establishment and operation of the capitol guide service

establishment and operation of the capitol guide service Sec. 441. (a) There is hereby established an organization under the Congress of the United States, to be designated the “Capitol Guide Service”, which shall be subject to the direction, supervision, and control of a Capitol Guide Board consisting of the Architect of the Capitol, the Sergeant at Arms of the Senate, and the Sergeant at Arms of the House of Representatives. (b) The Capitol Guide Service is authorized and directed to provide guided tours of the interior of the United States Capitol Building for the education and enlightenment of the general public, without charge for such tours. All such tours shall be conducted in compliance with regulations prescribed by the Capitol Guide Board. (c) The Capitol Guide Board is authorized— (1) with the prior approval of the Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate and the Committee on House Administration of the House of Representatives, to establish and revise such number of positions of Guide in the Capitol Guide Service as the Board considers necessary to carry out effectively the activities of the Capitol Guide Service; (2) to appoint, on a permanent basis, without regard to political affiliation, and solely on the basis of fitness to perform their duties, a Chief Guide and an Assistant Chief Guide, and, in addition, such number of Guides as may be authorized under subparagraph (1) of this subsection; (3) to prescribe their duties and responsibilities; (4) with the prior approval of the Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate and the Committee on House Administration of the House of Representatives, to fix, and adjust from time to time, their respective rates of pay at single per annum (gross) rates; and (5) to terminate their employment as the Board considers appropriate. (d) The Capitol Guide Board shall— (1) prescribe a uniform dress, including appropriate insignia, which shall be worn by personnel of the Capitol Guide Service when on duty; and 84 Stat. 1191 (2) from time to time, as may be necessary, procure and furnish such uniforms to such personnel without charge to such personnel. (e) An employee of the Capitol Guide Service shall not charge or accept any fee, or accept any gratuity, for or on account of his official services. _ . (f) The Capitol Guide Board may detail personnel of the Capitol Guide Service to assist the United States Capitol Police by providing ushering and informational services, and other services not directly involving law enforcement, in connection with the inauguration of the President and Vice President of the United States, the official reception of representatives of foreign nations and other persons by the Senate or House of Representatives, and other special or ceremonial occasions in the United States Capitol Building or on the United States Capitol Grounds which require the presence of additional Government personnel and which cause the temporary suspension of the performance of the regular duties of the Capitol Guide Service. (g) The Capitol Guide Board may receive and consider advice and information from any private historical or educational organization, association, or society with respect to those operations of the Capitol Guide Service which involve the furnishing of historical and educational information to the general public. (h) With the prior approval of the Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate and the Committee on House Administration of the House of Representatives, the Capitol Guide Board shall prescribe such regulations as the Board considers necessary and appropriate for the operation of the Capitol Guide Service. (i) The Capitol Guide Board may take appropriate disciplinary action, including, when circumstances warrant, suspension from duty without pay, reduction in pay, demotion, or removal from employment with the Capitol Guide Service, against any employee who violates any provision of this section or any regulation prescribed by the Board pursuant to this section. (j) The expenses of the Capitol Guide Service shall be paid from the contingent fund of the House of Representatives, until appropriations are available for the payment of such expenses.