 1407). Instead the conferees agree to provide $50,000,000 for democracy programs in Iraq within the ``Economic Support Fund'' in this Act.

   Economic Support Fund (Rescission)--The conference agreement does not include a provision proposed by the Senate (Sec. 1408) that rescinded funds previously appropriated for Egypt cash transfer assistance.

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   TITLE III GENERAL PROVISIONS AND TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS

   Palestinian Authority--The conference agreement does not, in this Title, include a provision proposed by the House (Sec. 3012) and similar to a provision proposed by the Senate (Sec. 1404) contained in Title I, Chapter 4 of the Senate bill. Instead, the conferees agree to address this issue as Sec. 1304 in Title I of this agreement.

   Basing Rights in Iraq--The conference agreement does not include a provision proposed by the House (Sec. 3014) that would have prohibited the use of funds to enter into a basing rights agreement between the United States and Iraq.

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   CHAPTER 4   DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

   UNITED STATES COAST GUARD

   Operating Expenses

   The conferees agree to provide $26,692,000 as proposed by the House and the Senate for the United States Coast Guard's share of enhanced death gratuity benefits and for upgrades to necessary intelligence systems.

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   CHAPTER 5  DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

   Use of requested military construction funds to offset border security proposal.--The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) submitted on February 16, 2006, an emergency military construction request for the global war on terrorism totaling $484,700,000. The projects comprised by that request were deemed urgent and vital to ongoing contingency operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. On May 14, 2006, OMB submitted a border security funding proposal that included offsets from the military construction request submitted in February. Included in this list were three projects at Bagram, Afghanistan, though OMB gave no explanation as to why these projects were no longer deemed emergency requirements. The conferees do not recommend funding for these three projects, since the Administration no longer regards them as priorities. The conferees believe that emergency spending requests must be taken seriously and deserve to be reviewed and acted upon in good faith. Such consideration becomes more difficult, however, when emergency requests are revoked without any

apparent reason related to changing facts on the ground in the theater of operations.

   Military Construction, Army

   The conferees agree to provide $187,100,000, instead of $287,100,000 as proposed by the House and $214,344,000 as proposed by the Senate. The conferees agree to include a provision as proposed by the House to prohibit the obligation or expenditure of funds for Counter IED/Urban Bypass Roads in Iraq until the Secretary of Defense submits a detailed plan for the construction of such roads. The Senate bill contained no similar provision. The conferees also agree to make the funds available until September 30, 2007, as proposed by the House, instead of September 30, 2010, as proposed by the Senate. Funds are provided as follows:

   Military Construction, Air Force

   The conferees agree to provide $27,700,000, instead of $35,600,000 as proposed by the House and $28,200,000 as proposed by the Senate. The conferees agree to make the funds available until September 30, 2007, as proposed by the House, instead of September 30, 2010, as proposed by the Senate. Funds are provided as follows:

   Military Construction, Defense-Wide

   The conferees agree to provide $20,600,000, instead of $35,200,000 as proposed by the Senate. The House bill contained no funding for this account. The conferees agree to make the funds available until September 30, 2007, instead of September 30, 2010, as proposed by the Senate. Funds are provided as follows:

   DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

   Veterans Health Administration

   MEDICAL SERVICES

   The conferees have not included $430,000,000 of contingent emergency appropriations as proposed by the Senate. The House bill contained no similar provision.

   GENERAL PROVISIONS--THIS CHAPTER

   The conferees have not included a provision proposed by the Senate to prohibit the use of funds in this title to establish permanent United States military bases in Iraq, or to exercise United States control over the oil infrastructure or oil resources of Iraq. The House bill contained no similar provision.

   The conferees have not included a provision proposed by the Senate to prohibit the use of funds in this title to establish permanent military bases in Iraq, or to exercise control over the oil infrastructure or oil resources of Iraq. The House bill contained no similar provision.

   The conferees have not included a provision, proposed by the House, which would have expanded the use of funds previously appropriated to the Department of Veterans Affairs, Medical Services account. The Senate bill contained no similar provision.

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   CHAPTER 6  DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

   Legal Activities

   SALARIES AND EXPENSES, UNITED STATES ATTORNEYS

   The conference agreement provides $3,000,000 for the United States Attorneys for necessary costs associated with national security investigations and prosecutions, as proposed by the House and Senate.

   United States Marshals Service

   SALARIES AND EXPENSES

   The conference agreement provides $1,000,000 for the United States Marshals Service (USMS), instead of $1,500,000 as proposed by the Senate and no funding as proposed by the House. The funding is provided for USMS operations in Iraq.

   Federal Bureau of Investigation

   SALARIES AND EXPENSE

   The conference agreement provides $85,700,000 for the Federal Bureau of Investigation, instead of $99,000,000 as proposed by the House and $82,000,000 as proposed by the Senate. Funds are provided for operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and enhanced counterterrorism activities. The recommendation includes language proposed by the House regarding information technology programs.

   Drug Enforcement Administration

   SALARIES AND EXPENSES

   The conference agreement provides $14,200,000 for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), as proposed by the House and instead of $5,000,000 as proposed by the Senate. The conference agreement includes $5,000,000 to create a National Security Section within DEA's intelligence program and $9,200,000 for intelligence equipment for use in Afghanistan.

   Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

   SALARIES AND EXPENSES

   The conference agreement provides $4,000,000 for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, as proposed by the Senate instead of $4,100,000 as proposed by the House. Funding is provided for ongoing operations in Iraq including firearms and explosives tracking and enforcement.

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   DEPARTMENT OF STATE AND RELATED AGENCY

   DEPARTMENT OF STATE

   Administration of Foreign Affairs

   DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR PROGRAMS

   (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

   The conference agreement includes $1,383,625,000 under this heading for expenses relating to Iraq, Afghanistan, Iran, and Sudan, instead of $1,380,500,000 as proposed by the House, and $1,392,600,000 as proposed by the Senate. The agreement includes $1,327,275,000 for necessary expenses for the operations of the United States Mission in Iraq, including: $945,853,000 for security-related costs, including equipment, armored vehicles, protective details, common area security improvements and contract support; $28,956,000 for information technology and country-wide emergency radio connectivity; $217,720,000 for logistical costs; and $134,746,000 for the State Department operations in Iraq.

   The following table pro 

   Within the amounts provided, $1,000,000 is included for transfer to the United States Institute of Peace for activities relating to Iraq. The Committees on Appropriations expect to be kept regularly informed on expenditures of funds for the Iraq Study Group.

   Also, within the amount provided not less than $250,000 is included for the Office of the Presidential Special Envoy for Sudan. The conferees direct that this Office shall pursue, in conjunction with the African Union and other international actors, a sustainable peace settlement to end the genocide in Darfur, Sudan, assist the parties to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement for Sudan with implementation of the Agreement, coordinate policy, make recommendations, and pursue efforts related to conflict resolution to bring lasting stability to all areas of Sudan and the region, including northern Uganda and Chad, facilitate, in cooperation with the people of Darfur and the African Union, a dialogue within Darfur to promote conflict resolution and reconciliation at the grass roots level, and develop a common policy approach among international partners to address such issues.

   Further, the conference agreement includes $50,100,000 for security requirements in Afghanistan, and $5,000,000 to expand public diplomacy information programs relating to Iran.

   The conferees direct the State Department, no later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, to provide a report to the Committees on Appropriations describing how, within these categories, the Department allocated the funds provided under this heading. The report shall also describe how the Department intends to allocate any remaining balances.

   OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

   (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

   The conference agreement includes $25,300,000 under this heading, as proposed by both the House and Senate, of which $24,000,000 is for the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction to conduct oversight work on reconstruction projects in Iraq, and $1,300,000 is for the State Department's oversight work related to operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

   EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL EXCHANGE PROGRAMS

   The conference agreement includes $5,000,000 for academic, professional and cultural exchanges with Iran, as proposed by both the House and Senate.

   International Organizations

   CONTRIBUTIONS FOR INTERNATIONAL PEACEKEEPING ACTIVITIES

   The conference agreement includes $129,800,000, the full amount of which is for the assessed costs of United Nations peacekeeping in Darfur and southern Sudan.

   RELATED AGENCY

   Broadcasting Board of Governors

   INTERNATIONAL BROADCASTING OPERATIONS

   The conference agreement includes $10,274,000 for United States international broadcasting programs and activities promoting democracy in Iran, instead of $7,600,000 as proposed by the House and $30,250,000 as proposed by the Senate.

   BROADCASTING CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS

   The conference agreement includes $25,826,000 for capital improvements relating to United States international broadcasting programs and activities promoting democracy in Iran, instead of $28,500,000 as proposed by the House. The Senate did not include funding under this heading.

   GENERAL PROVISIONS--THIS CHAPTER

   The conference agreement includes language under section 1601 waiving provisions of existing legislation that require authorizations to be in place prior to the expenditure of any appropriated funds.

   The conference agreement includes language under section 1602 amending provisions of existing legislation regarding annuity limitations on reemployed civil and foreign service annuitants to facilitate the assignment of persons to Iraq and Afghanistan or to posts vacated by members of the foreign service to Iraq and Afghanistan.

   The conference agreement includes language under section 1603 providing authorities to equalize allowances, benefits, and gratuities of personnel on official duty in Iraq and Afghanistan.

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   CHAPTER 7    DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

   Departmental Offices

   SALARIES AND EXPENSES

   The conferees provide $1,800,000 for Salaries and Expenses, the same as the House and the Senate. Of this amount, $1,300,000 is to support the Department's participation as co-lead agency in the Iraq Threat Finance Cell; and $500,000 is to establish a Deputy Treasury Attaché in Iraq.

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TITLE II--FURTHER HURRICANE DISASTER RELIEF AND RECOVERY

   CHAPTER 1--DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

   Working Capital Fund

   The conference agreement provides $25,000,000 for the Working Capital Fund as proposed by the House and the Senate for necessary expenses of the National Finance Center as a result of Hurricane Katrina.

   Office of the Inspector General

   The conference agreement provides $445,000 for the Office of the Inspector General in the Department of Agriculture account for audits and investigations related to oversight of hurricane related activities, as proposed by the Senate instead of funding within the Department of Homeland Security account, as proposed by the House.

   Agricultural Research Service

   SALARIES AND EXPENSES

   The conference agreement provides $10,000,000 for the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Salaries and Expenses, instead of $15,600,000 as proposed by the Senate.

   The conferees recommend $10,000,000 for expenses incurred by the ARS in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. The conference agreement includes $6,000,000 for the immediate cleanup, salvage, and remediation of the Southern Regional Research Center (SRRC) in New Orleans, Louisiana. The conference agreement also includes $4,000,000 for expenses related to temporary duty assignments for ARS scientists working at the SRRC.

   BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES

   The conference agreement provides $20,000,000 for the Agricultural Research Service, Buildings and Facilities, for the long-term restoration of the Southern Regional Research Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, as proposed by the House and the Senate.

   Farm Service Agency

   SALARIES AND EXPENSES

   The conference agreement does not provide funding for Farm Service Agency, Salaries and Expenses in this Title as proposed by the Senate.

   emergency conservation program

   The conference agreement does not provide funding for the Emergency Conservation Program as proposed by the Senate.

   Natural Resources Conservation Service

   EMERGENCY WATERSHED PROTECTION PROGRAM

   The conference agreement provides $50,955,000 for the Emergency Watershed Protection Program instead of $165,000,000 as proposed by the Senate. The conferees direct that funding under this program be prioritized to address watershed impairments that pose imminent threats to life or property.

   The conference agreement does not include $10,000,000 in funding for easements as proposed by the House.

   Rural Development

   SALARIES AND EXPENSES

   The conference agreement provides $1,000,000 for Rural Development, Salaries and Expenses as proposed by the Senate.

   RURAL COMMUNITY ADVANCEMENT PROGRAM

   The conference agreement provides $25,000,000 for the Rural Community Advancement

   Program instead of $150,000,000 as proposed by the Senate to respond to damages caused by hurricanes that occurred during the 2005 calendar year. This funding level includes $20,000,000 for Community Facilities grants and not to exceed $5,000,000 for Community Facilities loans which can support an estimated loan level up to $1,389,000,000. The conferees expect unobligated balances remaining in the Community Facilities loan program to be transferred to the grant program should demand for loans not materialize by June 30, 2007.

   GENERAL PROVISIONS--THIS CHAPTER

   Section 2101.--The conference agreement includes a technical correction related to the Emergency Watershed Protection Program.

   Section 2102.--The conference agreement includes language authorizing the Natural Resources Conservation Service to donate of up to 20 aging vehicles through agreements with communities affected by Hurricane Katrina and other hurricanes of the 2005 season.

   Section 2103.--The conference agreement includes a provision to extend emergency authorities for an additional 18 months and includes language granting the Secretary of Agriculture temporary authorities for the Community Facilities Grant program.

   Section 2104.--The conference agreement includes a provision to allow the transfer of funds from the United States Department of Agriculture to the Department of Commerce.

   Section 2105.--The conference agreement includes a technical and conforming change consistent with section 2104.

   Senate Section 2106.--The conference agreement does not include funding for rural housing as proposed by the Senate.

   Section 2106.--The conference agreement includes language regarding the availability of past year funding for the wildlife habitat incentive program to carry out obligations made for fiscal year 2001.

   Section 2109.--Non-competitive contracts for Katrina relief.--The conference agreement does not include section 2109 as proposed by the Senate, a prohibition on entering into non-c 

$500,000, recognizing the nature of emergency response. The conferees direct any agency engaged in Katrina relief, not currently reporting to the Committees on Appropriations on non-competitive contracts, to report quarterly to the Committees detailing any non-competitive contract executed for Katrina relief that has or will exceed $500,000.

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   CHAPTER 2  DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE--MILITARY

   The conference agreement recommends $1,154,919,000 for the Department of Defense, instead of $1,156,593,000 as proposed by the House, and $1,404,919,000 as proposed by the Senate.

   The following table provides details of the supplemental appropriations for the Department of Defense--Military.

   MILITARY PERSONNEL

   The conference agreement recommends $68,982,000 for the military personnel accounts as proposed by the House and the Senate. The conference agreement on items addressed by either the House or Senate is as follows:

   OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

    The conference agreement recommends $123,611,000 for the operation and maintenance accounts as proposed by the House and the Senate. The conference agreement on items addressed by either the House or Senate is as follows:

   PROCUREMENT

   The conference agreement includes a total of $887,387,000 for various procurement appropriations, instead of $889,387,000, as proposed by the House, and $1,137,387,000 as proposed by the Senate.

   The conference agreement on items addressed by either the House or Senate is as follows:

   RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TEST AND EVALUATION

   The conference agreement provides a total of $18,980,000 for research, development, test and evaluation appropriations as proposed by the House and the Senate.

   The conference agreement on items addressed by either the House or Senate is as follows:

   REVOLVING AND MANAGEMENT FUNDS

   Defense Working Capital Funds

   The conference agreement includes $1,222,000 for the Defense Working Capital Funds, as proposed by the House and the Senate.

   National Defense Sealift Fund

   The conference agreement includes $10,000,000 for the National Defense Sealift Fund, as proposed by the House and the Senate.

   TRUST FUNDS

   General Fund Payment, Surcharge Collections, Sales of Commissary Stores, Defense

   The conference agreement includes $10,530,000 for General Fund Payment, Surcharge Collections, Sales of Commissary Stores, Defense, as proposed by the House and the Senate.

   OTHER DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE PROGRAMS

   Defense Health Program

   The conference agreement provides $33,881,000 for the Defense Health Program, as proposed by the House and Senate, for health care costs associated with active duty personnel and beneficiaries who previously received care at Keesler Medical Center and now are receiving health care and pharmaceuticals through private sector contracts.

   Office of the Inspector General

   The conference agreement provides $326,000 for the Office of the Inspector General, as proposed by the Senate. The House did not provide funding in this account.

   GENERAL PROVISIONS--THIS CHAPTER

   The conferees agree to retain and amend section 2201, as proposed by the Senate, which provides the Secretary of Defense authority to transfer up to $150,000,000 of funds made available in this chapter and in chapter II of title I of this Act.

   The conferees agree to retain section 2202, as proposed by the House and Senate, which prohibits funds provided in this chapter to finance programs or activities denied by Congress, or to initiate a new start program without prior notification to the congressional defense committees.

   The conferees agree to amend section 2203, as proposed by the Senate, to allow for the use of funds appropriated to the Navy for certain specified activities.

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   CHAPTER 3 DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE--CIVIL

   DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY

   CORPS OF ENGINEERS--CIVIL

   The Committee recommendation provides emergency funding to address water resource needs related to Hurricane Katrina and other emergency needs.

   INVESTIGATIONS

   Funds totaling $3,300,000 are provided for the Corps to develop a comprehensive plan, at full Federal expense, to deauthorize deep draft navigation on the Mississippi River-Gulf Outlet, Louisiana. The plan shall include recommended modifications to the existing authorized current use of the Outlet, including what navigation functions, if any, should be maintained and any measures for hurricane and storm protection. The plan shall be developed in consultation with St. Bernard Parish, the State of Louisiana, and affected Federal Agencies. An interim report summarizing the plan shall be forwarded to the appropriate House and Senate authorizing and appropriations committees within six months of enactment of this Act and final recommendations shall be integrated into the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Plan, due to Congress in December 2007.

   Additionally, the Secretary is directed to undertake an analysis to determine the amount of vertical settlement or subsidence that has occurred since levee system components were built, versus levee grade deficiencies due to the application of new storm data. The Plan shall address how these changes affect compliance with 100-year floodplain certification and standard project hurricane requirements. A report on the findings of this analysis shall be forwarded to the appropriate authorizing and appropriations committees within 90 days of enactment of this Act.

   CONSTRUCTION

   Funds totaling $549,400,000 are provided for Construction. The Conferees are aware that the wetlands surrounding the greater New Orleans metropolitan area operate as a natural buffer to lessen storm impacts, and are an important part of the overall storm damage reduction system. Nourishing and rebuilding these wetlands will increase the effectiveness of the levees and floodwalls of New Orleans. Therefore, the Conferees recommend bill language directing the Corps to use $20,200,000, at full Federal expense, to reduce the risks of storm surge and storm damage to the greater New Orleans metropolitan area by restoring the surrounding wetlands, and to aid in the reduction of risk to both loss of life and damage to homes, businesses, and local infrastructure in the metropolitan area. The Corps is further directed to use these funds in the following manner: $10,100,000 to modify the Caernarvon Freshwater Diversion structure or its operations; and $10,100,000 to protect the shoreline along the Barataria Basin Landbridge in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana. Of the funds provided, at least $495,300,000 shall be available, consistent with cost sharing provisions, to raise levee heights and otherwise improve the existing Lake Pontchartrain and Vicinity and the West Bank and Vicinity projects.

   Additional funds of $1,500,000 are provided to address storm damages to North Padre Island, Texas, caused by Hurricane Emily, and $2,000,000 is provided for Hawaii water systems technical assistance program.

   In recognition of flood threats to the Sacramento area, the Conferees have included $7,100,000 for South Sacramento Streams, California, and $23,300,000 for the Sacramento Bank Protection Project, California. The Corps is further directed to use up to $400,000 of previously appropriated funds to continue the operation of the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal Demonstration Barrier.

The moratorium on the execution of project cooperation agreements contained in P.L. 109-275 shall not apply to continuing authorities program projects for which funding was provided, or is otherwise available, to fully fund the construction phase of the project. For those projects where the local sponsor's cost share will be lost due to the inability to sign a project cooperation agreement, the Corps may sign project cooperation agreements with the explicit consent of the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations. For any project for which an exception is made due to this circumstance, the local sponsors of such projects should be aware that the construction of the project remains contingent upon future appropriations which are not guaranteed.

   Further, requirement that the Corps institute cost sharing for Sections 206 and 1135 projects was not intended to change the cost share structure of projects currently in the feasibility phase.

   OPERATION MAINTENANCE

   Funds totaling $3,200,000 are provided to restore Federal navigation channels and harbors along the Texas Gulf Coast to pre-storm conditions affected by Hurricane Katrina and other hurricanes of the 2005 season.

   FLOOD CONTROL AND COASTAL EMERGENCIES

   (INCLUDING RESCISSION OF FUNDS)

   Funds totaling $3,145,024,000 are recommended to continue repairs to flood and storm damage reduction projects. These projects are to be funded at full Federal expense.

   The Conferees provide the full request of $1,584,000,000 to replace all floodwalls within Orleans East Bank Algiers, Jefferson East Bank/St. Charles, Jefferson West Bank, New Orleans East, St. Bernard/Lower Ninth Ward, Belle Chasse/Algiers East hydraulic areas of the existing Lake Pntchartrain and Vicinity project and the existing West Bank and Vicinity project, not including lower Plaquemines Parish. However, the Conferees recognize this cost estimate is a ``worst case'' scenario and assumes the replacement of all flood walls. Therefore, the funds provided are contingent upon site-specific engineering assessment and analysis that determines replacement is necessary to maintain the integrity of the system. Further, these funds are not available for any other project, program, or activity without the approval of the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations.

   The Conferees provide $530,000,000 for construction of permanent closures and pumping plants at the 17th Street, Orleans, and London Avenue Canals. Further, the Corps is directed to provide adequate temporary pumping capacity to evacuate expected flows from the existing pumping stations in the three drainage canals in order to minimize interior flooding.

   Additionally, the Conferees include: $170,000,000 for levee and floodwall armoring; $350,000,000 to construct navigable closures on the Inner Harbor Navigational Canal, one near Seabrook and another on the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway; $215,000,000 for incorporation of non-Federal levees on the west bank of the Mississippi River in Plaquemines Parish in order to provide improved storm surge protection and to protect evacuation routes; $250,000,000 for storm proofing interior pump stations to ensure their reliability during hurricanes, storms and high water events; and $30,024,000 for repairs to non-Federal levees in Terrebonne Parish.

   Within the funds provided, $16,000,000 shall be used to restore previously appropriated emergency funds for flood protection projects damaged in previous disasters in Pennsylvania. Funds for these projects were withdrawn shortly after Katrina struck the Gulf Coast to address immediate needs.

   The Conferees also rescind $15,000,000 previously provided in P.L. 109-148 for the Grand Isle, Louisiana project. It is the Conferees' understanding that the project is not economically justified and therefore the funds appropriated to accelerate construction are no longer required.

   DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

   BUREAU OF RECLAMATION

   WATER AND RELATED RESOURCES

   The Conferees recognize that snowpack amounts in many areas of the Southwest are at historic lows and precipitation forecasts are not favorable for improving the situation. Runoff in many river basins in the West is expected to be one quarter of normal or less. The Conferees note that the communities of Ruidoso, Ruidoso Downs and Las Vegas, New Mexico, are already operating under stringent water restrictions.

   Therefore, the Conferees have provided $9,000,000 for drought emergency assistance. The Conferees expect Reclamation to undertake drought contingency planning, to provide emergency potable water sources for eligible communities and to provide other drought emergency assistance within their authorities to help stricken communities.

   GENERAL PROVISIONS--THIS CHAPTER

   Sec. 2301. The conference agreement includes a provision related to the use of unexpended funds and waives the requirements of the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Act.

   Sec. 2302. The conference agreement includes a provision that states that the funds provided in division B, chapter 3, Investigations, of Public Law 109-148 are not subject to any non-Federal cost sharing requirement and changes the amount contingent upon the enactment of a single levee board.

   Sec. 2303. The conference agreement includes a provision that further defines the activities that can be undertaken in division B, chapter 3, Flood Control, Mississippi River and Tributaries, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee, of Public Law 109-148.

   Sec. 2304. The conference agreement includes a provision that modifies a provision in division B, chapter 3, Operations and Maintenance, of Public Law 109-148, concerning activities that can be undertaken along the Mississippi River-Gulf Outlet.

   Sec. 2305. The conference agreement includes a provision to extend the duration of the National Erosion Control Development and Demonstration Program through September 30, 2006, and increase the cost limitation to $25,000,000 for section 227 of Public Law 104-303 in order to allow funds appropriated in the fiscal year 2006 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act to be utilized for continuing projects.

   Sec. 2306. The conference agreement includes a provision extending the Drought Relief Act through 2010.

   Sec. 2307. The conference agreement includes a provision clarifying the availability of funds for the purposes of reprogramming actions.

   Sec. 2308. The conference agreement includes a provision that prohibits the use of any funds in fiscal year 2006 through April 1, 2007 to affect bond repayment.

   Sec. 2309. The conference agreement includes a provision relating to the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal Demonstration Barrier.

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   CHAPTER 4--DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

    Office of Inspector General

   The conferees agree to provide $2,000,000 for the Department of Homeland Security's Inspector General instead of $13,500,000 as proposed by the House for transfer to other federal departments and agencies and no funds as proposed by the Senate. Funds are available until September 30, 2007. Funding for federal departments and agencies is addressed in other chapters of this conference agreement.

   Customs and Border Protection

   SALARIES AND EXPENSES

   The conferees agree to provide $12,900,000 as proposed by the House and the Senate for necessary expenses related to the consequences of the Gulf Coast hurricanes.

   CONSTRUCTION

   The conferees agree to provide $4,800,000 as proposed by the House and the Senate for necessary expenses related to the consequences of the Gulf Coast hurricanes.

   United States Coast Guard

   OPERATING EXPENSES

   (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

   The conferees agree to provide $88,970,000 instead of $14,300,000 as proposed by the House and $90,570,900 as proposed by the Senate. Of this total, $7,350,000 is for cleanup and repair of damaged facilities; $7,400,000 for increased temporary logistics; $3,483,000 for basic housing allowances; and $70,000,000 for energy costs. In addition, the conferees have included bill language allowing transfers of up to $267,000 to the ``Environmental Compliance and Restoration'' appropriation for Coast Guard facilities in the Gulf Coast region and $470,000 to the ``Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation'' appropriation for additional costs to reposition the State of Maine vessel. Funds are available until September 30, 2007.

   Acquisition, Construction, and Improvements

   The conferees agree to provide $191,730,000 instead of $80,775,000 as proposed by the House and $191,844,000 as proposed by the Senate. Of this total, $80,800,000 is for the reconstruction of the Integrated Support Command Center in New Orleans; $103,930,000 is for Katrina-related costs associated with materials, equipment, facilities and labor; and $7,000,000 is for the relocation of the Gulfport Coast Guard Station. The conferees direct the Coast Guard to ensure that the Defense Contract Audit Agency audits Katrina-related cost increases associated with pre-Katrina contracts. Funds are available until expended.

   Federal Emergency Management Agency

   ADMINISTRATIVE AND REGIONAL OPERATIONS

   The conferees agree to provide $71,800,000 as proposed by the Senate instead of $70,000,000 as proposed by the House. Of this total, $70,000,000 is included for necessary expenses related to the consequences of the Gulf Coast hurricanes and $1,800,000 is included for the Office of National Security Coordination.

   PREPAREDNESS, MITIGATION, RESPONSE, AND RECOVERY

   The conferees agree to provide $10,000,000 for Preparedness, Mitigation, Response, and Recovery, as proposed by the House and the Senate. Of this total, $3,000,000 is included to immediately review and revise the National Response Plan (NRP) and the National Incident Management System (NIMS); $1,000,000 for the logistics management system; and $1,000,000 for the Enterprise Content Management System. FEMA is to brief the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations no later than 45 days from the date of enactment of this Act on the hiring initiatives to meet its staffing requirements and its staffing plan.

   DISASTER RELIEF

   The conferees agree to provide $6,000,000,000 for Disaster Relief, instead of $9,548,000,000 as

proposed by the House and $10,400,000,000 as proposed by the Senate. The conferees do not specify the purposes for these funds, except $400,000,000 of this amount is made available to carry out section 2403 of this chapter.

   The conferees agree to include bill language proposed by the Senate that each county or parish eligible for assistance under the disaster declaration of September 24, 2005, will be treated equally for purposes of cost-share adjustments.

   The conferees note the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in conjunction with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), recently issued interim policy guidance clarifying that charter schools are eligible for FEMA's Public Assistance Program. The conferees believe this policy should be quickly finalized so it can be distributed to FEMA officials throughout the country as expeditiously as possible, and encourage DHS and FEMA to continue working with the relevant Congressional committees on implementation of this policy.

   The conferees concur with language proposed by the House regarding the weekly Disaster Relief Report and the lack of information regarding the assumptions DHS is using to estimate total disaster relief funding needed this fiscal year. Beginning immediately, the conferees direct DHS to include an explanation of the methodology used to calculate estimated yearly allocations by program area and program name. This explanation shall include the total yearly cost estimate, the amount allocated and obligated to date, and a written explanation of the assumptions and methodology used to estimate the total yearly cost.

   DISASTER ASSISTANCE DIRECT LOAN PROGRAM ACCOUNT

   The conferees agree to provide $279,800,000 to subsidize not to exceed $371,733,000 in loans for the Special Community Disaster Loans Program authorized in the Community Disaster Loan Act of 2005, P.L. 109-88, instead of $301,000,000 ($150,000,000 by transfer) as proposed by the House and $301,000,000 as proposed by the Senate. Of this total, $1,000,000 is included for administrative costs. The conferees include bill language proposed by the Senate specifying that loans may be equal to not more than 50 percent of the annual operating budget of the local government in cases where that government has suffered a loss of 25 percent or more in tax revenues due to Hurricanes Katrina or Rita.

   GENERAL PROVISIONS--THIS CHAPTER

   Sec. 2401. The conferees agree to include bill language as proposed by the House and Senate authorizing FEMA to pay for utility costs for those leases negotiated by State and local governments on FEMA's behalf.

   Sec. 2402. The conferees agree to include bill language as proposed by the House and Senate amending P.L. 109-90 to allow the National Flood Insurance Fund to pay sufficient interest on the amounts the program has borrowed from the Treasury.

   Sec. 2403. The conferees agree to include and modify bill language as proposed by the Senate allowing the Secretary of Homeland Security to consider eligible for funding the costs of alternative housing pilot programs in the areas hardest hit by Hurricane Katrina and other hurricanes of the 2005 season.

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   CHAPTER 5 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

   United States Fish and Wildlife Service

   CONSTRUCTION

   The conference agreement provides $132,400,000 for ``Construction'', as proposed by both the House and the Senate, for cleanup and facility repair needs at National Wildlife Refuges related to the consequences of Hurricane Katrina and other hurricanes of the 2005 season. The managers agree that the Service shall, as proposed by the House, repay funds that were transferred from projects that have yet to be completed. These funds were transferred on an emergency basis for initial hurricane response needs and must be repaid so that projects from which they were borrowed can be completed. A technical correction has been made to the repayment language proposed by the House.

   National Park Service

   HISTORIC PRESERVATION FUND

   The conference agreement provides $43,000,000 for the ``Historic Preservation Fund'' instead of $3,000,000 as proposed by the House and $83,000,000 as proposed by the Senate. Of the funds provided, $3,000,000 is for Section 106 assistance and $40,000,000 is for disaster relief grants for the preservation, stabilization, rehabilitation, and repair of historic properties listed on or eligible for the National Register of Historic places, and for planning and technical assistance.

   These funds are available for obligation until September 30, 2007, as proposed by the House, instead of being available until expended as proposed by the Senate.

   As proposed by the Senate, funds for historic preservation grants are available for areas with a Presidential disaster determination associated with Hurricanes Katrina or Rita; are not subject to a non-Federal matching requirement; and no more than 5% may be used for administrative expenses.

   The managers expect the National Park Service to award the Section 106 assistance funds to the States without any delay. Of the $3,000,000 available for Section 106 assistance, at least $1,500,000 shall be available for the Mississippi State Historic Preservation Officer. The remaining $40,000,000 is for grants to State Historic Preservation Officers (SHPOs) as described below.

   The managers expect the National Park Service to award disaster relief grant funds to SHPOs in accordance with existing Historic Preservation Fund policies and procedures, except as modified herein, and only after a State has submitted, and the National Park Service has reviewed, an Action Plan Narrative that describes the major tasks to be undertaken with the supplemental grant funds. Each task statement shall describe the major services provided by the State Historic Preservation Officer, the problems to be addressed, a preliminary list of proposed projects and their estimated costs, and the expected results.

   The National Park Service shall undertake its review of each plan and shall award funds as expeditiously as possible. Preference in making awards shall be given to plans that include: (1) properties located within designated National Heritage Areas; (2) owner-occupied houses; and (3) a demonstrated ability to spend the funds expeditiously. The managers intend that these funds be awarded with an emphasis on individuals who are committed to rebuilding their communities and who otherwise cannot afford the additional costs often associated with historic preservation.

   No State shall receive more than 65% of the total available for these grants. There is a 5% limitation on administrative costs. Of the amount available for administrative expenses, up to $550,000 is available to the National Park Service to expedite awarding and oversight of the funds.

   CONSTRUCTION

   The conference agreement provides $55,400,000 for ``Construction'', as proposed by both the House and the Senate, for immediate cleanup and facility repair needs at National Parks related to the consequences of Hurricane Katrina and other hurricanes of the 2005 season.

   United States Geological Survey

   SURVEYS, INVESTIGATIONS, AND RESEARCH

   (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

   The conference agreement provides $10,200,000 for ``Surveys, Investigations, and Research'', as proposed by both the House and the Senate, for facility and equipment repair needs related to the consequences of Hurricane Katrina and other hurricanes of the 2005 season and for repayment of advances to other appropriation accounts from which funds were transferred for such purposes.

   Minerals Management Service

   ROYALTY AND OFFSHORE MINERALS MANAGEMENT

   (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

   The conference agreement provides $15,000,000 for ``Royalty and Offshore Minerals Management'' as proposed by both the House and the Senate. These funds are for costs associated with the temporary relocation of the Minerals Management Service's Gulf of Mexico regional office from Louisiana to Houston, Texas, including purchase of new equipment and temporary office arrangements, other disaster related expenses, and repayment of advances to other appropriation accounts from which funds were transferred for such purposes.

   ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

   ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS AND MANAGEMENT

   The conference agreement provides $6,000,000 for ``Environmental Programs and Management'', as proposed by both the House and the Senate, for increased environmental monitoring, assessment, and analytical support necessary to protect public health during the ongoing recovery and reconstruction efforts related to the consequences of Hurricane Katrina and other hurricanes of the 2005 season.

   LEAKING UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK PROGRAM

   The conference agreement provides $7,000,000 for the ``Leaking Underground Storage Tank Program'', as proposed by both the House and the Senate, to assess the most immediate underground storage tank needs in areas affected by Hurricane Katrina and other hurricanes of the 2005 season and to initiate appropriate corrective actions.

   DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

   Forest Service

   NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM

   The conference agreement provides $20,000,000 for the ``National Forest System'' as proposed by the House instead of $50,000,000 as proposed by the Senate. As proposed by the House, these funds are only for necessary expenses of debris cleanup and related activities on National Forests affected by Hurricane Katrina and other hurricanes of the 2005 season.

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   CHAPTER 6 DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

   Employment and Training Administration

   TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT SERVICES

   The conference agreement includes $16,000,000 for the reconstruction of two Job Corps facilities in Gulfport, Mississippi and New Orleans, Louisiana. The Senate had proposed $32,000,000 and the House had no similar provision. The conferees instruct the Department to allocate $14,000,000 to the Gulfport facility and $2,000,000 to the New Orleans facility for re 

partmental Management

   OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

   The conference agreement does not include a provision proposed by the Senate that provided $2,000,000 to the Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, for hurricane-related expenses. The House bill did not include a similar provision.

   DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

   Health Resources and Services Administration

   The conference agreement includes $4,000,000 to establish a communications network, including the purchase and operation of communications equipment, including satellite phones, for community health centers and those entities (including major medical centers and departments of public health) deemed by the state associations of community health centers to be critical in providing health care in the event of a future hurricane or other natural disaster in states affected by hurricane Katrina and other hurricanes of the 2005 season. Where they exist, state associations representing community health centers should be the primary recipient of these funds. The conferees expect this funding to be distributed by July 30, 2006 so that these systems can be in place as early as possible in the hurricane season. The Senate included $6,000,000 for this purpose. The House did not propose a similar provision.

   Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

   DISEASE CONTROL, RESEARCH, AND TRAINING

   The conference agreement includes $8,000,000 for mosquito and other pest abatement activities in states affected by the Gulf Coast hurricanes of 2005. The Senate bill proposed $20,000,000 and the House did not propose a similar provision. The conferees intend that these funds be distributed as grants to the eligible states and not be subject to the provisions of the Mosquito Abatement for Safety and Health (MASH) Act.

   Office of the Secretary

   OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

   The conference agreement does not include a provision proposed by the Senate that provided $2,669,846 to the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, for hurricane-related expenses. The House bill did not include a similar provision.

   DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

   Departmental Management

   OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL

   The conference agreement does not include a provision proposed by the Senate that provided $1,500,000 to the Department of Education, Office of Inspector General, for hurricane-related expenses. The House bill did not include a similar provision.

   HURRICANE EDUCATION RECOVERY

   The conference agreement includes $235,000,000 in additional assistance for displaced elementary and secondary school students for the 2005-2006 school year under the authority of the Hurricane Education Recovery Act. The Senate bill proposed $300,000,000 for this activity. The House bill had no similar provision.

   The conference agreement does not include funding for schools serving displaced elementary and secondary school students in the 2006-2007 school year under the authority of part A of Title V of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. The Senate bill proposed $350,000,000 for this activity. The House bill had no similar provision.

   The conference agreement deletes a provision proposed by the Senate to create a loan program for institutions of higher education that were affected by the Gulf hurricanes. The House bill contained no similar provision.

   The conference agreement includes $50,000,000 for grants to institutions of higher education to help defray the expenses incurred as a result of the Gulf hurricanes of 2005. The House bill contained no similar provision and the Senate bill included $30,000,000 for a similar purpose. The conferees request that the Department brief the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations not later than five days before the announcement of the availability of these funds.

   RELATED AGENCIES

   Corporation for National and Community Service

   NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE PROGRAMS, OPERATING EXPENSES

   (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

   The conference agreement includes $10,000,000 for the AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps. The Senate bill included $20,000,000 for this purpose. The House bill contained no similar provision.

   Social Security Administration

   OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

   The conference agreement does not include a provision proposed by the Senate that provided $277,000 to the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, for hurricane-related expenses. The House bill did not include a similar provision.

   GENERAL PROVISIONS--THIS CHAPTER

   DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION--HURRICANE EDUCATION RECOVERY

   The conference agreement deletes a provision proposed by the Senate to create a new loan program for institutions of higher education that were affected by the Gulf hurricanes. Funds are instead provided through a grant mechanism.

   HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY CAPITAL FINANCING PROGRAM

   The conference agreement modifies a provision included by the Senate related to the Historically Black College and University Capital Financing Program. The House bill did not include a similar provision.

   SUPPLEMENTAL ELEMENTARY-SECONDARY FUNDS OBLIGATION EXTENSION

   The conference agreement includes bill language that extends the period of time States and local school districts have to spend funds made available under section 107 of the Hurricane Education Recovery Act. Neither House nor Senate bill included a similar provision. This provision provides the Secretary of Education with the authority to extend the period of availability of such funds up to September 30, 2006, provided that such expenditures are for the 2005-2006 school year as is required by the Hurricane Education Recovery Act.

   USE OF SUPPLEMENTAL HIGHER EDUCATION ACT FUNDS

   The conference agreement includes a provision proposed by the Senate regarding funding for the Mississippi Institutes of Higher Learning. The House bill did not include a similar provision.

   Social Security Administration

   (TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

   The conference agreement includes a provision proposed by the Senate transferring $38,000,000 from the Disaster Relief funds of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to the Social Security Administration for hurricane-related expenses. The House bill did not include a similar provision.

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   CHAPTER 7 DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

   Military Construction, Navy and Marine Corps

   The conferees agree to provide $44,770,000 as proposed by both the House and the Senate. Funds are provided as follows:

   Military Construction, Air Force

   The conferees agree to provide $97,300,000 as proposed by the House, instead of $103,500,000 as proposed by the Senate. Funds are provided as follows:

   Military Construction, Army National Guard

   (INCLUDING RESCISSION OF FUNDS)

   The conferees agree to provide $330,071,000, instead of $67,800,000 as proposed by the House and $210,071,000 as proposed by the Senate. The conferees agree to rescind $120,000,000 from Public Law 109-148 and provide the same amount in this chapter to be used for the same purpose and projects as those identified in the conference report accompanying Public Law 109-148. Funds are provided as follows:

   Military Construction, Air National Guard

   The conferees agree to provide $5,800,000 as proposed by both the House and the Senate. Funds are provided as follows:

   Military Construction, Navy Reserve

   (INCLUDING RESCISSION OF FUNDS)

   The conferees agree to provide $24,270,000 as proposed by both the House and the Senate. The conferees also agree to rescind $49,530,000 from Public Law 109-148 as proposed by both the House and the Senate. Funds are provided as follows: