On Wednesday July 10, 1996 the U.S. House of Representatives passed HR 
3754, with the language permitting the Librarian of Congress to transfer 
funds from the Books for the Blind program still intact.  
     Congressmen Cox and Packard of California engaged in a colloquy on the 
House floor to help provide legislative history which could reduce the 
likelihood of such a move by the Librarian of Congress.  However, Section 
208, which allows transfer of funds between programs, still retains Books for 
the Blind in the list of programs between which transfers can occur.
     HR 3754 now goes to the Senate Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch, 
chaired by Senator Connie Mack.  Markup of the bill by the subcommittee is 
scheduled July 16, with the bill going to the full Senate Appropriations 
Committee the next day, July 17.
     There is significant opposition to the language in the bill,with 
opponents contacting their senators and urging them to remove Books for the 
Blind from the list of programs between which funds can be transferred.  
There will be a move to amend the bill in the subcommittee, full committee, 
or if necessary, on the floor of the House.
     Language which will likely be used in an amendment is: "Prohibit the 
Librarian of Congress from transferring funds in a way which would reduce the 
appropriations for Books for the Blind."
     Please pass this information on to all concerned parties.
--- Maximus 2.02
---------------