[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 142 (Wednesday, September 13, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Pages S13539-S13540]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                    CONGRESSIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY ACT

  Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, earlier this year, Congress 
overwhelmingly passed the Congressional Accountability Act which was 
signed into law by the President. The purpose of the act was to clarify 
that we cannot pass laws applying to the private sector that do not 
apply to us as well.
  After many years of pursuing this legislative initiative, I was 
pleased with the final outcome of the act.
  A concern has been raised that the welfare bill before us today is 
not clear on the issue of congressional coverage.
  If the leader would indulge me, I would like to enter into a colloquy 
addressing this concern.
  Mr. Leader, is it the intent of the legislation in section 453(a) of 
title 9, the child support enforcement title of the bill, to include 
Senators and Congressmen in the definition of ``any governmental 
entity''?
  Mr. DOLE. That is correct.
  Mr. GRASSLEY. Are committees of the House of Representatives, the 
Senate, and joint committees included in 

[[Page S 13540]]
the definition of ``any governmental entity''?
  Mr. DOLE. Yes, that is the intent.
  Mr. GRASSLEY. Are any other offices headed by a person with final 
authority to appoint, hire, discharge, and set the terms, conditions, 
or privileges of employment of an employee of the House of 
Representatives or the Senate covered by the definition of ``any 
governmental entity''?
  Mr. DOLE. Yes, that is correct.
  Mr. GRASSLEY. Finally, are the Capitol Guide Board, the Capitol 
Police Board, the Congressional Budget Office, the Office of the 
Architect of the Capitol, and the Office of the Attending Physician 
also included in the definition of ``any governmental entity''?
  Mr. DOLE. Yes. The intent of the term ``any governmental entity'' is 
to cover every level of government--in effect, Federal State, or local 
government; and, to cover every branch of government--in effect, 
executive, legislative, judicial, or administrative.
  Mr. GRASSLEY. I thank the leader for this clarification.
  I would not want Congress to pass a law with such far-reaching 
effects without the requirements applying equally to Members as well.


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