IV 112th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 48 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES January 20, 2011 Ms. Lee of California (for herself and Mr. Conyers) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Rules RESOLUTION Establishing a select committee to review national security laws, policies, and practices.

Whereas a select committee would be able to take a broad look at Executive Branch decisions and the role of many departments and agencies, including contractors, in law enforcement, national security, and intelligence activities including surveillance, interrogation and detention practices, without having any jurisdictional limitations; and Whereas a select committee will bring members of the relevant standing committees together with a dedicated staff to provide intensive investigation, oversight, and recommendation that cannot be accomplished by the committees of jurisdiction working piecemeal: Now, therefore, be it

That there is hereby established a select committee to review national security laws, policies, and practices (hereinafter referred to as the select committee).

2.

Jurisdiction; functions

(a)

Legislative jurisdiction

The select committee shall not have legislative jurisdiction and shall have no authority to take legislative action on any bill or resolution. (b)

Investigative jurisdiction

The select committee shall study and make recommendations about the effectiveness of past and present United States law enforcement, national security and intelligence activities and the extent, if any, to which unlawful, improper or unauthorized activities were engaged in by or on behalf of any Federal, State, or local government official, including— (1)the effectiveness and efficiency of past and present law enforcement, and national security and intelligence policies, programs, and activities; (2)the development and implementation of policies or practices regarding the capture, detention, transfer, extra-judicial rendition, and treatment of individuals by United States Armed Forces, law enforcement and the United States intelligence community, including policies intended to conceal the fact that a person has been detained by, or at the direct request of, the United States; (3)the development and implementation of policies or practices regarding domestic surveillance activities, or the surveillance of United States persons abroad; (4)the adequacy of past and present congressional oversight mechanisms and impediments to access to information necessary to conduct proper oversight; and (5)such other related matters as the committee deems necessary to carry out its responsibilities.

3.

Composition

The select committee shall be composed of 7 members appointed by the Speaker, of whom 3 shall be appointed upon the recommendation of the minority leader. The Speaker shall designate one member of the select committee as its chairman. A vacancy in the membership of the select committee shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment.

4.

Procedure

(a)Rules X and XI of the Rules of the House of Representatives shall apply to the select committee where not inconsistent with this resolution. (b)The select committee is authorized to— (1)require by subpoena or otherwise the attendance and testimony of any person (including at a taking of a deposition by counsel or consultant of the committee), and the production of such things; and (2)adopt a rule regulating the taking of depositions by a member, counsel, or consultant of the committee, including pursuant to subpoena.

5.

Reporting

The select committee shall report to the House from time to time the results of its investigations and studies as it may deem advisable. At least one public report shall be filed with the House not later than one year following the date of enactment of this Act, and shall include legislative recommendations based on its findings.

6.

Administrative provisions

(a)

Expenses

There shall be paid out of the applicable accounts of the House such sums as may be necessary for the expenses of the select committee. Such payments shall be made on vouchers signed by the chairman of the select committee and approved in the manner directed by the Committee on House Administration. Amounts made available under this subsection shall be expended in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Committee on House Administration. (b)

Staff and travel

In carrying out its functions under this resolution, the select committee may— (1)appoint, either on a permanent basis or as experts or consultants, any staff that the select committee considers necessary; (2)prescribe the duties and responsibilities of the staff; (3)fix the compensation of the staff at per annum gross rates that do not exceed the highest rate of basic pay, as in effect from time to time, of level V of the Executive Schedule in section 5316 of title 5, United States Code; (4)terminate the employment of any such staff as the select committee considers appropriate; (5)reimburse members of the select committee and its staff for travel, subsistence, and other necessary expenses incurred by them in the performance of their functions for the select committee, other than expenses in connection with any meeting of the select committee held in the District of Columbia; and (6)obtain detailees or staff from the executive or legislative branch of the Government, who shall be deemed staff of the select committee.

7.

Dissolution and windup of affairs

The select committee shall cease to exist on December 31, 2012.

8.

Disposition of records

Upon dissolution of the select committee, its records shall become records of such standing committee or committees as the Speaker may designate.