Explanation of Changes Shown On Schedule C

OFFICE OF THE ATTENDING PHYSICIAN

For medical supplies, equipment and contingent expenses of the emergency rooms, and for the Attending Physician and his Assistants, $1,383,000. This is an increase of $117,000 over the amount appropriated in fiscal 1998.

Program Type Changes:

The increase of $28,000 in supplies is attributed to the increase in the usage of pharmaceuticals and other medical supplies such as liquid nitrogen, oxygen therapy and reagents. The increase of $89,000 in equipment is attributable to replacement purchases of required medical equipment that are at the end of service life. These items are a Sigmoidscope disinfector, Lifepack Defibrillator, and Hematology Analyzer.

The Capitol Police Board estimates for fiscal year 1999 with our letter of explanation are

enclosed.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me or Chief Gary
Abrecht. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Gregory S. Casey
Chairman

Capitol Police Board

The budget for the United States Capitol Police is comprised of funding for the salaries of= officers, members and employees, and a general expenses account for administrative and capital asset requirements. The total estimate for fiscal year 1999 is $84,469,000. This is an increase of $10,415,000 over amounts appropriated in fiscal year 1998.

Salaries

The fiscal year 1999 budget request is $76,108,000, an increase over fiscal year 1998 of $5,153,000. The requested increase is to cover the cost of the anticipated 1999 cost of living and comparability pay increases, two additional FTE, and implementation of pay parity initiatives for sworn personnel, specifically, Sunday/Holiday pay and Night differential.

One additional FTE is requested for labor management relations, and one additional FTE is requested to support activities in the Public Information Office. Amounts are also requested to cover the annualized cost of the 1998 COLA and associated increases in employer contributions for personnel benefits. Also, funds are requested to implement a civilian merit pay increase program.

General Expenses

The total request for General Expenses is $8,361,000 which represents an increase of $5,262,000 over fiscal year 1998. The requested increases focus on the ability of the Department to respond to threats, keep pace with technological advances, and assure that personnel receive adequate training. Funds are also requested to ensure that systems and equipment are maintained on a life cycle replacement schedule.

From an operational standpoint, an increase in travel funds are requested commensurate with cost experience in recent years. The Department has had to reprogram funds in the past two years to cover these costs, and as a result, not adhered to the replacement schedule for some of the equipment. Increases are requested in some equipment areas to catch up with the recommended replacement schedule.

Included in this request are funds for monthly costs and maintenance for telecommunications and computer services. Also included are estimated start-up costs for implementing the recommendations of the planned management review of the USCP core administrative and management functions.

Requested increases and explanation of changes are itemized and included in the

Annualization of FY 98 COLA - $ 315.000. This amount is included at the COLA rate of 2.3%

for three months for the COLA increase effective on January 1, 1998.

Projected FY 99 COLA -$1.241.000. Estimated at the rate of 3.1% for nine months.

Comparability Pay - $200.000. Estimated at the rate of .5% for nine months.

Price Level Changes - $2.785,000

Pay Schedule Parity Initiatives.

Differential Pay Rates Funding for the following differential pay rates is requested for sworn officers of the department consistent with rates paid under Title 5 of the United States Code for other Federal law enforcement agencies:

●Sunday and Holiday Pay -$ 1,119,000. This amount would be paid to sworn officers working Sunday at a differential rate of 25%.

●Night Differential - $1,322,000. This differential pay would be administered at a rate of 10%.

Civilian Merit Pay - $75.000.

Funding is requested to implement a civilian merit pay increase program under existing authority contained in the House Employment Classification Act.

Personnel Compensation - $269.000.