Interior, Environment, Financial Services and General Government, Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act, 2019

Highlights:

This bill provides FY2019 appropriations for several federal departments and agencies. It includes 4 of the 12 regular FY2019 appropriations bills:

• the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2019;
• the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2019;
• the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2019; and
• the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2019.

The departments and agencies funded in the bill include:

• the Department of the Interior,
• the Environmental Protection Agency,
• the Forest Service,
• the Department of the Treasury,
• the judiciary,
• the Executive Office of the President,
• Washington, DC,
• the Department of Agriculture,
• the Food and Drug Administration,
• the Department of Transportation,
• the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and
• several related and independent agencies.

Full Summary:

Interior, Environment, Financial Services and General Government, Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act, 2019

(Sec. 2) Specifies that, unless this bill expressly provides otherwise, references to "this Act" included in a division refer only to the provisions of that division.

(Sec. 3) Specifies the committee reports that apply for the purpose of implementing each division.

DIVISION A--DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019

Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2019

This division provides FY2019 appropriations for the Department of the Interior, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and related agencies.

The division provides annual appropriations for most of the Department of the Interior, including:

• the Bureau of Land Management,
• the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
• the National Park Service,
• the U.S. Geological Survey,
• the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management,
• the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement,
• the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement,
• the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program,
• the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and
• the Bureau of Indian Education.

Related agencies funded in the division include:

• the Department of Agriculture's Forest Service,
• the Department of Health and Human Service's Indian Health Service,
• the Smithsonian Institution,
• the National Endowment for the Arts, and
• the National Endowment for the Humanities.

TITLE I--DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Provides appropriations to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for:

• Management of Lands and Resources;
• Land Acquisition;
• Oregon and California Grant Lands;
• Range Improvements;
• Service Charges, Deposits, and Forfeitures; and
• Miscellaneous Trust Funds.

Prohibits appropriations provided by this division from being used for the destruction of healthy, unadopted, wild horses and burros in the care of the BLM or its contractors or for the sale of wild horses and burros that results in their destruction for processing into commercial products.

Provides appropriations to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) for:

• Resource Management,
• Construction,
• Land Acquisition,
• the Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund,
• the National Wildlife Refuge Fund,
• the North American Wetlands Conservation Fund,
• Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation,
• the Multinational Species Conservation Fund, and
• State and Tribal Wildlife Grants.

Provides appropriations to the National Park Service (NPS) for:

• Operation of the National Park System,
• National Recreation and Preservation,
• the Historic Preservation Fund,
• Construction,
• Land Acquisition and State Assistance, and
• the Centennial Challenge.

Allows certain franchise fees to be available for expenditure without further appropriation for use at any unit within the NPS to extinguish or reduce liability for a possessory interest or leasehold surrender interest.

Permits the NPS to retain specified funds authorized to be disbursed under the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 for the costs of administration of the Land and Water Conservation Fund grants authorized by the Act.

Permits NPS funds to be transferred to the Federal Highway Administration for the Federal Lands Access Program, which was established to improve transportation facilities that provide access to, are adjacent to, or are located within federal lands.

Provides appropriations to the U.S. Geological Survey for Surveys, Investigations, and Research.

Provides appropriations to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management for Ocean Energy Management.

Provides appropriations to the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement for: (1) Offshore Safety and Environmental Enforcement, and (2) Oil Spill Research.

Provides appropriations to the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement for: (1) Regulation and Technology, and (2) the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund.

Provides appropriations to the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) for:

• Operation of Indian Programs,
• Contract Support Costs,
• Construction,
• Indian Land and Water Claim Settlements and Miscellaneous Payments to Indians, and
• the Indian Guaranteed Loan Program Account.

Permits the BIA to contract for services for the Power Division of the San Carlos Irrigation Project.

Limits the use of funds for contracts, grants, compacts, or cooperative agreements with the BIA under the Indian Self-Determination Act or the Tribal Self-Governance Act of 1994.

Permits tribes to return appropriated funds without diminishing the federal government's trust responsibilities, the government-to-government relationship with the tribe, or the tribe's ability to access future appropriations.

Prohibits the use of BIE funds, other than funds provided for assistance to public schools, for the operation of elementary or secondary schools in Alaska.

Limits the number of schools and the expansion of grade levels in individual schools in the BIE school system.

Specifies the formula to be used to distribute indirect and administrative costs to certain tribes.

Prohibits funds provided by this division from being used to establish satellite locations of schools in the Bureau school system as of September 1, 1996, with specified exceptions.

Provides appropriations for Departmental Offices, including:

• the Office of the Secretary,
• Insular Affairs,
• the Office of the Solicitor,
• the Office of Inspector General, and
• the Office of the Special Trustee for American Indians.

Provides appropriations for Department-Wide Programs, including:

• Wildland Fire Management,
• the Central Hazardous Materials Fund,
• the Natural Resources Damage Assessment Fund,
• the Working Capital Fund, and
• the Office of Natural Resources Revenue.

Permits the Working Capital Fund to be used to acquire aircraft by donation, purchase or through available excess surplus property. Permits existing aircraft being replaced to be sold, with proceeds derived or trade-in value used to offset the purchase price for the replacement aircraft.

(Sec. 101) Permits the transfer of funds within bureaus and offices for specified emergencies when all other emergency funds have been exhausted.

(Sec. 102) Provides for the department-wide expenditure or transfer of funds by Interior in the event of specified emergencies.

(Sec. 103) Permits Interior to use appropriations provided in this title for:

• employing temporary or intermittent experts and consultants;
• purchasing and replacing motor vehicles;
• hiring, maintenance, and operation of aircraft;
• hiring of passenger motor vehicles;
• purchasing reprints;
• telephone services in private residences in the field; and
• certain library memberships.

(Sec. 104) Permits the transfer of funds between the BIA, the BIE, and the Office of the Special Trustee for American Indians for Indian trust management and reform activities, provided that total funding for historical accounting activities does not exceed funding provided by this division for that purpose.

(Sec. 105) Permits Interior to redistribute Tribal Priority Allocation funds, including tribal base funds, to alleviate funding inequities to address identified unmet needs, dual enrollment, overlapping service areas, or inaccurate distribution methodologies. Specifies that no tribe may receive a reduction in Tribal Priority Allocation funds of more than 10% in FY2019, except in the cases of dual enrollment, overlapping service areas, or inaccurate distribution methodologies.

(Sec. 106) Authorizes the acquisition of lands and waters for the purpose of operating and maintaining facilities that support visitors to Ellis, Governors, and Liberty Islands in New Jersey and New York.

(Sec. 107) Requires Interior to collect specified Outer Continental Shelf inspection fees.

(Sec. 108) Permits Interior to transfer funds to implement a reorganization of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement, subject to reprogramming guidelines.

(Sec. 109) Permits Interior to enter into multiyear cooperative agreements and contracts with nonprofits and other entities for the long-term care and maintenance of excess wild free roaming horses and burros on private land.

(Sec. 110) Directs the USFWS, in carrying out responsibilities to protect threatened and endangered species of salmon, to implement a system of mass marking of salmonid stocks intended for harvest that are released from federally operated or financed hatcheries.

(Sec. 111) Permits the BIA and the BIE, in carrying out work involving cooperation with state, local, and tribal governments, to record obligations against accounts receivable from the entities, provided that total obligations at the end of the fiscal year do not exceed total budgetary resources.

(Sec. 112) Permits Interior to transfer excess wild horses or burros that have been removed from the public lands to other federal, state, and local agencies for use as work animals. Specifies that any animal transferred loses its status as a wild free-roaming horse or burro. Prohibits any agency receiving the animals from: (1) destroying, selling, or otherwise transferring them in a way that results in their destruction for processing into commercial products; or (2) euthanizing the horses or burros except upon the recommendation of a licensed veterinarian, in cases of severe injury, illness, or advanced age.

(Sec. 113) Permits Interior to make grants to, or enter into cooperative agreements with, certain nonprofit organizations to use the talents of older Americans in Interior programs under the Department of the Interior Experienced Services Program. Specifies requirements for the agreements.

(Sec. 114) Provides FY2019 funding for the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program.

(Sec. 115) Prohibits funds from being used to write or issue certain rules for the sage-grouse pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973.

(Sec. 116) Amends the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996 to extend the authorities for Interior to make grants or provide assistance for:

• the Tennessee Civil War Heritage Area,
• the August Canal National Heritage Area, and
• the South Carolina National Heritage Corridor.

(Sec. 117) Requires Interior to report to Congress regarding Interior facilities and related infrastructure damaged by a volcanic eruption covered by a major disaster declared by the President in 2018.

(Sec. 118) Provides additional appropriations to the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education Operation of Indian Programs account for hiring staff for tribal detention facilities, including addressing the needs of newly funded tribal detention facilities. Reduces the appropriations provided by this division for Interior's Working Capital Fund.

TITLE II--ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

Provides appropriations to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for:

• Science and Technology,
• Environmental Programs and Management,
• the Office of Inspector General,
• Buildings and Facilities,
• Hazardous Substance Superfund,
• the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund Program,
• Inland Oil Spill Programs,
• State and Tribal Assistance Grants, and
• the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Program Account.

Permits the EPA to award cooperative agreements to Indian tribes or intertribal consortia to carry out the agency's function to implement federal environmental programs required or authorized by law in the absence of an acceptable tribal program.

Permits the EPA to collect and spend pesticide registration service fees.

Permits the EPA to: (1) transfer funds from the Environmental Programs and Management account to other federal agencies to support the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, and (2) enter into interagency agreements and provide grants to certain entities to support the effort.

Permits specified funds to be used for the construction, alteration, repair, rehabilitation, and renovation of facilities.

Permits the EPA to use funds to make grants to Indian tribes notwithstanding certain provisions of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act).

Permits the EPA to use funds provided for Environmental Programs and Management to provide grants to implement the Southeastern New England Watershed Restoration Program.

Permits the EPA to collect and spend fees in accordance with specified provisions of the Solid Waste Disposal Act.

Rescinds specified funds from the State and Tribal Assistance Grants account.

Requires the EPA to use funds provided by this title to implement the recommendations in the EPA Office of Inspector General report titled "Management Weakness Delayed Response to Flint Water Crisis" to ensure clean and safe water compliance under the Safe Drinking Water Act.

TITLE III--RELATED AGENCIES

Provides appropriations to the Department of Agriculture (USDA) for the Office of the Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment.

Provides appropriations to USDA for the Forest Service, including for:

• Forest and Rangeland Research;
• State and Private Forestry;
• the National Forest System;
• Capital Improvement and Maintenance;
• Land Acquisition;
• the Range Betterment Fund;
• Gifts, Donations, and Bequests for Forest and Rangeland Research;
• Management of National Forest Lands for Subsistence Uses; and
• Wildland Fire Management.

Rescinds specified land acquisition funds from projects with cost savings or failed or partially failed projects that had funds returned.

Permits Forest Service appropriations to be used for:

• the purchase and use of motor vehicles and aircraft;
• employment of temporary or intermittent personnel;
• purchase, erection, and alteration of buildings and other public improvements;
• acquisition of land and waters;
• expenses pursuant to the Volunteers in the National Forest Act of 1972;
• uniforms; and
• debt collection contracts.

Specifies authorities and requirements for transferring funds to or from the Wildland Fire Management account.

Permits Forest Service appropriations to be used for forest and rangeland research, technical information, and related forestry and natural resources activities in foreign countries.

Permits Forest Service appropriations to be transferred to the BLM for removal, preparation, and adoption of excess wild horses and burros from National Forest System lands, and for surveys to designate the boundaries of the lands.

Prohibits Forest Service appropriations from being transferred using authority provided in several specified statutory provisions.

Prohibits Forest Service appropriations from being reprogrammed except with prior approval of Congress and in accordance with procedures contained in the report accompanying this division.

Limits transfers to the USDA Working Capital Fund and to USDA for Department Reimbursable Programs (commonly referred to as Greenbook charges).

Permits specified funds to be used for projects to be carried out by the Youth Conservation Corps under the authority of the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993.

Permits the Chief of the Forest Service to use specified funds for official reception and representation expenses.

Permits specified funds to be used to provide matching funds to aid conservation projects of the National Forest Foundation and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

Permits funds to be used to provide technical assistance to rural communities and natural resource-based businesses for sustainable rural development purposes.

Permits Forest Service appropriations to be used for payments to counties within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.

Permits Forest Service appropriations to be used to meet the non-federal share requirement included in a provision of the Older Americans Act of 1965 related to the older American community service employment program.

Prohibits the Forest Service from assessing funds for the purpose of performing fire, administrative, and other facilities maintenance and decommissioning.

Permits specified funds to be used to reimburse the USDA Office of the General Counsel for travel and related expenses incurred as a result of assistance or participation requested by the Forest Service at meetings, training sessions, management reviews, land purchase negotiations, and similar non-litigation related matters.

Permits an individual employed under any project funded under title V of the Older Americans Act of 1965 to be considered a federal employee.

Requires the Forest Service to provide quarterly reports to Congress regarding unobligated balances.

Provides appropriations to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for the Indian Health Service (IHS) including:

• Indian Health Services,
• Contract Support Costs, and
• Indian Health Facilities.

Provides appropriations to HHS for: (1) the National Institutes of Health for the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, and (2) the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.

Provides appropriations to Other Related Agencies, including:

• the Executive Office of the President for the Council on Environmental Quality and Office of Environmental Quality;
• the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board;
• the Office of Navajo and Hopi Indian Relocation;
• the Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts Development;
• the Smithsonian Institution;
• the National Gallery of Art;
• the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts;
• the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars;
• the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities, including the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the National Endowment for the Humanities;
• the Commission of Fine Arts;
• the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation;
• the National Capital Planning Commission;
• the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum;
• the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial Commission;
• the Women's Suffrage Centennial Commission; and
• the World War I Centennial Commission.

TITLE IV--GENERAL PROVISIONS

(Sec. 401) Prohibits funds provided by this division from being used to promote public support or opposition to any legislative proposal before Congress, other than to communicate with Congress as permitted under current law.

(Sec. 402) Prohibits any appropriation contained in this division from remaining available for obligation beyond the current fiscal year unless expressly permitted in this division.

(Sec. 403) Requires specified administrative expenses to be presented in annual budget justifications and approved by Congress.

(Sec. 404) Prohibits funds from being used to accept or process applications for a patent for any mining or mill site claim located under the general mining laws, subject to exceptions.

Requires Interior to report to Congress regarding actions taken by the department under the plan submitted regarding a processing schedule for certain applications for patents that were filed on or before September 30, 1994.

Requires Interior, upon the request of a patent applicant, to allow a qualified third-party contractor to conduct a mineral examination of the mining claims or mill sites contained in a patent application. Specifies that the BLM is responsible for selecting and paying the third-party contractor.

(Sec. 405) Extends limits on the use of FY1994-FY2013 and FY2014 funds for contract support costs on Indian contracts.

(Sec. 406) Limits the use of FY2019 funds for contract support costs on Indian contracts.

(Sec. 407) Permits Forest Service land management plans that are more than 15 years old if USDA is acting in good faith to update the plans.

(Sec. 408) Prohibits funds provided by this division from being used to conduct preleasing, leasing, and related activities under either the Mineral Leasing Act or the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act within the boundaries of a National Monument, as the boundary existed on January 20, 2001. Includes an exception for activities allowed under the presidential proclamation establishing the monument.

(Sec. 409) Restricts land acquisition funds provided by this division from being used for the filing of declarations of taking or complaints in condemnation without the approval of Congress. Includes an exception for funds provided to implement the Everglades National Park Protection and Expansion Act of 1989, or for Florida to acquire lands for Everglades restoration.

(Sec. 410) Sets forth requirements regarding the sale of timber from a specified region in Alaska.

(Sec. 411) Prohibits no-bid contracts and grants except under certain circumstances where a contract is authorized by federal law or was awarded prior to the date of enactment of this division.

(Sec. 412) Requires agencies receiving funds in this division to post on their public websites any report required to be submitted by Congress if it serves the national interest. Specifies that the requirement does not apply if: (1) the public posting of the report comprises national security, or (2) the report contains proprietary information.

(Sec. 413) Establishes grant guidelines for the NEA.

(Sec. 414) Establishes priorities for programs administered by the NEA.

(Sec. 415) Directs Interior, the EPA, the Forest Service, and the IHS to provide Congress with quarterly reports on the status of balances of appropriations.

(Sec. 416) Prohibits funds from being used to promulgate or implement any regulation requiring the issuance of permits under the Clean Air Act for carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, water vapor, or methane emissions resulting from biological processes associated with livestock production.

(Sec. 417) Prohibits funds from being used to implement any provision in a rule that requires mandatory reporting of greenhouse gas emissions from manure management systems.

(Sec. 418) Prohibits funds from being used to regulate the lead content of ammunition, ammunition components, or fishing tackle under the Toxic Substances Control Act or any other law.

(Sec. 419) Amends the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2012 to extend a provision that permits USDA and Interior, in awarding contracts for certain activities on public lands, to give consideration to certain local contractors who provide employment and training for dislocated and displaced workers in an economically disadvantaged rural community.

(Sec. 420) Extends the authority of the Forest Service to renew certain grazing permits.

(Sec. 421) Prohibits funds provided by this division from being used to maintain or establish a computer network unless the network blocks access to pornography websites. Includes an exception for a law enforcement agency or other entity carrying out criminal investigations, prosecution, or adjudication activities.

(Sec. 422) Amends the Forest Service Facility Realignment and Enhancement Act of 2005 to extend the authority for conveyances of certain Forest Service administrative sites.

(Sec. 423) Prohibits any funds made available by a state water pollution control revolving fund authorized by the Safe Drinking Water Act from being used for a project for the construction, alteration, maintenance, or repair of a public water system or treatment works unless all of the iron and steel products used in the project are produced in the United States, subject to specified exceptions and waiver procedures.

(Sec. 424) Prohibits funds provided by this division from being used to destroy any buildings or structures on Midway Island that have been recommended by the U.S Navy for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places.

(Sec. 425) Amends the John F. Kennedy Center Act to authorize FY2019 appropriations for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

(Sec. 426) Authorizes Interior to: (1) enter into grants and cooperative agreements with volunteer fire departments, rural fire departments, rangeland fire protection associations, and similar organizations to provide for wildland fire training and equipment, including supplies and communication devices; and (2) transfer title to excess Interior firefighting equipment to the organizations.

(Sec. 427) Provides additional appropriations to the EPA for:

• Hazardous Substance Superfund,
• State and Tribal Assistance Grants, and
• the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Program Account.

(Sec. 428) Requires the Department of Energy (DOE), the Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the EPA to jointly ensure that federal policy relating to forest bioenergy: (1) is consistent across all department and agencies, and (2) recognizes the full benefits of the use of forest biomass for energy, conservation, and responsible forest management.

Requires DOE, USDA, and the EPA to establish clear and simple policies for the use of forest biomass as an energy solution, including policies that:

• reflect the carbon-neutrality of forest bioenergy and recognize biomass as a renewable energy source, provided the use of forest biomass for energy production does not cause conversion of forests to non-forest use;
• encourage private investment throughout the forest biomass supply chain;
• encourage forest management to improve forest health; and
• recognize state initiatives to produce and use forest biomass.

(Sec. 429) Prohibits the EPA from using funds to require a permit under the Clean Water Act for the discharge of dredged or fill material for certain agricultural activities.

(Sec. 430) Prohibits funds provided by this division from being used to implement or enforce certain EPA regulations for commercial and industrial solid waste incineration units with respect to small remote incinerators located in Alaska.

(Sec. 431) Amends the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act to extend the authority of federal agencies to establish, collect, and retain fees on federal recreational lands and waters.

(Sec. 432) Prohibits specified agencies from using funds provided by this division to acquire telecommunications equipment produced by Huawei Technologies Company, ZTE Corporation or a high-impact or moderate-impact information system unless the agency acquiring the system meets certain requirements for reviews, assessments, reports, and mitigation strategies for risks.

(Sec. 433) Requires the Government Accountability Office to report to Congress on efforts by the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the EPA relating to the removal of lead-based paint and other hazardous materials.

(Sec. 434) Requires the Forest Service to conduct and submit to Congress an inventory and evaluation of land depicted on the map titled "Flatside Wilderness Adjacent Inventory Areas" and dated November 30, 2017, to determine the suitability of the land for inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System.

(Sec. 435) Requires HHS to use funds provided for the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry to report to Congress on the geographic variation in pediatric cancer incidence in the United States.

Permits HHS to use specified funds to conduct public outreach activities to improve awareness of possible contributing factors to pediatric cancer.

Requires HHS to ensure that all patient information in the reports under this section is de-identified and protects personal privacy of the patients in accordance with privacy laws.

DIVISION B--FINANCIAL SERVICES AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019

Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2019

This division provides FY2019 appropriations to agencies responsible for:

• regulating the financial, telecommunications, and consumer products industries;
• collecting taxes and assisting taxpayers;
• managing federal buildings and the federal workforce; and
• operating the Executive Office of the President, the judiciary, and Washington, DC.

TITLE I--DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

Department of the Treasury Appropriations Act, 2019

Provides appropriations to the Department of the Treasury for Departmental Offices, including:

• Salaries and Expenses,
• the Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence,
• the Cybersecurity Enhancement Account,
• Department-Wide Systems and Capital Investments Programs,
• the Office of Inspector General,
• the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, and
• the Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program.

Provides appropriations to Treasury for:

• the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network,
• the Bureau of the Fiscal Service,
• the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau,
• the U.S. Mint, and
• the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund Program Account.

Provides appropriations to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for:

• Taxpayer Services,
• Enforcement,
• Operations Support, and
• Business Systems Modernization.

(Sec. 101) Permits up to 5% of any IRS appropriation provided by this division to be transferred to any other IRS appropriation upon the advance approval of Congress.

(Sec. 102) Requires the IRS to maintain an employee training program that includes taxpayers' rights, dealing courteously with taxpayers, cross-cultural relations, ethics, and the impartial application of tax law.

(Sec. 103) Requires the IRS to institute and enforce policies and procedures to safeguard the confidentiality of taxpayers' information and protect taxpayers against identity theft.

(Sec. 104) Makes funds available for improved facilities and increased staffing to provide sufficient and effective 1-800 help line service for taxpayers. Requires the IRS to continue to make improvements to the help line service a priority and allocate resources necessary to enhance the response time to taxpayer communications, particularly with regard to victims of tax-related crimes.

(Sec. 105) Prohibits the IRS from using funds provided by this division to make a video unless it is approved in advance by the Service-Wide Video Editorial Board.

(Sec. 106) Requires the IRS to: (1) issue a notice of confirmation of any address changes relating to an employer making employment tax payments, and (2) give special consideration to an offer-in-compromise from a taxpayer who has been the victim of fraud by a third party payroll tax preparer.

(Sec. 107) Prohibits the IRS from using funds provided by this division to target U.S. citizens for exercising any rights guaranteed under the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

(Sec. 108) Prohibits the IRS from using funds provided by this division to target groups for regulatory scrutiny based on their ideological beliefs.

(Sec. 109) Requires the IRS to comply with certain procedures and policies for conference spending that were recommended by the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.

(Sec. 110) Prohibits the IRS from using funds provided by this division for providing employee bonuses or hiring former employees without considering conduct and federal tax compliance.

(Sec. 111) Prohibits the IRS from using funds provided by this division to violate the confidentiality of tax returns and return information.

(Sec. 112) Prohibits the IRS from using funds, except to the extent permitted under specified sections of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC), to provide to any person a proposed final return or statement for use in satisfying a filing or reporting requirement under the IRC.

(Sec. 113) Provides additional appropriations to the IRS to be remain available through FY2020 for carrying out P.L. 115-97 (commonly known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act).

(Sec. 114) Permits Treasury to use funds provided by this division for:

• uniforms,
• insurance for official motor vehicles operated in foreign countries,
• contracts with the Department of State for health and medical services to employees and their dependents serving in foreign countries, and
• employment of temporary or intermittent experts and consultants.

(Sec. 115) Permits certain transfers between Treasury accounts, subject to congressional approval and specified requirements.

(Sec. 116) Permits the IRS to transfer certain funds to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, subject to congressional approval and specified requirements.

(Sec. 117) Bars Treasury or the Bureau of Engraving and Printing from using funds to redesign the $1 Federal Reserve note.

(Sec. 118) Permits Treasury to transfer funds from Bureau of Fiscal Services--Salaries and Expenses to the Debt Collection Fund to cover the costs of debt collection. Requires the transferred amounts to be reimbursed from debt collections received in the fund.

(Sec. 119) Prohibits the U.S. Mint from using funds to construct or operate any museum without congressional approval.

(Sec. 120) Prohibits funds from being used to merge the U.S. Mint and the Bureau of Engraving and Printing without congressional approval.

(Sec. 121) Deems funds provided for Treasury's intelligence or intelligence-related activities as authorized for FY2019 until the enactment of the Intelligence Authorization Act for FY2019.

(Sec. 122) Permits up to $5,000 to be made available from the Bureau of Engraving and Printing's Industrial Revolving Fund for official reception and representation expenses.

(Sec. 123) Requires Treasury to submit a capital investment plan to Congress.

(Sec. 124) Requires Treasury to report to Congress on the Franchise Fund.

(Sec. 125) Prohibits Treasury from using funds for certain regulations, revenue rulings, or other guidance related to the standard used to determine the tax-exempt status of a 501(c)(4) organization.

(Sec. 126) Requires the Office of Financial Stability and the Office of Financial Research to report quarterly to Congress on their activities.

(Sec. 127) Permits the Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence to reimburse the Departmental Office--Salaries and Expenses account for reception and representation expenses to support the Financial Action Task Force.

(Sec. 128) Permits the Bureau of Engraving and Printing Fund to be used for the acquisition of necessary land for, and construction of, a replacement currency production facility.

(Sec. 129) Requires the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network and the appropriate divisions of Treasury to report to Congress on Geographic Targeting Orders issued since 2016. (Geographic targeting orders impose certain additional recordkeeping and reporting requirements on one or more domestic financial institutions or nonfinancial trades or businesses in a geographic area.)

TITLE II--EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT AND FUNDS APPROPRIATED TO THE PRESIDENT

Executive Office of the President Appropriations Act, 2019

Provides FY2019 appropriations to the Executive Office of the President and designated accounts, including:

• the White House,
• the Executive Residence at the White House,
• White House Repair and Restoration,
• the Council of Economic Advisers,
• the National Security Council and the Homeland Security Council,
• the Office of Administration,
• the Office of Management and Budget (OMB),
• the Office of National Drug Control Policy,
• Unanticipated Needs,
• Information Technology Oversight and Reform,
• Special Assistance to the President, and
• the Official Residence of the Vice President.

(Sec. 201) Permits certain transfers of funds between accounts within the Executive Office of the President, subject to congressional approval and specified requirements.

(Sec. 202) Requires the OMB to include a statement of budgetary impact with certain executive orders or Presidential memoranda issued or revoked by the President during FY2019.

TITLE III--THE JUDICIARY

Judiciary Appropriations Act, 2019

Provides FY2019 appropriations to the judiciary for:

• the Supreme Court of the United States;
• the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit;
• the U.S. Court of International Trade;
• Courts of Appeals, District Courts, and Other Judicial Services;
• the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts;
• the Federal Judicial Center; and
• the U.S. Sentencing Commission.

(Sec. 301) Permits funds provided by this title for salaries and expenses to be used for the employment of temporary or intermittent experts and consultants.

(Sec. 302) Permits certain transfers of funds between judiciary accounts, if Congress is notified and other specified requirements are met.

(Sec. 303) Permits up to $11,000 of appropriations provided for salaries and expenses for Courts of Appeals, District Courts, and Other Judicial Services to be used for official reception and representation expenses of the Judicial Conference of the United States.

(Sec. 304) Permits the delegation of authority to the judiciary for contracts for repairs that are under $100,000.

(Sec. 305) Continues a pilot program for the U.S. Marshals Service to provide perimeter security services at selected courthouses.

(Sec. 306) Extends several temporary judgeships.

TITLE IV--DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 2019

Provides FY2019 appropriations to DC, including federal payments for:

• Resident Tuition Support,
• Emergency Planning and Security Costs in the District of Columbia,
• District of Columbia Courts,
• Defender Services in District of Columbia Courts,
• the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency for the District of Columbia,
• the District of Columbia Public Defender Service,
• the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council,
• Judicial Commissions,
• School Improvement,
• the District of Columbia National Guard,
• Testing and Treatment of HIV/AIDS, and
• the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority.

Provides local funds for the operation of DC out of the General Fund of the District of Columbia.

TITLE V--INDEPENDENT AGENCIES

Provides appropriations for independent agencies, including:

• the Administrative Conference of the United States,
• the Commodity Futures Trading Commission,
• the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC),
• the Election Assistance Commission,
• the Federal Communications Commission (FCC),
• the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation,
• the Federal Election Commission,
• the Federal Labor Relations Authority,
• the Federal Trade Commission (FTC),
• the General Services Administration (GSA),
• the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation,
• the Merit Systems Protection Board,
• Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall Foundation,
• the National Archives and Records Administration,
• the National Credit Union Administration,
• the Office of Government Ethics,
• the Office of Personnel Management (OPM),
• the Office of Special Counsel,
• the Postal Regulatory Commission,
• the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board,
• the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC),
• the Selective Service System,
• the Small Business Administration (SBA),
• the U.S. Postal Service, and
• the U.S. Tax Court.

Requires the U.S. Postal Service to continue six day delivery and rural delivery of the mail at not less than the 1983 level.

(Sec. 501) Prohibits the CPSC from using funds provided by this division to finalize, implement, or enforce the proposed Safety Standard for Recreational Off-Highway Vehicles until the National Academy of Sciences completes a specified study and the results are submitted to Congress.

(Sec. 510) Prohibits the FCC from using funds provided by this division to change the rules for universal service support payments to implement recommendations of the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service regarding single connection or primary line restrictions.

(Sec. 520) Permits the GSA to use funds to hire passenger motor vehicles.

(Sec. 521) Permits funds in the Federal Buildings Fund made available for FY2019 to be transferred between activities if necessary to meet program requirements, subject to congressional approval.

(Sec. 522) Requires the FY2020 budget request for U.S. Courthouse construction to: (1) meet specified design guide standards for construction; (2) reflect the priorities of the Judicial Conference of the United States as set out in its approved Courthouse Project Priorities plan; and (3) include a standardized courtroom utilization study of each facility to be constructed, replaced, or expanded.

(Sec. 523) Prohibits funds provided by this division from being used to increase square footage, provide cleaning services or security enhancements, or provide any other service usually provided through the Federal Buildings Fund for any agency that does not pay the assessed rent.

(Sec. 524) Permits the GSA to use specified funds to pay claims against the federal government that are under $250,000 and arise from direct construction projects and building acquisitions if Congress is notified in advance.

(Sec. 525) Requires the GSA, if specified congressional committees adopt a resolution granting lease authority pursuant to a prospectus, to ensure that the delineated area of procurement matches the prospectus.

(Sec. 526) Requires the GSA to submit a spending plan and explanation to Congress for each project funded with the Major Repairs and Alterations or Judiciary Capital Security Program accounts and E-Government projects funded with the Federal Citizens Services Fund.

(Sec. 530) Permits the SBA to transfer specified funds between appropriations accounts.

(Sec. 531) Prohibits SBA funds provided by this division from being used for a company: (1) that is headquartered in China; or (2) for which more than 25% of the voting stock of the company is owned by affiliates that are citizens of China.

(Sec. 532) Requires the SBA to study whether the provision of matchmaking services that link veteran entrepreneurs to business leads in industry sectors or geographic regions would enhance existing SBA veterans entrepreneurship programs.

(Sec. 533) Requires the SBA to:

• work with federal agencies to review the efforts of each Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization to comply with the requirements for the offices under the Small Business Act,
• report to Congress regarding federal agency compliance with the requirements, and
• report to Congress on the status of the issuance of detailed guidance for the peer review process of the Small Business Procurement Advisory Council.

TITLE VI--GENERAL PROVISIONS--THIS ACT

(Sec. 601) Prohibits funds provided by this division from being used to pay expenses or otherwise compensate non-federal parties intervening in regulatory or adjudicatory proceedings funded in this division.

(Sec. 602) Prohibits funds provided by this division from being obligated beyond the current fiscal year or transferred to other appropriations unless authority is expressly provided by this division.

(Sec. 603) Limits expenditures for consulting services to contracts where expenditures are a matter of public record, except where otherwise permitted under existing law or an executive order.

(Sec. 604) Prohibits funds provided by this division from being transferred to any department, agency, or instrumentality of the U.S. government, except pursuant to transfer authority provided by an appropriations Act.

(Sec. 605) Requires enforcement of a Tariff Act of 1930 provision barring the importation of goods manufactured using convict labor.

(Sec. 606) Requires entities receiving funds provided by this division to comply with the Buy American Act.

(Sec. 607) Prohibits the use of funds provided by this division by any person or entity convicted of violating the Buy American Act.

(Sec. 608) Provides authority, restrictions, and requirements for reprogramming. Requires agencies funded in this division to submit to Congress a report establishing a baseline for the application of reprogramming and transfer authorities.

(Sec. 609) Permits up to 50% of unobligated balances remaining at the end of FY2019 for salaries and expenses to remain available through FY2020, subject to reprogramming guidelines and congressional approval.

(Sec. 610) Prohibits the Executive Office of the President from using funds provided by this division to request either a Federal Bureau of Investigation background investigation or an IRS determination of tax-exempt status under section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, except with the consent of the individual involved in an investigation or in extraordinary circumstances involving national security.

(Sec. 611) Makes certain cost accounting standards inapplicable to contracts under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program.

(Sec. 612) Permits the OPM to accept and utilize (without regard to any restriction on unanticipated travel expenses imposed in an appropriations Act) funds provided to resolve litigation and implement any settlement agreements regarding the nonforeign area cost-of-living allowance program.

(Sec. 613) Prohibits funds provided by this division from being used to pay for an abortion, or the administrative expenses in connection with any health plan under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program that provides any benefits or coverage for abortions.

(Sec. 614) Provides exceptions to the prohibition in section 613 if the life of the mother would be endangered if the fetus were carried to term, or the pregnancy is the result of an act of rape or incest.

(Sec. 615) Waives Buy American Act restrictions for commercial information technology acquired by the federal government.

(Sec. 616) Prohibits an officer or employee of any regulatory agency or commission funded by this division from accepting payments or reimbursements for travel, subsistence, or related expenses from a person or entity regulated by the agency or commission, subject to an exception for nonprofit tax-exempt organizations.

(Sec. 617) Permits the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and the Securities and Exchange Commission to use funds for the interagency funding and sponsorship of a joint advisory committee to advise on emerging regulatory issues.

(Sec. 618) Requires agencies covered by this division to consult with the GSA before seeking new office space or making alterations to existing office space. Permits any agency with authority to enter into an emergency lease to do so during any period declared by the President to require emergency leasing authority.

(Sec. 619) Provides funds required under current law for:

• compensation of the President;
• payments to the Judicial Officers' Retirement Fund, the Judicial Survivors' Annuities Fund, and the U.S. Court of Federal Claims Judges' Retirement Fund;
• payments of government contributions for health and life insurance benefits of federal retired employees;
• payments to finance the unfunded liability of annuity benefits under the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund; and
• payments of annuities authorized to be paid from the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund.

(Sec. 620) Permits the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board to obligate specified funds to remain available until expended for the scholarship program established by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

(Sec. 621) Prohibits the FTC from using funds provided by this division to complete the draft report titled "Interagency Working Group on Food Marketed to Children: Preliminary Proposed Nutrition Principles to Guide Industry Self-Regulatory Efforts" unless the working group complies with Executive Order 13563 (Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review).

(Sec. 622) Prohibits the OPM from using funds provided by this division to permit contractor security clearance-related background investigators to conduct final quality reviews of their own work.

(Sec. 623) Requires agencies funded by this division to ensure that the Chief Information Officer of the agency has the authority to participate in budgeting decisions related to information technology. Requires funding for information technology to be allocated consistent with guidance provided by appropriations Acts, OMB, and the agency's Chief Information Officer.

(Sec. 624) Prohibits funds provided by this division from being used in contravention of the Federal Records Act.

(Sec. 625) Prohibits funds provided by this division from being used to require providers of electronic communication or remote computing services to the public to disclose electronic communications information in a manner that violates the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

(Sec. 626) Prohibits the FCC from making modifications to Universal Service Fund rules related to Mobility Fund Phase II.

(Sec. 627) Requires departments and agencies funded by this division to provide an Inspector General (IG) funded by this division with timely access to records, documents, or other materials available to the department or agency over which the IG has responsibility. Requires each IG to comply with specified statutory limitations on disclosure of the information provided.

(Sec. 628) Prohibits funds provided by this division from being used to maintain or establish a computer network unless the network blocks pornography. Includes an exception for a law enforcement agency or other entity carrying out criminal investigations, prosecution, adjudication activities, or other law enforcement- or victim assistance-related activity.

(Sec. 629) Prohibits the SEC from using funds provided by this division for any rule, regulation, or order regarding the disclosure of political contributions, contributions to tax-exempt organizations, or dues paid to trade associations.

(Sec. 630) Prohibits funds provided by this division from being used to pay award or incentive fees for contractors whose performance is below satisfactory, behind schedule, over budget, or has failed to meet the basic requirements of a contract unless specified requirements are met.

(Sec. 631) Specifies restrictions and congressional notification requirements for spending on conferences.

(Sec. 632) Prohibits funds provided by this division from being used to acquire telecommunications equipment produced by Huawei Technologies Company, ZTE Corporation or a high-impact or moderate-impact information system unless the agency acquiring the system meets certain requirements for reviews, assessments, reports, and mitigation strategies for risks.

(Sec. 633) Prohibits funds provided by this division from being used for airline accommodations for any officer or employee in the executive branch that are not coach-class accommodations.

(Sec. 634) Requires the Government Accountability Office to: (1) examine the financial impact of the mineral pyrrhotite in concrete home foundations; and (2) recommend regulatory and legislative actions needed to help mitigate the financial impact on banks, mortgage lenders, tax revenues, and homeowners.

TITLE VII--GENERAL PROVISIONS--GOVERNMENT-WIDE

(Sec. 701) Requires U.S. departments, agencies, or instrumentalities to administer a written policy designed to ensure that workplaces are free from the illegal use, possession, or distribution of controlled substances by officers and employees.

(Sec. 702) Establishes price limitations on vehicles purchased by the federal government and specifies exceptions.

(Sec. 703) Permits appropriations for the current fiscal year to be used for quarters and cost-of-living allowances.

(Sec. 704) Prohibits the employment of noncitizens whose posts of duty would be in the continental United States, subject to specified exceptions.

(Sec. 705) Permits appropriations provided to any department or agency for necessary expenses such as maintenance and operating expenses to be used for payments to the GSA for space renovation and other services.

(Sec. 706) Permits agencies to use receipts from the sale of materials through recycling or waste prevention programs for: (1) acquisition, waste reduction and prevention, and recycling programs; (2) other federal agency environmental management programs; and (3) other employee programs as authorized by law or as deemed appropriate by the agency.

(Sec. 707) Permits funds provided to certain government corporations and agencies for administrative expenses to be used to pay rent and other service costs in DC.

(Sec. 708) Prohibits interagency financing of boards (except Federal Executive Boards), commissions, councils, committees, or similar groups absent prior statutory approval.

(Sec. 709) Prohibits funds from being used to implement, administer, or enforce any regulation which has been disapproved pursuant to a joint resolution.

(Sec. 710) Prohibits spending more than $5,000 to redecorate or furnish the office of the head of a department or agency during the period in which the official holds office unless Congress is notified in advance.

(Sec. 711) Permits interagency funding of national security and emergency preparedness telecommunications initiatives that benefit multiple federal departments, agencies, or entities.

(Sec. 712) Requires agencies to certify that certain appointments were not created solely or primarily to detail an individual to the White House. Includes an exception for federal employees or members of the Armed Forces detailed to or from an element of the intelligence community.

(Sec. 713) Prohibits the use of funds to prevent federal employees from communicating with Congress or to take disciplinary or personnel actions against employees for communicating with Congress.

(Sec. 714) Prohibits funds from being used for training that is not directly related to the performance of official duties.

(Sec. 715) Prohibits an agency of the executive branch from using funds for publicity or propaganda purposes and for the preparation or distribution of materials designed to support or defeat legislation pending before Congress.

(Sec. 716) Prohibits an agency from providing a federal employee's home address to any labor organization absent employee authorization or a court order.

(Sec. 717) Prohibits funds from being used to provide any non-public information such as mailing, telephone, or electronic mailing lists to any person or organization outside the federal government without approval of Congress.

(Sec. 718) Prohibits funds from being used for propaganda and publicity purposes within the United States not authorized by Congress.

(Sec. 719) Directs agency employees to use official time in an honest effort to perform official duties. Specifies that employees not under a leave system are obligated to expend an honest effort and a reasonable proportion of their time to perform official duties.

(Sec. 720) Permits agencies that are members of the Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board (FASB) to use funds provided for the current fiscal year to finance an appropriate share of FASB administrative costs.

(Sec. 721) Permits agencies to transfer funds to the GSA to support specified government-wide and multiagency activities that meet certain requirements and are approved by the OMB.

(Sec. 722) Permits breastfeeding at any location in a federal building or on federal property if the woman and child are authorized to be there.

(Sec. 723) Permits interagency funding of the National Science and Technology Council and requires the OMB to provide a report describing the budget and resources connected with the council.

(Sec. 724) Requires documents involving the distribution of federal funds to indicate the agency providing the funds and the amount provided.

(Sec. 725) Prohibits the use of funds to monitor personal information relating to the use of federal Internet sites, subject to specified exceptions.

(Sec. 726) Prohibits the use of funds provided by this division for health plans with prescription drug coverage unless contraceptive coverage is included. Includes exemptions for certain religious plans. Prohibits plans from discriminating against individuals who refuse to provide contraceptives due to religious beliefs or moral convictions.

(Sec. 727) Specifies that the United States is committed to ensuring the health of its Olympic, Pan American, and Paralympic athletes and supports the strict adherence to anti-doping in sports through testing, adjudication, education, and research.

(Sec. 728) Permits federal agencies and departments to use funds appropriated for official travel to participate in the fractional aircraft ownership pilot program, if consistent with OMB Circular A-126 regarding official travel for government personnel.

(Sec. 729) Prohibits funds from being used to implement OPM regulations limiting executive branch detailees to the legislative branch or to implement limitations on the Coast Guard Congressional Fellowship Program.

(Sec. 730) Prohibits agencies from using funds for additional law enforcement training facilities that are not within or contiguous to existing locations without the approval of Congress. Permits the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center to obtain the temporary use of additional facilities for training which cannot be accommodated in existing facilities.

(Sec. 731) Prohibits agencies from using funds to produce any prepackaged news story intended for broadcast or distribution in the United States, unless the story includes a notification that it was prepared or funded by the agency.

(Sec. 732) Prohibits the use of funds in contravention of the Privacy Act or associated regulations.

(Sec. 733) Prohibits the use of funds for contracts with any foreign incorporated entity which is an inverted domestic corporation. Requires a waiver if necessary for national security. Exempts contracts entered into prior to enactment of this division.

(Sec. 734) Requires agencies to pay a fee to the OPM for processing retirements of employees who separate under Voluntary Early Retirement Authority or receive Voluntary Separation Incentive Payments.

(Sec. 735) Bars the use of funds to recommend or require any entity submitting an offer for a federal contract to disclose specified political contributions as a condition of submitting the offer.

(Sec. 736) Bars the use of funds for the painting of portraits of a federal officer or employee, including the President, the Vice President, a Member of Congress, or the head of an executive branch agency or legislative branch office.

(Sec. 737) Limits pay increases for certain categories of prevailing rate employees.

(Sec. 738) Eliminates automatic pay increases for the Vice President and certain categories of political appointees.

(Sec. 739) Requires agencies to submit annual reports to Inspectors General or senior ethics officials regarding the costs and contracting procedures for conferences that cost more than $100,000.

(Sec. 740) Prohibits the use of funds to increase, eliminate, or reduce funding for a program, project, or activity, unless the changes have been enacted into law or made using transfer or reprogramming authority provided in an appropriations Act.

(Sec. 741) Prohibits funds from being used for an OPM rule revising the definition of competitive area used in reductions-in-force for federal employees.

(Sec. 742) Prohibits funds from being used to begin or announce a study or public-private competition regarding the conversion of functions performed by federal employees to contractor performance.

(Sec. 743) Prohibits funds from being used to require contractors or employees to sign confidentiality agreements or statements restricting or prohibiting the reporting of waste, fraud, or abuse to investigative or law enforcement representatives.

(Sec. 744) Prohibits the use of funds to implement or enforce a nondisclosure agreement unless it meets specified criteria.

(Sec. 745) Prohibits the use of funds for specified transactions with any corporation with certain unpaid federal tax liabilities, unless an agency has considered suspension or debarment of the corporation and decided that further action is not necessary to protect the interests of the government.

(Sec. 746) Prohibits the use of funds for specified transactions with any corporation that was convicted of a felony within the preceding 24 months, unless an agency has considered suspension or debarment of the corporation and decided that further action is not necessary to protect the interests of the go