[Congressional Bills 108th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Con. Res. 190 Referred in Senate (RFS)]

  1st Session
H. CON. RES. 190


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                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                              June 5, 2003

   Received and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration

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                         CONCURRENT RESOLUTION


 
To establish a joint committee to review House and Senate rules, joint 
    rules, and other matters assuring continuing representation and 
           congressional operations for the American people.

Whereas the Government must be able to function during emergencies in a manner 
        that gives confidence and security to the American people; and
Whereas the Government must ensure the continuation of congressional operations, 
        including procedures for replacing Members, in the aftermath of a 
        catastrophic attack: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), 
That (a) there is hereby established a joint committee composed of 20 
members as follows:
            (1) 10 Members of the House of Representatives as follows: 
        5 from the majority party to be appointed by the Speaker of the 
        House, including the chairman of the Committee on Rules, who 
        shall serve as co-chairman, and 5 from the minority party to be 
        appointed by the Speaker of the House (after consultation with 
        the Minority Leader); and
            (2) 10 Members of the Senate as follows: 5 from the 
        majority party, including the chairman of the Committee on 
        Rules and Administration, who shall serve as co-chairman, and 5 
        from the minority party, to be appointed by the Majority Leader 
        of the Senate (after consultation with the Minority Leader).
A vacancy in the joint committee shall not affect the power of the 
remaining members to execute the functions of the joint committee, and 
shall be filled in the same manner as the original selection.
    (b)(1) The joint committee shall make a full study and review of 
the procedures which should be adopted by the House of Representatives, 
the Senate, and the Congress for the purpose of (A) ensuring the 
continuity and authority of Congress during times of crisis, (B) 
improving congressional procedures necessary for the enactment of 
measures affecting homeland security during times of crisis, and (C) 
enhancing the ability of each chamber to cooperate effectively with the 
other body on major and consequential issues related to homeland 
security.
    (2) No recommendation shall be made by the joint committee except 
upon the majority vote of the members from each House, respectively.
    (3) Notwithstanding any other provision of this resolution, any 
recommendation with respect to the rules and procedures of one House 
that only affects matters related solely to that House may only be made 
and voted on by members of the joint committee from that House and, 
upon its adoption by a majority of such members, shall be considered to 
have been adopted by the full committee as a recommendation of the 
joint committee.
    (4) The joint committee shall submit to the Speaker of the House of 
Representatives and to the Majority Leader of the Senate an interim 
report not later than January 31, 2004, and a final report not later 
than May 31, 2004, of the results of such study and review.
    (c) The joint committee shall cease to exist no later than May 31, 
2004.

            Passed the House of Representatives June 5, 2003.

            Attest:

                                                 JEFF TRANDAHL,

                                                                 Clerk.