MEDICARE:

The government contribution for Medicare is currently 1.45% of gross pay and is not subject to a maximum taxable wage base. All employees have been subject to withholdings for Medicare since January 1, 1983.

THRIFT SAVINGS PLAN (TSP)

The percentage of government contributions to the Thrift Savings Plan continues to grow as employee's shift to the FERS retirement program and are therefore eligible to receive matching government contributions up to a certain limit, unlike those participating in the TSP who are covered under CSRS. FERS employees automatically receive 1% of their gross pay once they become eligible to contribute to TSP, even if they elect not to contribute to the plan.

HEALTH BENEFITS:

As a percentage of total employees, the number of employees enrolled has remained fairly constant.

LIFE INSURANCE

The cost of Basic Life for active employees is based on the Basic Life Amount. The employee pays two-thirds of the total cost and the government pays one-third. The employee pays the total cost of additional optional insurance.

UNEMPLOYMENT/WORKERS COMPENSATION

The FY'01 budget request includes known FY '01 workers compensation bill of $1,144,000 for the House and $966,000 for the House assigned Police Officers. These bills have been received from the Department of Labor in the summer of 1999.

Explanation of Changes Shown On Schedule C

ALLOWANCES AND EXPENSES

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

This category funds for House autos, gratuities to beneficiaries of deceased staff and Interparliamentary receptions. A total of $676,000 is requested for Fiscal 2001. This represents a zero increase over the amount enacted for fiscal 2000.

House Autos: This item includes purchase, exchange, maintenance, repair and operation of House motor vehicles. The FY '01 request of $96,000 is a zero increase over the FY '00 amount enacted.

Gratuities to Heirs of Deceased Employees: This category funds and pays gratuities to the heirs of deceased House employees. The FY '01 request is $500,000, the same amount enacted in the FY '00 Appropriation Act.

Interparliamentary Receptions: This category originated on June 29, 1961 when House Resolution 348 was passed. The purpose of this resolution was "to enable the House of Representatives more properly to discharge and coordinate its activities and responsibilities in connection with participation in various interparliamentary institutions and to facilitate the interchange and reception in the United States of members of foreign legislative bodies and permanent officials of foreign government.” The funds provided to carry out the provisions set forth in the Resolution were made permanent law in P.L. 95391. The FY '01 request is the full authorization of $80,000, which is the same amount funded in FY 2000.