§2172 Office of Congressional Accessibility Services

Summary

Sets up an Office of Congressional Accessibility Services led by a Director. A five-member Congressional Accessibility Services Board will direct the Office. The board is made up of senior Capitol officials: the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate, the Secretary of the Senate, the Sergeant at Arms of the House, the Clerk of the House, and the Architect of the Capitol. The Office must provide and coordinate accessibility services for people with disabilities — including Members of Congress, officers, staff, and visitors — in the United States Capitol Complex. The Office must also give information, training, and staff development about accessibility to Members and congressional employees. Defined term: "United States Capitol Complex" — the Capitol buildings and the Capitol Grounds. The Board appoints and sets pay for the Director. If the Director is removed, the Board must immediately tell the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, the House Committee on House Administration, and the Appropriations Committees of both chambers and explain why. The Director can hire and discipline staff, set pay (no employee may be paid more than the Director), spend necessary funds, and act as the Office’s contracting officer. With approval from the two committees named above, the Director may order goods or make agreements with the Architect’s office and other legislative offices. The Director must report to the two committees not later than 45 days after each semiannual period ending March 31 or September 30, including financial statements, a description of current operations, new policies and procedures, and future plans.