article: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``United States Capitol Fire Protection Act of 2000''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS; PURPOSE. (a) Findings.--Congress finds that-- (1) although progress has been made in recent years, the Capitol, House and Senate Office Buildings, and Library of Congress still do not provide staff and visitors with the fire safety and protection they deserve; (2) the Architect of the Capitol must place great emphasis on the need to ensure that these and other properties administered by the Architect, and individuals who visit or work in these properties, enjoy the maximum protection that modern technology and human diligence can provide against fire and related threats to life and property; and (3) properties and structures of the United States Capitol Complex are of historical and architectural significance and are an essential public and national resource, and it is essential that they be preserved and rehabilitated in such a manner as to retain their historical and architectural significance. (b) Purpose.--It is the purpose of this Act to establish the position of the Director of Fire Safety and Protection to assist the Architect of the Capitol in meeting the Architect's responsibilities for fire safety and protection so that the properties of the United States Capitol Complex will be protected from fire and serve as a safe environment for those who work or visit there. SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF POSITION OF DIRECTOR OF FIRE SAFETY AND PROTECTION. (a) Establishment.--There is hereby established in the Office of the Architect of the Capitol the position of Director of Fire Safety and Protection. (b) Appointment; Compensation.-- (1) Appointment.--The Director of Fire Safety and Protection shall be appointed by the Architect of the Capitol from among individuals with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to carry out the duties described in this Act. (2) Compensation.--The Architect of the Capitol shall fix the rate of basic pay and benefits for the Director of Fire Safety and Protection at such rate as the Architect considers appropriate, except that such rate may not be less than the rate of pay and benefits for the Director of Engineering under the Architect of the Capitol. (c) Duties.-- (1) In general.--Working under the direction and control of the Architect of the Capitol and reporting directly to the Architect, the Director of Fire Safety and Protection shall-- (A) be responsible for all fire safety and protection activities of the Architect of the Capitol; (B) ensure that Architect properties meet the applicable codes and standards established by the National Fire Protection Association, except that the Architect may modify the application of such codes to the properties to take into account the historic and architecturally significant features of such properties so long as a reasonable degree of safety and protection is maintained; and (C) carry out the duties specified in paragraph (2). (2) Duties specified.--The duties specified in this paragraph are as follows: (A) The routine periodic testing and maintenance of all fire alarm, fire suppression, and fire protection systems in all Architect properties. (B) The conduct of comprehensive inspections and risk assessments on a regular basis (but not less frequently than once each year) of all Architect properties to identify conditions which constitute fire hazards and to develop plans for the prompt abatement of such conditions, in accordance with the requirements specified in paragraph (1)(B). (C) The development and implementation of programs to train employees of the Architect of the Capitol and others in the proper use and maintenance of fire alarm, fire suppression, and fire protection systems and in the proper use and storage of hazardous chemicals and materials. (D) The identification of structural changes and repairs which may be necessary to assure maximum fire protection and safety in Architect properties, and the development of comprehensive plans to carry out such changes. (E) The preparation of semi-annual reports on the efforts made by the Director to carry out the duties required under this subsection. (F) Consultation with experts in fire safety and protection regarding the modification of codes and standards carried out pursuant to paragraph (1)(B) and such other matters relating to the Director's duties as the Director considers appropriate. (G) Such other steps as may be reasonably necessary to protect Architect properties from fire and provide a safe environment for employees and visitors. SEC. 4. RESPONSIBILITIES OF ARCHITECT. (a) In General.--The Architect of the Capitol shall provide the Director of Fire Safety and Protection with such staff and other resources as the Director may reasonably require to carry out duties under this Act, except that the Architect of the Capitol shall assign not fewer than 12 full-time-equivalent employees to the Director for carrying out such duties. (b) Budget Request.--Beginning with fiscal year 2002, the Architect of the Capitol shall include in the budget request for the Architect for a fiscal year a separate statement of the total amount to be used to carry out the duties of the Director of Fire Safety and Protection in the fiscal year. (c) Submission of Reports.--The Architect shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and Senate, the Committee on House Administration of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate the semi-annual reports prepared by the Director of Fire Safety and Protection under section 3(c)(2)(E). SEC. 5. ARCHITECT PROPERTIES DEFINED. In this Act, the term ``Architect properties'' means any properties under the jurisdiction of the Architect of the Capitol, including the Capitol, House and Senate Office Buildings, the Library of Congress, the United States Botanic Garden, and the Capitol Power Plant.
summary: Directs the Architect of the Capitol to assign at least 12 full-time employees to the Director.