On the other hand, the FY '99 equipment budget request is a $4,079,000 increase or 15.26% increase over the amount estimated for fiscal 1998. The first session spending in this area is traditionally higher due to new Members outfitting their offices with new equipment. One could look at the account which funds equipment to see. the spending impact in the first session of a Congress as opposed to second session spending and see the same utilization impact.

The FY '99 Official Mail funding request is based on the current aggregate authorization as established by the Committee on House Oversight. There are no definitive postal increases scheduled for the FY '99 period. Therefore, the FY '99 funding for this category remains at the current level of $49,907,000. This is a $23,536,000 increase over the amount appropriated for fiscal 1998. Once again, this request is for the full funding of the authorization to show what the total amount available for spending is for the entire Members.

Explanation of Changes Shown On Schedule C

STANDING COMMITTEES, SPECIAL AND SELECT

This account funds for all committee personnel and non-personnel expenses, with the exception of the Committee on Appropriations, estimated to be incurred during the fiscal year. The FY'99 request is $90,608,000. This request is an increase of $4,340,000 or 5.03% over the amount enacted in fiscal 1998.

The FY'99 request supports Committee spending for the final quarter of the second session of the 105th Congress as well as the first three quarters of the first session of the 106th Congress. The biennial funding resolution, produced by the Committee on House Oversight, will be established in the first quarter of the 106th first session.

Mandatory Pay and Related Changes:

Personnel increases of $3,795,000 are attributed to the annualization of the FY'98 Cost of Living Adjustment, a prorated 3.1% FY'99 Cost of Living Adjustment and meritorious increases.

Price Level Changes:

Price level increases are attributed to inflation.