To improve certain administrative operations of the Library of Congress, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5681) to improve certain administrative operations of the Library of Congress, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks in the Record and include extraneous matters on this legislation.

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I sponsored this legislation to make improvements to the Library of Congress in three important areas. The bill was reported by the Committee on House Administration on July 22, 2010.

First, H.R. 5681 would allow the Librarian of Congress to dispose of surplus or obsolete personal property and to use the proceeds from these transactions, if any, to buy similar but updated property. Congress has previously granted such authority to the Capitol Police and other agencies. This provision will allow the Library to replace dated equipment while it still has value and keep costs down. This is especially useful with respect to computers and other technology.

Second, the bill would also improve administration of the Library's student-loan repayment program. Currently, each service must draw from its operating budget for loan repayments for its participating employees. H.R. 5681 would create a common fund to support loan repayment agencywide.

Finally, the bill would make available expired but unobligated appropriations balances to pay the Library's annual deposits due to the Labor Department's workers compensation fund. This provision will help address a timing problem faced by the Library and avoid the need for new appropriations.

Mr. Speaker, this bill has the Library's full support. I know of no controversy, and I urge support of this legislation.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I urge an ``aye'' vote, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, as was stated by the chairman of our committee, this is a sensible bill to improve administrative operations at the Library of Congress, and I'm pleased to support it.

The bill improves operations at the Library of Congress related to surplus or obsolete property, the student loan repayment program, and the workers' compensation payment program. These are reasonable and sound changes. We discussed them at our committee markup. I support them.

I thank my colleague and the staff for their hard work, and I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 5681.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 10 o'clock and 50 minutes p.m.), the House adjourned until tomorrow, Wednesday, July 28, 2010, at 10 a.m.