[House Prints, 108th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]



 
   108th Congress 1st 
         Session        HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
_______________________________________________________________________

                                     


                                 RULES

                                 of the

                     COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT REFORM
                        HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             together with

                         SELECTED RULES OF THE
                        HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
                 (Including Clause 2 of House Rule XI)

                                  and

                     SELECTED STATUTES OF INTEREST

                                     
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] CONGRESS.#13

                                     
                             FEBRUARY 2003

       Printed for the use of the Committee on Government Reform
For Sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office
Internet: bookstore.gpr.gov  Phone: toll free (866) 512-1800; (202) 512ï¿½091800  
Fax: (202) 512ï¿½092250 Mail: Stop SSOP, Washington, DC 20402ï¿½090001
?



                     COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT REFORM

                     TOM DAVIS, Virginia, Chairman

DAN BURTON, Indiana                  HENRY A. WAXMAN, California
CHRISTOPHER SHAYS, Connecticut       TOM LANTOS, California
ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN, Florida         MAJOR R. OWENS, New York
JOHN M. McHUGH, New York             EDOLPHUS TOWNS, New York
JOHN L. MICA, Florida                PAUL E. KANJORSKI, Pennsylvania
MARK E. SOUDER, Indiana              CAROLYN B. MALONEY, New York
STEVEN C. LaTOURETTE, Ohio           ELIJAH E. CUMMINGS, Maryland
DOUG OSE, California                 DENNIS J. KUCINICH, Ohio
RON LEWIS, Kentucky                  DANNY K. DAVIS, Illinois
JO ANN DAVIS, Virginia               JOHN F. TIERNEY, Massachusetts
TODD RUSSELL PLATTS, Pennsylvania    WM. LACY CLAY, Missouri
CHRIS CANNON, Utah                   DIANE E. WATSON, California
ADAM H. PUTNAM, Florida              STEPHEN F. LYNCH, Massachusetts
EDWARD L. SCHROCK, Virginia          CHRIS VAN HOLLEN, Maryland
JOHN J. DUNCAN, Jr., Tennessee       LINDA T. SANCHEZ, California
JOHN SULLIVAN, Oklahoma              C.A. ``DUTCH'' RUPPERSBERGER, 
NATHAN DEAL, Georgia                 Maryland
CANDICE S. MILLER, Michigan          ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON, District of 
TIM MURPHY, Pennsylvania             Columbia
MICHAEL R. TURNER, Ohio              JIM COOPER, Tennessee
JOHN R. CARTER, Texas                CHRIS BELL, Texas
WILLIAM J. JANKLOW, South Dakota                 ------
MARSHA BLACKBURN, Tennessee          BERNARD SANDERS, Vermont 
                                     (Independent)

                       Peter Sirh, Staff Director

                 Melissa Wojciak, Deputy Staff Director

              Randy Kaplan, Senior Counsel/Parliamentarian

                       Teresa Austin, Chief Clerk

              Philip M. Schiliro, Minority Staff Director

                                  (ii)



                            C O N T E N T S



                               __________
                                                                   Page
 I. Rules of the Committee on Government Reform.......................1
II. Selected Rules of the House of Representatives....................7
        A. 1. Powers and duties of the committee--Rule X of the 
            House................................................     7
           2. General oversight responsibilities--Rule X, Clause 
              2 of the House.....................................     8
           3. Additional functions of committees--Rule X, Clause 
              4 of the House.....................................    10
        B. Procedures of committees and unfinished business--Rule 
            XI of the House......................................    18
        C. Filing and printing of reports--Rule XIII of the House    30
III.Selected matters of interest.....................................35

        A. 5 U.S.C. sec. 2954. Information to committees of 
            Congress on request..................................    35
        B. 18 U.S.C. sec. 1505. Obstruction of proceedings before 
            departments, agencies, and committees................    35
        C. 31 U.S.C. sec. 712. Investigating the use of public 
            money................................................    35
        D. 31 U.S.C. sec. 719. Comptroller General reports.......    36
        E. 31 U.S.C. sec. 717. Evaluating programs and activities 
            of the United States Government......................    36
        F. 31 U.S.C. sec. 1113. Congressional information........    36

                                 (iii)

  
             I. RULES OF THE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT REFORM

                     U.S. House of Representatives

                             108th Congress

                              ----------                              

    Rule XI, clause 1(a)(1)(A) of the House of Representatives 
provides:

          Except as provided in subdivision (B), the Rules of 
        the House are the rules of its committees and 
        subcommittees so far as applicable.
          (B) A motion to recess from day to day, and a motion 
        to dispense with the first reading (in full) of a bill 
        or resolution, if printed copies are available, each 
        shall be privileged in committees and subcommittees and 
        shall be decided without debate.

    Rule XI, clause 2(a)(1) of the House of Representatives 
provides, in part:

          Each standing committee shall adopt written rules 
        governing its procedure. * * *

    In accordance with this, the Committee on Government 
Reform, on February 13, 2003, adopted the rules of the 
committee:

                     Rule 1.--Application of Rules

    Except where the terms ``full committee'' and 
``subcommittee'' are specifically referred to, the following 
rules shall apply to the Committee on Government Reform and its 
subcommittees as well as to the respective chairmen.
        [See House Rule XI, 1.]

                           Rule 2.--Meetings

    The regular meetings of the full committee shall be held on 
the second Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m., when the House is 
in session. The chairman is authorized to dispense with a 
regular meeting or to change the date thereof, and to call and 
convene additional meetings, when circumstances warrant. A 
special meeting of the committee may be requested by members of 
the committee following the provisions of House Rule XI, clause 
2(c)(2). Subcommittees shall meet at the call of the 
subcommittee chairmen. Every member of the committee or the 
appropriate subcommittee, unless prevented by unusual 
circumstances, shall be provided with a memorandum at least 
three calendar days before each meeting or hearing explaining 
(1) the purpose of the meeting or hearing; and (2) the names, 
titles, background and reasons for appearance of any witnesses. 
The ranking minority member shall be responsible for providing 
the same information on witnesses whom the minority may 
request.
        [See House Rule XI, 2 (b) and (c).]

                            Rule 3.--Quorums

    A majority of the members of the committee shall form a 
quorum, except that two members shall constitute a quorum for 
taking testimony and receiving evidence, and one-third of the 
members shall form a quorum for taking any action other than 
the reporting of a measure or recommendation. If the chairman 
is not present at any meeting of the committee or subcommittee, 
the ranking member of the majority party on the committee or 
subcommittee who is present shall preside at that meeting.
        [See House Rule XI, 2(h).]

                       Rule 4.--Committee Reports

    Bills and resolutions approved by the committee shall be 
reported by the chairman following House Rule XIII, clauses 2-
4.
    A proposed report shall not be considered in subcommittee 
or full committee unless the proposed report has been available 
to the members of such subcommittee or full committee for at 
least three calendar days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and 
legal holidays, unless the House is in session on such days) 
before consideration of such proposed report in subcommittee or 
full committee. Any report will be considered as read if 
available to the members at least 24 hours before 
consideration, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays 
unless the House is in session on such days. If hearings have 
been held on the matter reported upon, every reasonable effort 
shall be made to have such hearings available to the members of 
the subcommittee or full committee before the consideration of 
the proposed report in such subcommittee or full committee. 
Every investigative report shall be approved by a majority vote 
of the committee at a meeting at which a quorum is present.
    Supplemental, minority, or additional views may be filed 
following House Rule XI, clause 2(l) and Rule XIII, clause 
3(a)(1). The time allowed for filing such views shall be three 
calendar days, beginning on the day of notice, but excluding 
Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays (unless the House is in 
session on such a day), unless the committee agrees to a 
different time, but agreement on a shorter time shall require 
the concurrence of each member seeking to file such views.
    An investigative or oversight report may be filed after 
sine die adjournment of the last regular session of Congress, 
provided that if a member gives timely notice of intention to 
file supplemental, minority or additional views, that member 
shall be entitled to not less than seven calendar days in which 
to submit such views for inclusion with the report.
    Only those reports approved by a majority vote of the 
committee may be ordered printed, unless otherwise required by 
the Rules of the House of Representatives.

                          Rule 5.--Proxy Votes

    In accordance with the Rules of the House of 
Representatives, members may not vote by proxy on any measure 
or matter before the committee or any subcommittee.
        [See House Rule XI, 2(f).]

                         Rule 6.--Record Votes

    A record vote of the members may be had upon the request of 
any member upon approval of a one-fifth vote of the members 
present.

                  Rule 7.--Record of Committee Actions

    The committee staff shall maintain in the committee offices 
a complete record of committee actions from the current 
Congress including a record of the rollcall votes taken at 
committee business meetings. The original records, or true 
copies thereof, as appropriate, shall be available for public 
inspection whenever the committee offices are open for public 
business. The staff shall assure that such original records are 
preserved with no unauthorized alteration, additions, or 
defacement.
        [See House Rule XI, 2(e).]

                   Rule 8.--Subcommittees; Referrals

    There shall be seven subcommittees with appropriate party 
ratios that shall have fixed jurisdictions. Bills, resolutions, 
and other matters shall be referred by the chairman to 
subcommittees within two weeks for consideration or 
investigation in accordance with their fixed jurisdictions. 
Where the subject matter of the referral involves the 
jurisdiction of more than one subcommittee or does not fall 
within any previously assigned jurisdiction, the chairman shall 
refer the matter as he may deem advisable. Bills, resolutions, 
and other matters referred to subcommittees may be reassigned 
by the chairman when, in his judgement, the subcommittee is not 
able to complete its work or cannot reach agreement therein. In 
a subcommittee having an even number of members, if there is a 
tie vote with all members voting on any measure, the measure 
shall be placed on the agenda for full committee consideration 
as if it had been ordered reported by the subcommittee without 
recommendation. This provision shall not preclude further 
action on the measure by the subcommittee.

                      Rule 9.--Ex Officio Members

    The chairman and the ranking minority member of the 
committee shall be ex officio members of all subcommittees. 
They are authorized to vote on subcommittee matters; but, 
unless they are regular members of the subcommittee, they shall 
not be counted in determining a subcommittee quorum other than 
a quorum for taking testimony.

                            Rule 10.--Staff

    Except as otherwise provided by House Rule X, clauses 6, 7 
and 9, the chairman of the full committee shall have the 
authority to hire and discharge employees of the professional 
and clerical staff of the full committee and of subcommittees.

                       Rule 11.--Staff Direction

    Except as otherwise provided by House Rule X, clauses 6, 7 
and 9, the staff of the committee shall be subject to the 
direction of the chairman of the full committee and shall 
perform such duties as he may assign.

                 Rule 12.--Hearing Dates and Witnesses

    The chairman of the full committee will announce the date, 
place, and subject matter of all hearings at least one week 
before the commencement of any hearings, unless he determines, 
with the concurrence of the ranking minority member, or the 
committee determines by a vote, that there is good cause to 
begin such hearings sooner. So that the chairman of the full 
committee may coordinate the committee facilities and hearings 
plans, each subcommittee chairman shall notify him of any 
hearing plans at least two weeks before the date of 
commencement of hearings, including the date, place, subject 
matter, and the names of witnesses, willing and unwilling, who 
would be called to testify, including, to the extent he is 
advised thereof, witnesses whom the minority members may 
request. The minority members shall supply the names of 
witnesses they intend to call to the chairman of the full 
committee or subcommittee at the earliest possible date. 
Witnesses appearing before the committee shall so far as 
practicable, submit written statements at least 24 hours before 
their appearance and, when appearing in a non-governmental 
capacity, provide a curriculum vitae and a listing of any 
Federal Government grants and contracts received in the 
previous fiscal year.
        [See House Rules XI, 2 (g)(3), (g)(4), (j) and (k).]

                        Rule 13.--Open Meetings

    Meetings for the transaction of business and hearings of 
the committee shall be open to the public or closed in 
accordance with Rule XI of the House of Representatives.
        [See House Rules XI, 2 (g) and (k).]

                       Rule 14.--Five-Minute Rule

    (1) A committee member may question a witness only when 
recognized by the chairman for that purpose. In accordance with 
House Rule XI, clause 2(j)(2), each committee member may 
request up to five minutes to question a witness until each 
member who so desires has had such opportunity. Until all such 
requests have been satisfied, the chairman shall, so far as 
practicable, recognize alternately based on seniority of those 
majority and minority members present at the time the hearing 
was called to order and others based on their arrival at the 
hearing. After that, additional time may be extended at the 
direction of the chairman.
    (2) The chairman, with the concurrence of the ranking 
minority member, or the committee by motion, may permit an 
equal number of majority and minority members to question a 
witness for a specified, total period that is equal for each 
side and not longer than thirty minutes for each side.
    (3) The chairman, with the concurrence of the ranking 
minority member, or the committee by motion, may permit 
committee staff of the majority and minority to question a 
witness for a specified, total period that is equal for each 
side and not longer than thirty minutes for each side.
    (4) Nothing in paragraph (2) or (3) affects the rights of a 
Member (other than a Member designated under paragraph (2)) to 
question a witness for 5 minutes in accordance with paragraph 
(1) after the questioning permitted under paragraph (2) or (3). 
In any extended questioning permitted under paragraph (2) or 
(3), the chairman shall determine how to allocate the time 
permitted for extended questioning by majority members or 
majority committee staff and the ranking minority member shall 
determine how to allocate the time permitted for extended 
questioning by minority members or minority committee staff. 
The chairman or the ranking minority member, as applicable, may 
allocate the time for any extended questioning permitted to 
staff under paragraph (3) to members.

               Rule 15.--Investigative Hearing Procedures

    Investigative hearings shall be conducted according to the 
procedures in House Rule XI, clause 2(k). All questions put to 
witnesses before the committee shall be relevant to the subject 
matter before the committee for consideration, and the chairman 
shall rule on the relevance of any questions put to the 
witnesses.

                     Rule 16.--Stenographic Record

    A stenographic record of all testimony shall be kept of 
public hearings and shall be made available on such conditions 
as the chairman may prescribe.

      Rule 17.--Audio and Visual Coverage of Committee Proceedings

    (1) An open meeting or hearing of the committee or a 
subcommittee may be covered, in whole or in part, by television 
broadcast, radio broadcast, Internet broadcast, and still 
photography, unless closed subject to the provisions of House 
Rule XI, clause 2(g). Any such coverage shall conform with the 
provisions of House Rule XI, clause 4.
    (2) Use of the Committee Broadcast System shall be fair and 
nonpartisan, and in accordance with House Rule XI, clause 4(b), 
and all other applicable rules of the House of Representatives 
and the Committee on Government Reform. Members of the 
committee shall have prompt access to a copy of coverage by the 
Committee Broadcast System, to the extent that such coverage is 
maintained.
    (3) Personnel providing coverage of an open meeting or 
hearing of the committee or a subcommittee by Internet 
broadcast, other than through the Committee Broadcast System, 
shall be currently accredited to the Radio and Television 
Correspondents' Galleries.

                Rule 18.--Additional Duties of Chairman

    The chairman of the full committee shall:
          (a) Make available to other committees the findings 
        and recommendations resulting from the investigations 
        of the committee or its subcommittees as required by 
        House Rule X, clause 4(c)(2);
          (b) Direct such review and studies on the impact or 
        probable impact of tax policies affecting subjects 
        within the committee's jurisdiction as required by 
        House Rule X, clause 2(c);
          (c) Submit to the Committee on the Budget views and 
        estimates required by House Rule X, clause 4(f), and to 
        file reports with the House as required by the 
        Congressional Budget Act;
          (d) Authorize and issue subpoenas as provided in 
        House Rule XI, clause 2(m), in the conduct of any 
        investigation or activity or series of investigations 
        or activities within the jurisdiction of the committee;
          (e) Prepare, after consultation with subcommittee 
        chairmen and the minority, a budget for the committee 
        which shall include an adequate budget for the 
        subcommittees to discharge their responsibilities;
          (f) Make any necessary technical and conforming 
        changes to legislation reported by the committee upon 
        unanimous consent; and
          (g) Designate a vice chairman from the majority 
        party.

                     Rule 19.--Commemorative Stamps

    The committee has adopted the policy that the determination 
of the subject matter of commemorative stamps properly is for 
consideration by the Postmaster General and that the committee 
will not give consideration to legislative proposals for the 
issuance of commemorative stamps. It is suggested that 
recommendations for the issuance of commemorative stamps be 
submitted to the Postmaster General.

                    Rule 20.--Panels and Task Forces

    (a) The chairman of the committee is authorized to appoint 
panels or task forces to carry out the duties and functions of 
the committee.
    (b) The chairman and ranking minority member of the 
committee may serve as ex-officio members of each panel or task 
force.
    (c) The chairman of any panel or task force shall be 
appointed by the chairman of the committee. The ranking 
minority member shall select a ranking minority member for each 
panel or task force.
    (d) The House and committee rules applicable to 
subcommittee meetings, hearings, recommendations and reports 
shall apply to the meetings, hearings, recommendations and 
reports of panels and task forces.
    (e) No panel or task force so appointed shall continue in 
existence for more than six months. A panel or task force so 
appointed may, upon the expiration of six months, be 
reappointed by the chairman.
           II. SELECTED RULES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                              ----------                              


     A. 1. Powers and Duties of the Committee--Rule X of the House

    House Rule X provides for the organization of standing 
committees. The first paragraph of clause 1 of Rule X and 
subdivision (h) thereof reads as follows:

                       Organization of Committees

Committees and their legislative jurisdictions
    1. There shall be in the House the following standing 
committees, each of which shall have the jurisdiction and 
related functions assigned by this clause and clauses 2, 3, and 
4. All bills, resolutions, and other matters relating to 
subjects within the jurisdiction of the standing committees 
listed in this clause shall be referred to those committees, in 
accordance with clause 2 of rule XII, as follows:

                     *      *      *      *      *

    (h) Committee on Government Reform.
          (1) Federal civil service, including 
        intergovernmental personnel; and the status of officers 
        and employees of the United States, including their 
        compensation, classification, and retirement.
          (2) Municipal affairs of the District of Columbia in 
        general (other than appropriations).
          (3) Federal paperwork reduction.
          (4) Government management and accounting measures 
        generally.
          (5) Holidays and celebrations.
          (6) Overall economy, efficiency, and management of 
        government operations and activities, including Federal 
        procurement.
          (7) National archives.
          (8) Population and demography generally, including 
        the Census.
          (9) Postal service generally, including 
        transportation of the mails.
          (10) Public information and records.
          (11) Relationship of the Federal Government to the 
        States and municipalities generally.
          (12) Reorganizations in the executive branch of the 
        Government.

 2. General Oversight Responsibilities--Rule X, Clauses 2 and 3 of the 
                                 House

    Clause 2 of Rule X relates to general oversight 
responsibilities. Paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (d), and (e) of 
clause 2 read as follows:

    2. (a) The various standing committees shall have general 
oversight responsibilities as provided in paragraph (b) in 
order to assist the House in--
          (1) its analysis, appraisal, and evaluation of--
                  (A) the application, administration, 
                execution, and effectiveness of Federal laws; 
                and
                  (B) conditions and circumstances that may 
                indicate the necessity or desirability of 
                enacting new or additional legislation; and
          (2) its formulation, consideration, and enactment of 
        changes in Federal laws, and of such additional 
        legislation as may be necessary or appropriate.
    (b)(1) In order to determine whether laws and programs 
addressing subjects within the jurisdiction of a committee are 
being implemented and carried out in accordance with the intent 
of Congress and whether they should be continued, curtailed, or 
eliminated, each standing committee (other than the Committee 
on Appropriations) shall review and study on a continuing 
basis--
          (A) the application, administration, execution, and 
        effectiveness of laws and programs addressing subjects 
        within its jurisdiction;
          (B) the organization and operation of Federal 
        agencies and entities having responsibilities for the 
        administration and execution of laws and programs 
        addressing subjects within its jurisdiction;
          (C) any conditions or circumstances that may indicate 
        the necessity or desirability of enacting new or 
        additional legislation addressing subjects within its 
        jurisdiction (whether or not a bill or resolution has 
        been introduced with respect thereto); and
          (D) future research and forecasting on subjects 
        within its jurisdiction.
    (2) Each committee to which subparagraph (1) applies having 
more than 20 members shall establish an oversight subcommittee, 
or require its subcommittees to conduct oversight in their 
respective jurisdictions, to assist in carrying out its 
responsibilities under this clause. The establishment of an 
oversight subcommittee does not limit the responsibility of a 
subcommittee with legislative jurisdiction in carrying out its 
oversight responsibilities.
    (c) Each standing committee shall review and study on a 
continuing basis the impact or probable impact of tax policies 
affecting subjects within its jurisdiction as described in 
clauses 1 and 3.
    (d)(1) Not later than February 15 of the first session of a 
Congress, each standing committee shall, in a meeting that is 
open to the public and with a quorum present, adopt its 
oversight plan for that Congress. Such plan shall be submitted 
simultaneously to the Committee on Government Reform and to the 
Committee on House Administration. In developing its plan each 
committee shall, to the maximum extent feasible--
          (A) consult with other committees that have 
        jurisdiction over the same or related laws, programs, 
        or agencies within its jurisdiction with the objective 
        of ensuring maximum coordination and cooperation among 
        committees when conducting reviews of such laws, 
        programs, or agencies and include in its plan an 
        explanation of steps that have been or will be taken to 
        ensure such coordination and cooperation;
          (B) review specific problems with Federal rules, 
        regulations, statutes, and court decisions that are 
        ambiguous, arbitrary, or nonsensical, or that impose 
        severe financial burdens on individuals;
          (C) give priority consideration to including in its 
        plan the review of those laws, programs, or agencies 
        operating under permanent budget authority or permanent 
        statutory authority; and
          (D) have a view toward ensuring that all significant 
        laws, programs, or agencies within its jurisdiction are 
        subject to review every 10 years.
    (2) Not later than March 31 in the first session of a 
Congress, after consultation with the Speaker, the Majority 
Leader, and the Minority Leader, the Committee on Government 
Reform shall report to the House the oversight plans submitted 
by committees together with any recommendations that it, or the 
House leadership group described above, may make to ensure the 
most effective coordination of oversight plans and otherwise to 
achieve the objectives of this clause.
    (e) The Speaker, with the approval of the House, may 
appoint special ad hoc oversight committees for the purpose of 
reviewing specific matters within the jurisdiction of two or 
more standing committees.
Special oversight functions
    Clause 3 of Rule X also relates to oversight functions. 
Paragraph (e) reads as follows:

                     *      *      *      *      *

    (e) The Committee on Government Reform shall review and 
study on a continuing basis the operation of Government 
activities at all levels with a view to determining their 
economy and efficiency.

3. Additional Functions of Committees--Rule X, Clauses 4, 6, 7, 8 and 9 
                              of the House

    Clause 4 of Rule X relates to additional functions of 
committees and committee budgets. Paragraphs (a)(2), (c) and 
(f) of clause 4 and clauses 6, 7, 8 and 9 read as follows:

    4. (a)

                     *      *      *      *      *

    (2) Pursuant to section 401(b)(2) of the Congressional 
Budget Act of 1974, when a committee reports a bill or joint 
resolution that provides new entitlement authority as defined 
in section 3(9) of that Act, and enactment of the bill or joint 
resolution, as reported, would cause a breach of the 
committee's pertinent allocation of new budget authority under 
section 302(a) of that Act, the bill or joint resolution may be 
referred to the Committee on Appropriations with instructions 
to report it with recommendations (which may include an 
amendment limiting the total amount of new entitlement 
authority provided in the bill or joint resolution). If the 
Committee on Appropriations fails to report a bill or joint 
resolution so referred within 15 calendar days (not counting 
any day on which the House is not in session), the committee 
automatically shall be discharged from consideration of the 
bill or joint resolution, and the bill or joint resolution 
shall be placed on the appropriate calendar.

                     *      *      *      *      *

    (c)(1) The Committee on Government Reform shall--
          (A) receive and examine reports of the Comptroller 
        General of the United States and submit to the House 
        such recommendations as it considers necessary or 
        desirable in connection with the subject matter of the 
        reports;
          (B) evaluate the effects of laws enacted to 
        reorganize the legislative and executive branches of 
        the Government; and
          (C) study intergovernmental relationships between the 
        United States and the States and municipalities and 
        between the United States and international 
        organizations of which the United States is a member.
    (2) In addition to its duties under subparagraph (1), the 
Committee on Government Reform may at any time conduct 
investigations of any matter without regard to clause 1, 2, 3, 
or this clause conferring jurisdiction over the matter to 
another standing committee. The findings and recommendations of 
the committee in such an investigation shall be made available 
to any other standing committee having jurisdiction over the 
matter involved.

                     *      *      *      *      *

Budget Act responsibilities
    (f)(1) Each standing committee shall submit to the 
Committee on the Budget not later than six weeks after the 
President submits his budget, or at such time as the Committee 
on the Budget may request--
          (A) its views and estimates with respect to all 
        matters to be set forth in the concurrent resolution on 
        the budget for the ensuing fiscal year that are within 
        its jurisdiction or functions; and
          (B) an estimate of the total amounts of new budget 
        authority, and budget outlays resulting therefrom, to 
        be provided or authorized in all bills and resolutions 
        within its jurisdiction that it intends to be effective 
        during that fiscal year.
    (2) The views and estimates submitted by the Committee on 
Ways and Means under subparagraph (1) shall include a specific 
recommendation, made after holding public hearings, as to the 
appropriate level of the public debt that should be set forth 
in the concurrent resolution on the budget.
Expense resolutions
    6. (a) Whenever a committee, commission, or other entity 
(other than the Committee on Appropriations) is granted 
authorization for the payment of its expenses (including staff 
salaries) for a Congress, such authorization initially shall be 
procured by one primary expense resolution reported by the 
Committee on House Administration. A primary expense resolution 
may include a reserve fund for unanticipated expenses of 
committees. An amount from such a reserve fund may be allocated 
to a committee only by the approval of the Committee on House 
Administration. A primary expense resolution reported to the 
House may not be considered in the House unless a printed 
report thereon was available on the previous calendar day. For 
the information of the House, such report shall--
          (1) state the total amount of the funds to be 
        provided to the committee, commission, or other entity 
        under the primary expense resolution for all 
        anticipated activities and programs of the committee, 
        commission, or other entity; and
          (2) to the extent practicable, contain such general 
        statements regarding the estimated foreseeable 
        expenditures for the respective anticipated activities 
        and programs of the committee, commission, or other 
        entity as may be appropriate to provide the House with 
        basic estimates of the expenditures contemplated by the 
        primary expense resolution.
    (b) After the date of adoption by the House of a primary 
expense resolution for a committee, commission, or other entity 
for a Congress, authorization for the payment of additional 
expenses (including staff salaries) in that Congress may be 
procured by one or more supplemental expense resolutions 
reported by the Committee on House Administration, as 
necessary. A supplemental expense resolution reported to the 
House may not be considered in the House unless a printed 
report thereon was available on the previous calendar day. For 
the information of the House, such report shall--
          (1) state the total amount of additional funds to be 
        provided to the committee, commission, or other entity 
        under the supplemental expense resolution and the 
        purposes for which those additional funds are 
        available; and
          (2) state the reasons for the failure to procure the 
        additional funds for the committee, commission, or 
        other entity by means of the primary expense 
        resolution.
    (c) The preceding provisions of this clause do not apply 
to--
          (1) a resolution providing for the payment from 
        committee salary and expense accounts of the House of 
        sums necessary to pay compensation for staff services 
        performed for, or to pay other expenses of, a 
        committee, commission, or other entity at any time 
        after the beginning of an odd-numbered year and before 
        the date of adoption by the House of the primary 
        expense resolution described in paragraph (a) for that 
        year; or
          (2) a resolution providing each of the standing 
        committees in a Congress additional office equipment, 
        airmail and special-delivery postage stamps, supplies, 
        staff personnel, or any other specific item for the 
        operation of the standing committees, and containing an 
        authorization for the payment from committee salary and 
        expense accounts of the House of the expenses of any of 
        the foregoing items provided by that resolution, 
        subject to and until enactment of the provisions of the 
        resolution as permanent law.
    (d) From the funds made available for the appointment of 
committee staff by a primary or additional expense resolution, 
the chairman of each committee shall ensure that sufficient 
staff is made available to each subcommittee to carry out its 
responsibilities under the rules of the committee and that the 
minority party is treated fairly in the appointment of such 
staff.
    (e) Funds authorized for a committee under this clause and 
clauses 7 and 8 are for expenses incurred in the activities of 
the committee.
Interim funding
    7. (a) For the period beginning at noon on January 3 and 
ending at midnight on March 31 in each odd-numbered year, such 
sums as may be necessary shall be paid out of the committee 
salary and expense accounts of the House for continuance of 
necessary investigations and studies by--
          (1) each standing and select committee established by 
        these rules; and
          (2) except as specified in paragraph (b), each select 
        committee established by resolution.
    (b) In the case of the first session of a Congress, amounts 
shall be made available for a select committee established by 
resolution in the preceding Congress only if--
          (1) a resolution proposing to reestablish such select 
        committee is introduced in the present Congress; and
          (2) the House has not adopted a resolution of the 
        preceding Congress providing for termination of funding 
        for investigations and studies by such select 
        committee.
    (c) Each committee described in paragraph (a) shall be 
entitled for each month during the period specified in 
paragraph (a) to 9 percent (or such lesser percentage as may be 
determined by the Committee on House Administration) of the 
total annualized amount made available under expense 
resolutions for such committee in the preceding session of 
Congress.
    (d) Payments under this clause shall be made on vouchers 
authorized by the committee involved, signed by the chairman of 
the committee, except as provided in paragraph (e), and 
approved by the Committee on House Administration.
    (e) Notwithstanding any provision of law, rule of the 
House, or other authority, from noon on January 3 of the first 
session of a Congress until the election by the House of the 
committee concerned in that Congress, payments under this 
clause shall be made on vouchers signed by--
          (1) the member of the committee who served as 
        chairman of the committee at the expiration of the 
        preceding Congress; or
          (2) if the chairman is not a Member, Delegate, or 
        Resident Commissioner in the present Congress, then the 
        ranking member of the committee as it was constituted 
        at the expiration of the preceding Congress who is a 
        member of the majority party in the present Congress.
    (f)(1) The authority of a committee to incur expenses under 
this clause shall expire upon adoption by the House of a 
primary expense resolution for the committee.
    (2) Amounts made available under this clause shall be 
expended in accordance with regulations prescribed by the 
Committee on House Administration.
    (3) This clause shall be effective only insofar as it is 
not inconsistent with a resolution reported by the Committee on 
House Administration and adopted by the House after the 
adoption of these rules.
Travel
    8. (a) Local currencies owned by the United States shall be 
made available to the committee and its employees engaged in 
carrying out their official duties outside the United States or 
its territories or possessions. Appropriated funds, including 
those authorized under this clause and clauses 6 and 8, may not 
be expended for the purpose of defraying expenses of members of 
a committee or its employees in a country where local 
currencies are available for this purpose.
    (b) The following conditions shall apply with respect to 
travel outside the United States or its territories or 
possessions:
          (1) A member or employee of a committee may not 
        receive or expend local currencies for subsistence in a 
        country for a day at a rate in excess of the maximum 
        per diem set forth in applicable Federal law.
          (2) A member or employee shall be reimbursed for his 
        expenses for a day at the lesser of--
                  (A) the per diem set forth in applicable 
                Federal law; or
                  (B) the actual, unreimbursed expenses (other 
                than for transportation) he incurred during 
                that day.
          (3) Each member or employee of a committee shall make 
        to the chairman of the committee an itemized report 
        showing the dates each country was visited, the amount 
        of per diem furnished, the cost of transportation 
        furnished, and funds expended for any other official 
        purpose and shall summarize in these categories the 
        total foreign currencies or appropriated funds 
        expended. Each report shall be filed with the chairman 
        of the committee not later than 60 days following the 
        completion of travel for use in complying with 
        reporting requirements in applicable Federal law and 
        shall be open for public inspection.
    (c)(1) In carrying out the activities of a committee 
outside the United States in a country where local currencies 
are unavailable, a member or employee of a committee may not 
receive reimbursement for expenses (other than for 
transportation) in excess of the maximum per diem set forth in 
applicable Federal law.
    (2) A member or employee shall be reimbursed for his 
expenses for a day, at the lesser of--
          (A) the per diem set forth in applicable Federal law; 
        or
          (B) the actual unreimbursed expenses (other than for 
        transportation) he incurred during that day.
    (3) A member or employee of a committee may not receive 
reimbursement for the cost of any transportation in connection 
with travel outside the United States unless the member or 
employee actually paid for the transportation.
    (d) The restrictions respecting travel outside the United 
States set forth in paragraph (c) also shall apply to travel 
outside the United States by a Member, Delegate, Resident 
Commissioner, officer, or employee of the House authorized 
under any standing rule.
Committee staffs
    9. (a)(1) Subject to subparagraph (2) and paragraph (f), 
each standing committee may appoint, by majority vote, not more 
than 30 professional staff members to be compensated from the 
funds provided for the appointment of committee staff by 
primary and additional expense resolutions. Each professional 
staff member appointed under this subparagraph shall be 
assigned to the chairman and the ranking minority member of the 
committee, as the committee considers advisable.
    (2) Subject to paragraph (f) whenever a majority of the 
minority party members of a standing committee (other than the 
Committee on Standards of Official Conduct or the Permanent 
Select Committee on Intelligence) so request, not more than 10 
persons (or one-third of the total professional committee staff 
appointed under this clause, whichever is fewer) may be 
selected, by majority vote of the minority party members, for 
appointment by the committee as professional staff members 
under subparagraph (1). The committee shall appoint persons so 
selected whose character and qualifications are acceptable to a 
majority of the committee. If the committee determines that the 
character and qualifications of a person so selected are 
unacceptable, a majority of the minority party members may 
select another person for appointment by the committee to the 
professional staff until such appointment is made. Each 
professional staff member appointed under this subparagraph 
shall be assigned to such committee business as the minority 
party members of the committee consider advisable.
    (b)(1) The professional staff members of each standing 
committee--
          (A) may not engage in any work other than committee 
        business during congressional working hours; and
          (B) may not be assigned a duty other than one 
        pertaining to committee business.
    (2)(A) Subparagraph (1) does not apply to staff designated 
by a committee as ``associate'' or ``shared'' staff who are not 
paid exclusively by the committee, provided that the chairman 
certifies that the compensation paid by the committee for any 
such staff is commensurate with the work performed for the 
committee in accordance with clause 8 of rule XXIII.
    (B) The use of any ``associate'' or ``shared'' staff by a 
committee other than the Committee on Appropriations shall be 
subject to the review of, and to any terms, conditions, or 
limitations established by, the Committee on House 
Administration in connection with the reporting of any primary 
or additional expense resolution.
    (c) Each employee on the professional or investigative 
staff of a standing committee shall be entitled to pay at a 
single gross per annum rate, to be fixed by the chairman and 
that does not exceed the maximum rate of pay as in effect from 
time to time under applicable provisions of law.
    (d) Subject to appropriations hereby authorized, the 
Committee on Appropriations may appoint by majority vote such 
staff as it determines to be necessary (in addition to the 
clerk of the committee and assistants for the minority). The 
staff appointed under this paragraph, other than minority 
assistants, shall possess such qualifications as the committee 
may prescribe.
    (e) A committee may not appoint to its staff an expert or 
other personnel detailed or assigned from a department or 
agency of the Government except with the written permission of 
the Committee on House Administration.
    (f) If a request for the appointment of a minority 
professional staff member under paragraph (a) is made when no 
vacancy exists for such an appointment, the committee 
nevertheless may appoint under paragraph (a) a person selected 
by the minority and acceptable to the committee. A person so 
appointed shall serve as an additional member of the 
professional staff of the committee until such a vacancy occurs 
(other than a vacancy in the position of head of the 
professional staff, by whatever title designated), at which 
time that person is considered as appointed to that vacancy. 
Such a person shall be paid from the applicable accounts of the 
House described in clause 1(i)(1) of rule X. If such a vacancy 
occurs on the professional staff when seven or more persons 
have been so appointed who are eligible to fill that vacancy, a 
majority of the minority party members shall designate which of 
those persons shall fill the vacancy.
    (g) Each staff member appointed pursuant to a request by 
minority party members under paragraph (a), and each staff 
member appointed to assist minority members of a committee 
pursuant to an expense resolution described in clause 6(a), 
shall be accorded equitable treatment with respect to the 
fixing of the rate of pay, the assignment of work facilities, 
and the accessibility of committee records.
    (h) Paragraph (a) may not be construed to authorize the 
appointment of additional professional staff members of a 
committee pursuant to a request under paragraph (a) by the 
minority party members of that committee if 10 or more 
professional staff members provided for in paragraph (a)(1) who 
are satisfactory to a majority of the minority party members 
are otherwise assigned to assist the minority party members.
    (i) Notwithstanding paragraph (a)(2), a committee may 
employ nonpartisan staff, in lieu of or in addition to 
committee staff designated exclusively for the majority or 
minority party, by an affirmative vote of a majority of the 
members of the majority party and of a majority of the members 
of the minority party.

  B. Procedure for Committees and Unfinished Business--Rule XI of the 
                                 House

    Clauses 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6 of Rule XI are set out below.
In general
    1. (a)(1)(A) Except as provided in subdivision (B), the 
Rules of the House are the rules of its committees and 
subcommittees so far as applicable.
    (B) A motion to recess from day to day, and a motion to 
dispense with the first reading (in full) of a bill or 
resolution, if printed copies are available, each shall be 
privileged in committees and subcommittees and shall be decided 
without debate.
    (2) Each subcommittee is a part of its committee and is 
subject to the authority and direction of that committee and to 
its rules, so far as applicable.
    (b)(1) Each committee may conduct at any time such 
investigations and studies as it considers necessary or 
appropriate in the exercise of its responsibilities under rule 
X. Subject to the adoption of expense resolutions as required 
by clause 6 of rule X, each committee may incur expenses, 
including travel expenses, in connection with such 
investigations and studies.
    (2) A proposed investigative or oversight report shall be 
considered as read in committee if it has been available to the 
members for at least 24 hours (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, or 
legal holidays except when the House is in session on such a 
day).
    (3) A report of an investigation or study conducted jointly 
by more than one committee may be filed jointly, provided that 
each of the committees complies independently with all 
requirements for approval and filing of the report.
    (4) After an adjournment sine die of the last regular 
session of a Congress, an investigative or oversight report may 
be filed with the Clerk at any time, provided that a member who 
gives timely notice of intention to file supplemental, 
minority, or additional views shall be entitled to not less 
than seven calendar days in which to submit such views for 
inclusion in the report.
    (c) Each committee may have printed and bound such 
testimony and other data as may be presented at hearings held 
by the committee or its subcommittees. All costs of 
stenographic services and transcripts in connection with a 
meeting or hearing of a committee shall be paid from the 
applicable accounts of the House described in clause 1(i)(1) of 
rule X.
    (d)(1) Each committee shall submit to the House not later 
than January 2 of each odd-numbered year a report on the 
activities of that committee under this rule and rule X during 
the Congress ending at noon on January 3 of such year.
    (2) Such report shall include separate sections summarizing 
the legislative and oversight activities of that committee 
during that Congress.
    (3) The oversight section of such report shall include a 
summary of the oversight plans submitted by the committee under 
clause 2(d) of rule X, a summary of the actions taken and 
recommendations made with respect to each such plan, a summary 
of any additional oversight activities undertaken by that 
committee, and any recommendations made or actions taken 
thereon.
    (4) After an adjournment sine die of the last regular 
session of a Congress, the chairman of a committee may file an 
activities report under subparagraph (1) with the Clerk at any 
time and without approval of the committee, provided that--
          (A) a copy of the report has been available to each 
        member of the committee for at least seven calendar 
        days; and
          (B) the report includes any supplemental, minority, 
        or additional views submitted by a member of the 
        committee.
Adoption of written rules
    2. (a)(1) Each standing committee shall adopt written rules 
governing its procedure. Such rules--
          (A) shall be adopted in a meeting that is open to the 
        public unless the committee, in open session and with a 
        quorum present, determines by record vote that all or 
        part of the meeting on that day shall be closed to the 
        public;
          (B) may not be inconsistent with the Rules of the 
        House or with those provisions of law having the force 
        and effect of Rules of the House; and
          (C) shall in any event incorporate all of the 
        succeeding provisions of this clause to the extent 
        applicable.
    (2) Each committee shall submit its rules for publication 
in the Congressional Record not later than 30 days after the 
committee is elected in each odd-numbered year.
Regular meeting days
    (b) Each standing committee shall establish regular meeting 
days for the conduct of its business, which shall be not less 
frequent than monthly. Each such committee shall meet for the 
consideration of a bill or resolution pending before the 
committee or the transaction of other committee business on all 
regular meeting days fixed by the committee unless otherwise 
provided by written rule adopted by the committee.
Additional and special meetings
    (c)(1) The chairman of each standing committee may call and 
convene, as he considers necessary, additional and special 
meetings of the committee for the consideration of a bill or 
resolution pending before the committee or for the conduct of 
other committee business, subject to such rules as the 
committee may adopt. The committee shall meet for such purpose 
under that call of the chairman.
    (2) Three or more members of a standing committee may file 
in the offices of the committee a written request that the 
chairman call a special meeting of the committee. Such request 
shall specify the measure or matter to be considered. 
Immediately upon the filing of the request, the clerk of the 
committee shall notify the chairman of the filing of the 
request. If the chairman does not call the requested special 
meeting within three calendar days after the filing of the 
request (to be held within seven calendar days after the filing 
of the request) a majority of the members of the committee may 
file in the offices of the committee their written notice that 
a special meeting of the committee will be held. The written 
notice shall specify the date and hour of the special meeting 
and the measure or matter to be considered. The committee shall 
meet on that date and hour. Immediately upon the filing of the 
notice, the clerk of the committee shall notify all members of 
the committee that such special meeting will be held and inform 
them of its date and hour and the measure or matter to be 
considered. Only the measure or matter specified in that notice 
may be considered at that special meeting.
Temporary absence of chairman
    (d) A member of the majority party on each standing 
committee or subcommittee thereof shall be designated by the 
chairman of the full committee as the vice chairman of the 
committee or subcommittee, as the case may be, and shall 
preside during the absence of the chairman from any meeting. If 
the chairman and vice chairman of a committee or subcommittee 
are not present at any meeting of the committee or 
subcommittee, the ranking majority member who is present shall 
preside at that meeting.
Committee records
    (e)(1)(A) Each committee shall keep a complete record of 
all committee action which shall include--
          (i) in the case of a meeting or hearing transcript, a 
        substantially verbatim account of remarks actually made 
        during the proceedings, subject only to technical, 
        grammatical, and typographical corrections authorized 
        by the person making the remarks involved; and
          (ii) a record of the votes on any question on which a 
        record vote is demanded.
    (B)(i) Except as provided in subdivision (B)(ii) and 
subject to paragraph (k)(7), the result of each such record 
vote shall be made available by the committee for inspection by 
the public at reasonable times in its offices. Information so 
available for public inspection shall include a description of 
the amendment, motion, order, or other proposition, the name of 
each member voting for and each member voting against such 
amendment, motion, order, or proposition, and the names of 
those members of the committee present but not voting.
    (ii) The result of any record vote taken in executive 
session in the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct may 
not be made available for inspection by the public without an 
affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the committee.
    (2)(A) Except as provided in subdivision (B), all committee 
hearings, records, data, charts, and files shall be kept 
separate and distinct from the congressional office records of 
the member serving as its chairman. Such records shall be the 
property of the House, and each Member, Delegate, and the 
Resident Commissioner shall have access thereto.
    (B) A Member, Delegate, or Resident Commissioner, other 
than members of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, 
may not have access to the records of that committee respecting 
the conduct of a Member, Delegate, Resident Commissioner, 
officer, or employee of the House without the specific prior 
permission of that committee.
    (3) Each committee shall include in its rules standards for 
availability of records of the committee delivered to the 
Archivist of the United States under rule VII. Such standards 
shall specify procedures for orders of the committee under 
clause 3(b)(3) and clause 4(b) of rule VII, including a 
requirement that nonavailability of a record for a period 
longer than the period otherwise applicable under that rule 
shall be approved by vote of the committee.
    (4) Each committee shall make its publications available in 
electronic form to the maximum extent feasible.
Prohibition against proxy voting
    (f) A vote by a member of a committee or subcommittee with 
respect to any measure or matter may not be cast by proxy.
Open meetings and hearings
    (g)(1) Each meeting for the transaction of business, 
including the markup of legislation, by a standing committee or 
subcommittee thereof (other than the Committee on Standards of 
Official Conduct or its subcommittee) shall be open to the 
public, including to radio, television, and still photography 
coverage, except when the committee or subcommittee, in open 
session and with a majority present, determines by record vote 
that all or part of the remainder of the meeting on that day 
shall be in executive session because disclosure of matters to 
be considered would endanger national security, would 
compromise sensitive law enforcement information, would tend to 
defame, degrade, or incriminate any person, or otherwise would 
violate a law or rule of the House. Persons, other than members 
of the committee and such noncommittee Members, Delegates, 
Resident Commissioner, congressional staff, or departmental 
representatives as the committee may authorize, may not be 
present at a business or markup session that is held in 
executive session. This subparagraph does not apply to open 
committee hearings, which are governed by clause 4(a)(1) of 
rule X or by subparagraph (2).
    (2)(A) Each hearing conducted by a committee or 
subcommittee (other than the Committee on Standards of Official 
Conduct or its subcommittees) shall be open to the public, 
including to radio, television, and still photography coverage, 
except when the committee or subcommittee, in open session and 
with a majority present, determines by record vote that all or 
part of the remainder of that hearing on that day shall be 
closed to the public because disclosure of testimony, evidence, 
or other matters to be considered would endanger national 
security, would compromise sensitive law enforcement 
information, or would violate a law or rule of the House.
    (B) Notwithstanding the requirements of subdivision (A), in 
the presence of the number of members required under the rules 
of the committee for the purpose of taking testimony, a 
majority of those present may--
          (i) agree to close the hearing for the sole purpose 
        of discussing whether testimony or evidence to be 
        received would endanger national security, would 
        compromise sensitive law enforcement information, or 
        would violate clause 2(k)(5); or
          (ii) agree to close the hearing as provided in clause 
        2(k)(5).
    (C) A Member, Delegate, or Resident Commissioner may not be 
excluded from nonparticipatory attendance at a hearing of a 
committee or subcommittee (other than the Committee on 
Standards of Official Conduct or its subcommittees) unless the 
House by majority vote authorizes a particular committee or 
subcommittee, for purposes of a particular series of hearings 
on a particular article of legislation or on a particular 
subject of investigation, to close its hearings to Members, 
Delegates, and the Resident Commissioner by the same procedures 
specified in this subparagraph for closing hearings to the 
public.
    (D) The committee or subcommittee may vote by the same 
procedure described in this subparagraph to close one 
subsequent day of hearing, except that the Committee on 
Appropriations, the Committee on Armed Services, and the 
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and the 
subcommittees thereof, may vote by the same procedure to close 
up to five additional, consecutive days of hearings.
    (3) The chairman of each committee (other than the 
Committee on Rules) shall make public announcement of the date, 
place, and subject matter of a committee hearing at least one 
week before the commencement of the hearing. If the chairman of 
the committee, with the concurrence of the ranking minority 
member, determines that there is good cause to begin a hearing 
sooner, or if the committee so determines by majority vote in 
the presence of the number of members required under the rules 
of the committee for the transaction of business, the chairman 
shall make the announcement at the earliest possible date. An 
announcement made under this subparagraph shall be published 
promptly in the Daily Digest and made available in electronic 
form.
    (4) Each committee shall, to the greatest extent 
practicable, require witnesses who appear before it to submit 
in advance written statements of proposed testimony and to 
limit their initial presentations to the committee to brief 
summaries thereof. In the case of a witness appearing in a 
nongovernmental capacity, a written statement of proposed 
testimony shall include a curriculum vitae and a disclosure of 
the amount and source (by agency and program) of each Federal 
grant (or subgrant thereof) or contract (or subcontract 
thereof) received during the current fiscal year or either of 
the two previous fiscal years by the witness or by an entity 
represented by the witness.
    (5)(A) Except as provided in subdivision (B), a point of 
order does not lie with respect to a measure reported by a 
committee on the ground that hearings on such measure were not 
conducted in accordance with this clause.
    (B) A point of order on the ground described in subdivision 
(A) may be made by a member of the committee that reported the 
measure if such point of order was timely made and improperly 
disposed of in the committee.
    (6) This paragraph does not apply to hearings of the 
Committee on Appropriations under clause 4(a)(1) of rule X.
Quorum requirements
    (h)(1) A measure or recommendation may not be reported by a 
committee unless a majority of the committee is actually 
present.
    (2) Each committee may fix the number of its members to 
constitute a quorum for taking testimony and receiving 
evidence, which may not be less than two.
    (3) Each committee (other than the Committee on 
Appropriations, the Committee on the Budget, and the Committee 
on Ways and Means) may fix the number of its members to 
constitute a quorum for taking any action other than for which 
the presence of a majority of the committee is otherwise 
required, which may not be less than one-third of the members.
    (4)(A) Each committee may adopt a rule authorizing the 
chairman of a committee or subcommittee--
          (i) to postpone further proceedings when a record 
        vote is ordered on the question of approving a measure 
        or matter or on adopting an amendment; and
          (ii) to resume proceedings on a postponed question at 
        any time after reasonable notice.
    (B) A rule adopted pursuant to this subparagraph shall 
provide that when proceedings resume on a postponed question, 
notwithstanding any intervening order for the previous 
question, an underlying proposition shall remain subject to 
further debate or amendment to the same extent as when the 
question was postponed.
Limitation on committee sittings
    (i) A committee may not sit during a joint session of the 
House and Senate or during a recess when a joint meeting of the 
House and Senate is in progress.
Calling and questioning of witnesses
    (j)(1) Whenever a hearing is conducted by a committee on a 
measure or matter, the minority members of the committee shall 
be entitled, upon request to the chairman by a majority of them 
before the completion of the hearing, to call witnesses 
selected by the minority to testify with respect to that 
measure or matter during at least one day of hearing thereon.
    (2)(A) Subject to subdivisions (B) and (C), each committee 
shall apply the five-minute rule during the questioning of 
witnesses in a hearing until such time as each member of the 
committee who so desires has had an opportunity to question 
each witness.
    (B) A committee may adopt a rule or motion permitting a 
specified number of its members to question a witness for 
longer than five minutes. The time for extended questioning of 
a witness under this subdivision shall be equal for the 
majority party and the minority party and may not exceed one 
hour in the aggregate.
    (C) A committee may adopt a rule or motion permitting 
committee staff for its majority and minority party members to 
question a witness for equal specified periods. The time for 
extended questioning of a witness under this subdivision shall 
be equal for the majority party and the minority party and may 
not exceed one hour in the aggregate.
Hearing procedures
    (k)(1) The chairman at a hearing shall announce in an 
opening statement the subject of the hearing.
    (2) A copy of the committee rules and of this clause shall 
be made available to each witness on request.
    (3) Witnesses at hearings may be accompanied by their own 
counsel for the purpose of advising them concerning their 
constitutional rights.
    (4) The chairman may punish breaches of order and decorum, 
and of professional ethics on the part of counsel, by censure 
and exclusion from the hearings; and the committee may cite the 
offender to the House for contempt.
    (5) Whenever it is asserted by a member of the committee 
that the evidence or testimony at a hearing may tend to defame, 
degrade, or incriminate any person, or it is asserted by a 
witness that the evidence or testimony that the witness would 
give at a hearing may tend to defame, degrade, or incriminate 
the witness--
          (A) notwithstanding paragraph (g)(2), such testimony 
        or evidence shall be presented in executive session if, 
        in the presence of the number of members required under 
        the rules of the committee for the purpose of taking 
        testimony, the committee determines by vote of a 
        majority of those present that such evidence or 
        testimony may tend to defame, degrade, or incriminate 
        any person; and
          (B) the committee shall proceed to receive such 
        testimony in open session only if the committee, a 
        majority being present, determines that such evidence 
        or testimony will not tend to defame, degrade, or 
        incriminate any person.
In either case the committee shall afford such person an 
opportunity voluntarily to appear as a witness, and receive and 
dispose of requests from such person to subpoena additional 
witnesses.
    (6) Except as provided in subparagraph (5), the chairman 
shall receive and the committee shall dispose of requests to 
subpoena additional witnesses.
    (7) Evidence or testimony taken in executive session, and 
proceedings conducted in executive session, may be released or 
used in public sessions only when authorized by the committee, 
a majority being present.
    (8) In the discretion of the committee, witnesses may 
submit brief and pertinent sworn statements in writing for 
inclusion in the record. The committee is the sole judge of the 
pertinence of testimony and evidence adduced at its hearing.
    (9) A witness may obtain a transcript copy of his testimony 
given at a public session or, if given at an executive session, 
when authorized by the committee.
Supplemental, minority, or additional views
    (l) If at the time of approval of a measure or matter by a 
committee (other than the Committee on Rules) a member of the 
committee gives notice of intention to file supplemental, 
minority, or additional views for inclusion in the report to 
the House thereon, that member shall be entitled to not less 
than two additional calendar days after the day of such notice 
(excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays except when 
the House is in session on such a day) to file such views, in 
writing and signed by that member, with the clerk of the 
committee.
Power to sit and act; subpoena power
    (m)(1) For the purpose of carrying out any of its functions 
and duties under this rule and rule X (including any matters 
referred to it under clause 2 of rule XII), a committee or 
subcommittee is authorized (subject to subparagraph (3)(A))--
          (A) to sit and act at such times and places within 
        the United States, whether the House is in session, has 
        recessed, or has adjourned, and to hold such hearings 
        as it considers necessary; and
          (B) to require, by subpoena or otherwise, the 
        attendance and testimony of such witnesses and the 
        production of such books, records, correspondence, 
        memoranda, papers, and documents as it considers 
        necessary.
    (2) The chairman of the committee, or a member designated 
by the chairman, may administer oaths to witnesses.
    (3)(A)(i) Except as provided in subdivision (A)(ii), a 
subpoena may be authorized and issued by a committee or 
subcommittee under subparagraph (1)(B) in the conduct of an 
investigation or series of investigations or activities only 
when authorized by the committee or subcommittee, a majority 
being present. The power to authorize and issue subpoenas under 
subparagraph (1)(B) may be delegated to the chairman of the 
committee under such rules and under such limitations as the 
committee may prescribe. Authorized subpoenas shall be signed 
by the chairman of the committee or by a member designated by 
the committee.
    (ii) In the case of a subcommittee of the Committee on 
Standards of Official Conduct, a subpoena may be authorized and 
issued only by an affirmative vote of a majority of its 
members.
    (B) A subpoena duces tecum may specify terms of return 
other than at a meeting or hearing of the committee or 
subcommittee authorizing the subpoena.
    (C) Compliance with a subpoena issued by a committee or 
subcommittee under subparagraph (1)(B) may be enforced only as 
authorized or directed by the House.

                     *      *      *      *      *

Audio and visual coverage of committee proceedings
    4. (a) The purpose of this clause is to provide a means, in 
conformity with acceptable standards of dignity, propriety, and 
decorum, by which committee hearings or committee meetings that 
are open to the public may be covered by audio and visual 
means--
          (1) for the education, enlightenment, and information 
        of the general public, on the basis of accurate and 
        impartial news coverage, regarding the operations, 
        procedures, and practices of the House as a legislative 
        and representative body, and regarding the measures, 
        public issues, and other matters before the House and 
        its committees, the consideration thereof, and the 
        action taken thereon; and
          (2) for the development of the perspective and 
        understanding of the general public with respect to the 
        role and function of the House under the Constitution 
        as an institution of the Federal Government.
    (b) In addition, it is the intent of this clause that radio 
and television tapes and television film of any coverage under 
this clause may not be used, or made available for use, as 
partisan political campaign material to promote or oppose the 
candidacy of any person for elective public office.
    (c) It is, further, the intent of this clause that the 
general conduct of each meeting (whether of a hearing or 
otherwise) covered under authority of this clause by audio or 
visual means, and the personal behavior of the committee 
members and staff, other Government officials and personnel, 
witnesses, television, radio, and press media personnel, and 
the general public at the hearing or other meeting, shall be in 
strict conformity with and observance of the acceptable 
standards of dignity, propriety, courtesy, and decorum 
traditionally observed by the House in its operations, and may 
not be such as to--
          (1) distort the objects and purposes of the hearing 
        or other meeting or the activities of committee members 
        in connection with that hearing or meeting or in 
        connection with the general work of the committee or of 
        the House; or
          (2) cast discredit or dishonor on the House, the 
        committee, or a Member, Delegate, or Resident 
        Commissioner or bring the House, the committee, or a 
        Member, Delegate, or Resident Commissioner into 
        disrepute.
    (d) The coverage of committee hearings and meetings by 
audio and visual means shall be permitted and conducted only in 
strict conformity with the purposes, provisions, and 
requirements of this clause.
    (e) Whenever a hearing or meeting conducted by a committee 
or subcommittee is open to the public, those proceedings shall 
be open to coverage by audio and visual means. A committee or 
subcommittee chairman may not limit the number of television or 
still cameras to fewer than two representatives from each 
medium (except for legitimate space or safety considerations, 
in which case pool coverage shall be authorized).
    (f) Each committee shall adopt written rules to govern its 
implementation of this clause. Such rules shall contain 
provisions to the following effect:
          (1) If audio or visual coverage of the hearing or 
        meeting is to be presented to the public as live 
        coverage, that coverage shall be conducted and 
        presented without commercial sponsorship.
          (2) The allocation among the television media of the 
        positions or the number of television cameras permitted 
        by a committee or subcommittee chairman in a hearing or 
        meeting room shall be in accordance with fair and 
        equitable procedures devised by the Executive Committee 
        of the Radio and Television Correspondents' Galleries.
          (3) Television cameras shall be placed so as not to 
        obstruct in any way the space between a witness giving 
        evidence or testimony and any member of the committee 
        or the visibility of that witness and that member to 
        each other.
          (4) Television cameras shall operate from fixed 
        positions but may not be placed in positions that 
        obstruct unnecessarily the coverage of the hearing or 
        meeting by the other media.
          (5) Equipment necessary for coverage by the 
        television and radio media may not be installed in, or 
        removed from, the hearing or meeting room while the 
        committee is in session.
          (6)(A) Except as provided in subdivision (B), 
        floodlights, spotlights, strobelights, and flashguns 
        may not be used in providing any method of coverage of 
        the hearing or meeting.
          (B) The television media may install additional 
        lighting in a hearing or meeting room, without cost to 
        the Government, in order to raise the ambient lighting 
        level in a hearing or meeting room to the lowest level 
        necessary to provide adequate television coverage of a 
        hearing or meeting at the current state of the art of 
        television coverage.
          (7) In the allocation of the number of still 
        photographers permitted by a committee or subcommittee 
        chairman in a hearing or meeting room, preference shall 
        be given to photographers from Associated Press Photos 
        and United Press International Newspictures. If 
        requests are made by more of the media than will be 
        permitted by a committee or subcommittee chairman for 
        coverage of a hearing or meeting by still photography, 
        that coverage shall be permitted on the basis of a fair 
        and equitable pool arrangement devised by the Standing 
        Committee of Press Photographers.
          (8) Photographers may not position themselves between 
        the witness table and the members of the committee at 
        any time during the course of a hearing or meeting.
          (9) Photographers may not place themselves in 
        positions that obstruct unnecessarily the coverage of 
        the hearing by the other media.
          (10) Personnel providing coverage by the television 
        and radio media shall be currently accredited to the 
        Radio and Television Correspondents' Galleries.
          (11) Personnel providing coverage by still 
        photography shall be currently accredited to the Press 
        Photographers' Gallery.
          (12) Personnel providing coverage by the television 
        and radio media and by still photography shall conduct 
        themselves and their coverage activities in an orderly 
        and unobtrusive manner.
Pay of witnesses
    5. Witnesses appearing before the House or any of its 
committees shall be paid the same per diem rate as established, 
authorized, and regulated by the Committee on House 
Administration for Members, Delegates, the Resident 
Commissioner, and employees of the House, plus actual expenses 
of travel to or from the place of examination. Such per diem 
may not be paid when a witness has been summoned at the place 
of examination.
Unfinished business of the session
    6. All business of the House at the end of one session 
shall be resumed at the commencement of the next session of the 
same Congress in the same manner as if no adjournment had taken 
place.

C. Filing and Printing of Reports--Rule XIII, Clauses 2, 3 and 4 of the 
                                 House

    2. (a)(1) Except as provided in subparagraph (2), all 
reports of committees (other than those filed from the floor as 
privileged) shall be delivered to the Clerk for printing and 
reference to the proper calendar under the direction of the 
Speaker in accordance with clause 1. The title or subject of 
each report shall be entered on the Journal and printed in the 
Congressional Record.
    (2) A bill or resolution reported adversely shall be laid 
on the table unless a committee to which the bill or resolution 
was referred requests at the time of the report its referral to 
an appropriate calendar under clause 1 or unless, within three 
days thereafter, a Member, Delegate, or Resident Commissioner 
makes such a request.
    (b)(1) It shall be the duty of the chairman of each 
committee to report or cause to be reported promptly to the 
House a measure or matter approved by the committee and to take 
or cause to be taken steps necessary to bring the measure or 
matter to a vote.
    (2) In any event, the report of a committee on a measure 
that has been approved by the committee shall be filed within 
seven calendar days (exclusive of days on which the House is 
not in session) after the day on which a written request for 
the filing of the report, signed by a majority of the members 
of the committee, has been filed with the clerk of the 
committee. The clerk of the committee shall immediately notify 
the chairman of the filing of such a request. This subparagraph 
does not apply to a report of the Committee on Rules with 
respect to a rule, joint rule, or order of business of the 
House, or to the reporting of a resolution of inquiry addressed 
to the head of an executive department.
    (c) All supplemental, minority, or additional views filed 
under clause 2(l) of rule XI by one or more members of a 
committee shall be included in, and shall be a part of, the 
report filed by the committee with respect to a measure or 
matter. When time guaranteed by clause 2(l) of rule XI has 
expired (or, if sooner, when all separate views have been 
received), the committee may arrange to file its report with 
the Clerk not later than one hour after the expiration of such 
time. This clause and provisions of clause 2(l) of rule XI do 
not preclude the immediate filing or printing of a committee 
report in the absence of a timely request for the opportunity 
to file supplemental, minority, or additional views as provided 
in clause 2(l) of rule XI.
Content of reports
    3. (a)(1) Except as provided in subparagraph (2), the 
report of a committee on a measure or matter shall be printed 
in a single volume that--
          (A) shall include all supplemental, minority, or 
        additional views that have been submitted by the time 
        of the filing of the report; and
          (B) shall bear on its cover a recital that any such 
        supplemental, minority, or additional views (and any 
        material submitted under paragraph (c)(3)) are included 
        as part of the report.
    (2) A committee may file a supplemental report for the 
correction of a technical error in its previous report on a 
measure or matter. A supplemental report only correcting errors 
in the depiction of record votes under paragraph (b) may be 
filed under this subparagraph and shall not be subject to the 
requirement in clause 4 concerning the availability of reports.
    (b) With respect to each record vote on a motion to report 
a measure or matter of a public nature, and on any amendment 
offered to the measure or matter, the total number of votes 
cast for and against, and the names of members voting for and 
against, shall be included in the committee report. The 
preceding sentence does not apply to votes taken in executive 
session by the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct.
    (c) The report of a committee on a measure that has been 
approved by the committee shall include, separately set out and 
clearly identified, the following:
          (1) Oversight findings and recommendations under 
        clause 2(b)(1) of rule X.
          (2) The statement required by section 308(a) of the 
        Congressional Budget Act of 1974, except that an 
        estimate of new budget authority shall include, when 
        practicable, a comparison of the total estimated 
        funding level for the relevant programs to the 
        appropriate levels under current law.
          (3) An estimate and comparison prepared by the 
        Director of the Congressional Budget Office under 
        section 402 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 if 
        timely submitted to the committee before the filing of 
        the report.
          (4) A statement of general performance goals and 
        objectives, including outcome-related goals and 
        objectives, for which the measure authorizes funding.
    (d) Each report of a committee on a public bill or public 
joint resolution shall contain the following:
          (1) A statement citing the specific powers granted to 
        Congress in the Constitution to enact the law proposed 
        by the bill or joint resolution.
          (2)(A) An estimate by the committee of the costs that 
        would be incurred in carrying out the bill or joint 
        resolution in the fiscal year in which it is reported 
        and in each of the five fiscal years following that 
        fiscal year (or for the authorized duration of any 
        program authorized by the bill or joint resolution if 
        less than five years);
          (B) A comparison of the estimate of costs described 
        in subdivision (A) made by the committee with any 
        estimate of such costs made by a Government agency and 
        submitted to such committee; and
          (C) When practicable, a comparison of the total 
        estimated funding level for the relevant programs with 
        the appropriate levels under current law.
          (3)(A) In subparagraph (2) the term ``Government 
        agency'' includes any department, agency, 
        establishment, wholly owned Government corporation, or 
        instrumentality of the Federal Government or the 
        government of the District of Columbia.
          (B) Subparagraph (2) does not apply to the Committee 
        on Appropriations, the Committee on House 
        Administration, the Committee on Rules, or the 
        Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, and does 
        not apply when a cost estimate and comparison prepared 
        by the Director of the Congressional Budget Office 
        under section 402 of the Congressional Budget Act of 
        1974 has been included in the report under paragraph 
        (c)(3).
    (e)(1) Whenever a committee reports a bill or joint 
resolution proposing to repeal or amend a statute or part 
thereof, it shall include in its report or in an accompanying 
document--
          (A) the text of a statute or part thereof that is 
        proposed to be repealed; and
          (B) a comparative print of any part of the bill or 
        joint resolution proposing to amend the statute and of 
        the statute or part thereof proposed to be amended, 
        showing by appropriate typographical devices the 
        omissions and insertions proposed.
    (2) If a committee reports a bill or joint resolution 
proposing to repeal or amend a statute or part thereof with a 
recommendation that the bill or joint resolution be amended, 
the comparative print required by subparagraph (1) shall 
reflect the changes in existing law proposed to be made by the 
bill or joint resolution as proposed to be amended.

                     *      *      *      *      *

Availability of reports
    4. (a)(1) Except as specified in subparagraph (2), it shall 
not be in order to consider in the House a measure or matter 
reported by a committee until the third calendar day (excluding 
Saturdays, Sundays, or legal holidays except when the House is 
in session on such a day) on which each report of a committee 
on that measure or matter has been available to Members, 
Delegates, and the Resident Commissioner.
    (2) Subparagraph (1) does not apply to--
          (A) a resolution providing a rule, joint rule, or 
        order of business reported by the Committee on Rules 
        considered under clause 6;
          (B) a resolution providing amounts from the 
        applicable accounts described in clause 1(i)(1) of rule 
        X reported by the Committee on House Administration 
        considered under clause 6 of rule X;
          (C) a bill called from the Corrections Calendar under 
        clause 6 of rule XV;
          (D) a resolution presenting a question of the 
        privileges of the House reported by any committee;
          (E) a measure for the declaration of war, or the 
        declaration of a national emergency, by Congress; and
          (F) a measure providing for the disapproval of a 
        decision, determination, or action by a Government 
        agency that would become, or continue to be, effective 
        unless disapproved or otherwise invalidated by one or 
        both Houses of Congress. In this subdivision the term 
        ``Government agency'' includes any department, agency, 
        establishment, wholly owned Government corporation, or 
        instrumentality of the Federal Government or of the 
        government of the District of Columbia.
    (b) A committee that reports a measure or matter shall make 
every reasonable effort to have its hearings thereon (if any) 
printed and available for distribution to Members, Delegates, 
and the Resident Commissioner before the consideration of the 
measure or matter in the House.
    (c) A general appropriation bill reported by the Committee 
on Appropriations may not be considered in the House until the 
third calendar day (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal 
holidays except when the House is in session on such a day) on 
which printed hearings of the Committee on Appropriations 
thereon have been available to Members, Delegates, and the 
Resident Commissioner.
                   III. SELECTED MATTERS OF INTEREST

A. 5 U.S.C. Sec. 2954. Information to Committees of Congress on Request

    An Executive agency, on request of the Committee on 
Government Operations of the House of Representatives, or of 
any seven members thereof, or on request of the Committee on 
Government Operations of the Senate, or any five members 
thereof, shall submit any information requested of it relating 
to any matter within the jurisdiction of the committee.

B. 18 U.S.C. Sec. 1505. Obstruction of Proceedings Before Departments, 
                        Agencies, and Committees

    Whoever, with intent to avoid, evade, prevent, or obstruct 
compliance, in whole or in part, with any civil investigative 
demand duly and properly made under the Antitrust Civil Process 
Act, willfully withholds, misrepresents, removes from any 
place, conceals, covers up, destroys, mutilates, alters, or by 
other means falsifies any documentary material, answers to 
written interrogatories, or oral testimony, which is the 
subject of such demand; or attempts to do so or solicits 
another to do so; or
    Whoever corruptly, or by threats or force, or by any 
threatening letter or communication influences, obstructs, or 
impedes or endeavors to influence, obstruct, or impede the due 
and proper administration of the law under which any pending 
proceeding is being had before any department or agency of the 
United States, or the due and proper exercise of the power or 
inquiry under which any inquiry or investigation is being had 
by either House, or any committee or either House or any joint 
committee of the Congress--
          Shall be fined not more than $5,000 or imprisoned not 
        more than five years, or both.

      C. 31 U.S.C. Sec. 712. Investigating the Use of Public Money

    The Comptroller General shall--

              *      *      *      *      *      *      *

    (3) analyze expenditures of each executive agency the 
Comptroller General believes will help Congress decide whether 
public money has been used and expended economically and 
efficiently;
    (4) make an investigation and report ordered by either 
House of Congress or a committee of Congress having 
jurisdiction over revenue, appropriations, or expenditures; and
    (5) give a committee of Congress having jurisdiction over 
revenue, appropriations, or expenditures the help and 
information the committee requests.

           D. 31 U.S.C. Sec. 719. Comptroller General Reports

              *      *      *      *      *      *      *

    (e) The Comptroller General shall report on analyses 
carried out under section 712(3) of this title to the 
Committees on Governmental Affairs and Appropriations of the 
Senate, the Committees on Government Operations and 
Appropriations of the House, and the committees with 
jurisdiction over legislation related to the operation of each 
executive agency.\1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \1\ For other requirements which relate to General Accounting 
Office reports to Congress and which affect the committee, see secs. 
232 and 236 of the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1970 (Public Law 
91-150).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

              *      *      *      *      *      *      *

    (i) On request of a committee of Congress, the Comptroller 
General shall explain to discuss with the committee or 
committee staff a report the Comptroller General makes that 
would help the committee--
          (1) evaluate a program or activity of an agency 
        within the jurisdiction of the committee; or
          (2) in its consideration of proposed legislation.

E. 31 U.S.C. Sec. 717. Evaluating Programs and Activities of the United 
                           States Government

              *      *      *      *      *      *      *

    (d)(1) On request of a committee of Congress, the 
Comptroller General shall help the committee to--
          (A) develop a statement of legislative goals and ways 
        to assess and report program performance related to the 
        goals, including recommended ways to assess 
        performance, information to be reported, responsibility 
        for reporting, frequency of reports, and feasibility of 
        pilot testing; and
          (B) assess program evaluations prepared by and for an 
        agency.
    (2) On request of a member of Congress, the Comptroller 
General shall give the member a copy of the material the 
Comptroller General compiles in carrying out this subsection 
that has been released by the committee for which the material 
was compiled.

           F. 31 U.S.C. Sec. 1113. Congressional Information

    (a)(1) When requested by a committee of Congress having 
jurisdiction over receipts or appropriations, the President 
shall provide the committee with assistance and information.
    (2) When requested by a committee of Congress, additional 
information related to the amount of an appropriation 
originally requested by an Office of Inspector General shall be 
submitted to the committee.
    (b) When requested by a committee of Congress, by the 
Comptroller General, or by the Director of the Congressional 
Budget Office, the Secretary of the Treasury, the Director of 
the Office of Management and Budget, and the head of each 
executive agency shall--
          (1) provide information on the location and kind of 
        available fiscal, budget, and program information;
          (2) to the extent practicable, prepare summary tables 
        of that fiscal, budget, and program information and 
        related information of the committee, the Comptroller 
        General, or the Director of the Congressional Budget 
        Office considers necessary; and
          (3) provide a program evaluation carried out or 
        commissioned by an executive agency.
    (c) In cooperation with the Director of the Congressional 
Budget Office, the Secretary, and the Director of the Office of 
Management and Budget, the Comptroller General shall--
          (1) establish and maintain a current directory of 
        sources of, and information systems for, fiscal, 
        budget, and program information and a brief description 
        of the contents of each source and system;
          (2) when requested, provide assistance to committees 
        of Congress and members of Congress in obtaining 
        information from the sources in the directory; and
          (3) when requested, provide assistance to committees 
        and the extent practicable, to members of Congress in 
        evaluating the information from the sources in the 
        directory; and
    (d) To the extent they consider necessary, the Comptroller 
General and the Director of the Congressional Budget Office 
individually or jointly shall establish and maintain a file of 
information to meet recurring needs of Congress for fiscal, 
budget, and program information to carry out this section and 
sections 717 and 1112 of this title. The file shall include 
information on budget requests, congressional authorizations to 
obligations and expenditures. The Comptroller General and the 
Director shall maintain the file and an index so that it is 
easier for the committees and agencies of Congress to use the 
file and index through data processing and communications 
techniques.
    (e)(1) The Comptroller General shall--
          (A) carry out a continuing program to identify the 
        needs of committees and members of Congress for fiscal 
        budget, and program information to carry out this 
        section and section 1112 of this title;
          (B) assist committees of Congress in developing their 
        information needs;
          (C) monitor recurring reporting requirements of 
        Congress and committees; and
          (D) make recommendations to Congress and committees 
        for changes and improvements in those reporting 
        requirements to meet information needs identified by 
        the Comptroller General, to improve their usefulness to 
        congressional users, and to eliminate unnecessary 
        reporting.
    (2) Before September 2 of each year, the Comptroller 
General shall report to Congress on--
          (A) the needs identified under paragraph (1)(A) of 
        this subsection;
          (B) the relationship of those needs to existing 
        reporting requirements;
          (C) the extent to which reporting by the executive 
        branch of the United States Government currently meets 
        the identified needs;
          (D) the changes to standard classifications necessary 
        to meet congressional needs;
          (E) activities, progress, and results of the program 
        of the Comptroller General under paragraph (1)(B)-(D) 
        of this subsection; and
          (F) progress of the executive branch in the prior 
        year.
    (3) Before March 2 of each year, the Director of the Office 
of Management and Budget and the Secretary shall report to 
Congress on plans for meeting the needs identified under 
paragraph (1)(A) of this subsection, including--
          (A) plans for carrying out changes to classifications 
        to meet information needs of Congress;
          (B) the status of information systems in the prior 
        year; and
          (C) the use of standard classifications.
(Public Law 97-258, Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 914; Public Law 
97-452, Sec. 1(3), Jan. 12, 1983, 96 Stat. 2467.)

                                   - 
