[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 14 (Thursday, February 6, 1997)]
[House]
[Pages H368-H374]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RULES OF PROCEDURE FOR THE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE THE 105TH CONGRESS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Virginia [Mr. Bliley] is recognized for 5 years.
  Mr. BLILEY. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to the requirements of clause 2 of 
rule XI of the Rules of the House of Representatives, I hereby submit 
for publication in the Congressional Record the rules of the Committee 
on Commerce for the 105th Congress, as adopted by the Committee in open 
session on January 21, 1997.

              Rules for the Committee on Commerce 1997-98


                       Rule 1. General Provisions

       (a) Rules of the Committee. The Rules of the House are the 
     rules of the Committee on Commerce (hereinafter `the 
     Committee') and its subcommittees so far as is applicable, 
     except that 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, are nondebatable 
     motions of high privilege in the Committee and its 
     subcommittees.
       (b) Rules of the Subcommittees. Each subcommittee of the 
     Committee is part of the Committee and is subject to the 
     authority and direction of the Committee and to its rules so 
     far as applicable. Written rules adopted by the Committee, 
     not inconsistent with the Rules of the House, shall be 
     binding on each subcommittee of the Committee.


                   Rule 2. Time and Place of Meetings

       (a) Regular Meeting Days. The Committee shall meet on the 
     fourth Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m., for the 
     consideration of bills, resolutions, and other business, if 
     the House is in session on that day. If the House is not in 
     session on that day and the Committee has not met during such 
     month, the Committee shall meet at the earliest practicable 
     opportunity when the House is again in session. The chairman 
     of the Committee may, at his discretion, cancel, delay, or 
     defer any meeting required under this section, after 
     consultation with the ranking minority member.
       (b)(1) Additional Meetings. The chairman may call and 
     convene, as he considers necessary, additional meetings of 
     the Committee for the consideration of any bill or resolution 
     pending before the Committee or for the conduct of other 
     Committee business. The Committee shall meet for such 
     purposes pursuant to that call of the chairman.
       (2) Special Meetings. Special meetings shall be called and 
     convened as provided in clause 2(c)(2) of Rule XI of the 
     Rules of the House.
       (c) Vice Chairmen; Presiding Member. The chairman shall 
     designate a member of the majority party to serve as vice 
     chairman of the Committee, and shall designate a majority 
     member of each subcommittee to serve as vice chairman of each 
     subcommittee. The vice chairman of the Committee or 
     subcommittee, as the case may be, shall preside at any 
     meeting or hearing during the temporary absence of the 
     chairman. If the chairman and vice chairman of the Committee 
     or subcommittee are not present at any meeting or hearing, 
     the ranking member of the majority party who is present shall 
     preside at the meeting or hearing.
       (d) Open Meetings and Hearings. Each meeting of the 
     Committee or any of its subcommittees for the transaction of 
     business, including the markup of legislation, and each 
     hearing, shall be open to the public including to radio, 
     television and still photography coverage, consistent with 
     the provisions of Rule XI of the Rules of the House. This 
     paragraph does not apply to those special cases provided in 
     the Rules of the House where closed sessions are otherwise 
     provided.


                             Rule 3. Agenda

       The agenda for each Committee or subcommittee meeting 
     (other than a hearing), setting out the date, time, place, 
     and all items of business to be considered, shall be provided 
     to each member of the Committee at least 36 hours in advance 
     of such meeting.


                           Rule 4. Procedure.

       (a)(1) Hearings. The date, time, place, and subject matter 
     of any hearing of the Committee or any of its subcommittees 
     shall be

[[Page H369]]

     announced at least one week in advance of the commencement of 
     such hearing, unless the Committee or subcommittee determines 
     in accordance with clause 2(g)(3) of Rule XI of the Rules of 
     the House that there is good cause to begin the hearing 
     sooner.
       (2)(A) Meetings. The date, time, place, and subject matter 
     of any meeting (other than a hearing) scheduled on a Tuesday, 
     Wednesday, or Thursday when the House will be in session, 
     shall be announced at least 36 hours (exclusive of Saturdays, 
     Sundays, and legal holidays except when the House is in 
     session on such days) in advance of the commencement of such 
     meeting.
       (B) Other Meetings. The date, time, place, and subject 
     matter of a meeting (other than a hearing or a meeting to 
     which subparagraph (A) applies) shall be announced at least 
     72 hours in advance of the commencement of such meeting.
       (b)(1) Requirements for Testimony. Each witness who is to 
     appear before the Committee or a subcommittee shall file with 
     the clerk of the Committee, at least two working days in 
     advance of his or her appearance, sufficient copies, as 
     determined by the chairman of the Committee or a 
     subcommittee, of a written statement of his or her proposed 
     testimony to provide to members and staff of the Committee or 
     subcommittee, the news media, and the general public. Each 
     witness shall, to the greatest extent practicable, also 
     provide a copy of such written testimony in an electronic 
     format prescribed by the chairman. Each witness shall limit 
     his or her oral presentation to a brief summary of the 
     argument. The chairman of the Committee or of a subcommittee, 
     or the presiding member, may waive the requirements of this 
     paragraph or any part therof.
       (2) Additional Requirements for Testimony. To the greatest 
     extent practicable, for each witness appearing in a non-
     governmental capacity, such written testimony required under 
     paragraph (1) shall include a curriculum vitae and a 
     disclosure of the amount and source (by agency and program) 
     of any federal grant (or subgrant thereof) or contract (or 
     subcontract thereof) received during the current fiscal year 
     or either of the two preceding fiscal years by the witness or 
     by an entity represented by the witness.
       (c) Questioning Witnesses. The right to interrogate the 
     witnesses before the Committee or any of its subcommittees 
     shall alternate between majority and minority members. Each 
     member shall be limited to 5 minutes in the interrogation of 
     witnesses until such time as each member who so desires has 
     had an opportunity to question witnesses. No member shall be 
     recognized for a second period of 5 minutes to interrogate a 
     witness until each member of the Committee present has been 
     recognized once for that purpose. While the Committee or 
     subcommittee is operating under the 5-minute rule for the 
     interrogation of witnesses, the chairman shall recognize in 
     order of appearance members who were not present when the 
     meeting was called to order after all members who were 
     present when the meeting was called to order have been 
     recognized in the order of seniority on the Committee or 
     subcommittee, as the case may be.
       (d) Explanation of Subcommittee Action. No bill, 
     recommendation, or other matter reported by a subcommittee 
     shall be considered by the full Committee unless the text of 
     the matter reported, together with an explanation, has been 
     available to members of the Committee for at least 36 hours. 
     Such explanation shall include a summary of the major 
     provisions of the legislation, an explanation of the 
     relationship of the matter to present law, and a summary of 
     the need for the legislation. All subcommittee actions shall 
     be reported promptly by the clerk of the Committee to all 
     members of the Committee.
       (e) Opening Statements. Opening statements by members at 
     the beginning of any hearing or markup of the Committee or 
     any of its subcommittees shall be limited to 5 minutes each 
     for the chairman and ranking minority member (or their 
     respective designee) of the Committee or subcommittee, as 
     applicable, and 3 minutes each for all other members.


       Rule 5. Waiver of Agenda, Notice, and Layover Requirements

       Requirements of rules 3, 4(a)(2), and 4(d) may be waived by 
     a majority of those present and voting (a majority being 
     present) of the Committee or subcommittee, as the case may 
     be.


                             Rule 6. Quorum

       Testimony may be taken and evidence received at any hearing 
     at which there are present not fewer than two members of the 
     Committee or subcommittee in question. A majority of the 
     members of the Committee shall constitute a quorum for the 
     purposes of reporting any measure or matter, of authorizing a 
     subpoena, or of closing a meeting or hearing pursuant to 
     clause 2(g) of Rule XI of the Rules of the House (except as 
     provided in clause 2(g)(2) (A) and (B)). For the purposes of 
     taking any action other than those specified in the preceding 
     sentence, one-third of the members of the Committee or 
     subcommittee shall constitute a quorum.


                Rule 7. Prohibition Against Proxy Voting

       No vote by any member of the Committee or a subcommittee 
     with respect to any measure or matter may be cast by proxy.


                   Rule 8. Official Committee Records

       (a)(1) Journal. The proceedings of the Committee shall be 
     recorded in a journal which shall, among other things, show 
     those present at each meeting, and include a record of the 
     vote on any question on which a record vote is demanded and 
     a description of the amendment, motion, order, or other 
     proposition voted. A copy of the journal shall be 
     furnished to the ranking minority member.
       (2) Rollcalls. A record vote may be demanded by one-fifth 
     of the members present or, in the apparent absence of a 
     quorum, by any one member. No demand for a rollcall shall be 
     made or obtained except for the purpose of procuring a record 
     vote or in the apparent absence of a quorum. The result of 
     each rollcall vote in any meeting of the Committee shall be 
     made available in the Committee office for inspection by the 
     public, as provided in Rule XI, clause 2(e) of the Rules of 
     the House.
       (b) Archived Records. The records of the Committee at the 
     National Archives and Records Administration shall be made 
     available for public use in accordance with Rule XXXVI of the 
     Rules of the House. The chairman shall notify the ranking 
     minority member of any decision, pursuant to clause 3 (b)(3) 
     or clause 4(b) of the Rule, to withhold a record otherwise 
     available, and the matter shall be presented to the Committee 
     for a determination on the written request of any member of 
     the Committee. The chairman shall consult with the ranking 
     minority member on any communication from the Archivist of 
     the United States or the Clerk of the House concerning the 
     disposition of noncurrent records pursuant to clause 3(b) of 
     the Rule.


                       Rule 9. Committee Reports

       (a) Supplemental, Minority, and Additional Views. If, at 
     the time of approval of any measure or matter by the 
     Committee, any member or members of the Committee should give 
     notice of an intention to file supplemental, minority, or 
     additional views, that member shall be entitled to not less 
     than two subsequent calendar days (exclusive of Saturdays, 
     Sundays, and legal holidays except when the House is in 
     session on such days) in which to file such views in writing 
     and signed by that member or members with the Committee. All 
     such views so filed shall be included within and shall be 
     part of the report filed by the Committee with respect to 
     that measure or matter.
       (b) Investigative and Oversight Reports. A proposed 
     investigative or oversight report shall be considered as read 
     if it has been available to the members of the Committee for 
     at least 24 hours (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal 
     holidays except when the House is in session on such days).
       (c) Filing of Investigative and Oversight Reports. After 
     the adjournment of the last regular session of a Congress 
     sine die, an investigative or oversight report may be filed 
     with the Clerk of the House at any time, 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.
       (d) Activity Reports. After an adjournment of the last 
     regular session of a Congress sine die, the chairman of the 
     Committee may file at any time with the Clerk of the House 
     the Committee's activity report for that Congress pursuant to 
     clause 1(d)(1) of Rule XI of the Rules of the House without 
     the approval of the Committee, provided that a copy of the 
     report has been available to each member of the Committee for 
     at least seven calendar days and the report includes any 
     supplemental, minority, or additional views submitted by a 
     member of the Committee.


                         Rule 10. Subcommittees

       There shall be such standing subcommittees with such 
     jurisdiction and size as determined by the majority party 
     caucus of the Committee. The jurisdiction, number, and size 
     of the subcommittees shall be determined by the majority 
     party caucus prior to the start of the process for 
     establishing subcommittee chairmanships and assignments.


              Rule 11. Powers and Duties of Subcommittees

       Each subcommittee is authorized to meet, hold hearings, 
     receive testimony, mark up legislation, and report to the 
     Committee on all matters referred to it. Subcommittee 
     chairmen shall set hearing and meeting dates only with the 
     approval of the chairman of the Committee with a view toward 
     assuring the availability of meeting rooms and avoiding 
     simultaneous scheduling of Committee and subcommittee 
     meetings or hearings wherever possible.


          Rule 12. Reference of Legislation and Other Matters

       All legislation and other matters referred to the Committee 
     shall be referred to the subcommittee of appropriate 
     jurisdiction within two weeks of the date of receipt by the 
     Committee unless, by majority vote of the members of the 
     Committee, consideration is to be by the full Committee. In 
     the case of legislation or other matter within the 
     jurisdiction of more than one subcommittee, the chairman of 
     the Committee may, in his discretion, refer the matter 
     simultaneously to two or more subcommittees for concurrent 
     consideration, or may designate a subcommittee of primary 
     jurisdiction and also refer the matter to one or more 
     additional subcommittees for consideration in sequence 
     (subject to appropriate time limitations), either on its 
     initial referral or after the matter has been reported by the 
     subcommittee of primary jurisdiction. Such authority shall 
     include the authority to refer such legislation or matter to 
     an ad hoc subcommittee appointed by the chairman,

[[Page H370]]

     with the approval of the Committee, from the members of the 
     subcommittee having legislative or oversight jurisdiction.


                    Rule 13. Ratio of Subcommittees

       The majority caucus of the Committee shall determine an 
     appropriate ratio of majority to minority party members for 
     each subcommittee and the chairman shall negotiate that ratio 
     with the minority party, provided that the ratio of party 
     members on each subcommittee shall be no less favorable to 
     the majority than that of the full Committee, nor shall such 
     ratio provide for a majority of less than two majority 
     members.


                    Rule 14. Subcommittee Membership

       (a) Minority Party Membership. The majority party members 
     of the standing subcommittees shall be selected by a process 
     determined by the majority party members. The selection of 
     majority party members of the standing subcommittees shall be 
     conducted at a meeting of the majority party caucus of the 
     Committee held prior to any organizational meeting of the 
     Committee.
       (b) Minority Party Membership. The minority party members 
     of the standing subcommittees shall be selected by a process 
     determined by the minority party members. The selection of 
     minority party members of the standing subcommittees shall be 
     conducted prior to any organizational meeting of the 
     Committee.
       (c) Ex Officio Members. The chairman and ranking minority 
     member of the Committee shall be ex officio members with 
     voting privileges of each subcommittee of which they are not 
     assigned as members and may be counted for purposes of 
     establishing a quorum in such subcommittees.


                     Rule 15. Subcommittee Chairmen

       (a) Chairman's Nominations. The chairman shall nominate a 
     slate of chairmen for the standing subcommittees. The 
     chairman's slate shall be subject to approval by a majority 
     of the majority party caucus of the Committee. If the 
     chairman's initial slate is not approved by a majority, the 
     chairman shall present an alternative slate of nominations 
     until a slate is approved by a majority of the majority party 
     caucus.
       (b) Managing Legislation on the House Floor. The chairman, 
     in his discretion, shall designate which member shall manage 
     legislation reported by the Committee to the House.


    Rule 16. Committee Professional and Clerical Staff Appointments

       (a) Delegation of Staff. Whenever the chairman of the 
     Committee determines that any professional staff member 
     appointed pursuant to the provisions of clause 6 of Rule XI 
     of the House of Representatives, who is assigned to such 
     chairman and not to the ranking minority member, by reason of 
     such professional staff member's expertise or qualifications 
     will be of assistance to one or more subcommittees in 
     carrying out their assigned responsibilities, he may delegate 
     such member to such subcommittees for such purpose. A 
     delegation of a member of the professional staff pursuant to 
     this subsection shall be made after consultation with 
     subcommittee chairmen and with the approval of the 
     subcommittee chairman or chairmen involved.
       (b) Minority Professional Staff. Professional staff members 
     appointed pursuant to clause 6 of Rule XI of the House of 
     Representatives, who are assigned to the ranking minority 
     member of the Committee and not to the chairman of the 
     Committee, shall be assigned to such Committee business as 
     the minority party members of the Committee consider 
     advisable.
       (c) Additional Staff Appointments. In addition to the 
     professional staff appointed pursuant to clause 6 of Rule XI 
     of the House of Representatives, the chairman of the 
     Committee shall be entitled to make such appointments to the 
     professional and clerical staff of the Committee as may be 
     provided within the budget approved for such purposes by the 
     Committee. Such appointee shall be assigned to such business 
     of the full Committee as the chairman of the Committee 
     considers advisable.
       (d) Sufficient Staff. The chairman shall ensure that 
     sufficient staff is made available to each subcommittee to 
     carry out its responsibilities under the rules of the 
     Committee.
       (e) Fair Treatment of Minority Members in Appointment of 
     Committee Staff. The chairman shall ensure that the minority 
     members of the Committee are treated fairly in appointment of 
     Committee staff.
       (f) Contracts for Temporary or Intermittent Services. Any 
     contract for the temporary services or intermittent service 
     of individual consultants or organizations to make studies or 
     advise the Committee or its subcommittees with respect to any 
     matter within their jurisdiction shall be deemed to have been 
     approved by a majority of the members of the Committee if 
     approved by the chairman and ranking minority member of the 
     Committee. Such approval shall not be deemed to have been 
     given if at least one-third of the members of the Committee 
     request in writing that the Committee formally act on such a 
     contract, if the request is made within 10 days after the 
     latest date on which such chairman or chairmen, and such 
     ranking minority member or members, approve such contract.


                 Rule 17. Supervision, Duties of Staff

       (a) Supervision of Majority Staff. The professional and 
     clerical staff of the Committee not delegated to the minority 
     shall be under the supervision and direction of the chairman 
     who, in consultation with the chairmen of the subcommittees, 
     shall establish and assign the duties and responsibilities of 
     such staff members and delegate such authority as he 
     determines appropriate.
       (b) Supervision of Minority Staff. The professional and 
     clerical staff assigned to the minority shall be under the 
     supervision and direction of the minority members of the 
     Committee, who may delegate such authority as they determine 
     appropriate.


                       Rule 18. Committee Budget

       (a) Preparation of Committee Budget. The chairman of the 
     Committee, after consultation with the ranking minority 
     member of the Committee and the chairmen of the 
     subcommittees, shall for the 105th Congress prepare a 
     preliminary budget for the Committee, with such budget 
     including necessary amounts for professional and clerical 
     staff, travel, investigations, equipment and miscellaneous 
     expenses of the Committee and the subcommittees, and which 
     shall be adequate to fully discharge the Committee's 
     responsibilities for legislation and oversight. Such budget 
     shall be presented by the chairman to the majority party 
     caucus of the Committee and thereafter to the full Committee 
     for its approval.
       (b) Approval of the Committee Budget. The chairman shall 
     take whatever action is necessary to have the budget as 
     finally approved by the Committee duly authorized by the 
     House. No proposed Committee budget may be submitted to the 
     Committee on House Oversight unless it has been presented to 
     and approved by the majority party caucus and thereafter by 
     the full Committee. The chairman of the Committee may 
     authorize all necessary expenses in accordance with these 
     rules and within the limits of the Committee's budget as 
     approved by the House.
       (c) Monthly Expenditures Report. Committee members shall be 
     furnished a copy of each monthly report, prepared by the 
     chairman for the Committee on House Oversight, which shows 
     expenditures made during the reporting period and cumulative 
     for the year by the Committee and subcommittees, anticipated 
     expenditures for the projected Committee program, and 
     detailed information on travel.


              Rule 19. Broadcasting of Committee Hearings

       Any meeting or hearing that is open to the public may be 
     covered in whole or in part by radio or television or still 
     photography, subject to the requirements of Rule XI, clause 
     3, of the Rules of the House. The coverage of any hearing or 
     other proceeding of the Committee or any subcommittee thereof 
     by television, radio, or still photography shall be under the 
     direct supervision of the chairman of the Committee, the 
     subcommittee chairman, or other member of the Committee 
     presiding at such hearing or other proceeding and may be 
     terminated by such member in accordance with the Rules of the 
     House.


                  Rule 20. Comptroller General Audits

       The chairman of the Committee is authorized to request 
     verification examinations by the Comptroller General of the 
     United States pursuant to Title V, Part A of the Energy 
     Policy and Conservation Act (Public Law 94-163), after 
     consultation with the members of the Committee.


                           Rule 21. Subpoenas

       The Committee, or any subcommittee, may authorize and issue 
     a subpoena under clause 2(m)(2)(A) of Rule XI of the House, 
     if authorized by a majority of the members voting of the 
     Committee or subcommittee (as the case may be), a quorum 
     being present. Authorized subpoenas may be issued over the 
     signature of the chairman of the Committee or any member 
     designated by the Committee, and may be served by any person 
     designated by such chairman or member. The chairman of the 
     Committee may authorize and issue subpoenas under such clause 
     during any period for which the House has adjourned for a 
     period in excess of 3 days when, in the opinion of the 
     chairman, authorization and issuance of the subpoena is 
     necessary to obtain the material set forth in the subpoena. 
     The chairman shall report to the members of the Committee on 
     the authorization and issuance of a subpoena during the 
     recess period as soon as practicable but in no event later 
     than one week after service of such subpoena.


                  Rule 22. Travel of Members and Staff

       (a) Approval of Travel. Consistent with the primary expense 
     resolution and the additional expense resolutions as may have 
     been approved, the provisions of this rule shall govern 
     travel of Committee members and staff. Travel to be 
     reimbursed from funds set aside for the Committee for any 
     member or any staff member shall be paid only upon the prior 
     authorization of the chairman. Travel may be authorized by 
     the chairman for any member and any staff member in 
     connection with the attendance of hearings conducted by the 
     Committee or any subcommittee thereof and meetings, 
     conferences, and investigations which involve activities or 
     subject matter under the general jurisdiction of the 
     Committee. Before such authorization is given there shall be 
     submitted to the chairman in writing the following: (1) the 
     purpose of the travel; (2) the dates during which the travel 
     is to be made and the date or dates of the event for which 
     the travel is being made; (3) the location of the event for 
     which the travel is to be made; and (4) the names of members 
     and staff seeking authorization.
       (b) Approval of Travel by Minority Members and Staff. In 
     the case of travel by minority party members and minority 
     party professional staff for the purpose set out in (a), the

[[Page H371]]

     prior approval, not only of the chairman but also of the 
     ranking minority member, shall be required. Such prior 
     authorization shall be given by the chairman only upon the 
     representation by the ranking minority member in writing 
     setting forth those items enumerated in (1), (2), (3), and 
     (4) of paragraph (a).
                                  ____


   Appendices: Rule XI, Clauses 2 and 3 of the Rules of the House of 
                 Representatives for the 105th Congress


               rule xi: rules of procedure for committees

                       Clause 2: Committee Rules

     Adoption of written rules
       2. (a) Each standing committee of the House shall adopt 
     written rules governing its procedure. Such rules--
       (1) shall be adopted in a meeting which is open to the 
     public unless the committee, in open session and with a 
     quorum present, determined by roll call vote that all or part 
     of the meeting on that day is to be closed to the public;
       (2) shall be not inconsistent with the Rules of the House 
     or with those provisions of law having the force and effect 
     of Rules of the House; and
       (3) shall in any event incorporate all of the succeeding 
     provisions of this clause to the extent applicable.

     Each committee's rules specifying its regular meeting days, 
     and any other rules of a committee which are in addition to 
     the provisions of this clause, shall be published in the 
     Congressional Record not later than thirty days after the 
     committee is elected in each odd-numbered year. Each select 
     or joint committee shall comply with the provisions of this 
     paragraph unless specifically prohibited by law.
     Regular meeting days
       (b) Each standing committee of the House shall adopt 
     regular meeting days, which shall be not less frequent than 
     monthly, for the conduct of its business. Each such committee 
     shall meet, for the consideration of any bill or resolution 
     pending before the committee or for 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 or she considers necessary, additional 
     meetings of the committee for the consideration of any bill 
     or resolution pending before the committee or for the conduct 
     of other committee business. The committee shall meet for 
     such purpose pursuant to that call of the chairman.
       (2) If at least three members of any standing committee 
     desire that a special meeting of the committee be called by 
     the chairman, those members may file in the offices of the 
     committee their written request to the chairman for that 
     special meeting. 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, within three calendar days 
     after the filing of the request, the chairman does not call 
     the requested special meeting, 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, specifying the date and 
     hour of, and the measure or matter to be considered at, 
     that special meeting. 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; and only the measure or matter specified 
     in that notice may be considered at that special meeting.
     Vice chairman or ranking majority member to preside in 
         absence of chairman
       (d) A member of the majority party on any standing 
     committee or subcommittee thereof designated by the chairman 
     of the full committee shall be vice chairman of the committee 
     or subcommittee, as the case may be, and shall preside at any 
     meeting during the temporary absence of the chairman. If the 
     chairman and vice chairman of the committee or subcommittee 
     are not present at any meeting of the committee or 
     subcommittee, the ranking member of the majority party who is 
     present shall preside at that meeting.
     Committee records
       (e)(1) Each committee shall keep a complete record of all 
     committee action which shall include--
       (A) in the case of any 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
       (B) a record of the votes on any question on which a 
     rollcall vote is demanded. The result of each such roll call 
     vote shall be made available by the committee for inspection 
     by the public at reasonable times in the offices of the 
     committee. Information so available for public inspection 
     shall include a description of the amendment, motion, order, 
     or other proposition and the name of each Member voting for 
     and each Member voting against such amendment, motion, order, 
     or proposition, and the names of those Members present but 
     not voting.
       (2) All committee hearings, records, data, charts, and 
     files shall be kept separate and distinct from the 
     congressional office records of the Member serving as 
     chairman of the committee; and such records shall be the 
     property of the House and all Members of the House shall have 
     access thereto, except that in the case of records in the 
     Committee on Standards of Official Conduct respecting the 
     conduct of any Member, officer, or employee of the House, no 
     Member of the House (other than a member of such committee) 
     shall have access thereto without the specific, prior 
     approval of the 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 XXXVI. Such 
     standards shall specify procedures for orders of the 
     committee under clause 3(b)(3) and clause 4(b) of rule XXXVI, 
     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, to the maximum extent feasible, 
     make its publications available in electronic form.
     Prohibition against proxy voting
       (f) No vote by any member of any committee or subcommittee 
     with respect to any measure or matter may be cast by proxy.
     Open meetings and hearings
       (g)(1) Each meeting for the transaction of business, 
     including the markup of legislation, of each standing 
     committee or subcommittee thereof shall be open to the 
     public, including to radio, television, and still photography 
     coverage, except as provided by clause 3(f)(2), except when 
     the committee or subcommittee, in open session and with a 
     majority present, determines by roll call vote that all or 
     part of the remainder of the meeting on that day shall be 
     closed to the public 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 
     any law or rule of the House: Provided, however, That no 
     person other than members of the committee and such 
     congressional staff and such departmental representatives as 
     they may authorize shall be present at any business or markup 
     session which has been closed to the public. This paragraph 
     does not apply to open committee hearings which are provided 
     for by clause 4(a)(1) of rule X or by subparagraph (2) of 
     this paragraph.
       (2) Each hearing conducted by each committee or 
     subcommittee thereof 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 roll call 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 
     the national security, would compromise sensitive law 
     enforcement information, or would violate any law or rule of 
     the House of Representatives. Notwithstanding the 
     requirements of the preceding sentence, a majority of those 
     present, there being in attendance the requisite number 
     required under the rules of the committee to be present for 
     the purpose of taking testimony,
       (A) may vote to close the hearing for the sole purpose of 
     discussing whether testimony or evidence to be received would 
     endanger the national security, would compromise sensitive 
     law enforcement information, or violate clause 2(k)(5) of 
     rule XI; or
       (B) may vote to close the hearing, as provided in clause 
     2(k)(5) of rule XI.

     No Member may be excluded from nonparticipatory attendance at 
     any hearing of any committee or subcommittee, with the 
     exception of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, 
     unless the House of Representatives shall by majority vote 
     authorize 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 by the same 
     procedures designated in this subparagraph for closing 
     hearings to the public: Provided, however, That the committee 
     or subcommittee may by the same procedure vote to close one 
     subsequent day of hearing except that the Committee on 
     Appropriations, the Committee on National Security, and the 
     Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and the 
     subcommittees therein may, by the same procedure, vote to 
     close up to five additional consecutive days of hearings.
       (3) The chairman of each committee of the House (except the 
     Committee on Rules) shall make public announcement of the 
     date, place, and subject matter of any 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 there is good cause to 
     begin the hearing sooner, or if the committee so 
     determines by majority vote, a quorum being present for 
     the transaction of business, the chairman shall make the 
     announcement at the earliest possible date. Any 
     announcement made under this subparagraph shall be 
     promptly published in the Daily Digest and promptly

[[Page H372]]

     entered into the committee scheduling service of the House 
     Information Resources.
       (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 oral 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 any 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) No point of order shall lie with respect to any measure 
     reported by any committee on the ground that hearings on such 
     measure were not conducted in accordance with the provisions 
     of this clause; except that a point of order on that ground 
     may be made by any member of the committee which reported the 
     measure if, in the committee, such point of order was (A) 
     timely made and (B) improperly overruled or not properly 
     considered.
       (6) The preceding provisions of this paragraph do not apply 
     to the committee hearings which are provided for by clause 
     4(a)(1) of rule X.
     Quorum for taking testimony and certain other action
       (h)(1) Each committee may fix the number of its members to 
     constitute a quorum for taking testimony and receiving 
     evidence which shall be not less than two.
       (2) Each committee (except 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 the reporting of a 
     measure or recommendation which shall be not less than one-
     third of the members.
     Limitation on committees` sittings
       (i) No committee of the House may 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 interrogation of witnesses
       (j)(1) Whenever any hearing is conducted by any committee 
     upon any measure or matter, the minority party members on 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 in the interrogation of 
     witnesses in any 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 an 
     equal number of its majority and minority party members each 
     to question a witness for a specified period not longer than 
     30 minutes.
       (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.
     Investigative hearing procedures
       (k)(1) The chairman at an investigative hearing shall 
     announce in an opening statement the subject of the 
     investigation.
       (2) A copy of the committee rules and this clause shall be 
     made available to each witness.
       (3) Witnesses at investigative 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 that the evidence or testimony 
     at an investigatory hearing may tend to defame, degrade, or 
     incriminate any person,
        (A) such testimony or evidence shall be presented in 
     executive session, notwithstanding the provisions of clause 
     2(g)(2) of this rule, if by a majority of those present, 
     there being in attendance the requisite number required under 
     the rules of the committee to be present for the purpose of 
     taking testimony, the committee determines 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) No evidence or testimony taken in executive session may 
     be released or used in public sessions without the consent of 
     the committee.
       (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 pertinency 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.
     Committee procedures for reporting bills and resolutions
       (l)(1)(A) It shall be the duty of the chairman of each 
     committee to report or cause to be reported promptly to the 
     House any measure approved by the committee and to take or 
     cause to be taken necessary steps to bring a matter to a 
     vote.
       (B) In any event, the report of any committee on a measure 
     which 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 there has 
     been filed with the clerk of the committee a written request, 
     signed by a majority of the members of the committee, for the 
     reporting of that measure. Upon the filing of any such 
     request, the clerk of the committee shall transmit 
     immediately to the chairman of the committee notice of the 
     filing of that request. This subdivision does not apply to 
     a report of the Committee on Rules with respect to the 
     rules, joint rules, or order of business of the House or 
     to the reporting of a resolution of inquiry addressed to 
     the head of an executive department.
       (2)(A) No measure or recommendation shall be reported from 
     any committee unless a majority of the committee was actually 
     present.
       (B) With respect to each rollcall vote on a motion to 
     report any measure or matter of a public character, and on 
     any amendment offered to the measure or matter, the total 
     number of votes cast for and against, and the names of those 
     members voting for and against, shall be included in the 
     committee report on the measure or matter.
       (3) The report of any committee on a measure which has been 
     approved by the committee shall include (A) the oversight 
     findings and recommendations required pursuant to clause 
     2(b)(1) of rule X separately set out and clearly identified; 
     (B) the statement required by section 308(a)(1) of the 
     Congressional Budget Act of l974, separately set out and 
     clearly identified, if the measure provides new budget 
     authority (other than continuing appropriations), new 
     spending authority described in section 401(c)(2) of such 
     Act, new credit authority, or an increase or decrease in 
     revenues or tax expenditures, except that the estimates with 
     respect to new budget authority shall include, when 
     practicable, a comparison of the total estimated funding 
     level for the relevant program (or programs) to the 
     appropriate levels under current law; (C) the estimate and 
     comparison prepared by the Director of the Congressional 
     Budget Office under section 403 of such Act, separately set 
     out and clearly identified, whenever the Director (if timely 
     submitted prior to the filing of the report) has submitted 
     such estimate and comparison to the committee; and (D) a 
     summary of the oversight findings and recommendations made by 
     the Committee on Government Reform and Oversight under clause 
     4(c)(2) of rule X separately set out and clearly identified 
     whenever such findings and recommendations have been 
     submitted to the legislative committee in a timely fashion to 
     allow an opportunity to consider such findings and 
     recommendations during the committee's deliberations on the 
     measure.
       (4) Each report of a committee on a bill or joint 
     resolution of a public character shall include a statement 
     citing the specific powers granted to the Congress in the 
     Constitution to enact the law proposed by the bill or joint 
     resolution.
       (5) If, at the time of approval of any measure or matter by 
     any committee, other than the Committee on Rules, any member 
     of the committee gives notice of intention to file 
     supplemental, minority, or additional views, that member 
     shall be entitled to not less than two additional days 
     (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, or legal holidays except when 
     the House is in session on such a day) in which to file such 
     views, in writing and signed by that member, with the clerk 
     of the committee. All such views so filed by one or more 
     members of the committee shall be included within, and shall 
     be a part of, the report filed by the committee with respect 
     to that measure or matter. When time guaranteed by this 
     subparagraph 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. The report of the committee upon 
     that measure or matter shall be printed in a single volume 
     which--
       (A) shall include all supplemental, minority, or additional 
     views which have been submitted by the time of the filing of 
     the report, and
       (B) shall bear upon its cover a recital that any such 
     supplemental, minority, or additional views (and any material 
     submitted under subdivisions (C) and (D) of subparagraph (3)) 
     are included as part of the report.

     This subparagraph does not preclude--
       (i) the immediate filing or printing of a committee print 
     unless timely request for the opportunity to file 
     supplemental, minority, or additional views has been made as 
     provided by this subparagraph; or
       (ii) the filing by any such committee or any supplemental 
     report upon any measure or matter which may be required for 
     the correction of any technical error in a previous report 
     made by that committee upon that measure or matter.

[[Page H373]]

       (6) A measure or matter reported by any committee (except 
     the Committee on Rules in the case of a resolution making in 
     order the consideration of a bill, resolution, or other order 
     of business), shall not be considered in the House until the 
     third calendar day (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, or legal 
     holidays except when the House is in session on such a day) 
     on which the report of that committee upon that measure or 
     matter has been available to the Members of the House, or as 
     provided by section 305(a)(1) of the Congressional Budget Act 
     of 1974 in the case of a concurrent resolution on the budget 
     (except that a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday on which 
     the House is in session shall not be excluded under such a 
     section): Provided, however, That it shall always be in order 
     to call up for consideration, notwithstanding the provisions 
     of clause 4(b) of rule XI, a report from the Committee on 
     Rules specifically providing for the consideration of a 
     reported measure or matter notwithstanding this restriction. 
     If hearings have been held on any such measure or matter so 
     reported, the committee reporting the measure or matter shall 
     make every reasonable effort to have such hearings printed 
     and available for distribution to the Members of the House 
     prior to the consideration of such measure or matter in the 
     House. This subparagraph shall not apply to--
       (A) any measure for the declaration of war, or the 
     declaration of a national emergency, by the Congress; or
       (B) any decision, determination, or action by a Government 
     agency which would become or continue to be, effective unless 
     disapproved or otherwise invalidated by one or both Houses of 
     Congress.

     For the purposes of the preceding sentence, a 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.
       (7) If, within seven calendar days after a measure has, by 
     resolution, been made in order for consideration by the 
     House, no motion has been offered that the House consider 
     that measure, any member of the committee which reported that 
     measure may be recognized in the discretion of the Speaker to 
     offer a motion that the House shall consider that measure, if 
     that committee has duly authorized that member to offer that 
     motion.
     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 5 of rule X), any committee, or 
     any subcommittee thereof, is authorized (subject to 
     subparagraph (2)(A) of this paragraph)--
       (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, and
       (B) to require, by subpoena or otherwise, the attendance 
     and testimony of such witnesses and the production of such 
     books, records, correspondence, memorandums, papers, and 
     documents as it deems necessary.

     The chairman of the committee, or any member designated by 
     such chairman, may administer oaths to any witness.
       (2)(A) A subpoena may be authorized and issued by a 
     committee or subcommittee under subparagraph (1)(B) in the 
     conduct of any investigation or series of investigations or 
     activities, only when authorized by a majority of the members 
     voting, a majority being present. The power to authorize and 
     issue subpoenas under subparagraph (1)(B) may be delegated to 
     the chairman of the committee pursuant to such rules and 
     under such limitations as the committee may prescribe. 
     Authorized subpoenas shall be signed by the chairman of the 
     committee or by any member designated by the committee.
       (B) Compliance with any subpoena issued by a committee or 
     subcommittee under subparagraph (1)(B) may be enforced only 
     as authorized or directed by the House.
     Use of committee funds for travel
       (n)(1) Funds authorized for a committee under clause 5 are 
     for expenses incurred in the committee's activities; however, 
     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, 
     its territories or possessions. No appropriated funds, 
     including those authorized under clause 5, shall be expended 
     for the purpose of defraying expenses of members of the 
     committee or its employees in any country where local 
     currencies are available for this purpose; and the following 
     conditions shall apply with respect to travel outside the 
     United States or its territories or possessions:
       (A) No member or employee of the committee shall receive or 
     expend local currencies for subsistence in any country for 
     any day at a rate in excess of the maximum per diem set forth 
     in applicable Federal law, or if the Member or employee is 
     reimbursed for any expenses for such day, then the lesser of 
     the per diem or the actual, unreimbursed expenses (other than 
     for transportation) incurred by the Member or employee during 
     that day.
       (B) Each member or employee of the 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, any funds 
     expended for any other official purpose and shall summarize 
     in these categories the total foreign currencies and/or 
     appropriated funds expended. All such individual reports 
     shall be filed no later than sixty days following the 
     completion of travel with the chairman of the committee for 
     use in complying with reporting requirements in applicable 
     Federal law and shall be open for public inspection.
       (2) In carrying out the committee's activities outside of 
     the United States in any country where local currencies are 
     unavailable, a member or employee of the committee may not 
     receive reimbursement for expenses (other than for 
     transportation) in excess of the maximum per diem set forth 
     in applicable Federal law, or if the member or employee is 
     reimbursed for any expenses for such day, then the lesser of 
     the per diem or the actual unreimbursed expenses (other 
     than for transportation) incurred, by the member or 
     employee during any day.
       (3) A member or employee of a committee may not receive 
     reimbursement for the cost of any transportation in 
     connection with travel outside of the United States unless 
     the member or employee has actually paid for the 
     transportation.
       (4) The restrictions respecting travel outside of the 
     United States set forth in subparagraphs (2) and (3) shall 
     also apply to travel outside of the United States by Members, 
     officers, and employees of the House authorized under clause 
     8 of rule I, clause 1(b) of this rule, or any other provision 
     of these Rules of the House of Representatives.
       (5) No local currencies owned by the United States may be 
     made available under this paragraph for the use outside of 
     the United States for defraying the expenses of a member of 
     any committee after--
       (A) the date of the general election of Members in which 
     the Member has not been elected to the succeeding Congress; 
     or
       (B) in the case of a Member who is not a candidate in such 
     general election, the earlier of the date of such general 
     election or the adjournment sine die of the last regular 
     session of the Congress.

       Clause 3: Broadcasting of Committee Hearings and Meetings

       3. (a) It is the purpose of this clause to provide a means, 
     in conformity with acceptable standards of dignity, 
     propriety, and decorum, by which committee hearings, or 
     committee meetings, which are open to the public may be 
     covered, by television broadcast, radio broadcast, and still 
     photography, or by any of such methods of coverage--
       (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 of the 
     United States as an organ 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 shall 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 
     television broadcast, radio broadcast, and still photography, 
     or by any of such methods of coverage, 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 shall 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 any Member or bring the House, the committee, or any 
     Member into disrepute.
       (d) The coverage of committee hearings and meetings by 
     television broadcast, radio broadcast, or still photography 
     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 any 
     committee or subcommittee of the House is open to the public, 
     those proceedings shall be open to coverage by television, 
     radio, and still photography, except as provided in paragraph 
     (f)(2). 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 of the House shall adopt written rules 
     to govern its implementation of this clause. Such rules shall 
     include provisions to the following effect:
       (1) If the television or radio 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.

[[Page H374]]

       (2) No witness served with a subpoena by the committee 
     shall be required against his or her will to be photographed 
     at any hearing or to give evidence or testimony while the 
     broadcasting of that hearing, by radio or television, is 
     being conducted. At the request of any such witness who does 
     not wish to be subjected to radio, television, or still 
     photography coverage, all lenses shall be covered and all 
     microphones used for coverage turned off. This subparagraph 
     is supplementary to clause 2(k)(5) of this rule, relating to 
     the protection of the rights of witnesses.
       (3) The allocation among the television media of the 
     positions of 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.
       (4) Television cameras shall be placed so as not to 
     obstruct in any way the space between any witness giving 
     evidence or testimony and any member of the committee or the 
     visibility of that witness and that member to each other.
       (5) Television cameras shall operate from fixed positions 
     but shall not be placed in positions which obstruct 
     unnecessarily the coverage of the hearing or meeting by the 
     other media.
       (6) Equipment necessary for coverage by the television and 
     radio media shall not be installed in, or removed from, the 
     hearing or meeting room while the committee is in session.
       (7) Floodlights, spotlights, strobelights, and flashguns 
     shall not be used in providing any method of coverage of the 
     hearing or meeting, except that the television media may 
     install additional lighting in the hearing or meeting room, 
     without cost to the Government, in order to raise the ambient 
     lighting level in the hearing or meeting room to the lowest 
     level  necessary to provide adequate television coverage of 
     the hearing or meeting at the then current state of the 
     art of television coverage.
       (8) 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 the hearing or meeting 
     by still photography, that coverage shall be made on the 
     basis of a fair and equitable pool arrangement devised by the 
     Standing Committee of Press Photographers.
       (9) Photographers shall not position themselves, at any 
     time during the course of the hearing or meeting, between the 
     witness table and the members of the committee.
       (10) Photographers shall not place themselves in positions 
     which obstruct unnecessarily the coverage of the hearing by 
     the other media.
       (11) Personnel providing coverage by the television and 
     radio media shall be then currently accredited to the Radio 
     and Television Correspondents' Galleries.
       (12) Personnel providing coverage by still photography 
     shall be then currently accredited to the Press 
     Photographers' Gallery.
       (13) 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.

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