Chair Ryan Statement at the FY 2022 Budget Hearing: Office of Congressional Workplace Rights

Congressman Tim Ryan (D-OH), Chair of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Subcommittee, delivered the following remarks at the Subcommittee's hearing on the FY 2022 Budget Hearing for the Office of Congressional Workplace Rights.

I would like to welcome the Executive Director of the Office of Congressional Workplace Rights, Ms. Susan Grundmann to present the fiscal year 2022 budget request.  It is always a pleasure.

The Office of Congressional Workplace Rights is responsible for administering the Congressional Accountability Act for the approximately 30,000 employees in the legislative branch.  The mission of the office is to continue assisting the legislative branch community in creating and maintaining a workplace that is safe, accessible, and free from discrimination and other unlawful employment practices.

You are not requesting an increase over the $7.5 million and 31 FTE’s provided last year.  While your budget is not increasing, I understand that you plan to make cybersecurity improvements along with necessary IT system and network upgrades in line with government-wide security standards. These costs have been projected at $500,000.  Since your budget is a zero-sum gain, I hope you can explain where the savings are coming from.