Collapse to view only § 170. American Television and Radio Archives

§ 131. Collections composing Library; location

The Library of Congress, composed of the books, maps, and other publications which on December 1, 1873, remained in existence, from the collections theretofore united under authority of law and those added from time to time by purchase, exchange, donation, reservation from publications ordered by Congress, acquisition of material under the copyright law, and otherwise, shall be preserved in the Library Building.

(R.S. § 80; Feb. 19, 1897, ch. 265, § 1, 29 Stat. 545, 546; Pub. L. 94–553, title I, § 105(g), Oct. 19, 1976, 90 Stat. 2599; Pub. L. 100–202, § 101(i) [title III, § 310], Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1329–290, 1329–310.)
§ 132. Departments of Library

The Library of Congress shall be arranged in two departments, a general library and a law library.

(R.S. § 81.)
§ 132a. Appropriations for increase of general library

The unexpended balance of any sums appropriated by Congress for the increase of the general library, together with such sums as may hereafter be appropriated to the same purpose, shall be laid out under the direction of the Joint Committee of Congress on the Library.

(R.S. § 82; Feb. 7, 1902, No. 5, 32 Stat. 735; Aug. 2, 1946, ch. 753, title II, § 223, 60 Stat. 838.)
§ 132a–1. Obligations for reimbursable and revolving fund activities; limitation

Effective for fiscal years beginning with fiscal year 1995, obligations for any reimbursable and revolving fund activities performed by the Library of Congress are limited to the total amounts provided (1) in the annual regular appropriations Act making appropriations for the legislative branch, or (2) in a supplemental appropriations Act that makes appropriations for the legislative branch.

(Pub. L. 103–69, title II, § 206, Aug. 11, 1993, 107 Stat. 706.)
§ 132a–2. Furniture, furnishings, and office and library equipment; transfer of funds
(a) Transfer of funds
(b) Availability of funds
(c) Approval of Congress
(Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(2) [title II, § 209], Dec. 21, 2000, 114 Stat. 2763, 2763A–114.)
§ 132a–3. Authority to transfer amounts between categories of appropriations
(a) In general
(b) Limitation
(Pub. L. 113–76, div. I, title I, § 1402, Jan. 17, 2014, 128 Stat. 431.)
§ 132b. Joint Committee on the Library

The Joint Committee of Congress on the Library shall, on and after January 3, 1947, consist of the chairman and four members of the Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate and the chairman and four members of the Committee on House Oversight of the House of Representatives.

(Aug. 2, 1946, ch. 753, title II, § 223, 60 Stat. 838; Pub. L. 104–186, title II, § 205, Aug. 20, 1996, 110 Stat. 1742.)
§ 133. Joint Committee during recess of Congress

The portion of the Joint Committee of Congress on the Library on the part of the Senate remaining in office as Senators shall during the recess of Congress exercise the powers and discharge the duties conferred by law upon the Joint Committee of Congress on the Library.

(Mar. 3, 1883, ch. 141, § 2, 22 Stat. 592; Aug. 2, 1946, ch. 753, title II, § 223, 60 Stat. 838.)
§ 134. Incidental expenses of law library

The incidental expenses of the law library shall be paid out of the appropriations for the Library of Congress.

(R.S. § 83.)
§ 135. Purchase of books for law library

The Librarian shall make the purchases of books for the law library, under the direction of and pursuant to the catalogue furnished him by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

(R.S. § 84.)
§ 135a. National library service for the blind and print disabled
(a) Accessible materials and reproducers
(1) In general
The Librarian of Congress is authorized to provide to eligible persons who are residents of the United States (including residents of the several States, insular possessions, and the District of Columbia) and to eligible persons who are United States citizens residing outside the United States the following items:
(A) Literary works published in raised characters, on sound-reproduction recordings, or in any other accessible format.
(B) Musical scores, instructional texts, and other specialized materials used in furthering educational, vocational, and cultural opportunities in the field of music published in any accessible format.
(C) Reproducers for such formats.
(2) Ownership
(b) Lending preference
In the lending of items under subsection (a), the Librarian shall at all times give preference to—
(1) the needs of the blind and visually disabled; and
(2) the needs of eligible persons who have been honorably discharged from the Armed Forces of the United States.
(c) Network
(d) International service
(e) Contracting preference
(f) Regulations
(g) Definitions
In this section—
(1) the terms “accessible format”, “authorized entity”, and “eligible person” have the meanings given those terms in section 121 of title 17; and
(2) the term “Marrakesh Treaty” has the meaning given in section 121A of such title 17.
(h) Authorization of appropriations
(Mar. 3, 1931, ch. 400, § 1, 46 Stat. 1487; Mar. 4, 1933, ch. 279, 47 Stat. 1570; June 14, 1935, ch. 242, § 1, 49 Stat. 374; Apr. 23, 1937, ch. 125, § 1, 50 Stat. 72; June 7, 1939, ch. 191, 53 Stat. 812; June 6, 1940, ch. 255, 54 Stat. 245; Oct. 1, 1942, ch. 575, § 1, 56 Stat. 764; June 13, 1944, ch. 246, § 1, 58 Stat. 276; Aug. 8, 1946, ch. 868, § 1, 60 Stat. 908; July 3, 1952, ch. 566, 66 Stat. 326; Pub. L. 85–308, § 1, Sept. 7, 1957, 71 Stat. 630; Pub. L. 89–522, § 1, July 30, 1966, 80 Stat. 330; Pub. L. 114–219, § 1, July 29, 2016, 130 Stat. 845; Pub. L. 116–94, div. P, title XIV, § 1403(a), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 3206.)
§ 135a–1. Repealed. Pub. L. 116–94, div. P, title XIV, § 1403(b), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 3207
§ 135b. Local and regional centers; preference to blind and other physically handicapped veterans; rules and regulations; authorization of appropriations
(a) The Librarian of Congress may contract or otherwise arrange with such public or other nonprofit libraries, agencies, or organizations as he may deem appropriate to serve as local or regional centers for the circulation of (1) books, recordings, and reproducers referred to in section 135a of this title, and (2) musical scores, instructional texts, and other specialized materials referred to in section 135a–1 1
1 See References in Text note below.
of this title, under such conditions and regulations as he may prescribe. In the lending of such books, recordings, reproducers, musical scores, instructional texts, and other specialized materials, preference shall at all times be given to the needs of the blind and of the other physically handicapped persons who have been honorably discharged from the Armed Forces of the United States.
(b) There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this section.
(Mar. 3, 1931, ch. 400, § 2, 46 Stat. 1487; Pub. L. 89–522, § 1, July 30, 1966, 80 Stat. 330.)
§ 136. Librarian of Congress; rules and regulations

The Librarian of Congress shall make rules and regulations for the government of the Library.

(Feb. 19, 1897, ch. 265, § 1, 29 Stat. 544, 546; Pub. L. 92–310, title II, § 220(f), June 6, 1972, 86 Stat. 204; Pub. L. 114–86, § 3, Nov. 5, 2015, 129 Stat. 675.)
§ 136–1. Appointment and term of service of Librarian of Congress
(a) In general
(b) Term of service
(c) Reappointment
(d) Effective date
(Pub. L. 114–86, § 2, Nov. 5, 2015, 129 Stat. 675.)
§§ 136a, 136a–1. Omitted
§ 136a–2. Librarian of Congress and Deputy Librarian of Congress; compensation
Notwithstanding any other provision of law—
(1) the Librarian of Congress shall be compensated at an annual rate of pay which is equal to the annual rate of basic pay payable for positions at level II of the Executive Schedule under section 5313 of title 5; and
(2) the Deputy Librarian of Congress shall be compensated at the greater of the rate of pay in effect for level III of the Executive Schedule under section 5314 of title 5 or the maximum annual rate of basic pay payable under section 5376 of such title for positions at agencies with a performance appraisal system certified under section 5307(d) of such title.
(Pub. L. 98–63, title I, § 904, July 30, 1983, 97 Stat. 336; Pub. L. 106–57, title II, § 209(a), Sept. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 424; Pub. L. 116–94, div. P, title XIV, § 1404(a)(1), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 3207.)
§ 136b. Omitted
§ 136c. Authorized additional expenses and services for which Library of Congress salary appropriations are available

From and after October 1, 1983, appropriations in this Act available to the Library of Congress for salaries shall be available for expenses of personnel security and suitability investigations of Library employees; special and temporary services (including employees engaged by day or hour or in piecework); and services as authorized by section 3109 of title 5.

(Pub. L. 98–51, title II, § 201, July 14, 1983, 97 Stat. 276.)
§ 137. Use and regulation of law library

The justices of the Supreme Court shall have free access to the law library; and they are authorized to make regulations, not inconsistent with law, for the use of the same during the sittings of the court. But such regulations shall not restrict any person authorized to take books from the Library from having access to the law library, or using the books therein in the same manner as he may be entitled to use the books of the general Library.

(R.S. § 95.)
§§ 137a, 137b. Omitted
§ 137c. Withdrawal of books from Library of Congress

The chief judge and associate judges of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia and the chief judge and associate judges of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia are authorized to use and take books from the Library of Congress in the same manner and subject to the same regulations as justices of the Supreme Court of the United States.

(Joint Res. No. 9, Jan. 27, 1894, 28 Stat. 577; June 7, 1934, ch. 426, 48 Stat. 926; June 25, 1936, ch. 804, 49 Stat. 1921; June 25, 1948, ch. 646, § 32(a), (b), 62 Stat. 991; May 24, 1949, ch. 139, § 127, 63 Stat. 107.)
§ 138. Law library; hours kept open

The law library shall be kept open every day so long as either House of Congress is in session.

(July 11, 1888, ch. 615, § 1, 25 Stat. 262.)
§ 139. Omitted
§ 140. Employees; fitness

All persons employed in and about said Library of Congress under the Librarian shall be appointed solely with reference to their fitness for their particular duties.

(Feb. 19, 1897, ch. 265, § 1, 29 Stat. 545; June 29, 1922, ch. 251, § 1, 42 Stat. 715.)
§ 141. Allocation of responsibilities for Library buildings and grounds
(a) Architect of the Capitol
(1) In general
The Architect of the Capitol shall have charge of all work at the Library of Congress buildings and grounds (as defined in section 167j of this title) that affects—
(A) the structural integrity of the buildings;
(B) buildings systems, including mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and elevators;
(C) the architectural features of the buildings;
(D) compliance with building and fire codes, laws, and regulations with respect to the specific responsibilities set for 1
1 So in original. Probably should be “forth”.
under this paragraph;
(E) the care and maintenance of Library grounds; and
(F) purchase of all equipment necessary to fulfill the responsibilities set forth under this paragraph.
(2) Employees
(b) Librarian of Congress
(c) Transfer of funds
(June 29, 1922, ch. 251, § 1, 42 Stat. 715; Pub. L. 91–280, June 12, 1970, 84 Stat. 309; Pub. L. 101–520, title II, § 205(b), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 2272; Pub. L. 101–562, § 2(a), Nov. 15, 1990, 104 Stat. 2780; Pub. L. 108–7, div. H, title I, § 1208(a), Feb. 20, 2003, 117 Stat. 375.)
§ 141a. Design, installation, and maintenance of security systems; transfer of responsibility

The responsibility for design, installation, and maintenance of security systems to protect the physical security of the buildings and grounds of the Library of Congress is transferred from the Architect of the Capitol to the Capitol Police Board. Such design, installation, and maintenance shall be carried out under the direction of the Committee on House Oversight of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate, and without regard to section 6101 of title 41. Any alteration to a structural, mechanical, or architectural feature of the buildings and grounds of the Library of Congress that is required for a security system under the preceding sentence may be carried out only with the approval of the Architect of the Capitol.

(Pub. L. 105–277, div. B, title II, Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–570.)
§ 141b. Collections, physical security, control, and preservation of order and decorum within the library
(a) Establishment of regulations
(b) Treatment of security systems
(1) Responsibility for security systems
In accordance with the authority of the Capitol Police and the Librarian of Congress established under this Act, the amendments made by this Act, and the provisions of law referred to in paragraph (3), the Chief of the Capitol Police and the Librarian of Congress shall be responsible for the operation of security systems at the Library of Congress buildings and grounds described under section 167j of this title, in consultation and coordination with each other, subject to the following:
(A) The Librarian of Congress shall be responsible for the design of security systems for the control and preservation of Library collections and property, subject to the review and approval of the Chief of the Capitol Police.
(B) The Librarian of Congress shall be responsible for the operation of security systems at any building or facility of the Library of Congress which is located outside of the District of Columbia, subject to the review and approval of the Chief of the Capitol Police.
(2) Initial proposal for operation of systems
(3) Provisions of law
The provisions of law referred to in this paragraph are as follows:
(A)Section 141 of this title.
(B)Section 141a of this title.
(C)Section 1964 of this title.
(D)Section 1965 of this title.
(Pub. L. 110–161, div. H, title I, § 1004(e), Dec. 26, 2007, 121 Stat. 2234; Pub. L. 110–178, § 5, Jan. 7, 2008, 121 Stat. 2552; Pub. L. 111–145, § 6(d)(1), Mar. 4, 2010, 124 Stat. 54.)
§ 142. Omitted
§ 142a. Office of administrative assistant and disbursing officer in Library of Congress abolished; transfer of duties to appointee of Librarian

From and after June 10, 1928, the office of administrative assistant and disbursing officer of the Library of Congress, created by section 142 of this title, is abolished and thereafter the duties required to be performed by the administrative assistant and disbursing officer shall be performed, under the direction of the Librarian of Congress, by such persons as the Librarian may appoint for those purposes.

(May 11, 1928, ch. 521, 45 Stat. 497; Pub. L. 92–310, title II, § 220(h), June 6, 1972, 86 Stat. 205.)
§ 142b. Certifying officers of the Library of Congress; accountability; relief by Comptroller General

On and after June 13, 1957, each officer and employee of the Library of Congress, including the Copyright Office, who has been duly authorized in writing by the Librarian of Congress to certify vouchers for payment from appropriations and funds, shall (1) be held responsible for the existence and correctness of the facts recited in the certificate or otherwise stated on the voucher or its supporting papers and for the legality of the proposed payment under the appropriation or fund involved; (2) [Repealed]; (3) be held responsible and accountable for the correctness of the computations of certified vouchers; and (4) be held accountable for and required to make good to the United States the amount of any illegal, improper, or incorrect payment resulting from any false, inaccurate, or misleading certificate made by him, as well as for any payment prohibited by law or which did not represent a legal obligation under the appropriation or fund involved: Provided, That the Comptroller General of the United States may, at his discretion, relieve such certifying officer or employee of liability for any payment otherwise proper whenever he finds (1) that the certification was based on official records and that such certifying officer or employee did not know, and by reasonable diligence and inquiry could not have ascertained, the actual facts, or (2) that the obligation was incurred in good faith, that the payment was not contrary to any statutory provision specifically prohibiting payments of the character involved, and the United States has received value for such payment: Provided further, That the Comptroller General shall relieve such certifying officer or employee of liability for an overpayment for transportation services made to any common carrier covered by section 3726 of title 31, whenever he finds that the overpayment occurred solely because the administrative examination made prior to payment of the transportation bill did not include a verification of transportation rates, freight classifications, or land grant deductions.

(Pub. L. 85–53, § 1, June 13, 1957, 71 Stat. 81; Pub. L. 92–310, title II, § 220(k), June 6, 1972, 86 Stat. 205.)
§ 142c. Enforcement of liability of certifying officers of Library of Congress

The liability of these certifying officers or employees shall be enforced in the same manner and to the same extent as now provided by law with respect to enforcement of the liability of disbursing and other accountable officers; and they shall have the right to apply for and obtain a decision by the Comptroller General on any question of law involved in a payment on any vouchers presented to them for certification.

(Pub. L. 85–53, § 2, June 13, 1957, 71 Stat. 81.)
§ 142d. Disbursing officer of the Library of Congress; disbursements in accordance with voucher; examination of vouchers; liability

The disbursing officer of the Library of Congress shall (1) disburse moneys of the Library of Congress only upon, and in strict accordance with, vouchers duly certified by the Librarian of Congress or by an officer or employee of the Library of Congress duly authorized in writing by the Librarian to certify such vouchers; (2) make such examination of vouchers as may be necessary to ascertain whether they are in proper form, and duly certified and approved; and (3) be held accountable accordingly: Provided, That the disbursing officer shall not be held accountable or responsible for any illegal, improper, or incorrect payment resulting from any false, inaccurate, or misleading certificate, the responsibility for which, under section 142b of this title, is imposed upon a certifying officer or employee of the Library of Congress.

(Pub. L. 85–53, § 3, June 13, 1957, 71 Stat. 81.)
§ 142e. Disbursing Officer of the Library of Congress; disbursements for Congressional Budget Office, accountability; financial management support to Congressional Budget Office under agreement of Librarian of Congress and Director of Congressional Budget Office; Congressional Budget Office certifying officers: voucher certifications, accountability, relief by Comptroller General

From and after January 1, 1976, the Disbursing Officer of the Library of Congress is authorized to disburse funds appropriated for the Congressional Budget Office, and the Library of Congress shall provide financial management support to the Congressional Budget Office as may be required and mutually agreed to by the Librarian of Congress and the Director of the Congressional Budget Office. The Library of Congress is further authorized to compute and disburse the basic pay of all personnel of the Congressional Budget Office pursuant to the provisions of section 5504 of title 5, except the Director, who as head of an agency, shall have pay computed and disbursed pursuant to the provisions of section 5505 of title 5.

All vouchers certified for payment by duly authorized certifying officers of the Library of Congress shall be supported with a certification by an officer or employee of the Congressional Budget Office duly authorized in writing by the Director of the Congressional Budget Office to certify payments from appropriations of the Congressional Budget Office. The Congressional Budget Office certifying officers shall (1) be held responsible for the existence and correctness of the facts recited in the certificate or otherwise stated on the voucher or its supporting paper and the legality of the proposed payment under the appropriation or fund involved, (2) be held responsible and accountable for the correctness of the computations of certifications made, and (3) be held accountable for and required to make good to the United States the amount of any illegal, improper, or incorrect payment resulting from any false, inaccurate, or misleading certificate made by him, as well as for any payment prohibited by law which did not represent a legal obligation under the appropriation or fund involved: Provided, That the Comptroller General of the United States may, at his discretion, relieve such certifying officer or employee of liability for any payment otherwise proper whenever he finds (1) that the certification was based on official records and that such certifying officer or employee did not know, and by reasonable diligence and inquiry could not have ascertained the actual facts, or (2) that the obligation was incurred in good faith, that the payment was not contrary to any statutory provision specifically prohibiting payments of the character involved, and the United States has received value for such payment: Provided further, That the Comptroller General shall relieve such certifying officer or employee of liability for an overpayment for transportation services made to any common carrier covered by section 3726 of title 31, whenever he finds that the overpayment occurred solely because the administrative examination made prior to payment of the transportation bill did not include a verification of transportation rates, freight classifications, or land grant deductions.

The Disbursing Officer of the Library of Congress shall not be held accountable or responsible for any illegal, improper, or incorrect payment resulting from any false, inaccurate, or misleading certificate, the responsibility for which is imposed upon a certifying officer or employee of the Congressional Budget Office.

(Pub. L. 96–536, § 101(c), Dec. 16, 1980, 94 Stat. 3167.)
§ 142f. Office of Technology Assessment; disbursement of funds, computation and disbursement of basic pay, and provision of financial management support by Library of Congress

From and after October 1, 1981, the Disbursing Officer of the Library of Congress is authorized to disburse funds appropriated for the Office of Technology Assessment, and the Library of Congress shall provide financial management support to the Office of Technology Assessment as may be required and mutually agreed to by the Librarian of Congress and the Director of the Office of Technology Assessment. The Library of Congress is further authorized to compute and disburse the basic pay of all personnel of the Office of Technology Assessment pursuant to the provisions of section 5504 of title 5.

All vouchers certified for payment by duly authorized certifying officers of the Library of Congress shall be supported with a certification by an officer or employee of the Office of Technology Assessment duly authorized in writing by the Director of the Office of Technology Assessment to certify payments from appropriations of the Office of Technology Assessment. The Office of Technology Assessment certifying officers shall (1) be held responsible for the existence and correctness of the facts recited in the certificate or otherwise stated on the voucher or its supporting paper and the legality of the proposed payment under the appropriation or fund involved, (2) be held responsible and accountable for the correctness of the computations of certifications made, and (3) be held accountable for and required to make good to the United States the amount of any illegal, improper, or incorrect payment resulting from any false, inaccurate, or misleading certificate made by him, as well as for any payment prohibited by law which did not represent a legal obligation under the appropriation or fund involved: Provided, That the Comptroller General of the United States may, at his discretion, relieve such certifying officer or employee of liability for any payment otherwise proper whenever he finds (1) that the certification was based on official records and that such certifying officer or employee did not know, and by reasonable diligence and inquiry could not have ascertained the actual facts, or (2) that the obligation was incurred in good faith, that the payment was not contrary to any statutory provision specifically prohibiting payments of the character involved, and the United States has received value for such payment: Provided further, That the Comptroller General shall relieve such certifying officer or employee of liability for an overpayment for transportation services made to any common carrier covered by section 3726 of title 31, whenever he finds that the overpayment occurred solely because of 1

1 So in original. The word “of” probably should not appear.
the administrative examination made prior to payment of the transportation bill did not include a verification of transportation rates, freight classifications, or land grant deductions.

The Disbursing Officer of the Library of Congress shall not be held accountable or responsible for any illegal, improper, or incorrect payment resulting from any false, inaccurate, or misleading certificate, the responsibility for which is imposed upon a certifying officer or employee of the Office of Technology Assessment.

(Pub. L. 97–51, § 101(c), Oct. 1, 1981, 95 Stat. 959.)
§ 142g. Copyright Royalty Tribunal; computation and disbursement of pay of Tribunal personnel by Library of Congress

From and after October 1, 1983, the Library of Congress is authorized to compute and disburse basic pay of all personnel of the Copyright Royalty Tribunal pursuant to the provisions of section 5504 of title 5.

(Pub. L. 98–51, title II, § 204, July 14, 1983, 97 Stat. 277.)
§ 142h. Biomedical Ethics Board; disbursement of funds, computation and disbursement of basic pay, and provision of financial management services and support by Library of Congress
Effective October 1, 1988, and to continue thereafter, the Disbursing Officer of the Library of Congress is authorized to—
(1) disburse funds appropriated for the Biomedical Ethics Board;
(2) compute and disburse the basic pay for all personnel of the Biomedical Ethics Board; and
(3) provide financial management services and support to the Biomedical Ethics Board,
in the same manner as provided with respect to the Office of Technology Assessment under section 142f of this title.
(Pub. L. 101–163, title I, Nov. 21, 1989, 103 Stat. 1054.)
§ 142i. United States Capitol Preservation Commission; provision of financial management services and support by Library of Congress

Effective June 15, 1989, the Library of Congress shall provide financial management services and support to the United States Capitol Preservation Commission as may be required and mutually agreed to by the Librarian of Congress and the Cochairmen of the United States Capitol Preservation Commission.

(Pub. L. 101–45, title I, June 30, 1989, 103 Stat. 107.)
§ 142j. John C. Stennis Center for Public Service Training and Development; disbursement of funds, computation and disbursement of basic pay, and provision of financial management services and support by Library of Congress; payment for services
From and after October 1, 1988, the Library of Congress is authorized to—
(1) disburse funds appropriated for the John C. Stennis Center for Public Service Training and Development;
(2) compute and disburse the basic pay for all personnel of the John C. Stennis Center for Public Service Training and Development;
(3) provide financial management services and support to the John C. Stennis Center for Public Service Training and Development, in the same manner as provided with respect to the Office of Technology Assessment under section 142f of this title; and
(4) collect from the funds appropriated for the John C. Stennis Center for Public Service Training and Development the full costs of providing the services specified in (1), (2), and (3) above, as provided under an agreement for services ordered under 31 U.S.C. 1535 and 1536.
(Pub. L. 101–163, title II, § 205, Nov. 21, 1989, 103 Stat. 1060.)
§ 142k. Library of Congress disbursing office; payroll processing functions

From and after October 1, 1989, the Librarian of Congress shall take appropriate action to assure that no legislative branch employee whose salary is disbursed by the Library of Congress disbursing office is adversely affected by alternative ways of performing the personnel/payroll processing function.

(Pub. L. 101–163, title II, § 206, Nov. 21, 1989, 103 Stat. 1060.)
§ 142l. Disbursing Officer of Library of Congress; disbursements for Office of Congressional Workplace Rights; voucher certifications, accountability and relief by Comptroller General

From and after October 1, 1996, the Disbursing Officer of the Library of Congress is authorized to disburse funds appropriated for the Office of Compliance,1

1 See Change of Name note below.
and the Library of Congress shall provide financial management support to the Office of Compliance 1 as may be required and mutually agreed to by the Librarian of Congress and the Executive Director of the Office of Compliance.1 The Library of Congress is further authorized to compute and disburse the basic pay of all personnel of the Office of Compliance 1 pursuant to the provisions of section 5504 of title 5.

All vouchers certified for payment by duly authorized certifying officers of the Library of Congress shall be supported with a certification by an officer or employee of the Office of Compliance 1 duly authorized in writing by the Executive Director of the Office of Compliance 1 to certify payments from appropriations of the Office of Compliance.1 The Office of Compliance 1 certifying officers shall (1) be held responsible for the existence and correctness of the facts recited in the certificate or otherwise stated on the voucher or its supporting paper and the legality of the proposed payment under the appropriation or fund involved, (2) be held responsible and accountable for the correctness of the computations of certifications made, and (3) be held accountable for and required to make good to the United States the amount of any illegal, improper, or incorrect payment resulting from any false, inaccurate, or misleading certificate made by them, as well as for any payment prohibited by law which did not represent a legal obligation under the appropriation or fund involved: Provided, That the Comptroller General of the United States may, at his discretion, relieve such certifying officer or employee of liability for any payment otherwise proper whenever he finds (1) that the certification was based on official records and that such certifying officer or employee did not know, and by reasonable diligence and inquiry could not have ascertained the actual facts, or (2) that the obligation was incurred in good faith, that the payment was not contrary to any statutory provision specifically prohibiting payments of the character involved, and the United States has received value for such payment: Provided further, That the Comptroller General shall relieve such certifying officer or employee of liability for an overpayment for transportation services made to any common carrier covered by section 3726 of title 31, whenever he finds that the overpayment occurred solely because the administrative examination made prior to payment of the transportation bill did not include a verification of transportation rates, freight classifications, or land grant deductions.

The Disbursing Officer of the Library of Congress shall not be held accountable or responsible for any illegal, improper, or incorrect payment resulting from any false, inaccurate, or misleading certificate, the responsibility for which is imposed upon a certifying officer or employee of the Office of Compliance.1

(Pub. L. 104–197, title II, § 208, Sept. 16, 1996, 110 Stat. 2409.)
§ 143. Appropriations for Library Building and Grounds

All appropriations made to the Architect of the Capitol on account of the Library Building and Grounds shall be disbursed for that purpose in the same manner as other appropriations under his control.

(June 29, 1922, ch. 251, § 3, 42 Stat. 715.)
§ 143a. Disbursement of funds

From and after October 1, 1978, funds available to the Library of Congress may be expended to reimburse the Department of State for medical services rendered to employees of the Library of Congress stationed abroad and for contracting on behalf of and hiring alien employees for the Library of Congress under compensation plans comparable to those authorized by section 444 of the Foreign Service Act of 1946, as amended (22 U.S.C. 889(a)), for purchase or hire of passenger motor vehicles; for payment of travel, storage and transportation of household goods, and transportation and per diem expenses for families enroute (not to exceed twenty-four); for benefits comparable to those payable under sections 911(9), 911(11), and 941 of the Foreign Service Act of 1946, as amended (22 U.S.C. 1136(9), 1136(11), and 1156, respectively); and travel benefits comparable with those which are now or hereafter may be granted single employees of the Agency for International Development, including single Foreign Service personnel assigned to A.I.D. projects, by the Administrator of the Agency for International Development—or his designee—under the authority of section 2396(b) of title 22

(Pub. L. 96–536, § 101(c), Dec. 16, 1980, 94 Stat. 3167.)
§ 143b. Payments in advance for subscriptions or other charges

From and after October 1, 1980, payments in advance for subscriptions or other charges for bibliographical data, publications, materials in any other form, and services may be made by the Librarian of Congress whenever he determines it to be more prompt, efficient, or economical to do so in the interest of carrying out required Library programs.

(Pub. L. 96–536, § 101(c), Dec. 16, 1980, 94 Stat. 3167.)
§ 143c. Use of other library funds to make payments

In addition to amounts transferred pursuant to section 182b(e)(2) of this title, the Librarian of Congress may transfer amounts made available for salaries and expenses of the Library of Congress during a fiscal year to the applicable appropriations accounts of the United States Capitol Police in order to reimburse the Capitol Police for services provided in connection with a special event or program described in section 182b(a)(4) of this title.

(Pub. L. 110–161, div. H, title I, § 1004(f)(2), Dec. 26, 2007, 121 Stat. 2236; Pub. L. 110–178, § 6(b), Jan. 7, 2008, 121 Stat. 2554; Pub. L. 111–145, § 6(d)(1), Mar. 4, 2010, 124 Stat. 54.)
§ 143d. Funds available for workers compensation payments
(a) In general
(b) Effective date
(Pub. L. 112–74, div. G, title I, § 1303, Dec. 23, 2011, 125 Stat. 1131.)
§ 144. Copies of Statutes at Large

Ten of the copies of the Statutes at Large, published by Little, Brown & Co., which were deposited in the Library prior to February 5, 1859, shall be retained by the Librarian for the use of the justices of the Supreme Court, during the terms of court.

(R.S. § 96.)
§ 145. Copies of journals and documents

Two copies of the journals and documents, and of each book printed by either House of Congress, well bound in calf, shall be deposited in the Library, and must not be taken therefrom.

(R.S. § 97.)
§ 145a. Periodical binding of printed hearings of committee testimony

The Librarian of the Library of Congress is authorized and directed to have bound at the end of each session of Congress the printed hearings of testimony taken by each committee of the Congress at the preceding session.

(Aug. 2, 1946, ch. 753, title I, § 141, 60 Stat. 834.)
§ 146. Deposit of Journals of Senate and House

Twenty-five copies of the public Journals of the Senate, and of the House of Representatives, shall be deposited in the Library of the United States, at the seat of government, to be delivered to Members of Congress during any session, and to all other persons authorized by law to use the books in the Library, upon their application to the Librarian, and giving their responsible receipts for the same, in like manner as for other books.

(R.S. § 98.)
§ 147. Repealed. Oct. 25, 1951, ch. 562, § 1(l), 65 Stat. 638
§ 148. Repealed. Oct. 31, 1951, ch. 654, § 1(l), 65 Stat. 701
§ 149. Transfer of books to other libraries

The Librarian of Congress may from time to time transfer to other governmental libraries within the District of Columbia, including the Public Library, books and material in the possession of the Library of Congress in his judgment no longer necessary to its uses, but in the judgment of the custodians of such other collections likely to be useful to them, and may dispose of or destroy such material as has become useless: Provided, That no records of the Federal Government shall be transferred, disposed of, or destroyed under the authority granted in this section.

(Mar. 4, 1909, ch. 297, § 1, 35 Stat. 858; Oct. 25, 1951, ch. 562, § 4(1), 65 Stat. 640.)
§ 149a. Permitting use of proceeds from disposition of surplus or obsolete personal property
(a) Disposition of property
(b) Use of proceeds
(c) Effective date
(Pub. L. 112–74, div. G, title I, § 1304, Dec. 23, 2011, 125 Stat. 1132.)
§ 150. Sale of copies of card indexes and other publications

The Librarian of Congress is authorized to furnish to such institutions or individuals as may desire to buy them, such copies of the card indexes and other publications of the Library as may not be required for its ordinary transactions, and charge for the same a price which will cover their cost and ten per centum added, and all moneys received by him shall be deposited in the Treasury and shall be credited to the appropriation for necessary expenses for the preparation and distribution of catalog cards and other publications of the Library.

(June 28, 1902, ch. 1301, § 1, 32 Stat. 480; Pub. L. 95–94, title IV, § 405(a), Aug. 5, 1977, 91 Stat. 682.)
§ 151. Smithsonian Library

The library collected by the Smithsonian Institution under the provisions of the Act of August 10, 1846, chapter 25, and removed from the building of that institution, with the consent of the Regents thereof, to the Library of Congress, shall, while there deposited, be subject to the same regulations as the Library of Congress, except as hereinafter provided.

(R.S. § 99.)
§ 152. Care and use of Smithsonian Library

The Smithsonian Institution shall have the use of the library referred to in section 151 of this title in like manner as before its removal. All the books, maps, and charts of the Smithsonian Library shall be properly cared for and preserved in like manner as are those of the Congressional Library; from which the Smithsonian Library shall not be removed except on reimbursement by the Smithsonian Institution to the Treasury of the United States of expenses incurred in binding and in taking care of the same, or upon such terms and conditions as shall be mutually agreed upon by Congress and the Regents of the Institution.

(R.S. § 100.)
§ 153. Control of library of House of Representatives

The library of the House of Representatives shall be under the control and direction of the Librarian of Congress, who shall provide all needful books of reference therefor. The librarian, two assistant librarians, and assistant in the library, shall be appointed by the Clerk of the House, with the approval of the Speaker of the House of Representatives. No removals shall be made from the said positions except for cause reported to and approved by the Committee on Rules.

(Mar. 3, 1901, ch. 830, § 1, 31 Stat. 964.)
§ 154. Library of Congress Trust Fund Board; members; quorum; seal; rules and regulations

A board is created and established, to be known as the “Library of Congress Trust Fund Board” (hereinafter referred to as the board), which shall consist of the Secretary of the Treasury (or an Assistant Secretary designated in writing by the Secretary of the Treasury), the chairman and the vice chair of the Joint Committee on the Library, the Librarian of Congress, two persons appointed by the President for a term of five years each (the first appointments being for three and five years, respectively), four persons appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives (in consultation with the minority leader of the House of Representatives) for a term of five years each (the first appointments being for two, three, four, and five years, respectively), and four persons appointed by the majority leader of the Senate (in consultation with the minority leader of the Senate) for a term of five years each (the first appointments being for two, three, four, and five years, respectively). Upon request of the chair of the Board, any member whose term has expired may continue to serve on the Trust Fund Board until the earlier of the date on which such member’s successor is appointed or the expiration of the 1-year period which begins on the date such member’s term expires. Seven members of the board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, and the board shall have an official seal, which shall be judicially noticed. The board may adopt rules and regulations in regard to its procedure and the conduct of its business.

(Mar. 3, 1925, ch. 423, § 1, 43 Stat. 1107; Pub. L. 95–277, May 12, 1978, 92 Stat. 236; Pub. L. 102–246, §§ 1, 2, Feb. 18, 1992, 106 Stat. 31; Pub. L. 106–481, title II, § 201, Nov. 9, 2000, 114 Stat. 2190.)
§ 155. Compensation and expenses of Library of Congress Trust Fund Board

No compensation shall be paid to the members of the board for their services as such members, but they shall be reimbursed for the expenses necessarily incurred by them, out of the income from the fund or funds in connection with which such expenses are incurred. The voucher of the chairman of the board shall be sufficient evidence that the expenses are properly allowable. Any expenses of the board, including the cost of its seal, not properly chargeable to the income of any trust fund held by it, shall be estimated for in the annual estimates of the librarian for the maintenance of the Library of Congress.

(Mar. 3, 1925, ch. 423, § 1, 43 Stat. 1107.)
§ 156. Gifts, etc., to Library of Congress Trust Fund Board

The Board is authorized to accept, receive, hold, and administer such gifts, bequests, or devises of property for the benefit of, or in connection with, the Library, its collections, or its service, as may be approved by the Board and by the Joint Committee on the Library.

(Mar. 3, 1925, ch. 423, § 2, formerly § 1, 43 Stat. 1107, renumbered Apr. 13, 1936, ch. 213, 49 Stat. 1205.)
§ 157. Funds of Library of Congress Trust Fund Board; management of

The moneys or securities composing the trust funds given or bequeathed to the board shall be receipted for by the Secretary of the Treasury, who shall invest, reinvest, or retain investments as the board may from time to time determine. The income as and when collected shall be deposited with the Treasurer of the United States, who shall enter it in a special account to the credit of the Library of Congress and subject to disbursement by the librarian for the purposes in each case specified; and the Treas­urer of the United States is authorized to honor the requisitions of the librarian made in such manner and in accordance with such regulations as the Treasurer may from time to time prescribe: Provided, however, That the board is not authorized to engage in any business nor to exercise any voting privilege which may be incidental to securities in its hands, nor shall the board make any investments that could not lawfully be made by a trust company in the District of Columbia, except that it may make any investments directly authorized by the instrument of gift, and may retain any investments accepted by it.

(Mar. 3, 1925, ch. 423, § 2, formerly § 1, 43 Stat. 1107, renumbered Apr. 13, 1936, ch. 213, 49 Stat. 1205.)
§ 158. Deposits by Library of Congress Trust Fund Board with Treasurer of United States

In the absence of any specification to the contrary, the board may deposit the principal sum, in cash, with the Treasurer of the United States as a permanent loan to the United States Treasury, and the Treasurer shall thereafter credit such deposit with interest at a rate which is the higher of the rate of 4 per centum per annum or a rate which is 0.25 percentage points less than a rate determined by the Secretary of the Treasury, taking into consideration the current average market yield on outstanding long-term marketable obligations of the United States, adjusted to the nearest one-eighth of 1 per centum, payable semi-annually, such interest, as income, being subject to disbursement by the Librarian of Congress for the purposes specified: Provided, however, That the total of such principal sums at any time so held by the Treasurer under this authorization shall not exceed the sum of $10,000,000.

(Mar. 3, 1925, ch. 423, § 2, formerly § 1, 43 Stat. 1107; renumbered § 2, Apr. 13, 1936, ch. 213, 49 Stat. 1205; amended June 23, 1936, ch. 734, 49 Stat. 1894; Pub. L. 87–522, July 3, 1962, 76 Stat. 135; Pub. L. 94–289, May 22, 1976, 90 Stat. 521.)
§ 158a. Temporary possession of gifts of money or securities to Library of Congress; investment
In the case of a gift of money or securities offered to the Library of Congress, if, because of conditions attached by the donor or similar considerations, expedited action is necessary, the Librarian of Congress may take temporary possession of the gift, subject to approval under section 156 of this title. The gift shall be receipted for and invested, reinvested, or retained as provided in section 157 of this title, except that—
(1) a gift of securities may not be invested or reinvested; and
(2) any investment or reinvestment of a gift of money shall be made in an interest bearing obligation of the United States or an obligation guaranteed as to principal and interest by the United States.
If the gift is not so approved within the 12-month period after the Librarian so takes possession, the principal of the gift shall be returned to the donor and any income earned during that period shall be available for use with respect to the Library of Congress as provided by law.
(Mar. 3, 1925, ch. 423, § 2 (par.), as added Pub. L. 102–246, § 3, Feb. 18, 1992, 106 Stat. 31.)
§ 159. Perpetual succession and suits by or against Library of Congress Trust Fund Board

The board shall have perpetual succession, with all the usual powers and obligations of a trustee, including the power to sell, except as herein limited, in respect of all property, moneys, or securities which shall be conveyed, transferred, assigned, bequeathed, delivered, or paid over to it for the purposes above specified. The board may be sued in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, which is given jurisdiction of such suits, for the purpose of enforcing the provisions of any trust accepted by it.

(Mar. 3, 1925, ch. 423, § 3, 43 Stat. 1108; Jan. 27, 1926, ch. 6, § 1, 44 Stat. 2; June 25, 1936, ch. 804, 49 Stat. 1921; June 25, 1948, ch. 646, § 32(a), 62 Stat. 991; May 24, 1949, ch. 139, § 127, 63 Stat. 107.)
§ 160. Disbursement of gifts, etc., to Library

Nothing in sections 154 to 162 and 163 1

1 See References in Text note below.
of this title shall be construed as prohibiting or restricting the Librarian of Congress from accepting in the name of the United States gifts or bequests in the interest of the Library, its collections, or its service, of the following: (1) nonpersonal services; (2) voluntary and uncompensated personal services not to exceed $10,000 per person, per year in value; (3) gifts or bequests of money for immediate disbursement; and (4) gifts or bequests of securities or other personal property. Such gifts or bequests of money, after acceptance by the librarian, shall be paid by the donor or his representative to the Treasurer of the United States, whose receipts shall be their acquittance. In the case of a gift of securities, the Librarian shall sell the gift and provide the donor with such acknowledgment as needed for the donor to substantiate the gift. The Treasurer of the United States shall enter the gift, bequest, or proceeds in a special account to the credit of the Library of Congress and subject to disbursement by the librarian for the purposes in each case specified. The Librarian shall make an annual public report regarding gifts accepted under this section.

Upon agreement by the Librarian of Congress and the Board, a gift or bequest accepted by the Librarian under the first paragraph of this section may be invested or reinvested in the same manner as provided for trust funds under section 157 of this title.

(Mar. 3, 1925, ch. 423, § 4, 43 Stat. 1108; Pub. L. 105–55, title II, § 208, Oct. 7, 1997, 111 Stat. 1194; Pub. L. 115–141, div. I, title I, § 152, Mar. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 784; Pub. L. 117–103, div. I, title I, § 141(a), Mar. 15, 2022, 136 Stat. 518.)
§ 161. Tax exemption of gifts, etc., to Library of Congress

Gifts or bequests or devises to or for the benefit of the Library of Congress, including those to the board, and the income therefrom, shall be exempt from all Federal taxes, including all taxes levied by the District of Columbia.

(Mar. 3, 1925, ch. 423, § 5, 43 Stat. 1108; Oct. 2, 1942, ch. 576, 56 Stat. 765.)
§ 162. Compensation of Library of Congress employees

Employees of the Library of Congress who perform special functions for the performance of which funds have been entrusted to the board or the librarian, or in connection with cooperative undertakings in which the Library of Congress is engaged, shall not be subject to section 209 of title 18; and section 5533 of title 5 shall not apply to any additional compensation so paid to such employees.

(Mar. 3, 1925, ch. 423, § 6, 43 Stat. 1108; Jan. 27, 1926, ch. 6, § 2, 44 Stat. 2; Pub. L. 88–448, title IV, § 401(j), Aug. 19, 1964, 78 Stat. 491.)
§ 162a. Gross salary of Library of Congress employees

Hereafter the gross salary of any position in the Library which is augmented by payment of an honorarium from other than appropriated funds under terms of section 162 of this title shall not exceed an amount, which when combined with such honorarium, will exceed the maximum salary provided in chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5.

(June 22, 1949, ch. 235, § 101, 63 Stat. 226; Oct. 28, 1949, ch. 782, title XI, § 1106(a), 63 Stat. 972.)
§ 162b. Little Scholars Child Development Center; employee compensation and personnel matters
(a) Election of coverage; creditable service; qualification for survivor annuities and disability benefits; contributions to thrift savings plan; certification concerning creditable service
(1) This subsection shall apply to any individual who—
(A) is employed by the Library of Congress Child Development Center (known as the “Little Scholars Child Development Center”, in this section referred to as the “Center”) established under section 205(g)(1) of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1991; and
(B) makes an election to be covered by this subsection with the Librarian of Congress, not later than the later of—
(i) 60 days after December 21, 2000; or
(ii) 60 days after the date the individual begins such employment.
(2)
(A) Any individual described under paragraph (1) may be credited, under section 8411 of title 5 for service as an employee of the Center before December 21, 2000, if such employee makes a payment of the deposit under section 8411(f)(2) of such title without application of section 8411(b)(3) of such title.
(B) An individual described under paragraph (1) shall be credited under section 8411 of title 5 for any service as an employee of the Center on or after December 21, 2000, if such employee has such amounts deducted and withheld from his pay as determined by the Office of Personnel Management which would be deducted and withheld from the basic pay of an employee under section 8422 of title 5.
(3) Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection, any service performed by an individual described under paragraph (1) as an employee of the Center is deemed to be civilian service creditable under section 8411 of title 5 for purposes of qualifying for survivor annuities and disability benefits under subchapters IV and V of chapter 84 of such title, if such individual makes payment of an amount, determined by the Office of Personnel Management, which would have been deducted and withheld from the basic pay of such individual if such individual had been an employee subject to section 8422 of title 5 for such period so credited, together with interest thereon.
(4) An individual described under paragraph (1) shall be deemed an employee for purposes of chapter 84 of title 5, including subchapter III of such title,1
1 So in original. Probably should be “chapter,”.
and may make contributions under section 8432 of such title effective for the first applicable pay period beginning on or after the date such individual elects coverage under this section.
(5) The Office of Personnel Management shall accept the certification of the Librarian of Congress concerning creditable service for purposes of this subsection.
(b) Health insurance coverage
(c) Life insurance coverage
(d) Government contributions by Librarian from available appropriations
(e) Payroll and personnel functions of Library of CongressThe Library of Congress, directly or by agreement with its designated representative, shall—
(1) process payroll for Center employees, including making deductions and withholdings from the pay of employees in the amounts determined under sections 8422, 8432, 8707, and 8905 of title 5;
(2) maintain appropriate personnel and payroll records for Center employees, and transmit appropriate information and records to the Office of Personnel Management; and
(3) transmit funds for Government and employee contributions under this section to the Office of Personnel Management.
(f) Responsibilities of CenterThe Center shall—
(1) except as provided in subsection (g), pay to the Library of Congress funds sufficient to cover the gross salary and the employer’s share of taxes under section 3111 of title 26 for Center employees, in amounts computed by the Library of Congress;
(2) as required by the Library of Congress, reimburse the Library of Congress for reasonable administrative costs incurred under subsection (e)(1);
(3) comply with regulations and procedures prescribed by the Librarian of Congress for administration of this section;
(4) maintain appropriate records on all Center employees, as required by the Librarian of Congress; and
(5) consult with the Librarian of Congress on the administration and implementation of this section.
(g) Reimbursement for certain compensation
(h) Regulations
(Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(2) [title II, § 210], Dec. 21, 2000, 114 Stat. 2763, 2763A–114; Pub. L. 117–328, div. I, title I, § 141(a), Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 4932.)
§ 163. Omitted
§ 164. Index and digest of State legislation; preparation

The Librarian of Congress is authorized and directed to prepare biennially an index to the legislation of the States of the United States enacted during the biennium, together with a supplemental digest of the more important legislation of the period.

(Feb. 10, 1927, ch. 99, § 1, 44 Stat. 1066; Feb. 28, 1929, ch. 367, § 1, 45 Stat. 1398.)
§ 164a. Official distribution of State legislation index and digest

The Librarian of Congress is directed to have the indexes and digests authorized by section 164 of this title printed and bound for official distribution only.

(Feb. 28, 1929, ch. 367, § 1, 45 Stat. 1398.)
§ 165. Authorization for appropriation for biennial index

There is authorized to be appropriated annually for carrying out the provisions of section 164 of this title the sum of $30,000, to remain available until expended.

(Feb. 10, 1927, ch. 99, § 2, 44 Stat. 1066.)
§ 166. Congressional Research Service
(a) Redesignation of Legislative Reference Service
(b) Functions and objectivesIt is the policy of Congress that—
(1) the Librarian of Congress shall, in every possible way, encourage, assist, and promote the Congressional Research Service in—
(A) rendering to Congress the most effective and efficient service,
(B) responding most expeditiously, effectively, and efficiently to the special needs of Congress, and
(C) discharging its responsibilities to Congress;
and
(2) the Librarian of Congress shall grant and accord to the Congressional Research Service complete research independence and the maximum practicable administrative independence consistent with these objectives.
(c)
(1) After consultation with the Joint Committee on the Library, the Librarian of Congress shall appoint the Director of the Congressional Research Service. The Director shall be compensated at the greater of the rate of pay in effect for level III of the Executive Schedule under section 5314 of title 5 or the maximum annual rate of basic pay payable under section 5376 of such title for positions at agencies with a performance appraisal system certified under section 5307(d) of such title.
(2) The Librarian of Congress, upon the recommendation of the Director, shall appoint a Deputy Director of the Congressional Research Service and all other necessary personnel thereof. The basic pay of the Deputy Director shall be fixed in accordance with chapter 51 (relating to classification) and section 5376 of title 5. The basic pay of all other necessary personnel of the Congressional Research Service shall be fixed in accordance with chapter 51 (relating to classification) and subchapter III (relating to General Schedule pay rates) of chapter 53 of title 5, except that—
(A) the grade of Senior Specialist in each field within the purview of subsection (e) of this section shall not be less than the highest grade in the executive branch of the Government to which research analysts and consultants, without supervisory responsibility, are currently assigned; and
(B) the positions of Specialist and Senior Specialist in the Congressional Research Service may be classified above GS–15 in accordance with section 5108(c) of title 5, and the rate of basic pay for such positions may be fixed in accordance with section 5376 of such title, subject to the prior approval of the Joint Committee on the Library.
(3) Each appointment made under paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection and subsection (e) of this section shall be without regard to the civil service laws, without regard to political affiliation, and solely on the basis of fitness to perform the duties of the position.
(d) Duties of Service; assistance to Congressional committees; list of terminating programs and subjects for analysis; legislative data, studies, etc.; information research; digest of bills, preparation; legislation, purpose and effect, and preparation of memoranda; information and research capability, developmentIt shall be the duty of the Congressional Research Service, without partisan bias—
(1) upon request, to advise and assist any committee of the Senate or House of Representatives and any joint committee of Congress in the analysis, appraisal, and evaluation of legislative proposals within that committee’s jurisdiction, or of recommendations submitted to Congress, by the President or any executive agency, so as to assist the committee in—
(A) determining the advisability of enacting such proposals;
(B) estimating the probable results of such proposals and alternatives thereto; and
(C) evaluating alternative methods for accomplishing those results;
and, by providing such other research and analytical services as the committee considers appropriate for these purposes, otherwise to assist in furnishing a basis for the proper evaluation and determination of legislative proposals and recommendations generally; and in the performance of this duty the Service shall have authority, when so authorized by a committee and acting as the agent of that committee, to request of any department or agency of the United States the production of such books, records, correspondence, memoranda, papers, and documents as the Service considers necessary, and such department or agency of the United States shall comply with such request; and further, in the performance of this and any other relevant duty, the Service shall maintain continuous liaison with all committees;
(2) to make available to each committee of the Senate and House of Representatives and each joint committee of the two Houses, at the opening of a new Congress, a list of programs and activities being carried out under existing law scheduled to terminate during the current Congress, which are within the jurisdiction of the committee;
(3) to make available to each committee of the Senate and House of Representatives and each joint committee of the two Houses, at the opening of a new Congress, a list of subjects and policy areas which the committee might profitably analyze in depth;
(4) upon request, or upon its own initiative in anticipation of requests, to collect, classify, and analyze in the form of studies, reports, compilations, digests, bulletins, indexes, translations, and otherwise, data having a bearing on legislation, and to make such data available and serviceable to committees and Members of the Senate and House of Representatives and joint committees of Congress;
(5) upon request, or upon its own initiative in anticipation of requests, to prepare and provide information, research, and reference materials and services to committees and Members of the Senate and House of Representatives and joint committees of Congress to assist them in their legislative and representative functions;
(6) to prepare summaries and digests of bills and resolutions of a public general nature introduced in the Senate or House of Representatives;
(7) upon request made by any committee or Member of the Congress, to prepare and transmit to such committee or Member a concise memorandum with respect to one or more legislative measures upon which hearings by any committee of the Congress have been announced, which memorandum shall contain a statement of the purpose and effect of each such measure, a description of other relevant measures of similar purpose or effect previously introduced in the Congress, and a recitation of all action taken theretofore by or within the Congress with respect to each such other measure;
(8) to develop and maintain an information and research capability, to include Senior Specialists, Specialists, other employees, and consultants, as necessary, to perform the functions provided for in this subsection; and
(9) to comply with the requirements of, and provide information and technological assistance consistent with, section 124 1
1 See References in Text note below.
of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2018.
(e) Specialists and Senior Specialists; appointment; fields of appointmentThe Librarian of Congress is authorized to appoint in the Congressional Research Service, upon the recommendation of the Director, Specialists and Senior Specialists in the following broad fields:
(1) agriculture;
(2) American government and public administration;
(3) American public law;
(4) conservation;
(5) education;
(6) engineering and public works;
(7) housing;
(8) industrial organization and corporation finance;
(9) international affairs;
(10) international trade and economic geography;
(11) labor and employment;
(12) mineral economics;
(13) money and banking;
(14) national defense;
(15) price economics;
(16) science;
(17) social welfare;
(18) taxation and fiscal policy;
(19) technology;
(20) transportation and communications;
(21) urban affairs;
(22) veterans’ affairs; and
(23) such other broad fields as the Director may consider appropriate.
Such Specialists and Senior Specialists, together with such other employees of the Congressional Research Service as may be necessary, shall be available for special work with the committees and Members of the Senate and House of Representatives and the joint committees of Congress for any of the purposes of subsection (d) of this section.
(f) Duties of Director; establishment and change of research and reference divisions or other organizational units, or bothThe Director is authorized—
(1) to classify, organize, arrange, group, and divide, from time to time, as he considers advisable, the requests for advice, assistance, and other services submitted to the Congressional Research Service by committees and Members of the Senate and House of Representatives and joint committees of Congress, into such classes and categories as he considers necessary to—
(A) expedite and facilitate the handling of the individual requests submitted by Members of the Senate and House of Representatives,
(B) promote efficiency in the performance of services for committees of the Senate and House of Representatives and joint committees of Congress, and
(C) provide a basis for the efficient performance by the Congressional Research Service of its legislative research and related functions generally,
and
(2) to establish and change, from time to time, as he considers advisable, within the Congressional Research Service, such research and reference divisions or other organizational units, or both, as he considers necessary to accomplish the purposes of this section.
(g) Budget estimates
(h) Experts or consultants, individual or organizational, and persons and organizations with specialized knowledge; procurement of temporary or intermittent assistance; contracts, nonpersonal and personal service; advertisement requirements inapplicable; end product; pay; travel time
(1) The Director of the Congressional Research Service may procure the temporary or intermittent assistance of individual experts or consultants (including stenographic reporters) and of persons learned in particular or specialized fields of knowledge—
(A) by nonpersonal service contract, without regard to any provision of law requiring advertising for contract bids, with the individual expert, consultant, or other person concerned, as an independent contractor, for the furnishing by him to the Congressional Research Service of a written study, treatise, theme, discourse, dissertation, thesis, summary, advisory opinion, or other end product; or
(B) by employment (for a period of not more than one year) in the Congressional Research Service of the individual expert, consultant, or other person concerned, by personal service contract or otherwise, without regard to the position classification laws, at a rate of pay not in excess of the per diem equivalent of the highest rate of basic pay then currently in effect for the General Schedule of section 5332 of title 5, including payment of such rate for necessary travel time.
(2) The Director of the Congressional Research Service may procure by contract, without regard to any provision of law requiring advertising for contract bids, the temporary (for respective periods not in excess of one year) or intermittent assistance of educational, research, or other organizations of experts and consultants (including stenographic reporters) and of educational, research, and other organizations of persons learned in particular or specialized fields of knowledge.
(i) Special report to Joint Committee on the Library
(j) Authorization of appropriations
(Aug. 2, 1946, ch. 753, title II, § 203, 60 Stat. 836; Oct. 28, 1949, ch. 782, title XI, § 1106(a), 63 Stat. 972; Pub. L. 91–510, title III, § 321(a), Oct. 26, 1970, 84 Stat. 1181; Pub. L. 99–190, § 133, Dec. 19, 1985, 99 Stat. 1322; Pub. L. 106–57, title II, § 209(b), Sept. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 424; Pub. L. 115–141, div. I, title I, § 154(b)(7), (d), Mar. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 789, 790; Pub. L. 116–94, div. P, title XIV, § 1404(a)(2), (b)(1), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 3208.)
§ 166a. Equal access to Congressional Research Service Reports
(a) Definitions
(1) CRS product
(2) CRS Report
(A) In general
In this section, the term “CRS Report” means any written CRS product, including an update to a previous written CRS product, consisting of—
(i) a Congressional Research Service Report; or
(ii) a Congressional Research Service Authorization of Appropriations Product and Appropriations Product, which is available for general congressional access on the CRS Congressional Intranet.
(B) Exclusions
The term “CRS Report” does not include—
(i) any CRS product that is determined by the CRS Director to be a confidential product or service because it was prepared in response to a congressional request or requests for confidential analysis or research and is not available for general congressional access on the CRS Congressional Intranet;
(ii) any Congressional Research Service Report or any Congressional Research Service Authorization of Appropriations Product and Appropriations Product reported or produced before the effective date of this Act which, as of such effective date, is not available for general congressional access on the CRS Congressional Intranet; or
(iii) a written CRS product that has been made available by CRS for publication on a public website maintained by the GPO Director (other than the Website) or the Library of Congress.
(3) Other definitions
In this section—
(A) the term “CRS” means the Congressional Research Service;
(B) the term “CRS Congressional Intranet” means the Website maintained by CRS at www.crs.gov, or a successor website, for the purpose of providing to Members and employees of Congress access to information from CRS;
(C) the term “CRS Director” means the Director of CRS;
(D) the term “Librarian of Congress” means the Librarian of Congress appointed pursuant to 2 U.S.C. 136–1; 1
1 See References in Text note below.
(E) the term “Member of Congress” includes a Delegate or Resident Commissioner to Congress; and
(F) the term “Website” means the website established and maintained under subsection (b).
(b) Availability of CRS Reports through Library of Congress Website
(1) Website
(A) Establishment and maintenance
(B) Format
(C) Free access
(2) Updates; disclaimer
The Librarian of Congress, in consultation with the CRS Director, shall ensure that the Website—
(A) is updated contemporaneously, automatically, and electronically to include each new or updated CRS Report released on or after the effective date of this section;
(B) shows the status of each CRS Report as new, updated, or archived; and
(C) displays the following statement in reference to the CRS Reports included on the Website: “These documents were prepared by the Congressional Research Service (CRS). CRS serves as nonpartisan shared staff to congressional committees and Members of Congress. It operates solely at the behest of and under the direction of Congress. Information in a CRS Report should not be relied upon for purposes other than public understanding of information that has been provided by CRS to Members of Congress in connection with CRS’s institutional role. CRS Reports, as a work of the United States Government, are not subject to copyright protection in the United States. Any CRS Report may be reproduced and distributed in its entirety without permission from CRS. However, as a CRS Report may include copyrighted images or material from a third party, you may need to obtain the permission of the copyright holder if you wish to copy or otherwise use copyrighted material.”.
(3) Furnishing of necessary information and technology
The CRS Director shall consult with and provide assistance to the Librarian of Congress to ensure—
(A) that the Librarian of Congress is provided with all of the information necessary to carry out this section, including all of the information described in clauses (i) through (iv) of subsection (c)(1)(A), in such format and manner as the Librarian of Congress considers appropriate; and
(B) that CRS makes available any information and assistance as may be necessary to facilitate the contemporaneous, automatic, and electronic provision of CRS Reports to the Librarian of Congress as required under this section.
(4) Nonexclusivity
(5) Alternative techniques
(6) Additional information
(7) Omitted
(c) Website contents
(1) Specific requirements for Reports posted on Website
(A) Responsibilities of Librarian of Congress
With respect to each CRS Report included on the Website, the Librarian of Congress shall include—
(i) the name and identification number of the CRS Report;
(ii) an indication as to whether the CRS Report is new, updated, or archived;
(iii) the date of release of the CRS Report; and
(iv) any other information the Librarian of Congress, in consultation with the CRS Director, considers appropriate.
(B) Responsibilities of CRS Director
With respect to each CRS Report included on the Website, the CRS Director shall, prior to transmitting the Report to the Librarian of Congress—
(i) at the discretion of the CRS Director, remove the name of and any contact information for any employee of CRS; and
(ii) include in the CRS Report the following written statement: “This document was prepared by the Congressional Research Service (CRS). CRS serves as nonpartisan shared staff to congressional committees and Members of Congress. It operates solely at the behest of and under the direction of Congress. Information in a CRS Report should not be relied upon for purposes other than public understanding of information that has been provided by CRS to Members of Congress in connection with CRS’s institutional role. CRS Reports, as a work of the United States Government, are not subject to copyright protection in the United States. Any CRS Report may be reproduced and distributed in its entirety without permission from CRS. However, as this CRS Report may include copyrighted images or material from a third party, you may need to obtain the permission of the copyright holder if you wish to copy or otherwise use copyrighted material.”.
(2) Specific requirements for index on Website
The Librarian of Congress shall ensure that the index of all CRS Reports published on the Website is—
(A) comprehensive;
(B) contemporaneously updated;
(C) searchable;
(D) sortable;
(E) maintained in a human-readable format;
(F) maintained in a structured data format;
(G) downloadable; and
(H) inclusive of each item of information described in paragraph (1)(A) with respect to each CRS Report.
(d) Omitted
(e) Rules of construction
(1) No effect on Speech or Debate Clause
(2) Confidential communications
(3) Dissemination of CRS products
(f) Effective date
(1) In general
(2) Provision of information and technology
(A) CRS deadline
(B) Certification
(C) Technical delays
(Pub. L. 115–141, div. I, title I, § 154, Mar. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 787.)
§§ 167 to 167h. Repealed. Pub. L. 110–161, div. H, title I, § 1004(d)(1)(B), (2)(B), Dec. 26, 2007, 121 Stat. 2233, 2234, and Pub. L. 110–178, § 4(a)(2), (b)(2), Jan. 7, 2008, 121 Stat. 2551, 2552; Pub. L. 111–145, § 6(d)(1), Mar. 4, 2010, 124 Stat. 54
§ 167i. Suspension of prohibitions against use of Library buildings and grounds

In order to permit the observance of authorized ceremonies within the Library of Congress buildings and grounds, the Librarian of Congress may suspend for such occasions so much of the prohibitions contained in sections 5103 and 5104 of title 40 as may be necessary for the occasion, but only if responsible officers shall have been appointed, and arrangements determined which are adequate, in the judgment of the Librarian, for the maintenance of suitable order and decorum in the proceedings, and for the protection of the Library buildings and grounds and of persons and property therein.

(Aug. 4, 1950, ch. 561, § 10, 64 Stat. 412; Pub. L. 110–161, div. H, title I, § 1004(d)(2)(C), Dec. 26, 2007, 121 Stat. 2234; Pub. L. 110–178, § 4(b)(3), Jan. 7, 2008, 121 Stat. 2552; Pub. L. 111–145, § 6(d)(1), Mar. 4, 2010, 124 Stat. 54.)
§ 167j. Area comprising Library of Congress grounds; “buildings and grounds” defined
(a) The Library of Congress grounds shall be held to extend to the line of the face of the east curb of First Street Southeast, between B Street Southeast and East Capitol Street; to the line of the face of the south curb of East Capitol Street, between First Street Southeast and Second Street Southeast; to the line of the face of the west curb of Second Street Southeast, between East Capitol Street and B Street Southeast; to the line of the face of the north curb of B Street Southeast, between First Street Southeast and Second Street Southeast; and to the line of the face of the east curb of Second Street Southeast, between Pennsylvania Avenue Southeast and the north side of the alley separating the Library Annex Building and the Folger Shakespeare Library; to the line of the north side of the same alley, between Second Street Southeast and Third Street Southeast; to the line of the face of the west curb of Third Street Southeast, between the north side of the same alley and B Street Southeast; to the line of the face of the north curb of B Street Southeast, between Third Street Southeast and Pennsylvania Avenue Southeast; to the line of the face of the northeast curb of Pennsylvania Avenue Southeast, between B Street Southeast and Second Street Southeast.
(b) The term “Library of Congress buildings and grounds” shall include (1) the whole or any part of any building or structure which is occupied under lease or otherwise by the Library of Congress and is subject to supervision and control by the Librarian of Congress, (2) the land upon which there is situated any building or structure which is occupied wholly by the Library of Congress, and (3) any subway or enclosed passageway connecting two or more buildings or structures occupied in whole or in part by the Library of Congress.
(c) The term “Library of Congress buildings and grounds” shall include (1) all real property in lot 51 in square 869 in the District of Columbia, as that lot appears on the records in the office of the Surveyor of the District of Columbia on August 1, 1990, extending to the outer face of the curbs of the square in which it is located and including all alleys or parts of alleys and streets within the lot lines and curb lines surrounding such real property, and (2) improvements to such real property.
(d) The term “Library of Congress buildings and grounds” shall include the following property:
(1) Three parcels totaling approximately 45 acres, more or less, located in Culpeper County, Virginia, and identified as Culpeper County Tax Parcel Numbers 51–80B, 51–80C, and 51–80D, further described as real estate (consisting of 40.949 acres) conveyed to David and Lucile Packard Foundation by deed from Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, dated May 15, 1998, and recorded May 19, 1998, in the Clerk’s Office, Circuit Court of Culpeper County, Virginia, in Deed Book 644, page 372; and real estate (consisting of 4.181 acres) conveyed to Packard Humanities Institute by deed from Russell H. Inskeep, dated February 13, 2002, and recorded February 13, 2002, in the Clerk’s Office, Circuit Court of Culpeper County, Virginia, as instrument number 020001299.
(2) Improvements to such real property.
(Aug. 4, 1950, ch. 561, § 11, 64 Stat. 412; Pub. L. 91–281, June 17, 1970, 84 Stat. 309; Pub. L. 101–520, title II, § 205(d), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 2272; Pub. L. 101–562, § 2(c), Nov. 15, 1990, 104 Stat. 2780; Pub. L. 105–144, § 2, Dec. 15, 1997, 111 Stat. 2667; Pub. L. 108–83, title I, § 1203(b), Sept. 30, 2003, 117 Stat. 1031; Pub. L. 110–161, div. H, title I, § 1004(d)(2)(D), Dec. 26, 2007, 121 Stat. 2234; Pub. L. 110–178, § 4(b)(4), Jan. 7, 2008, 121 Stat. 2552; Pub. L. 111–145, § 6(d)(1), Mar. 4, 2010, 124 Stat. 54.)
§ 168. Constitution of the United States; preparation and publication of revised edition; annotations; supplements; decennial editions and supplements
The Librarian of Congress shall have prepared—
(1) a hardbound revised edition of the Constitution of the United States of America—Analysis and Interpretation, published as Senate Document Numbered 39, Eighty-eighth Congress (referred to hereinafter as the “Constitution Annotated”), which shall contain annotations of decisions of the Supreme Court of the United States through the end of the October 1971 term of the Supreme Court, construing provisions of the Constitution;
(2) upon the completion of each of the October 1973, October 1975, October 1977, and October 1979 terms of the Supreme Court, a cumulative pocket-part supplement to the hardbound revised edition of the Constitution Annotated prepared pursuant to clause (1), which shall contain cumulative annotations of all such decisions rendered by the Supreme Court after the end of the October 1971 term;
(3) upon the completion of the October 1981 term of the Supreme Court, and upon the completion of each tenth October term of the Supreme Court thereafter, a hardbound decennial revised edition of the Constitution Annotated, which shall contain annotations of all decisions theretofore rendered by the Supreme Court construing provisions of the Constitution; and
(4) upon the completion of the October 1983 term of the Supreme Court, and upon the completion of each subsequent October term of the Supreme Court beginning in an odd-numbered year (the final digit of which is not a 1), a cumulative pocket-part supplement to the most recent hardbound decennial revised edition of the Constitution Annotated, which shall contain cumulative annotations of all such decisions rendered by the Supreme Court which were not included in that hardbound decennial revised edition of the Constitution Annotated.
(Pub. L. 91–589, § 1, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1586.)
§ 168a. Printing of Constitution Annotated as Senate documents

All hardbound revised editions and all cumulative pocket-part supplements shall be printed as Senate documents.

(Pub. L. 91–589, § 2, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1586.)
§ 168b. Printing and distribution of additional copies of Constitution Annotated

There shall be printed four thousand eight hundred and seventy additional copies of the hardbound revised editions prepared pursuant to clause (1) of section 168 of this title and of all cumulative pocket-part supplements thereto, of which two thousand six hundred and thirty-four copies shall be for the use of the House of Representatives, one thousand two hundred and thirty-six copies shall be for the use of the Senate, and one thousand copies shall be for the use of the Joint Committee on Printing. All Members of the Congress, Vice Presidents of the United States, and Delegates and Resident Commissioners, newly elected subsequent to the issuance of the hardbound revised edition prepared pursuant to such clause and prior to the first hardbound decennial revised edition, who did not receive a copy of the edition prepared pursuant to such clause, shall, upon timely request, receive one copy of such edition and the then current cumulative pocket-part supplement and any further supplements thereto. All Members of the Congress, Vice Presidents of the United States, and Delegates and Resident Commissioners, no longer serving after the issuance of the hardbound revised edition prepared pursuant to such clause and who received such edition, may receive one copy of each cumulative pocket-part supplement thereto upon timely request.

(Pub. L. 91–589, § 3, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1586.)
§ 168c. Printing and distribution of decennial editions and supplements to Constitution Annotated

Additional copies of each hardbound decennial revised edition and of the cumulative pocket-part supplements thereto shall be printed and distributed in accordance with the provisions of any concurrent resolution hereafter adopted with respect thereto.

(Pub. L. 91–589, § 4, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1587.)
§ 168d. Authorization of appropriations for Constitution Annotated

There are authorized to be appropriated such sums, to remain available until expended, as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of sections 168 to 168d of this title.

(Pub. L. 91–589, § 5, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1587.)
§ 169. Positions in Library of Congress exempt from citizenship requirement

From and after October 1, 1983, not to exceed fifteen positions in the Library of Congress may be exempt from the provisions of appropriation Acts concerning the employment of aliens during the current fiscal year, but the Librarian shall not make any appointment to any such position until he has ascertained that he cannot secure for such appointments a person in any of the categories specified in such provisions who possesses the special qualifications for the particular position and also otherwise meets the general requirements for employment in the Library of Congress.

(Pub. L. 98–51, title II, § 202, July 14, 1983, 97 Stat. 276.)
§ 170. American Television and Radio Archives
(a) Establishment and maintenance in Library of Congress; purpose; determination of composition, cataloging, indexing and availability by LibrarianThe Librarian of Congress (hereinafter referred to as the “Librarian”) shall establish and maintain in the Library of Congress a library to be known as the American Television and Radio Archives (hereinafter referred to as the “Archives”). The purpose of the Archives shall be to preserve a permanent record of the television and radio programs which are the heritage of the people of the United States and to provide access to such programs to historians and scholars without encouraging or causing copyright infringement.
(1) The Librarian, after consultation with interested organizations and individuals, shall determine and place in the Archives such copies and phonorecords of television and radio programs transmitted to the public in the United States and in other countries which are of present or potential public or cultural interest, historical significance, cognitive value, or otherwise worthy of preservation, including copies and phonorecords of published and unpublished transmission programs—
(A) acquired in accordance with sections 407 and 408 of title 17; and
(B) transferred from the existing collections of the Library of Congress; and
(C) given to or exchanged with the Archives by other libraries, archives, organizations, and individuals; and
(D) purchased from the owner thereof.
(2) The Librarian shall maintain and publish appropriate catalogs and indexes of the collections of the Archives, and shall make such collections available for study and research under the conditions prescribed under this section.
(b) Reproduction, compilation, and distribution for research of regularly scheduled newscasts or on-the-spot coverage of news events by Librarian; promulgation of regulationsNotwithstanding the provisions of section 106 of title 17, the Librarian is authorized with respect to a transmission program which consists of a regularly scheduled newscast or on-the-spot coverage of news events and, under standards and conditions that the Librarian shall prescribe by regulation—
(1) to reproduce a fixation of such a program, in the same or another tangible form, for the purposes of preservation or security or for distribution under the conditions of clause (3) of this subsection; and
(2) to compile, without abridgment or any other editing, portions of such fixations according to subject matter, and to reproduce such compilations for the purpose of clause (1) of this subsection; and
(3) to distribute a reproduction made under clause (1) or (2) of this subsection—
(A) by loan to a person engaged in research; and
(B) for deposit in a library or archives which meets the requirements of section 108(a) of title 17,
in either case for use only in research and not for further reproduction or performance.
(c) Liability for copyright infringement by Librarian or any employee of Librarian
(d) Short title
(Pub. L. 94–553, title I, § 113, Oct. 19, 1976, 90 Stat. 2601.)
§ 171. Congressional declaration of findings and purpose as to Center for the Book
The Congress hereby finds and declares—
(1) that the Congress of the United States on April 24, 1800, established for itself a library of the Congress;
(2) that in 1815, the Congress purchased the personal library of the third President of the United States which contained materials on every science known to man and described such a collection as a “substratum of a great national library”;
(3) that the Congress of the United States in recognition of the importance of printing and its impact on America purchased the Gutenberg Bible in 1930 for the Nation for placement in the Library of Congress;
(4) that the Congress of the United States has through statute and appropriations made this library accessible to any member of the public;
(5) that this collection of books and other library materials has now become one of the greatest libraries in civilization;
(6) that the book and the printed word have had the most profound influence on American civilization and learning and have been the very foundation on which our democratic principles have survived through our two hundred-year history;
(7) that in the year 1977, the Congress of the United States assembled hereby declares its reaffirmation of the importance of the printed word and the book and recognizes the importance of a Center for the Book to the continued study and development of written record as central to our understanding of ourselves and our world.
It is therefore the purpose of sections 171 to 175 of this title to establish a Center for the Book in the Library of Congress to provide a program for the investigation of the transmission of human knowledge and to heighten public interest in the role of books and printing in the diffusion of this knowledge.
(Pub. L. 95–129, § 1, Oct. 13, 1977, 91 Stat. 1151.)
§ 172. Definitions
As used in sections 171 to 175 of this title—
(1) the term Center means the Center for the Book;
(2) the term Librarian means the Librarian of Congress.
(Pub. L. 95–129, § 2, Oct. 13, 1977, 91 Stat. 1151.)
§ 173. Establishment of Center for the Book

There is hereby established in the Library of Congress a Center for the Book.

The Center shall be under the direction of the Librarian of Congress.

(Pub. L. 95–129, § 3, Oct. 13, 1977, 91 Stat. 1151.)
§ 174. Function of Center for the Book

The Librarian through the Center shall stimulate public interest and research in the role of the book in the diffusion of knowledge through such activities as a visiting scholar program accompanied by lectures, exhibits, publications, and any other related activities.

(Pub. L. 95–129, § 4, Oct. 13, 1977, 91 Stat. 1152.)
§ 175. Administrative provisions
The Librarian of Congress, in carrying out the Center’s functions, is authorized to—
(1) prescribe such regulations as he deems necessary;
(2) receive money and other property donated, bequeathed, or devised for the purposes of the Center, and to use, sell, or otherwise dispose of such property for the purposes of carrying out the Center’s functions, without reference to Federal disposal statutes; and
(3) accept and utilize the services of voluntary and noncompensated personnel and reimburse them for travel expenses, including per diem, as authorized by section 5703 of title 5.
(Pub. L. 95–129, § 5, Oct. 13, 1977, 91 Stat. 1152.)
§ 176. Mass Book Deacidification Facility; operation by Librarian of Congress

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Librarian of Congress shall equip, furnish, operate, and maintain the Library of Congress Mass Book Deacidification Facility.

(Pub. L. 98–427, § 2, Sept. 28, 1984, 98 Stat. 1656.)
§ 177. Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry
(a) Recognition
(b) Position established
(1) There is established in the Library of Congress the position of Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry. The Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry shall be appointed by the Librarian of Congress pursuant to the same procedures of appointment as established on December 20, 1985, for the Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress.
(2) Each department and office of the Federal Government is encouraged to make use of the services of the Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry for ceremonial and other occasions of celebration under such procedures as the Librarian of Congress shall approve designed to assure that participation under this paragraph does not impair the continuation of the work of the individual chosen to fill the position of Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry.
(c) Poetry program
(1) The Chairperson of the National Endowment for the Arts, with the advice of the National Council on the Arts, shall annually sponsor a program at which the Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry will present a major work or the work of other distinguished poets.
(2) There are authorized to be appropriated to the National Endowment for the Arts $10,000 for the fiscal year 1987 and for each succeeding fiscal year ending prior to October 1, 1990, for the purpose of carrying out this subsection.
(Pub. L. 99–194, title VI, § 601, Dec. 20, 1985, 99 Stat. 1347.)
§§ 178 to 178l. Repealed. Pub. L. 102–307, title II, § 214, June 26, 1992, 106 Stat. 272
§§ 179 to 179k. Repealed. Pub. L. 104–285, title I, § 114, Oct. 11, 1996, 110 Stat. 3382
§ 179l. National Film Registry of Library of Congress

The Librarian of Congress (hereafter in sections 179l to 179w of this title referred to as the “Librarian”) shall continue the National Film Registry established and maintained under the National Film Preservation Act of 1988 (Public Law 100–446), and the National Film Preservation Act of 1992 (Public Law 102–307) pursuant to the provisions of sections 179l to 179w of this title, for the purpose of maintaining and preserving films that are culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.

(Pub. L. 104–285, title I, § 102, Oct. 11, 1996, 110 Stat. 3377.)
§ 179m. Duties of Librarian of Congress
(a) Powers
(1) In generalThe Librarian shall, after consultation with the Board established pursuant to section 179n of this title
(A) continue the implementation of the comprehensive national film preservation program for motion pictures established under the National Film Preservation Act of 1992, in conjunction with other film archivists, educators and historians, copyright owners, film industry representatives, and others involved in activities related to film preservation, taking into account the objectives of the national film preservation study and the comprehensive national plan conducted under the National Film Preservation Act of 1992. This program shall—
(i) coordinate activities to assure that efforts of archivists and copyright owners, and others in the public and private sector, are effective and complementary;
(ii) generate public awareness of and support for these activities;
(iii) increase accessibility of films for educational purposes; and
(iv) undertake studies and investigations of film preservation activities as needed, including the efficacy of new technologies, and recommend solutions to improve these practices;
(B) establish criteria and procedures under which films may be included in the National Film Registry, except that no film shall be eligible for inclusion in the National Film Registry until 10 years after such film’s first publication;
(C) establish procedures under which the general public may make recommendations to the Board regarding the inclusion of films in the National Film Registry; and
(D) determine which films satisfy the criteria established under subparagraph (B) and qualify for inclusion in the National Film Registry, except that the Librarian shall not select more than 25 films each year for inclusion in the Registry.
(2) Publication of films in Registry
(3) Seal
(b) Use of seal
(c) Coordination of program with other collection, preservation, and accessibility activitiesIn carrying out the comprehensive national film preservation program for motion pictures established under the National Film Preservation Act of 1992, the Librarian, in consultation with the Board established pursuant to section 179n of this title, shall—
(1) carry out activities to make films included in the National Film registry more broadly accessible for research and educational purposes, and to generate public awareness and support of the Registry and the comprehensive national film preservation program;
(2) review the comprehensive national film preservation plan, and amend it to the extent necessary to ensure that it addresses technological advances in the preservation and storage of, and access to film collections in multiple formats; and
(3) wherever possible, undertake expanded initiatives to ensure the preservation of the moving image heritage of the United States, including film, videotape, television, and born digital moving image formats, by supporting the work of the National Audio-Visual Conservation Center of the Library of Congress, and other appropriate nonprofit archival and preservation organizations.
(Pub. L. 104–285, title I, § 103, Oct. 11, 1996, 110 Stat. 3377; Pub. L. 109–9, title III, § 302(a), Apr. 27, 2005, 119 Stat. 224; Pub. L. 110–336, § 3(a)(2), Oct. 2, 2008, 122 Stat. 3727.)
§ 179n. National Film Preservation Board
(a) Number and appointment
(1) Members
The Librarian shall establish in the Library of Congress a National Film Preservation Board to be comprised of 22 members, who shall be selected by the Librarian in accordance with this section. Subject to subparagraphs (C) and (N), the Librarian shall request each organization listed in subparagraphs (A) through (Q) to submit a list of three candidates qualified to serve as a member of the Board. Except for the members-at-large appointed under subparagraph 1
1 So in original. Probably should be “paragraph”.
(2), the Librarian shall appoint one member from each such list submitted by such organizations, and shall designate from that list an alternate who may attend at Board expense those meetings to which the individual appointed to the Board cannot attend. The organizations are the following:
(A) The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
(B) The Directors Guild of America.
(C) The Writers Guild of America. The Writers Guild of America East and the Writers Guild of America West shall each nominate three candidates, and a representative from one organization shall be selected as the member and a representative from the other organization as the alternate.
(D) The National Society of Film Critics.
(E) The Society for Cinema and Media Studies.
(F) The American Film Institute.
(G) The Department of Film, Television, and Digital Media of the School of Theater, Film and Television at the University of California, Los Angeles.
(H) The Department of Cinema Studies of the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University.
(I) The University Film and Video Association.
(J) The Motion Picture Association of America.
(K) The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers.
(L) Screen Actors Guild.
(M) The National Association of Theater Owners.
(N) The American Society of Cinematographers and the International Photographers Guild, which shall jointly submit one list of three candidates from which a member and alternate will be selected.
(O) The United States Members of the International Federation of Film Archives.
(P) The Association of Moving Image Archivists.
(Q) The Society of Composers and Lyricists.
(2) Members-at-large
(b) Chair
(c) Term of office
(1) Terms
(2) Removal of member or organization
(3) Vacancies
(d) Quorum
(e) Reimbursement of expenses
(f) Meetings
(g) Conflict of interest
(Pub. L. 104–285, title I, § 104, Oct. 11, 1996, 110 Stat. 3378; Pub. L. 109–9, title III, § 302(b), Apr. 27, 2005, 119 Stat. 225; Pub. L. 110–336, § 3(a)(3), Oct. 2, 2008, 122 Stat. 3727.)
§ 179o. Responsibilities and powers of Board
(a) In general
(b) Nomination of films
(c) Powers
(1) In general
(2) Service on Foundation
(Pub. L. 104–285, title I, § 105, Oct. 11, 1996, 110 Stat. 3380.)
§ 179p. National Film Registry Collection of Library of Congress
(a) Acquisition of archival quality copies
(b) Additional materials
(c) Property of United States
(d) National Film Registry Collection
(e) National Audio-Visual Conservation Center
The Librarian shall utilize the National Audio-Visual Conservation Center of the Library of Congress at Culpeper, Virginia, to ensure that preserved films included in the National Film Registry are stored in a proper manner, and disseminated to researchers, scholars, and the public as may be appropriate in accordance with—
(1) title 17; and
(2) the terms of any agreements between the Librarian and persons who hold copyrights to such audiovisual works.
(Pub. L. 104–285, title I, § 106, Oct. 11, 1996, 110 Stat. 3380; Pub. L. 109–9, title III, § 302(c), Apr. 27, 2005, 119 Stat. 225.)
§ 179q. Seal of National Film Registry
(a) Use of seal
(1) Prohibition on distribution and exhibition
No person shall knowingly distribute or exhibit to the public a version of a film or any copy in any format of a film which bears the seal described in section 179m(a)(3) of this title if such film—
(A) is not included in the National Film Registry; or
(B) is included in the National Film Registry, but such film or film copy has not been approved for use of the seal by the Librarian pursuant to section 179m(a)(1)(D) of this title.
(2) Prohibition on promotion
(b) Effective date of seal
(Pub. L. 104–285, title I, § 107, Oct. 11, 1996, 110 Stat. 3381; Pub. L. 109–9, title III, § 302(d), Apr. 27, 2005, 119 Stat. 225.)
§ 179r. Remedies
(a) Jurisdiction
(b) Relief
(1) Removal of seal
(2) Fine and injunctive relief
(Pub. L. 104–285, title I, § 108, Oct. 11, 1996, 110 Stat. 3381.)
§ 179s. Limitations of remedies

The remedies provided in section 179r of this title shall be the exclusive remedies under sections 179l to 179w of this title, or any other Federal or State law, regarding the use of the seal described in section 179m(a)(3) of this title.

(Pub. L. 104–285, title I, § 109, Oct. 11, 1996, 110 Stat. 3381.)
§ 179t. Staff of Board; experts and consultants
(a) Staff
(b) Experts and consultants
(Pub. L. 104–285, title I, § 110, Oct. 11, 1996, 110 Stat. 3381.)
§ 179u. Definitions
As used in sections 179l to 179w of this title—
(1) the term “Librarian” means the Librarian of Congress;
(2) the term “Board” means the National Film Preservation Board;
(3) the term “film” means a “motion picture” as defined in section 101 of title 17, except that such term does not include any work not originally fixed on film stock, such as a work fixed on videotape or laser disk;
(4) the term “publication” means “publication” as defined in section 101 of title 17; and
(5) the term “Registry version” means, with respect to a film, the version of a film first published, or as complete a version as bona fide preservation and restoration activities by the Librarian, an archivist other than the Librarian, or the copyright owner can compile in those cases where the original material has been irretrievably lost.
(Pub. L. 104–285, title I, § 111, Oct. 11, 1996, 110 Stat. 3382.)
§ 179v. Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated to the Librarian for the first fiscal year beginning on or after October 11, 1996, and each succeeding fiscal year through fiscal year 2026 such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of sections 179l to 179w of this title, but in no fiscal year shall such sum exceed $250,000.

(Pub. L. 104–285, title I, § 112, Oct. 11, 1996, 110 Stat. 3382; Pub. L. 110–336, § 3(a)(1)(A), Oct. 2, 2008, 122 Stat. 3727; Pub. L. 114–217, § 3(a), July 29, 2016, 130 Stat. 840.)
§ 179w. Effective date

The provisions of sections 179l to 179w of this title shall apply to any copy of any film, including those copies of films selected for inclusion in the National Film Registry under the National Film Preservation Act of 1988 and the National Film Preservation Act of 1992, except that any film so selected under either Act shall be deemed to have been selected for the National Film Registry under sections 179l to 179w of this title.

(Pub. L. 104–285, title I, § 113, Oct. 11, 1996, 110 Stat. 3382; Pub. L. 109–9, title III, § 302(e), Apr. 27, 2005, 119 Stat. 226; Pub. L. 110–336, § 3(a)(1)(B), Oct. 2, 2008, 122 Stat. 3727.)
§ 180. Legislative information retrieval system
(a) Purpose
(b) “Legislative information” defined
(c) Development of single system to serve entire Congress
(d) Development and approval of plan
(e) Availability of information to public
(Pub. L. 104–53, title II, § 209, Nov. 19, 1995, 109 Stat. 532.)
§ 181. Program for exchange of information among legislative branch agencies
(a) On September 16, 1996, there shall be established a program for providing the widest possible exchange of information among legislative branch agencies with the long-range goal of improving information technology planning and evaluation. The Committee on House Oversight of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate are requested to determine the structure and operation of this program and to provide appropriate oversight. All of the appropriate offices and agencies of the legislative branch as defined below shall participate in this program for information exchange, and shall report annually on the extent and nature of their participation in their budget submissions to the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate.
(b) As used in this section—
(1) the term “offices and agencies of the legislative branch” means, the office of the Clerk of the House, the office of the Secretary of the Senate, the office of the Architect of the Capitol, the Government Accountability Office, the Government Publishing Office, the Library of Congress, the Congressional Research Service, the Congressional Budget Office, the Chief Administrative Officer of the House of Representatives, and the Sergeant at Arms of the Senate; and
(2) the term “technology” refers to any form of computer hardware and software; computer-based systems, services, and support for the creation, processing, exchange, and delivery of information; and telecommunications systems, and the associated hardware and software, that provide for voice, data, or image communication.
(Pub. L. 104–197, title III, § 314, Sept. 16, 1996, 110 Stat. 2415; Pub. L. 108–271, § 8(b), July 7, 2004, 118 Stat. 814; Pub. L. 113–235, div. H, title I, § 1301(b), Dec. 16, 2014, 128 Stat. 2537.)
§ 182. Cooperative Acquisitions Program Revolving Fund
(a) Establishment
(b) Amounts deposited
The revolving fund shall consist of—
(1) any amounts appropriated by law for the purposes of the revolving fund;
(2) any amounts held by the Librarian as of October 1, 1997 or October 7, 1997, whichever is later, that were collected as payment for the Library’s indirect costs of the program; and
(3) the difference between (A) the total value of the supplies, equipment, gift fund balances, and other assets of the program, and (B) the total value of the liabilities (including unfunded liabilities such as the value of accrued annual leave of employees) of the program.
(c) Credits to revolving fund
(d) Unobligated balances
(e) Audit
(Pub. L. 105–55, title II, § 207, Oct. 7, 1997, 111 Stat. 1193; Pub. L. 110–161, div. H, title I, § 1403, Dec. 26, 2007, 121 Stat. 2247.)
§ 182a. Revolving fund for duplication services associated with audiovisual conservation center
(a) Establishment
(b) Fees for services
(c) Contents of fund
(1) In generalThe revolving fund under this section shall consist of the following amounts:
(A) Amounts deposited by the Librarian under subsection (b).
(B) Any other amounts received by the Librarian which are attributable to the services described in subsection (a).
(C) Amounts deposited by the Librarian under paragraph (2).
(D) Such other amounts as may be appropriated under law.
(2) Deposit of funds during transitionThe Librarian shall transfer to the revolving fund under this section the following:
(A) Any obligated, unexpended balances existing as of the date of the transfer which are attributable to the services described in subsection (a).
(B) An amount equal to the difference as of such date between—
(i) the total value of the supplies, inventories, equipment, gift fund balances, and other assets attributable to such services; and
(ii) the total value of the liabilities attributable to such services.
(d) Use of amounts in fund
(Pub. L. 106–481, title I, § 101, Nov. 9, 2000, 114 Stat. 2187; Pub. L. 107–68, title II, § 207, Nov. 12, 2001, 115 Stat. 587.)
§ 182b. Revolving fund for sales shop and other services
(a) EstablishmentThere is hereby established in the Treasury a revolving fund for the following programs and activities of the Librarian:
(1) Decimal classification development.
(2) The operation of a gift shop or other sales of items associated with collections, exhibits, performances, and special events of the Library of Congress.
(3) Document reproduction and microfilming services.
(4) Special events and programs.
(5) Training.
(b) Individual accounting requirement
(c) Fees for services
(d) Contents of accounts in fund
(1) In generalEach account of the revolving fund under this section shall consist of the following amounts:
(A) Amounts deposited by the Librarian under subsection (c).
(B) Any other amounts received by the Librarian which are attributable to the programs and activities covered by such account.
(C) Amounts deposited by the Librarian under paragraph (2).
(D) Such other amounts as may be appropriated under law.
(2) Deposit of funds during transitionThe Librarian shall transfer to each account of the revolving fund under this section the following:
(A) Any obligated, unexpended balances existing as of the date of the transfer which are attributable to the programs and activities covered by such account.
(B) An amount equal to the difference as of such date between—
(i) the total value of the supplies, inventories, equipment, gift fund balances, and other assets attributable to such programs and activities; and
(ii) the total value of the liabilities attributable to such programs and activities.
(e) Use of amounts
(1) In general
(2) Special rule for payments for certain Capitol Police services
(Pub. L. 106–481, title I, § 102, Nov. 9, 2000, 114 Stat. 2188; Pub. L. 107–68, title II, § 208(a), Nov. 12, 2001, 115 Stat. 587; Pub. L. 110–161, div. H, title I, § 1004(f)(1), Dec. 26, 2007, 121 Stat. 2235; Pub. L. 110–178, § 6(a), Jan. 7, 2008, 121 Stat. 2553; Pub. L. 111–145, § 6(d)(1), Mar. 4, 2010, 124 Stat. 54; Pub. L. 115–141, div. I, title I, § 151(1), Mar. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 784.)
§ 182c. Revolving fund for FEDLINK program and Federal Research program
(a) Establishment
(b) Individual accounting requirement
(c) Fees for services
(1) In general
(2) Advances of fundsParticipants in the FEDLINK program and the Federal Research program shall pay for products and services of the program by advance of funds—
(A) if the Librarian determines that amounts in the Revolving Fund 1
1 So in original. Probably should not be capitalized.
are otherwise insufficient to cover the costs of providing such products and services; or
(B) upon agreement between participants and the Librarian.
(d) Contents of fund
(1) In generalEach account of the revolving fund under this section shall consist of the following amounts:
(A) Amounts deposited by the Librarian under subsection (c).
(B) Any other amounts received by the Librarian which are attributable to the program covered by such account.
(C) Amounts deposited by the Librarian under paragraph (2).
(D) Such other amounts as may be appropriated under law.
(2) Deposit of funds during transitionNotwithstanding section 1535(d) of title 31, the Librarian shall transfer to the appropriate account of the revolving fund under this section the following:
(A) Any obligated, unexpended balances existing as of the date of the transfer which are attributable to the FEDLINK program or the Federal Research program.
(B) An amount equal to the difference as of such date between—
(i) the total value of the supplies, inventories, equipment, gift fund balances, and other assets attributable to such program; and
(ii) the total value of the liabilities attributable to such program.
(e) Use of amounts in fund
(f) Programs described
(1) FEDLINKIn this section, the “FEDLINK program” is the program of the Library of Congress under which the Librarian provides the following services on behalf of participating Federal libraries, Federal information centers, other entities of the Federal Government, tribal governments (as defined in 40 U.S.C. 502(c)(2)(B)) and the District of Columbia:
(A) The procurement of commercial information services, publications in any format, and library support services.
(B) Related accounting services.
(C) Related education, information, and support services.
(2) Federal Research program
(Pub. L. 106–481, title I, § 103, Nov. 9, 2000, 114 Stat. 2189; Pub. L. 115–141, div. I, title I, § 151(2), Mar. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 784.)
§ 182d. Audits by Comptroller General

Each of the revolving funds established under sections 182a to 182d of this title shall be subject to audit by the Comptroller General at the Comptroller General’s discretion.

(Pub. L. 106–481, title I, § 104, Nov. 9, 2000, 114 Stat. 2190.)
§ 182e. Library of Congress National Collection Stewardship Fund
(a) Establishment
(b) Contents of Fund
The Fund shall consist of the following amounts:
(1)1
1 So in original. No par. (2) has been enacted.
Such amounts as may be transferred by the Librarian from available amounts appropriated for any fiscal year for the Library of Congress under the span “Salaries and Expenses”.
(c) Use of amounts
Amounts in the Fund may be used by the Librarian as follows:
(1) The Librarian may use amounts directly for the purpose of preparing collection materials of the Library of Congress for long-term storage.
(2) The Librarian may transfer amounts to the Architect of the Capitol for the purpose of designing, constructing, altering, upgrading, and equipping collections preservation and storage facilities for the Library of Congress, or for the purpose of acquiring real property by lease for the preservation and storage of Library of Congress collections in accordance with section 1823a of this title.
(d) Continuing availability of funds
(e) Annual report
(f) Initial 5–year plan
(g) Notification of transfers
(h) Effective date
(Pub. L. 115–31, div. I, title I, § 1302, May 5, 2017, 131 Stat. 584.)
§ 183. Written history of the House of Representatives
(a) In general
(b) Guidelines
In carrying out subsection (a), the Librarian of Congress shall take into account the following:
(1) The history should be an illustrated, narrative history of the House of Representatives, organized chronologically.
(2) The history’s intended audience is the general reader, as well as Members of Congress and their staffs.
(3) The history should include a discussion of the First and Second Continental Congresses and the Constitutional Convention, especially with regard to their roles in creating the House of Representatives.
(c) Printing
(1) In general
(2) Printing arrangements
The printing may be performed—
(A) by the Director of the Government Publishing Office pursuant to the provisions of chapter 5 of title 44;
(B) under a cooperative arrangement among the Librarian of Congress, a private funding source obtained pursuant to subsection (e), and a publisher in the private sector; or
(C) under subparagraphs (A) and (B).
(3) Internet dissemination
(4) Member copies
(d) Distribution
(e) Private funding
(Pub. L. 106–99, § 2, Nov. 12, 1999, 113 Stat. 1330; Pub. L. 108–7, div. H, title I, § 1305, Feb. 20, 2003, 117 Stat. 379; Pub. L. 113–235, div. H, title I, § 1301(b), (d), Dec. 16, 2014, 128 Stat. 2537.)
§ 183a. Oral history of the House of Representatives
(a) In general
(b) Definition of oral history
In this section, the term “oral history” means a story or history consisting of personal recollection as recorded by any one or more of the following means:
(1) Interviews.
(2) Transcripts.
(3) Audio recordings.
(4) Video recordings.
(5) Such other form or means as may be suitable for the recording and preservation of such information.
(Pub. L. 106–99, § 3, Nov. 12, 1999, 113 Stat. 1331.)
§ 184. Incorporation of digital collections into educational curricula
(a) Short title
(b) Program
(c) Educational consortium
In administering the program under this section, the Librarian of Congress may—
(1) establish an educational consortium to support the program; and
(2) make funds appropriated for the program available to consortium members, educational institutions, and libraries.
(d) Authorization of appropriations
(Pub. L. 109–55, title I, § 1306, Aug. 2, 2005, 119 Stat. 583.)
§ 185. Inspector General of the Library of Congress
(a) Short title
(b) Office of Inspector General
There is an Office of Inspector General within the Library of Congress which is an independent objective office to—
(1) conduct and supervise audits and investigations (excluding incidents involving violence and personal property) relating to the Library of Congress, except that nothing in this paragraph may be construed to authorize the Inspector General to audit or investigate any operations or activities of the United States Capitol Police;
(2) provide leadership and coordination and recommend policies to promote economy, efficiency, and effectiveness; and
(3) provide a means of keeping the Librarian of Congress and the Congress fully and currently informed about problems and deficiencies relating to the administration and operations of the Library of Congress.
(c) Appointment of Inspector General; supervision; removal; pay; limits on bonuses; counsel
(1) Appointment and supervision
(A) In general
(B) Audits, investigations, and reports
The Librarian of Congress shall have no authority to prevent or prohibit the Inspector General from—
(i) initiating, carrying out, or completing any audit or investigation;
(ii) issuing any subpoena during the course of any audit or investigation; or
(iii) issuing any report.
(2) Removal or transfer
(A) In general
(B) Notice
Not later than 30 days before the Librarian of Congress removes or transfers the Inspector General under subparagraph (A), the Librarian of Congress shall communicate in writing the reason for the removal or transfer to—
(i) the Committee on House Administration and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives; and
(ii) the Committee on Rules and Administration and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate.
(C) Applicability
(3) Pay
(A) In general
The position of Inspector General shall—
(i) be classified as a position above GS–15 in accordance with section 5108 of title 5; and
(ii) have a rate of basic pay that is not less than the average rate of basic pay of all other employees in positions classified as above GS–15 of the Library of Congress calculated on an annual basis.
(B) Adjustments
(4) No bonuses
(5) Counsel
(d) Duties, responsibilities, authority, and reports
(1) In general
Sections 404, 405 (other than subsection (b)(13)), 406(a) (other than paragraphs (7) and (8) thereof),1
1 See References in Text note below.
and 407 of title 5 shall apply to the Inspector General of the Library of Congress and the Office of such Inspector General and such sections shall be applied to the Library of Congress and the Librarian of Congress by substituting—
(A) “Library of Congress” for “establishment”; and
(B) “Librarian of Congress” for “head of the establishment”.
(2) Employees
(A) In general
(B) Security and suitability
(C) Consultants
(3) Law enforcement authority
(A) In general
Subject to subparagraph (B), any supervisory special agent under the Inspector General and any special agent supervised by such a supervisory special agent is authorized to—
(i) make an arrest without a warrant while engaged in official duties as authorized under this section or any other statute for any offense against the United States committed in the presence of such supervisory special agent or special agent, or for any felony cognizable under the laws of the United States if such supervisory special agent or special agent has reasonable grounds to believe that the person to be arrested has committed or is committing such felony;
(ii) seek and execute warrants for arrest, search of a premises, or seizure of evidence issued under the authority of the United States upon probable cause to believe that a violation has been committed; and
(iii) carry a firearm while engaged in official duties as authorized under this section or any other statute.
(B) Requirements to exercise authority
(i) Required certification(I) In general
In order to exercise the authority under subparagraph (A), a supervisory special agent or a special agent supervised by such a supervisory special agent shall certify that he or she—
(aa) is a citizen of the United States;(bb) has successfully completed a basic law enforcement training program or military or other equivalent; and(cc) is not prohibited from receiving a firearm under Federal law, including under section 922(g)(9) of title 18, because of a conviction of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.(II) Additional requirements
(ii) Maintenance of requirements
(iii) Eligibility determination(I) In general
The Inspector General shall—
(aa) determine whether an individual meets the requirements under this paragraph; and(bb) revoke any authority granted to an individual under subparagraph (A) if the individual is not in compliance with the requirements of this paragraph.(II) Reauthorization(III) Limitation on appeal
(C) Semiannual certification of program
(i) In general
(ii) Suspension of authority
(D) Peer review
(E) Alleged misconduct
(F) Appropriate committees of Congress
In this paragraph, the term “appropriate committees of Congress” means—
(i) the Committee on Rules and Administration and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate; and
(ii) the Committee on House Administration and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives.
(4) Budget independence
(e) Transfers
(f) Incumbent
(g) References
(h) Effective date
(Pub. L. 109–55, title I, § 1307, Aug. 2, 2005, 119 Stat. 583; Pub. L. 110–161, div. H, title I, § 1004(d)(3), Dec. 26, 2007, 121 Stat. 2234; Pub. L. 110–178, § 4(c), Jan. 7, 2008, 121 Stat. 2552; Pub. L. 111–145, § 6(d)(1), Mar. 4, 2010, 124 Stat. 54; Pub. L. 116–94, div. P, title XVI, §§ 1602(a), 1603(a), 1604(a)(1), 1605(a), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 3209, 3212, 3218, 3219; Pub. L. 117–286, § 4(b)(1), Dec. 27, 2022, 136 Stat. 4342.)
§ 186. Library of Congress orders under task and delivery order contracts
(a) Contract modifications
(b) Omitted
(c) Protests
(1) Protest not authorized
A protest to an order described in subsection (a) filed pursuant to the procedures in subchapter V of chapter 35 of title 31 is not authorized unless such protest—
(A) is an objection on the basis that the order is in violation of subsection (a); or
(B) concerns an order valued in excess of $10,000,000.
(2) Jurisdiction over protests
(d) Effective date
(Pub. L. 117–103, div. I, title I, § 142, Mar. 15, 2022, 136 Stat. 519.)