IIA 111th CONGRESS 1st Session S. J. RES. 3 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES January 6, 2009 Mr. Reid introduced the following joint resolution; which was read twice, considered, read the third time, and passed JOINT RESOLUTION Ensuring that the compensation and other emoluments attached to the office of Secretary of the Interior are those which were in effect on January 1, 2005.

1.

Compensation and other emoluments attached to the office of Secretary of the Interior

(a)

In general

The compensation and other emoluments attached to the office of Secretary of the Interior shall be those in effect January 1, 2005, notwithstanding any increase in such compensation or emoluments after that date under any provision of law, or provision which has the force and effect of law, that is enacted or becomes effective during the period beginning at noon of January 3, 2005, and ending at noon of January 3, 2011. (b)

Civil action and appeal

(1)

Jurisdiction

Any person aggrieved by an action of the Secretary of the Interior may bring a civil action in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia to contest the constitutionality of the appointment and continuance in office of the Secretary of the Interior on the ground that such appointment and continuance in office is in violation of article I, section 6, clause 2, of the Constitution. The United States District Court for the District of Columbia shall have exclusive jurisdiction over such a civil action, without regard to the sum or value of the matter in controversy. (2)

Three judge panel

Any claim challenging the constitutionality of the appointment and continuance in office of the Secretary of the Interior on the ground that such appointment and continuance in office is in violation of article I, section 6, clause 2, of the Constitution, in an action brought under paragraph (1) shall be heard and determined by a panel of three judges in accordance with section 2284 of title 28, United States Code. It shall be the duty of the district court to advance on the docket and to expedite the disposition of any matter brought under this subsection. (3)

Appeal

(A)

Direct appeal to Supreme Court

An appeal may be taken directly to the Supreme Court of the United States from any interlocutory or final judgment, decree, or order upon the validity of the appointment and continuance in office of the Secretary of the Interior under article I, section 6, clause 2, of the Constitution, entered in any action brought under this subsection. Any such appeal shall be taken by a notice of appeal filed within 20 days after such judgment, decree, or order is entered. (B)

Jurisdiction

The Supreme Court shall, if it has not previously ruled on the question presented by an appeal taken under subparagraph (A), accept jurisdiction over the appeal, advance the appeal on the docket, and expedite the appeal. (c)

Effective date

This joint resolution shall take effect at 12:00 p.m. on January 20, 2009.