H.R. 6028

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 6028 Engrossed in House (EH)]

<DOC>

119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 6028

_______________________________________________________________________

AN ACT

To modify the appointment and removal process for certain legislative 
branch officers, and for other purposes.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ``Legislative Branch Agencies 
Clarification Act''.

SEC. 2. LIBRARIAN OF CONGRESS.

(a) In General.--The Librarian of Congress Succession Modernization 
Act of 2015 (Public Law 114-86; 129 Stat. 675), is amended--
(1) by redesignating section 3 as section 5;
(2) by redesignating section 2 as section 3;
(3) by inserting after section 1 the following:

``SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

``In this Act:
``(1) Commission.--The term `commission' means a 
congressional commission consisting of the oversight committee 
leadership and the House and Senate leadership.
``(2) Deputy librarian.--The term `Deputy Librarian' means 
the Deputy Librarian of Congress.
``(3) House and senate leadership.--The term `House and 
Senate leadership' means the Speaker of the House of 
Representatives, the majority leader of the Senate, the 
minority leader of the House of Representatives, and the 
minority leader of the Senate.
``(4) Librarian.--The term `Librarian' means the Librarian 
of Congress.
``(5) Oversight committee leadership.--The term `oversight 
committee leadership' means the chair and ranking minority 
member of the Committee on House Administration of the House of 
Representatives and the chairman and ranking minority member of 
the Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate.''; and
(4) in section 3, as so redesignated--
(A) by striking subsection (a) and inserting the 
following:
``(a) Appointment.--
``(1) Commission.--The Librarian shall be appointed by the 
commission in accordance with the procedures specified in 
paragraph (2), without regard to political affiliation, and 
solely on the basis of fitness to perform the duties of the 
office.
``(2) Appointment procedures.--
``(A) Recommendation of 3 individuals.--If there is 
a vacancy in the position of Librarian, the oversight 
committee leadership shall jointly recommend 3 
individuals for appointment to the vacant office.
``(B) Selection by leaders.--The Librarian shall be 
appointed from among the 3 individuals recommended 
under subparagraph (A) upon a majority vote of the 
House and Senate leadership.'';
(B) in subsection (b), by striking ``of Congress'';
(C) in subsection (c), by striking ``of Congress, 
by and with the advice and consent of the Senate,''; 
and
(D) by striking subsection (d) and inserting the 
following:
``(d) Removal.--The Librarian may be removed from office at any 
time upon a majority vote of the House and Senate leadership.''.
(b) Pay.--Section 904 of the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1983 
(2 U.S.C. 136a-2) is amended--
(1) by inserting ``(a)'' before ``Notwithstanding''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(b) The Librarian of Congress shall not be considered to serve 
under a political appointment for purposes of section 747 of the 
Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2024 
(division B of Public Law 118-47; 138 Stat. 585), or any other 
subsequently enacted similar provision of law.''.

SEC. 3. DEPUTY LIBRARIAN OF CONGRESS.

The Librarian of Congress Succession Modernization Act of 2015 
(Public Law 114-86; 129 Stat. 675), is amended by inserting after 
section 3, as so redesignated, the following:

``SEC. 4. DEPUTY LIBRARIAN OF CONGRESS.

``(a) Establishment of Deputy Librarian.--
``(1) In general.--The Librarian shall appoint a suitable 
individual to be the Deputy Librarian of Congress.
``(2) Duties.--The Librarian may delegate to the Deputy 
Librarian such duties as the Librarian determines are necessary 
or appropriate.
``(b) Deadline.--The Librarian shall appoint a Deputy Librarian 
under subsection (a)(1) not later than 120 days after--
``(1) the date on which the Librarian is appointed under 
section 3, if there is no Deputy Librarian on the date of the 
appointment; or
``(2) the date on which a vacancy arises in the office of 
the Deputy Librarian.
``(c) Failure to Appoint.--If the Librarian does not appoint a 
Deputy Librarian on or before the applicable date specified in 
subsection (b)--
``(1) the oversight committee leadership shall jointly 
recommend an individual for appointment to the vacant office; 
and
``(2) upon a majority vote of the House and Senate 
leadership, the individual recommended under paragraph (1) 
shall be appointed as the Deputy Librarian.
``(d) Notification.--If the position of Deputy Librarian becomes 
vacant, the Librarian shall immediately notify the members of the 
commission.
``(e) Service as Acting Librarian.--
``(1) In general.--The Deputy Librarian shall act as 
Librarian if the Librarian is absent or disabled or there is no 
Librarian.
``(2) Absence, disability, or vacancy in office of deputy 
librarian.--
``(A) In general.--For purposes of paragraph (1), 
if the Deputy Librarian is also absent or disabled or 
there is no Deputy Librarian--
``(i) the oversight committee leadership 
shall jointly recommend an individual to be 
designated to serve as acting Librarian; and
``(ii) upon a majority vote of the members 
of the House and Senate leadership, the 
individual recommended under clause (i) shall 
be designated to serve as acting Librarian.
``(B) Period of appointment.--An individual 
designated as acting Librarian under subparagraph (A) 
may serve until--
``(i) the end of the absence or disability 
of the Librarian or the Deputy Librarian; or
``(ii) in the case of vacancies in both 
positions, a Librarian has been appointed under 
section 3.
``(3) Authority.--An officer serving as acting Librarian 
under paragraph (1) or (2) shall perform all the duties and 
exercise all the authorities of the Librarian, including the 
authority to delegate the duties and authorities of the 
Librarian.''.

SEC. 4. DIRECTOR OF THE GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE.

(a) In General.--Chapter 3 of title 44, United States Code, is 
amended--
(1) by inserting before section 301 the following:
``Sec. 300. Definitions
``In this chapter--
``(1) the term `commission' means a congressional 
commission consisting of the oversight committee leadership and 
the House and Senate leadership;
``(2) the term `House and Senate leadership' means the 
Speaker of the House of Representatives, the majority leader of 
the Senate, the minority leader of the House of 
Representatives, and the minority leader of the Senate; and
``(3) the term `oversight committee leadership' means the 
chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on House 
Administration of the House of Representatives and the chairman 
and ranking minority member of the Committee on Rules and 
Administration of the Senate.''; and
(2) in section 301--
(A) by striking subsection (a) and inserting the 
following:
``(a)(1) The Government Publishing Office shall be headed by a 
Director.
``(2)(A) The Director shall be appointed by the commission in 
accordance with the procedures specified in subparagraph (B), without 
regard to political affiliation, and solely on the basis of fitness to 
perform the duties of the office.
``(B)(i) If there is a vacancy in the position of Director, the 
oversight committee leadership shall jointly recommend 3 individuals 
for appointment to the vacant office.
``(ii) The Director shall be appointed from among the 3 individuals 
recommended under clause (i), upon a majority vote of the House and 
Senate leadership.'';
(B) in subsection (c), by striking ``, by and with 
the advice and consent of the Senate,''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(d) The Director may be removed from office at any time upon a 
majority vote of the members of the House and Senate leadership.''.
(b) Pay.--Section 303 of title 44, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by inserting ``(a)'' before ``The annual rate of pay 
for the Director of the Government Publishing Office''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(b) The Director of the Government Publishing Office shall not be 
considered to serve under a political appointment for purposes of 
section 747 of the Financial Services and General Government 
Appropriations Act, 2024 (division B of Public Law 118-47; 138 Stat. 
585), or any other subsequently enacted similar provision of law.''.
(c) Conforming Amendment.--The table of sections for chapter 3 of 
title 44, United States Code, is amended by inserting before the item 
relating to section 301 the following:

``300. Definitions.''.

SEC. 5. DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF THE GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE.

(a) In General.--Section 302 of title 44, United States Code, is 
amended to read as follows:
``Sec. 302. Deputy Director of the Government Publishing Office: 
appointment; duties
``(a) In this section--
``(1) the term `Deputy Director' means the Deputy Director 
of the Government Publishing Office; and
``(2) the term `Director' means the Director of the 
Government Publishing Office.
``(b)(1) The Director shall appoint a suitable person to be the 
Deputy Director.
``(2) The Deputy Director shall supervise the buildings occupied by 
the Government Publishing Office and perform any other duties required 
by the Director.
``(c) The Director shall appoint a Deputy Director under subsection 
(b)(1) not later than 120 days after--
``(1) the date on which the Director is appointed under 
section 301, if there is no Deputy Director on the date of the 
appointment; or
``(2) the date on which a vacancy arises in the office of 
the Deputy Director.
``(d) If the Director does not appoint a Deputy Director on or 
before the applicable date specified in subsection (c)--
``(1) the oversight committee leadership shall jointly 
recommend an individual for appointment to the vacant office; 
and
``(2) upon a majority vote of the House and Senate 
leadership, the individual recommended under paragraph (1) 
shall be appointed as the Deputy Director.
``(e) If the position of Deputy Director becomes vacant, the 
Director shall immediately notify the members of the commission.''.
(b) Service as Acting Director.--Section 304 of title 44, United 
States Code, is amended to read as follows:
``Sec. 304. Director of the Government Publishing Office: vacancy in 
office
``(a) In this section, the terms `Deputy Director' and `Director' 
have the meanings given such terms in section 302(a).
``(b) The Deputy Director shall act as Director if the Director is 
absent or disabled or there is no Director.
``(c)(1) For purposes of subsection (b), if the Deputy Director is 
also absent or disabled or there is no Deputy Director--
``(A) the oversight committee leadership shall jointly 
recommend an individual to be designated to serve as acting 
Director; and
``(B) upon a majority vote of the House and Senate 
leadership, the individual recommended under subparagraph (A) 
shall be designated as the acting Director.
``(2) An individual designated as acting Director under paragraph 
(1) may serve until--
``(A) the end of the absence or disability of the Director 
or the Deputy Director; or
``(B) in the case of vacancies in both positions, a 
Director has been appointed under section 301.
``(d) An officer serving as acting Director under subsection (b) or 
(c) shall perform all the duties and exercise all the authorities of 
the Director, including the authority to delegate the duties and 
authorities of the Director.''.

SEC. 6. COPYRIGHT OFFICE.

(a) Removing Supervisory Authority of Library of Congress Over 
Copyright Office.--
(1) In general.--Title 17, United States Code, is amended--
(A) in chapter 1--
(i) in section 111(d)--
(I) in paragraph (2), in the second 
sentence, by striking ``Librarian of 
Congress'' and inserting ``Register of 
Copyrights''; and
(II) in paragraph (4)--
(aa) in subparagraph (B), 
in the second sentence, by 
striking ``Librarian of 
Congress'' and inserting 
``Register of Copyrights''; and
(bb) in subparagraph (C), 
by striking ``Librarian of 
Congress'' and inserting 
``Register of Copyrights'';
(ii) in section 112(e)(5), by striking 
``Librarian of Congress'' and inserting 
``Register of Copyrights'';
(iii) in section 114(f)(2), by striking 
``Librarian of Congress'' and inserting 
``Register of Copyrights'';
(iv) in section 115(d)--
(I) in paragraph (3)(A)(iv), by 
striking ``, with the approval of the 
Librarian of Congress pursuant to 
section 702,''; and
(II) in paragraph (5)(A)(iv), by 
striking ``, with the approval of the 
Librarian of Congress pursuant to 
section 702,'';
(v) in section 118(b)(2), by striking 
``Librarian of Congress'' and inserting 
``Register of Copyrights''; and
(vi) in section 119(b)--
(I) in paragraph (3), in the second 
sentence, by striking ``Librarian of 
Congress'' and inserting ``Register of 
Copyrights''; and
(II) in paragraph (5)--
(aa) in subparagraph (B), 
in the second sentence, by 
striking ``Librarian of 
Congress'' and inserting 
``Register of Copyrights''; and
(bb) in subparagraph (C), 
by striking ``Librarian of 
Congress'' and inserting 
``Register of Copyrights'';
(B) in chapter 7--
(i) in section 701--
(I) in subsection (a)--
(aa) in the first sentence, 
by striking ``of the Library of 
Congress''; and
(bb) by striking the second 
sentence and inserting the 
following: ``The Register of 
Copyrights shall be appointed 
by the President, by and with 
the advice and consent of the 
Senate, but before the 
President makes such an 
appointment, the chair and 
ranking minority member of each 
of the Committee on House 
Administration of the House of 
Representatives, the Committee 
on the Judiciary of the House 
of Representatives, the 
Committee on Rules and 
Administration of the Senate, 
and the Committee on the 
Judiciary of the Senate shall 
jointly recommend 3 individuals 
whom the President may consider 
in making the appointment. The 
subordinate officers and 
employees of the Copyright 
Office shall be appointed by 
the Register of Copyrights.'';
(II) in subsection (d)--
(aa) in the first sentence, 
by striking ``the Librarian 
of''; and
(bb) by striking the second 
sentence; and
(III) in subsection (f), by 
striking the second and third sentences 
and inserting the following: ``The 
Register of Copyrights shall establish 
not more than 4 positions for Associate 
Registers of Copyrights and shall make 
appointments to those positions.'';
(ii) in section 702, by striking the second 
sentence and inserting ``The Register shall 
consult with the Librarian of Congress prior to 
establishing regulations that affect deposits 
made under sections 407 and 704 of this title. 
The Register shall consult with the Librarian 
of Congress before establishing any regulation 
under this title that affects the authority, 
rights, or access of the Library of Congress 
under this title with respect to any material 
deposited in the Copyright Office.''; and
(iii) in section 704(d), by striking 
``joint discretion of the Register and the 
Librarian'' and inserting ``discretion of the 
Register, in consultation with the 
Librarian,'';
(C) in chapter 8--
(i) in section 801--
(I) in subsection (a)--
(aa) in the first sentence, 
by striking ``Librarian of 
Congress'' and inserting 
``Register of Copyrights''; and
(bb) by striking the second 
sentence;
(II) in subsection (d), by striking 
``Librarian of Congress'' and inserting 
``Register of Copyrights''; and
(III) in subsection (e)--
(aa) in the heading, by 
striking ``Library of 
Congress'' and inserting 
``Copyright Office''; and
(bb) by striking ``Library 
of Congress'' and inserting 
``Copyright Office'';
(ii) in section 802--
(I) in subsection (d)--
(aa) in paragraph (1), in 
the first sentence, by striking 
``Librarian of Congress'' and 
inserting ``Register of 
Copyrights''; and
(bb) in paragraph (2), by 
striking ``Librarian of 
Congress'' and inserting 
``Register of Copyrights'';
(II) in subsection (f)(2)--
(aa) in subparagraph (A), 
by striking ``Library of 
Congress'' and inserting 
``Copyright Office''; and
(bb) in subparagraph (B), 
by striking ``Librarian of 
Congress'' and inserting 
``Register of Copyrights'';
(III) in subsection (h), by 
striking ``Librarian of Congress'' and 
inserting ``Register of Copyrights''; 
and
(IV) in subsection (i)--
(aa) by striking 
``Librarian of Congress'' each 
place that term appears and 
inserting ``Register of 
Copyrights''; and
(bb) in the third sentence, 
by striking ``Librarian'' and 
inserting ``Register of 
Copyrights''; and
(iii) in section 803--
(I) in subsection (a)(1), in the 
second sentence--
(aa) by striking ``the 
Librarian of Congress'' and 
inserting ``the Register of 
Copyrights''; and
(bb) by striking ``of the 
Librarian of Congress or'' and 
inserting ``of'';
(II) in subsection (b)(6)(A), in 
the second sentence, by striking 
``Librarian of Congress'' and inserting 
``Register of Copyrights'';
(III) in subsection (c)(6)--
(aa) by striking 
``Librarian of Congress'' each 
place that term appears and 
inserting ``Register of 
Copyrights''; and
(bb) in the second 
sentence, by striking 
``Librarian'' and inserting 
``Register of Copyrights''; and
(IV) in subsection (e)(1)--
(aa) in the paragraph 
heading, by striking ``library 
of congress and''; and
(bb) in subparagraph (A)--

(AA) by striking 
``The Librarian of 
Congress'' and 
inserting ``The 
Register of 
Copyrights''; and

(BB) by striking 
``the Librarian of 
Congress, the Copyright 
Office, and'' and 
inserting ``the 
Copyright Office and'';

(D) in section 1007--
(i) in subsection (b), in the third 
sentence, by striking ``Librarian of Congress'' 
and inserting ``Register of Copyrights''; and
(ii) in subsection (c), in the third 
sentence, by striking ``Librarian of Congress'' 
and inserting ``Register of Copyrights'';
(E) in section 1201(a)(1)--
(i) in subparagraph (C)--
(I) in the matter preceding clause 
(i)--
(aa) in the first sentence, 
by striking ``the Librarian of 
Congress, upon the 
recommendation of the Register 
of Copyrights, who shall 
consult with the Assistant 
Secretary for Communications 
and Information of the 
Department of Commerce and 
report and comment on his or 
her views in making such 
recommendation'' and inserting 
``the Register of Copyrights, 
after consultation with the 
Assistant Secretary of Commerce 
for Communications and 
Information''; and
(bb) in the second 
sentence, by striking ``the 
Librarian'' and inserting ``the 
Register of Copyrights''; and
(II) in clause (v), by striking 
``Librarian'' and inserting ``Register 
of Copyrights''; and
(ii) in subparagraph (D), by striking 
``Librarian'' each place that term appears and 
inserting ``Register of Copyrights'';
(F) in section 1331, by striking ``of the Library 
of Congress''; and
(G) in chapter 15--
(i) in section 1502(b)--
(I) in paragraph (1)--
(aa) in the first sentence, 
by striking ``recommend'' and 
inserting ``appoint''; and
(bb) by striking the second 
sentence;
(II) in paragraph (6)--
(aa) in subparagraph 
(A)(i), by striking ``the 
Librarian of Congress shall, 
upon the recommendation of, and 
in consultation with, the 
Register of Copyrights,'' and 
inserting ``the Register of 
Copyrights shall''; and
(bb) in subparagraph (B), 
by striking ``the Librarian of 
Congress shall, upon 
recommendation of, and in 
consultation with, the Register 
of Copyrights,'' and inserting 
``the Register of Copyrights 
shall''; and
(III) in paragraph (7), by striking 
``Librarian of Congress'' and inserting 
``Register of Copyrights''; and
(ii) in section 1503(b)(3), by striking 
``Library of Congress or''.
(2) Amendments to other laws.--
(A) Computer software rental amendments act of 
1990.--Section 805(d) of the Computer Software Rental 
Amendments Act of 1990 (17 U.S.C. 205 note; Public Law 
101-650) is amended by striking the second sentence.
(B) Unlocking consumer choice and wireless 
competition act.--Section 2 of the Unlocking Consumer 
Choice and Wireless Competition Act (17 U.S.C. 1201 
note; Public Law 113-144) is amended--
(i) in the heading, by striking ``by 
librarian of congress'';
(ii) in subsection (a), by inserting after 
``United States Code,'' the following: ``(as in 
effect before the date of enactment of the 
Legislative Branch Agencies Clarification 
Act)'';
(iii) in subsection (c), by striking 
paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
``(2) as authorized by an exemption adopted by--
``(A) the Librarian of Congress pursuant to a 
determination made on or after the date of enactment of 
this Act and before the date of enactment of the 
Legislative Branch Agencies Clarification Act under 
section 1201(a)(1)(C) of title 17, United States Code; 
or
``(B) the Register of Copyrights pursuant to a 
determination made on or after the date of enactment of 
the Legislative Branch Agencies Clarification Act under 
section 1201(a)(1)(C) of title 17, United States 
Code,''; and
(iv) in subsection (d), by striking 
paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
``(2) Librarian of congress; register of copyrights.--
Nothing in this Act alters, or shall be construed to alter, the 
authority of--
``(A) the Librarian of Congress under section 
1201(a)(1) of title 17, United States Code, as in 
effect before the date of enactment of the Legislative 
Branch Agencies Clarification Act; or
``(B) the Register of Copyrights under section 
1201(a)(1) of title 17, United States Code, as in 
effect on or after the date of enactment of the 
Legislative Branch Agencies Clarification Act.''.
(C) Act of june 13, 1957.--The first section of the 
Act entitled ``An Act to fix the responsibilities of 
certifying officers and disbursing officer of the 
Library of Congress'', approved June 13, 1957 (2 U.S.C. 
142b), is amended by striking ``, including the 
Copyright Office,''.
(b) Register of Copyrights Qualifications; Term of Office.--Section 
701(a) of title 17, United States Code, as amended by this section, is 
amended--
(1) by inserting before ``shall be appointed by the 
President'' the following: ``shall be a citizen of the United 
States with a background and experience in copyright law, 
and''; and
(2) by inserting before ``The subordinate officers'' the 
following: ``The Register of Copyrights shall be appointed for 
a term of 10 years, but if the Register is appointed to fill a 
vacancy occurring prior to the expiration of the term for which 
the most immediate predecessor was appointed, the Register 
shall be appointed for the remainder of such term. The Register 
may be reappointed for 1 or more additional terms of 5 years 
each.''.
(c) Establishment of Inspector General of the Copyright Office.--
Section 1307 of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2006 (2 
U.S.C. 185), is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(i) Establishment of Inspector General of the Copyright Office as 
a Separate Office.--
``(1) Office of inspector general.--There is an Office of 
Inspector General within the Copyright Office which is an 
independent objective office to--
``(A) conduct and supervise audits and 
investigations (excluding incidents involving violence 
and personal property) relating to the Copyright 
Office, except that nothing in this subparagraph may be 
construed to authorize the Inspector General to audit 
or investigate any operations or activities of the 
United States Capitol Police;
``(B) provide leadership and coordination and 
recommend policies to promote economy, efficiency, and 
effectiveness; and
``(C) provide a means of keeping the Register of 
Copyrights and the Congress fully and currently 
informed about problems and deficiencies relating to 
the administration and operations of the Copyright 
Office.
``(2) Appointment of inspector general; supervision; 
removal; pay; limits on bonuses; counsel.--
``(A) Appointment and supervision.--
``(i) In general.--There shall be at the 
head of the Office of Inspector General, an 
Inspector General who shall be appointed by the 
Register of Copyrights without regard to 
political affiliation and solely on the basis 
of integrity and demonstrated ability in 
accounting, auditing, financial analysis, law, 
management analysis, public administration, or 
investigations. The Inspector General shall 
report to, and be under the general supervision 
of, the Register of Copyrights.
``(ii) Audits, investigations, and 
reports.--The Register of Copyrights 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.
``(B) Removal or transfer.--
``(i) In general.--The Inspector General 
may be removed from office, or transferred to 
another position within, or another location 
of, the Copyright Office, by the Register of 
Copyrights.
``(ii) Notice.--Not later than 30 days 
before the Register of Copyrights removes or 
transfers the Inspector General under clause 
(i), the Register of Copyrights 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.
``(iii) Applicability.--Nothing in this 
subparagraph shall prohibit a personnel action 
(except for removal or transfer) that is 
otherwise authorized by law.
``(C) Pay.--
``(i) 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, United States Code; 
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 Copyright Office calculated on an 
annual basis.
``(ii) Adjustments.--The Register of 
Copyrights shall establish the amount of the 
annual adjustment in the rate of basic pay for 
the Inspector General in an amount equal to the 
average of the annual adjustments in the rate 
of basic pay provided to all other employees in 
positions classified as above GS-15 of the 
Copyright Office, in a manner consistent with 
section 5376 of title 5, United States Code.
``(D) No bonuses.--The Inspector General may not 
receive any cash award or cash bonus, including a cash 
award under chapter 45 of title 5, United States Code.
``(E) Counsel.--The Inspector General shall, in 
accordance with applicable laws and regulations 
governing selections, appointments, and employment at 
the Copyright Office, obtain legal advice from a 
counsel reporting directly to the Inspector General or 
another Inspector General.
``(3) Duties, responsibilities, authority, and reports.--
``(A) In general.--Sections 404, 405 (other than 
subsection (b)(13)), 406(a) (other than paragraphs (7) 
and (8) thereof), and 407 of title 5, United States 
Code, shall apply to the Inspector General of the 
Copyright Office and the Office of such Inspector 
General and such sections shall be applied to the 
Copyright Office and the Register of Copyrights by 
substituting--
``(i) `Copyright Office' for 
`establishment'; and
``(ii) `Register of Copyrights' for `head 
of the establishment'.
``(B) Employees.--
``(i) In general.--The Inspector General, 
in carrying out the provisions of this 
subsection, is authorized, without the 
supervision or approval of any other employee, 
office, or other entity within the Copyright 
Office, to select, appoint, and employ such 
officers and employees (including consultants) 
as may be necessary for carrying out the 
functions, powers, and duties of the Office of 
Inspector General subject to the provisions of 
law governing selections, appointments, and 
employment in the Copyright Office.
``(ii) Security and suitability.--
Appointments under the authority under clause 
(i) shall be made consistent with personnel 
security and suitability requirements.
``(iii) Consultants.--Any appointment of a 
consultant under the authority under clause (i) 
shall be made consistent with section 406(a)(9) 
of title 5, United States Code.
``(C) Law enforcement authority.--
``(i) In general.--Subject to clause (ii), 
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.
``(ii) Requirements to exercise 
authority.--
``(I) Required certification.--
``(aa) In general.--In 
order to exercise the authority 
under clause (i), 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, 
United States Code, 
because of a conviction 
of a misdemeanor crime 
of domestic violence.

``(bb) Additional 
requirements.--After providing 
notice to the appropriate 
committees of Congress, the 
Inspector General may add 
requirements to the 
certification required under 
item (aa), as determined 
appropriate by the Inspector 
General.
``(II) Maintenance of 
requirements.--The Inspector General 
shall maintain firearms-related 
requirements (including quarterly 
firearms qualifications) and use of 
force training requirements that, 
except to the extent the Inspector 
General determines necessary to 
effectively carry out the duties of the 
Office of the Inspector General, are in 
accordance with the Council of the 
Inspectors General on Integrity and 
Efficiency use of force policies, which 
incorporate Department of Justice 
guidelines.
``(III) Eligibility 
determination.--
``(aa) In general.--The 
Inspector General shall--

``(AA) determine 
whether an individual 
meets the requirements 
under this 
subparagraph; and

``(BB) revoke any 
authority granted to an 
individual under clause 
(i) if the individual 
is not in compliance 
with the requirements 
of this subparagraph.

``(bb) Reauthorization.--
The Inspector General may 
reauthorize an individual to 
exercise the authority granted 
under clause (i) if the 
Inspector General determines 
the individual has achieved 
compliance with the 
requirements under this 
subparagraph.
``(cc) Limitation on 
appeal.--A revocation of the 
authority granted under clause 
(i) shall not be subject to 
administrative, judicial, or 
other review, unless the 
revocation results in an 
adverse action. Such an adverse 
action may, at the election of 
the applicable individual, be 
reviewed in accordance with the 
otherwise applicable 
procedures.
``(iii) Semiannual certification of 
program.--
``(I) In general.--Before the first 
grant of authority under clause (i), 
and semiannually thereafter as part of 
the report under section 405 of title 
5, United States Code, the Inspector 
General shall submit to the appropriate 
committees of Congress a written 
certification that adequate internal 
safeguards and management procedures 
exist that, except to the extent the 
Inspector General determines necessary 
to effectively carry out the duties of 
the Office of the Inspector General, 
are in compliance with standards 
established by the Council of the 
Inspectors General on Integrity and 
Efficiency, which incorporate 
Department of Justice guidelines, to 
ensure proper exercise of the powers 
authorized under this subparagraph.
``(II) Suspension of authority.--
The authority granted under this 
subparagraph (including any grant of 
authority to an individual under clause 
(i), without regard to whether the 
individual is in compliance with clause 
(ii)) may be suspended by the Inspector 
General if the Office of Inspector 
General fails to comply with the 
reporting and review requirements under 
subclause (I) of this clause or clause 
(iv). Any suspension of authority under 
this subclause shall be reported to the 
appropriate committees of Congress.
``(iv) Peer review.--To ensure the proper 
exercise of the law enforcement powers 
authorized under this subparagraph, the Office 
of Inspector General shall submit to and 
participate in the external review process 
established by the Council of the Inspectors 
General on Integrity and Efficiency for 
ensuring that adequate internal safeguards and 
management procedures continue to exist. Under 
the review process, the exercise of the law 
enforcement powers by the Office of Inspector 
General shall be reviewed periodically by 
another Office of Inspector General or by a 
committee of Inspectors General. The results of 
each review shall be communicated in writing to 
the Inspector General, the Council of the 
Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency, 
and the appropriate committees of Congress.
``(v) Alleged misconduct.--Any allegation 
of misconduct by an individual granted 
authority under clause (i) may be reviewed by 
the Integrity Committee of the Council of the 
Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency.
``(vi) 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.
``(D) Budget independence.--The Register of 
Copyrights shall include the annual budget request of 
the Inspector General in the budget of the Copyright 
Office without change.''.
(d) Appointment of Acting Officers by Acting Register.--Section 
701(a) of title 17, United States Code, as amended by this section, is 
amended by adding at the end the following: ``Any officer appointed by 
an acting Register of Copyrights, including a Copyright Royalty Judge, 
shall be an acting officer, and may be removed from office at any time 
by an individual serving in the office of Register of Copyrights 
pursuant to an appointment by the President, by and with the advice and 
consent of the Senate.''.
(e) Ratification of Actions Taken by Copyright Entities Prior to 
Enactment.--Each action taken under title 17, United States Code, by 
the Copyright Office, the Register of Copyrights, the Copyright Royalty 
Judges, or the Copyright Claims Board during the period beginning on 
May 8, 2025, and ending on the date of enactment of this Act is 
ratified and shall be given full force and effect.
(f) Support Agreements; Reimbursement.--Section 701 of title 17, 
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(g) Support Agreements; Reimbursement.--The Library of Congress 
and any other agency or office in the legislative branch of the Federal 
Government may provide administrative, facilities, financial 
management, information technology, legal, security, and other 
appropriate support to the Copyright Office as provided under an 
agreement for services entered into by the applicable agency or office 
and the Copyright Office.''.
(g) Transition Provisions.--During the period specified in 
paragraph (1):
(1) Period.--The period specified in this paragraph is the 
period that begins on the date of the enactment of this Act and 
ends on September 30, 2029.
(2) Transfers of appropriations.--The Register of 
Copyrights and the Librarian of Congress may enter into such 
agreements as necessary to transfer appropriated amounts from 
one to the other if such amounts are necessary to carry out 
this Act and effectuate the separation of the Copyright Office 
and the Library of Congress.
(3) Personnel.--The laws with respect to the personnel of 
the Federal Government shall apply to the personnel of the 
Copyright Office to the same extent as such laws apply to the 
Library of Congress. Each officer or employee of the Copyright 
Office shall be appointed solely with reference to the fitness 
of the officer or employee to carry out the particular duties 
of the officer or employee.

SEC. 7. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE PERSONNEL REFORMS.

(a) Application of the Congressional Accountability Act to the 
Government Publishing Office.--Section 101(a) of the Congressional 
Accountability Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1301(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (3)--
(A) in subparagraph (J), by striking ``or'';
(B) in subparagraph (K), by striking the period at 
the end and inserting ``; or''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(L) the Government Publishing Office.'';
(2) in paragraph (7), by striking ``through (K)'' and 
inserting ``through (L)'';
(3) in paragraph (8), by striking ``through (K)'' and 
inserting ``through (L)''; and
(4) in paragraph (9)(D)--
(A) by striking ``and the John'' and inserting 
``the John''; and
(B) by inserting ``, and the Government Publishing 
Office'' before ``; or''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Section 2301(a) of title 5, United States Code, is 
amended to read as follows:
``(a) This section shall apply to an Executive agency.''.
(2) Section 2302(a)(2)(C) of title 5, United States Code, 
is amended by striking ``and the Government Publishing 
Office''.
(3) Section 4301(1) of title 5, United States Code, is 
amended--
(A) by striking ``(1) `agency' means--'' and all 
that follows through ``but does not include--'' and 
inserting the following:
``(1) `agency' means an Executive agency, but does not 
include--''; and
(B) by redesignating clauses (i), (ii), and (iii) 
as subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C).
(4) Section 4701(a)(1) of title 5, United States Code, is 
amended by striking ``and the Government Publishing Office''.
(5) Section 5102(a)(1) of title 5, United States Code, is 
amended--
(A) by striking subparagraph (D); and
(B) redesignating subparagraphs (E) and (F) as 
subparagraphs (D) and (E), respectively.

SEC. 8. HUMAN CAPITAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR THE GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING 
OFFICE.

(a) In General.--Section 305(a) of title 44, United States Code, is 
amended--
(1) in the first sentence--
(A) by striking ``other persons'' and inserting 
``other people''; and
(B) by striking ``the persons employed'' and 
inserting ``those employed'';
(2) in the second sentence, by striking ``persons'' and 
inserting ``people'';
(3) by striking the third sentence; and
(4) by striking ``oftener than once a year.'' and inserting 
``more often than once a year.''.
(b) Human Capital Management System.--
(1) In general.--Chapter 3 of title 44, United States Code, 
is amended by inserting after section 306 the following:
``Sec. 306A. Director of the Government Publishing Office; human 
capital management system
``(a) The Director of the Government Publishing Office shall 
establish and maintain a human capital management system (in this 
section referred to as the `system').
``(b) The system shall--
``(1) include the merit system principles set forth under 
section 2301(b) of title 5;
``(2) prohibit any personnel practice prohibited under 
section 2302(b) of title 5;
``(3) prohibit any political activity prohibited under 
subchapter III of chapter 73 of title 5;
``(4) ensure that officers and employees of the Government 
Publishing Office are appointed, promoted, and assigned only on 
the basis of merit and fitness;
``(5) be established without regard to the provisions of 
title 5 governing appointments and other personnel actions in 
the competitive service; and
``(6) give a preference to an individual eligible for a 
hiring preference in the executive branch of the United States 
Government in a way and to an extent consistent with the 
preference given the individual for a position in the executive 
branch.
``(c)(1) The Director may prescribe regulations about the system 
only--
``(A) after notice and opportunity for public comment; and
``(B) with the approval of the Joint Committee on Printing.
``(2) An officer or employee of the Government Publishing Office 
may not make a reprisal or threat of reprisal against another officer 
or employee of the Government Publishing Office because of comments on 
a proposed regulation about the system.''.
(2) Conforming amendment.--The table of sections for 
chapter 3 of title 44, United States Code, is amended by 
inserting after the item relating to section 306 the following:

``306A. Director of the Government Publishing Office; human capital 
management system.''.
(c) Savings Clause.--Nothing in this section or the amendments made 
by this section shall be construed to affect any proceeding or payment 
of an award or settlement relating to a claim which is pending on the 
effective date of this section under--
(1) title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 
Sec. 2000e et seq.);
(2) chapter 71 of title 5, United States Code (relating to 
Federal service labor-management relations);
(3) an appeal to the Merit Systems Protection Board; or
(4) subchapter II, chapter 12, of title 5, United States 
Code.

SEC. 9. UPDATE TO PRINT REQUIREMENTS.

(a) In General.--Section 501 of title 44, United States Code, is 
amended to read as follows:
``Sec. 501. Government printing, binding, blank-book work, and 
publishing services by the Government Publishing Office
``The Government Publishing Office may perform printing, binding, 
blank-book work, and publishing services for Congress, the Executive 
Office of the President, the Judiciary, and every executive department, 
independent office, and establishment of the Government.''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Section 207(a) of the Legislative Branch Appropriations 
Act, 1993 (44 U.S.C. 501 note) is repealed.
(2) The table of sections for chapter 501 of title 44, 
United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to 
section 501 and inserting the following:

``501. Government printing, binding, blank-book work, and publishing 
services by the Government Publishing 
Office.''.

SEC. 10. APPLICABILITY.

(a) In General.--Except as provided in subsection (b), this Act and 
the amendments made by this Act shall apply on and after the date of 
enactment of this Act.
(b) Exceptions.--
(1) Librarian.--
(A) Appointment.--Subsection (a) of section 3 of 
the Librarian of Congress Succession Modernization Act 
of 2015, as redesignated and amended by this Act, shall 
apply to any appointment to the position of Librarian 
of Congress made on or after the date of enactment of 
this Act.
(B) Removal.--Subsection (d) of section 3 of the 
Librarian of Congress Succession Modernization Act of 
2015, as redesignated and amended by this Act, shall 
apply with respect to an individual appointed to the 
position of Librarian of Congress before, on, or after 
the date of enactment of this Act.
(C) Pay.--Subsection (b) of section 904 of the 
Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1983 (2 U.S.C. 136a-
2), as added by this Act, shall apply on and after the 
first day of the first applicable pay period beginning 
on or after the date of enactment of this Act.
(2) Deputy librarian appointment.--Subsections (a)(1), (b), 
and (c) of section 4 of the Librarian of Congress Succession 
Modernization Act of 2015, as added by this Act, shall apply to 
any appointment to the position of Deputy Librarian of Congress 
made on or after the date of enactment of this Act.
(3) Director of gpo.--
(A) Appointment.--Subsection (a)(2) of section 301 
of title 44, United States Code, as amended by this 
Act, shall apply to any appointment to the position of 
Director of the Government Publishing Office made on or 
after the date of enactment of this Act.
(B) Removal.--Subsection (d) of section 301 of 
title 44, United States Code, as added by this Act, 
shall apply with respect to an individual appointed to 
the position of Director of the Government Publishing 
Office before, on, or after the date of enactment of 
this Act.
(C) Pay.--Subsection (b) of section 303 of title 
44, United States Code, as added by this Act, shall 
apply on and after the first day of the first 
applicable pay period beginning on or after the date of 
enactment of this Act.
(4) Deputy director of gpo appointment.--Subsections 
(b)(1), (c), and (d) of section 302 of title 44, United States 
Code, as added by this Act, shall apply to any appointment to 
the position of Deputy Director of the Government Publishing 
Office made on or after the date of enactment of this Act.
(5) Register of copyrights; subordinate officers and 
employees generally.--Section 701(a) of title 17, United States 
Code, as amended by this Act, shall apply to any appointment to 
the position of Register of Copyrights or to the position of a 
subordinate officer or employee of the Copyright Office made on 
or after the date of enactment of this Act.
(6) Associate registers of copyrights.--Section 701(f) of 
title 17, United States Code, as amended by this Act, shall 
apply to any appointment to the position of Associate Register 
of Copyrights made on or after the date of enactment of this 
Act.
(7) Copyright royalty judges.--Sections 801(a) and 
802(d)(1) of title 17, United States Code, as amended by this 
Act, shall apply to any appointment to the position of 
Copyright Royalty Judge (including the Chief Copyright Royalty 
Judge or an interim Copyright Royalty Judge) made on or after 
the date of enactment of this Act.
(8) Copyright claims officers.--Section 1502(b)(1) of title 
17, United States Code, as amended by this Act, shall apply to 
any appointment to the position of Copyright Claims Officer 
made on or after the date of enactment of this Act.
(9) Human capital management system for the government 
publishing office.--Section 9 and the amendments made by 
section 9 shall take effect on the date that is 180 days after 
the date of enactment of this Act.

SEC. 11. SEVERABILITY.

If any provision of this Act or any amendment made by this Act, or 
the application of any such provision or amendment to any person or 
circumstance, is held to be unconstitutional, the remainder of this 
Act, and the application of such provision or amendment to any other 
person or circumstance, shall not be affected by the holding.

Passed the House of Representatives June 8, 2026.

Attest:

Clerk.
119th CONGRESS

2d Session

H. R. 6028

_______________________________________________________________________

AN ACT

To modify the appointment and removal process for certain legislative 
branch officers, and for other purposes.