[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 29 (Wednesday, February 24, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1966-S1970]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  AUTHORIZING EXPENDITURES BY COMMITTEES OF THE SENATE FOR THE PERIOD 
               MARCH 1, 1999, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 1999

  Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, there is another item just handed me, S. 
Res. 49. I ask unanimous consent the Senate proceed to the immediate 
consideration of S. Res. 49, submitted by Senators McConnell and Dodd.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report.
  The legislative clerk read as follows:

       A resolution (S. Res. 49) authorizing expenditures by 
     committees of the Senate for the period March 1, 1999 through 
     September 30, 1999.

  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection to the immediate 
consideration of the resolution?
  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the 
resolution.
  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, since 1989 the Rules Committee has 
reported out biennial funding authorizations for committees of the 
Senate for the two funding periods beginning on March 1. This policy 
has been strongly supported by the Senate's committee chairmen and 
ranking members. Before the Senate today is a resolution which 
authorizes committee expenditures for the remaining seven months of 
Fiscal Year 1999 at the 1998 salary baseline plus the January 1999 cost 
of living adjustment (COLA) of 3.1%, as authorized by the President pro 
tempore. Committees had been previously authorized from October 1st 
through February 28th by S. Res. 54, in the 105th Congress.
  This resolution follows on the heels of one that Senator Dodd, 
Ranking Member of the Rules Committee, and I submitted and which was 
passed on February 12, 1999, which suspended the requirements of 
paragraph 9 of rule XXVI of the Standing Rules of the Senate and 
authorized a seven-year continuing resolution such as is before the 
Senate at this time.
  As we informed committees in a joint letter on January 22, Y2K 
concerns had prompted the Senate's recent adoption of the new Financial 
Management Information System (FMIS). This new financial management 
system, which is designed to conform to the Federal Government's fiscal 
year that runs from October 1, to September 30, requires that we 
consider adjustments in the committee funding system. To allow all due 
deliberation, we determined that the wisest course was to

[[Page S1967]]

authorize the committees through the balance of this fiscal year and 
use that time to carefully design a committee funding procedure in 
light of the new FMIS. To that end, the Rules Committee will be 
conducting hearings and seeking the input of the various Senate 
committees on these questions. And, of course, we invite the committees 
to make recommendations on baseline funding, full-time employee levels 
and other concerns related to authorizing the balance of the biennium.
  The interim funding resolution also authorizes the use of unexpended 
committee funds, as has been done in some form since 1989. Section 20 
of this resolution authorizes the use of Special Reserves on a 
committee-by-committee basis. It also provides a mechanism to make 
unexpended funds as of the close of business on February 28, 1999, 
available to cover non-recurring needs for committees through September 
30.
  It should be noted that all of the unexpended funds represent 
previously authorized funds which have not been spent. They are not new 
authorized funds. This policy has successfully served as an incentive 
to reduce spending. Without it, the policy would effectively be to 
spend it or lose it with a predictable outcome that more money would be 
spent.
  Mr. President, let me also add that this interim resolution does not 
increase FTE positions and reiterate that it provides for special 
reserves funding as needed. Further, this resolution keeps the total 
authorized amount within the appropriations previously authorized in 
the Fiscal Year 1999 Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill for 
``Inquiries and Investigations.''
  I urge the Senate to adopt this resolution, and I yield the floor.
  Mr. DODD. Mr. President: I am pleased to join with my distinguished 
colleague, the Chairman of the Committee on Rules and Administration, 
Senator McConnell, in introducing this resolution to provide for 
funding for the standing committees of the Senate. This resolution 
authorizes committee expenditures for the remaining seven months of 
Fiscal Year 1999. This resolution is being enacted pursuant to S. Res. 
38, adopted on February 12, 1999.
  Since 1989, the Committee has provided funding for the committees on 
a biennial basis. This has proved to be an effective management tool 
for assuring continuity of funding throughout a Congress. The Committee 
does not intend that this short-term funding resolution signal a 
departure from that tradition. Instead, this seven-month continuing 
resolution will allow the Rules Committee to consider the impact of 
changes in the Senate's financial management and accounting systems, 
which have been necessitated by Year 2000 (Y2K) concerns, on the 
committee funding cycle.
  Under normal procedures, each committee would have reported its 
biennial funding resolution to the Senate by January 31, and the Rules 
Committee would have then acted to report an omnibus committee biennial 
funding resolution providing funding for the period March 1, 1999 
through February 28, 2001. The Rules Committee will initiate that 
process in late spring, so that each committee will have the 
opportunity to present its budget to the Rules Committee for action 
prior to enactment of a funding resolution for the remainder of the 
biennial period. During this period, the Committee will also seek input 
from the chairmen and ranking members of the standing committees with 
regard to changes in committee funding which may be required to conform 
to the Senate's new Y2K compliant financial system.
  This resolution funds committees at the current baseline level, 
increased by a 3.1% salary cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). This 
resolution also authorizes the use of Special Reserves, which are the 
reprogrammed funds remaining in the appropriations account at the end 
of the committee funding cycle on February 28. These funds are made 
available to committees to meet unforeseen, non-recurring expenses. 
These funds are accessed by the joint request of the chairman and 
ranking member of the committee, and the joint approval of the chairman 
and ranking member of the Rules Committee.
  I commend my colleague, the Chairman, for his efforts to bring this 
resolution to the Senate floor today. By adopting this resolution, we 
are ensuring continued funding for committees while at the same time 
allowing the Rules Committee to fully review the impact on committees 
of changes in the Senate financial management and accounting system.
  I urge my colleagues to adopt this resolution.
  Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that S. Res. 49 be 
agreed to and the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The resolution (S. Res. 49) was agreed to, as follows:

                               S. Res. 49

     SECTION 1. AGGREGATE AUTHORIZATION.

       (a) In General.--For purposes of carrying out the powers, 
     duties, and functions of the Senate under the Standing Rules 
     of the Senate, and under the appropriate authorizing 
     resolutions of the Senate, there is authorized for the period 
     March 1, 1999, through September 30, 1999, in the aggregate 
     of $28,632,851, in accordance with the provisions of this 
     resolution, for all Standing Committees of the Senate, for 
     the Committee on Indian Affairs, the Special Committee on 
     Aging, and the Select Committee on Intelligence.
       (b) Reporting Legislation.--Each committee referred to in 
     subsection (a) shall report its findings, together with such 
     recommendations for legislation as it deems advisable, to the 
     Senate at the earliest practicable date, but not later than 
     September 30, 1999.
       (c) Expenses of Committees.--
       (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), any 
     expenses of a committee under this resolution shall be paid 
     from the contingent fund of the Senate upon vouchers approved 
     by the chairman of the committee.
       (2) Vouchers not required.--Vouchers shall not be 
     required--
       (A) for the disbursement of salaries of employees of the 
     committee who are paid at an annual rate;
       (B) for the payment of telecommunications expenses provided 
     by the Office of the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper, United 
     States Senate, Department of Telecommunications;
       (C) for the payment of stationery supplies purchased 
     through the Keeper of Stationery, United States Senate;
       (D) for payments to the Postmaster, United States Senate;
       (E) for the payment of metered charges on copying equipment 
     provided by the Office of the Sergeant at Arms and 
     Doorkeeper, United States Senate; or
       (F) for the payment of Senate Recording and Photographic 
     Services.
       (d) Agency Contributions.--There are authorized such sums 
     as may be necessary for agency contributions related to the 
     compensation of employees of the committees from March 1, 
     1999, through September 30, 1999, to be paid from the 
     appropriations account for ``Expenses of Inquiries and 
     Investigations'' of the Senate.

     SEC. 2. COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, NUTRITION, AND FORESTRY.

       (a) General Authority.--In carrying out its powers, duties, 
     and functions under the Standing Rules of the Senate, in 
     accordance with its jurisdiction under rule XXV of the 
     Standing Rules of the Senate, including holding hearings, 
     reporting such hearings, and making investigations as 
     authorized by paragraphs 1 and 8 of rule XXVI of the Standing 
     Rules of the Senate, the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, 
     and Forestry is authorized from March 1, 1999, through 
     September 30, 1999, in its discretion--
       (1) to make expenditures from the contingent fund of the 
     Senate;
       (2) to employ personnel; and
       (3) with the prior consent of the Government department or 
     agency concerned and the Committee on Rules and 
     Administration to use, on a reimbursable or nonreimbursable 
     basis, the services of personnel of any such department or 
     agency.
       (b) Expenses.--The expenses of the committee for the period 
     March 1, 1999, through September 30, 1999, under this section 
     shall not exceed $1,091,991, of which amount--
       (1) not to exceed $4,000, may be expended for the 
     procurement of the services of individual consultants, or 
     organizations thereof (as authorized by section 202(i) of the 
     Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946); and
       (2) not to exceed $4,000, may be expended for the training 
     of the professional staff of such committee (under procedures 
     specified by section 202(j) of the Legislative Reorganization 
     Act of 1946).

     SEC. 3. COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES.

       (a) General Authority.--In carrying out its powers, duties, 
     and functions under the Standing Rules of the Senate, in 
     accordance with its jurisdiction under rule XXV of the 
     Standing Rules of the Senate, including holding hearings, 
     reporting such hearings, and making investigations as 
     authorized by paragraphs 1 and 8 of rule XXVI of the Standing 
     Rules of the Senate, the Committee on Armed Services is 
     authorized from March 1, 1999, through September 30, 1999, in 
     its discretion--
       (1) to make expenditures from the contingent fund of the 
     Senate;
       (2) to employ personnel; and
       (3) with the prior consent of the Government department or 
     agency concerned and the Committee on Rules and 
     Administration

[[Page S1968]]

     to use, on a reimbursable or nonreimbursable basis, the 
     services of personnel of any such department or agency.
       (b) Expenses.--The expenses of the committee for the period 
     March 1, 1999, through September 30, 1999, under this section 
     shall not exceed $1,693,175 of which amount--
       (1) not to exceed $75,000, may be expended for the 
     procurement of the services of individual consultants, or 
     organizations thereof (as authorized by section 202(i) of the 
     Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946); and
       (2) not to exceed $5,000, may be expended for the training 
     of the professional staff of such committee (under procedures 
     specified by section 202(j) of the Legislative Reorganization 
     Act of 1946).

     SEC. 4. COMMITTEE ON BANKING, HOUSING, AND URBAN AFFAIRS.

       (a) General Authority.--In carrying out its powers, duties, 
     and functions under the Standing Rules of the Senate, in 
     accordance with its jurisdiction under rule XXV of the 
     Standing Rules of the Senate, including holding hearings, 
     reporting such hearings, and making investigations as 
     authorized by paragraphs 1 and 8 of rule XXVI of the Standing 
     Rules of the Senate, the Committee on Banking, Housing and 
     Urban Affairs is authorized from March 1, 1999, through 
     September 30, 1999, in its discretion--
       (1) to make expenditures from the contingent fund of the 
     Senate;
       (2) to employ personnel; and
       (3) with the prior consent of the Government department or 
     agency concerned and the Committee on Rules and 
     Administration to use, on a reimbursable or nonreimbursable 
     basis, the services of personnel of any such department or 
     agency.
       (b) Expenses.--The expenses of the committee for the period 
     March 1, 1999, through September 30, 1999, under this section 
     shall not exceed $1,784,395, of which amount--
       (1) not to exceed $20,000, may be expended for the 
     procurement of the services of individual consultants, or 
     organizations thereof (as authorized by section 202(i) of the 
     Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946); and
       (2) not to exceed $850, may be expended for the training of 
     the professional staff of such committee (under procedures 
     specified by section 202(j) of the Legislative Reorganization 
     Act of 1946).

     SEC. 5. COMMITTEE ON THE BUDGET.

       (a) General Authority.--In carrying out its powers, duties, 
     and functions under the Standing Rules of the Senate, in 
     accordance with its jurisdiction under rule XXV of the 
     Standing Rules of the Senate, including holding hearings, 
     reporting such hearings, and making investigations as 
     authorized by paragraph 1 of rule XXVI of the Standing Rules 
     of the Senate, the Committee on the Budget is authorized from 
     March 1, 1999, through September 30, 1999, in its 
     discretion--
       (1) to make expenditures from the contingent fund of the 
     Senate;
       (2) to employ personnel; and
       (3) with the prior consent of the Government department or 
     agency concerned and the Committee on Rules and 
     Administration to use, on a reimbursable or nonreimbursable 
     basis, the services of personnel of any such department or 
     agency.
       (b) Expenses.--The expenses of the committee for the period 
     March 1, 1999, through September 30, 1999, under this section 
     shall not exceed $1,945,784, of which amount--
       (1) not to exceed $20,000, may be expended for the 
     procurement of the services of individual consultants, or 
     organizations thereof (as authorized by section 202(i) of the 
     Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946); and
       (2) not to exceed $2,000, may be expended for the training 
     of the professional staff of such committee (under procedures 
     specified by section 202(j) of the Legislative Reorganization 
     Act of 1946).

     SEC. 6. COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION.

       (a) General Authority.--In carrying out its powers, duties, 
     and functions under the Standing Rules of the Senate, in 
     accordance with its jurisdiction under rule XXV of the 
     Standing Rules of the Senate, including holding hearings, 
     reporting such hearings, and making investigations as 
     authorized by paragraphs 1 and 8 of rule XXVI of the Standing 
     Rules of the Senate, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation is authorized from March 1, 1999, through 
     September 30, 1999, in its discretion--
       (1) to make expenditures from the contingent fund of the 
     Senate;
       (2) to employ personnel; and
       (3) with the prior consent of the Government department or 
     agency concerned and the Committee on Rules and 
     Administration to use, on a reimbursable or nonreimbursable 
     basis, the services of personnel of any such department or 
     agency.
       (b) Expenses.--The expenses of the committee for the period 
     March 1, 1999, through September 30, 1999, under this section 
     shall not exceed $2,157,797, of which amount--
       (1) not to exceed $14,572, may be expended for the 
     procurement of the services of individual consultants, or 
     organizations thereof (as authorized by section 202(i) of the 
     Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946); and
       (2) not to exceed $15,600, may be expended for the training 
     of the professional staff of such committee (under procedures 
     specified by section 202(j) of the Legislative Reorganization 
     Act of 1946).

     SEC. 7. COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES.

       (a) General Authority.--In carrying out its powers, duties, 
     and functions under the Standing Rules of the Senate, in 
     accordance with its jurisdiction under rule XXV of the 
     Standing Rules of the Senate, including holding hearings, 
     reporting such hearings, and making investigations as 
     authorized by paragraphs 1 and 8 of rule XXVI of the Standing 
     Rules of the Senate, the Committee on Energy and Natural 
     Resources is authorized from March 1, 1999, through September 
     30, 1999, in its discretion--
       (1) to make expenditures from the contingent fund of the 
     Senate;
       (2) to employ personnel; and
       (3) with the prior consent of the Government department or 
     agency concerned and the Committee on Rules and 
     Administration to use, on a reimbursable or nonreimbursable 
     basis, the services of personnel of any such department or 
     agency.
       (b) Expenses.--The expenses of the committee for the period 
     March 1, 1999, through September 30, 1999, under this section 
     shall not exceed $1,650,792.

     SEC. 8. COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC WORKS.

       (a) General Authority.--In carrying out its powers, duties, 
     and functions under the Standing Rules of the Senate, in 
     accordance with its jurisdiction under rule XXV of the 
     Standing Rules of the Senate, including holding hearings, 
     reporting such hearings, and making investigations as 
     authorized by paragraphs 1 and 8 of rule XXVI of the Standing 
     Rules of the Senate, the Committee on Environment and Public 
     Works is authorized from March 1, 1999, through September 30, 
     1999, in its discretion--
       (1) to make expenditures from the contingent fund of the 
     Senate;
       (2) to employ personnel; and
       (3) with the prior consent of the Government department or 
     agency concerned and the Committee on Rules and 
     Administration to use, on a reimbursable or nonreimbursable 
     basis, the services of personnel of any such department or 
     agency.
       (b) Expenses.--The expenses of the committee for the period 
     March 1, 1999, through September 30, 1999, under this section 
     shall not exceed $1,518,386, of which amount--
       (1) not to exceed $8,000, may be expended for the 
     procurement of the services of individual consultants, or 
     organizations thereof (as authorized by section 202(i) of the 
     Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946); and
       (2) not to exceed $2,000, may be expended for the training 
     of the professional staff of such committee (under procedures 
     specified by section 202(j) of the Legislative Reorganization 
     Act of 1946).

     SEC. 9. COMMITTEE ON FINANCE.

       (a) General Authority.--In carrying out its powers, duties, 
     and functions under the Standing Rules of the Senate, in 
     accordance with its jurisdiction under rule XXV of the 
     Standing Rules of the Senate, including holding hearings, 
     reporting such hearings, and making investigations as 
     authorized by paragraphs 1 and 8 of rule XXVI of the Standing 
     Rules of the Senate, the Committee on Finance is authorized 
     from March 1, 1999, through September 30, 1999, in its 
     discretion--
       (1) to make expenditures from the contingent fund of the 
     Senate;
       (2) to employ personnel; and
       (3) with the prior consent of the Government department or 
     agency concerned and the Committee on Rules and 
     Administration to use, on a reimbursable or nonreimbursable 
     basis, the services of personnel of any such department or 
     agency.
       (b) Expenses.--The expenses of the committee for the period 
     March 1, 1999, through September 30, 1999, under this section 
     shall not exceed $1,892,206, of which amount--
       (1) not to exceed $30,000, may be expended for the 
     procurement of the services of individual consultants, or 
     organizations thereof (as authorized by section 202(i) of the 
     Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946); and
       (2) not to exceed $10,000, may be expended for the training 
     of the professional staff of such committee (under procedures 
     specified by section 202(j) of the Legislative Reorganization 
     Act of 1946).

     SEC. 10. COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN RELATIONS.

       (a) General Authority.--In carrying out its powers, duties, 
     and functions under the Standing Rules of the Senate, in 
     accordance with its jurisdiction under rule XXV of the 
     Standing Rules of the Senate, including holding hearings, 
     reporting such hearings, and making investigations as 
     authorized by paragraphs 1 and 8 of rule XXVI of the Standing 
     Rules of the Senate, the Committee on Foreign Relations is 
     authorized from March 1, 1999, through September 30, 1999, in 
     its discretion--
       (1) to make expenditures from the contingent fund of the 
     Senate;
       (2) to employ personnel; and
       (3) with the prior consent of the Government department or 
     agency concerned and the Committee on Rules and 
     Administration to use, on a reimbursable or nonreimbursable 
     basis, the services of personnel of any such department or 
     agency.
       (b) Expenses.--The expenses of the committee for the period 
     March 1, 1999, through September 30, 1999, under this section 
     shall not exceed $1,697,074, of which amount--
       (1) not to exceed $45,000, may be expended for the 
     procurement of the services of individual consultants, or 
     organizations thereof (as authorized by section 202(i) of the 
     Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946); and
       (2) not to exceed $1,000, may be expended for the training 
     of the professional staff of

[[Page S1969]]

     such committee (under procedures specified by section 202(j) 
     of the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946).

     SEC. 11. COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS.

       (a) General Authority.--In carrying out its powers, duties, 
     and functions under the Standing Rules of the Senate, in 
     accordance with its jurisdiction under rule XXV of the 
     Standing Rules of the Senate, including holding hearings, 
     reporting such hearings, and making investigations as 
     authorized by paragraphs 1 and 8 of rule XXVI of the Standing 
     Rules of the Senate, the Committee on Governmental Affairs is 
     authorized from March 1, 1999, through September 30, 1999, in 
     its discretion--
       (1) to make expenditures from the contingent fund of the 
     Senate;
       (2) to employ personnel; and
       (3) with the prior consent of the Government department or 
     agency concerned and the Committee on Rules and 
     Administration to use, on a reimbursable or nonreimbursable 
     basis, the services of personnel of any such department or 
     agency.
       (b) Expenses.--The expenses of the committee for the period 
     March 1, 1999, through September 30, 1999, under this section 
     shall not exceed $2,836,961, of which amount--
       (1) not to exceed $75,000, may be expended for the 
     procurement of the services of individual consultants, or 
     organizations thereof (as authorized by section 202(i) of the 
     Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946); and
       (2) not to exceed $2,470, may be expended for the training 
     of the professional staff of such committee (under procedures 
     specified by section 202(j) of the Legislative Reorganization 
     Act of 1946).
       (c) Investigations.--
       (1) In general.--The committee, or any duly authorized 
     subcommittee of the committee, is authorized to study or 
     investigate--
       (A) the efficiency and economy of operations of all 
     branches of the Government including the possible existence 
     of fraud, misfeasance, malfeasance, collusion, mismanagement, 
     incompetence, corruption, or unethical practices, waste, 
     extravagance, conflicts of interest, and the improper 
     expenditure of Government funds in transactions, contracts, 
     and activities of the Government or of Government officials 
     and employees and any and all such improper practices between 
     Government personnel and corporations, individuals, 
     companies, or persons affiliated therewith, doing business 
     with the Government; and the compliance or noncompliance of 
     such corporations, companies, or individuals or other 
     entities with the rules, regulations, and laws governing the 
     various governmental agencies and its relationships with the 
     public;
       (B) the extent to which criminal or other improper 
     practices or activities are, or have been, engaged in the 
     field of labor-management relations or in groups or 
     organizations of employees or employers, to the detriment of 
     interests of the public, employers, or employees, and to 
     determine whether any changes are required in the laws of the 
     United States in order to protect such interests against the 
     occurrence of such practices or activities;
       (C) organized criminal activities which may operate in or 
     otherwise utilize the facilities of interstate or 
     international commerce in furtherance of any transactions and 
     the manner and extent to which, and the identity of the 
     persons, firms, or corporations, or other entities by whom 
     such utilization is being made, and further, to study and 
     investigate the manner in which and the extent to which 
     persons engaged in organized criminal activity have 
     infiltrated lawful business enterprise, and to study the 
     adequacy of Federal laws to prevent the operations of 
     organized crime in interstate or international commerce; and 
     to determine whether any changes are required in the laws of 
     the United States in order to protect the public against such 
     practices or activities;
       (D) all other aspects of crime and lawlessness within the 
     United States which have an impact upon or affect the 
     national health, welfare, and safety; including but not 
     limited to investment fraud schemes, commodity and security 
     fraud, computer fraud, and the use of offshore banking and 
     corporate facilities to carry out criminal objectives;
       (E) the efficiency and economy of operations of all 
     branches and functions of the Government with particular 
     reference to--
       (i) the effectiveness of present national security methods, 
     staffing, and processes as tested against the requirements 
     imposed by the rapidly mounting complexity of national 
     security problems;
       (ii) the capacity of present national security staffing, 
     methods, and processes to make full use of the Nation's 
     resources of knowledge and talents;
       (iii) the adequacy of present intergovernmental relations 
     between the United States and international organizations 
     principally concerned with national security of which the 
     United States is a member; and
       (iv) legislative and other proposals to improve these 
     methods, processes, and relationships;
       (F) the efficiency, economy, and effectiveness of all 
     agencies and departments of the Government involved in the 
     control and management of energy shortages including, but not 
     limited to, their performance with respect to--
       (i) the collection and dissemination of accurate statistics 
     on fuel demand and supply;
       (ii) the implementation of effective energy conservation 
     measures;
       (iii) the pricing of energy in all forms;
       (iv) coordination of energy programs with State and local 
     government;
       (v) control of exports of scarce fuels;
       (vi) the management of tax, import, pricing, and other 
     policies affecting energy supplies;
       (vii) maintenance of the independent sector of the 
     petroleum industry as a strong competitive force;
       (viii) the allocation of fuels in short supply by public 
     and private entities;
       (ix) the management of energy supplies owned or controlled 
     by the government;
       (x) relations with other oil producing and consuming 
     countries;
       (xi) the monitoring of compliance by governments, 
     corporations, or individuals with the laws and regulations 
     governing the allocation, conservation, or pricing of energy 
     supplies; and
       (xii) research into the discovery and development of 
     alternative energy supplies; and
       (G) the efficiency and economy of all branches and 
     functions of Government with particular references to the 
     operations and management of Federal regulatory policies and 
     programs.
       (2) Extent of inquiries.--In carrying out the duties 
     provided in paragraph (1), the inquiries of the committee or 
     any subcommittee of the committee shall not be construed to 
     be limited to the records, functions, and operations of any 
     particular branch of the Government and may extend to the 
     records and activities of any persons, corporation, or other 
     entity.
       (3) Special committee authority.--For the purposes of this 
     subsection, the committee, or any duly authorized 
     subcommittee of the committee, or its chairman, or any other 
     member of the committee or subcommittee designated by the 
     chairman, from March 1, 1999, through September 30, 1999, is 
     authorized, in its, his, or their discretion--
       (A) to require by subpoena or otherwise the attendance of 
     witnesses and production of correspondence, books, papers, 
     and documents;
       (B) to hold hearings;
       (C) to sit and act at any time or place during the 
     sessions, recess, and adjournment periods of the Senate;
       (D) to administer oaths; and
       (E) to take testimony, either orally or by sworn statement, 
     or, in the case of staff members of the Committee and the 
     Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, by deposition in 
     accordance with the Committee Rules of Procedure.
       (4) Authority of other committees.--Nothing in this 
     subsection shall affect or impair the exercise of any other 
     standing committee of the Senate of any power, or the 
     discharge by such committee of any duty, conferred or imposed 
     upon it by the Standing Rules of the Senate or by the 
     Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946.
       (5) Subpoena authority.--All subpoenas and related legal 
     processes of the committee and its subcommittees authorized 
     under S. Res. 54, agreed to February 13, 1997 (105th 
     Congress) are authorized to continue.

     SEC. 12. COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY.

       (a) General Authority.--In carrying out its powers, duties, 
     and functions under the Standing Rules of the Senate, in 
     accordance with its jurisdiction under rule XXV of the 
     Standing Rules of the Senate, including holding hearings, 
     reporting such hearings, and making investigations as 
     authorized by paragraphs 1 and 8 of rule XXVI of the Standing 
     Rules of the Senate, the Committee on the Judiciary is 
     authorized from March 1, 1999, through September 30, 1999, in 
     its discretion--
       (1) to make expenditures from the contingent fund of the 
     Senate;
       (2) to employ personnel; and
       (3) with the prior consent of the Government department or 
     agency concerned and the Committee on Rules and 
     Administration to use, on a reimbursable or nonreimbursable 
     basis, the services of personnel of any such department or 
     agency.
       (b) Expenses.--The expenses of the committee for the period 
     March 1, 1999, through September 30, 1999, under this section 
     shall not exceed $2,733,379, of which amount--
       (1) not to exceed $60,000, may be expended for the 
     procurement of the services of individual consultants, or 
     organizations thereof (as authorized by section 202(i) of the 
     Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946); and
       (2) not to exceed $20,000, may be expended for the training 
     of the professional staff of such committee (under procedures 
     specified by section 202(j) of the Legislative Reorganization 
     Act of 1946).

     SEC. 13. COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, EDUCATION, LABOR, AND PENSIONS.

       (a) General Authority.--In carrying out its powers, duties, 
     and functions under the Standing Rules of the Senate, in 
     accordance with its jurisdiction under rule XXV of the 
     Standing Rules of the Senate, including holding hearings, 
     reporting such hearings, and making investigations as 
     authorized by paragraphs 1 and 8 of rule XXVI of the Standing 
     Rules of the Senate, the Committee on Health, Education, 
     Labor, and Pensions is authorized from March 1, 1999, through 
     September 30, 1999, in its discretion--
       (1) to make expenditures from the contingent fund of the 
     Senate;
       (2) to employ personnel; and
       (3) with the prior consent of the Government department or 
     agency concerned and the Committee on Rules and 
     Administration

[[Page S1970]]

     to use, on a reimbursable or nonreimbursable basis, the 
     services of personnel of any such department or agency.
       (b) Expenses.--The expenses of the committee for the period 
     March 1, 1999, through September 30, 1999, under this section 
     shall not exceed $2,574,140, of which amount--
       (1) not to exceed $22,500, may be expended for the 
     procurement of the services of individual consultants, or 
     organizations thereof (as authorized by section 202(i) of the 
     Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946); and
       (2) not to exceed $12,000, may be expended for the training 
     of the professional staff of such committee (under procedures 
     specified by section 202(j) of the Legislative Reorganization 
     Act of 1946).

     SEC. 14. COMMITTEE ON RULES AND ADMINISTRATION.

       (a) General Authority.--In carrying out its powers, duties, 
     and functions under the Standing Rules of the Senate, in 
     accordance with its jurisdiction under rule XXV of the 
     Standing Rules of the Senate, including holding hearings, 
     reporting such hearings, and making investigations as 
     authorized by paragraphs 1 and 8 of rule XXVI of the Standing 
     Rules of the Senate, the Committee on Rules and 
     Administration is authorized from March 1, 1999, through 
     September 30, 1999, in its discretion--
       (1) to make expenditures from the contingent fund of the 
     Senate;
       (2) to employ personnel; and
       (3) with the prior consent of the Government department or 
     agency concerned and the Committee on Rules and 
     Administration to use, on a reimbursable or nonreimbursable 
     basis, the services of personnel of any such department or 
     agency.
       (b) Expenses.--The expenses of the committee for the period 
     March 1, 1999, through September 30, 1999, under this section 
     shall not exceed $929,755, of which amount--
       (1) not to exceed $50,000, may be expended for the 
     procurement of the services of individual consultants, or 
     organizations thereof (as authorized by section 202(i) of the 
     Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946); and
       (2) not to exceed $20,000, may be expended for the training 
     of the professional staff of such committee (under procedures 
     specified by section 202(j) of the Legislative Reorganization 
     Act of 1946).

     SEC. 15. COMMITTEE ON SMALL BUSINESS.

       (a) General Authority.--In carrying out its powers, duties, 
     and functions under the Standing Rules of the Senate, in 
     accordance with its jurisdiction under rule XXV of the 
     Standing Rules of the Senate, including holding hearings, 
     reporting such hearings, and making investigations as 
     authorized by paragraphs 1 and 8 of rule XXVI of the Standing 
     Rules of the Senate, the Committee on Small Business is 
     authorized from March 1, 1999, through September 30, 1999, in 
     its discretion--
       (1) to make expenditures from the contingent fund of the 
     Senate;
       (2) to employ personnel; and
       (3) with the prior consent of the Government department or 
     agency concerned and the Committee on Rules and 
     Administration to use, on a reimbursable or nonreimbursable 
     basis, the services of personnel of any such department or 
     agency.
       (b) Expenses.--The expenses of the committee for the period 
     March 1, 1999, through September 30, 1999, under this section 
     shall not exceed $677,992, of which amount--
       (1) not to exceed $10,000, may be expended for the 
     procurement of the services of individual consultants, or 
     organizations thereof (as authorized by section 202(i) of the 
     Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946); and
       (2) not to exceed $5,000, may be expended for the training 
     of the professional staff of such committee (under procedures 
     specified by section 202(j) of the Legislative Reorganization 
     Act of 1946).

     SEC. 16. COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' AFFAIRS.

       (a) General Authority.--In carrying out its powers, duties, 
     and functions under the Standing Rules of the Senate, in 
     accordance with its jurisdiction under rule XXV of the 
     Standing Rules of the Senate, including holding hearings, 
     reporting such hearings, and making investigations as 
     authorized by paragraphs 1 and 8 of rule XXVI of the Standing 
     Rules of the Senate, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs is 
     authorized from March 1, 1999, through September 30, 1999, in 
     its discretion--
       (1) to make expenditures from the contingent fund of the 
     Senate;
       (2) to employ personnel; and
       (3) with the prior consent of the Government department or 
     agency concerned and the Committee on Rules and 
     Administration to use, on a reimbursable or nonreimbursable 
     basis, the services of personnel of any such department or 
     agency.
       (b) Expenses.--The expenses of the committee for the period 
     March 1, 1999, through September 30, 1999, under this section 
     shall not exceed $703,242, of which amount--
       (1) not to exceed $50,000, may be expended for the 
     procurement of the services of individual consultants, or 
     organizations thereof (as authorized by section 202(i) of the 
     Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946); and
       (2) not to exceed $3,000, may be expended for the training 
     of the professional staff of such committee (under procedures 
     specified by section 202 (j) of the Legislative 
     Reorganization Act of 1946).

     SEC. 17. SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON AGING.

       (a) General Authority.--In carrying out the duties and 
     functions imposed by section 104 of S. Res. 4, agreed to 
     February 4, 1977, (Ninety-fifth Congress), and in exercising 
     the authority conferred on it by such section, the Special 
     Committee on Aging is authorized from March 1, 1999, through 
     September 30, 1999, in its discretion--
       (1) to make expenditures from the contingent fund of the 
     Senate;
       (2) to employ personnel; and
       (3) with the prior consent of the Government department or 
     agency concerned and the Committee on Rules and 
     Administration to use, on a reimbursable or nonreimbursable 
     basis, the services of personnel of any such department or 
     agency.
       (b) Expenses.--The expenses of the committee for the period 
     March 1, 1999, through September 30, 1999, under this section 
     shall not exceed $708,185, of which amount not to exceed 
     $15,000, may be expended for the procurement of the services 
     of individual consultants, or organizations thereof (as 
     authorized by section 202(i)of the Legislative Reorganization 
     Act of 1946).

     SEC. 18. SELECT COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE.

       (a) General Authority.--In carrying out its powers, duties, 
     and functions under S. Res. 400, agreed to May 19, 1976 (94th 
     Congress), in accordance with its jurisdiction under section 
     3(a) of that resolution, including holding hearings, 
     reporting such hearings, and making investigations as 
     authorized by section 5 of that resolution, the Select 
     Committee on Intelligence is authorized from March 1, 1999, 
     through September 30, 1999, in its discretion--
       (1) to make expenditures from the contingent fund of the 
     Senate;
       (2) to employ personnel; and
       (3) with the prior consent of the Government department or 
     agency concerned and the Committee on Rules and 
     Administration to use, on a reimbursable or nonreimbursable 
     basis, the services of personnel of any such department or 
     agency.
       (b) Expenses.--The expenses of the committee for the period 
     March 1, 1999, through September 30, 1999, under this section 
     shall not exceed $1,325,017, of which amount not to exceed 
     $35,000, may be expended for the procurement of the services 
     of individual consultants, or organizations thereof (as 
     authorized by section 202(i) of the Legislative 
     Reorganization Act of 1946).

     SEC. 19. COMMITTEE ON INDIAN AFFAIRS.

       (a) General Authority.--In carrying out the duties and 
     functions imposed by section 105 of S. Res. 4, agreed to 
     February 4, 1977 (Ninety-fifth Congress), and in exercising 
     the authority conferred on it by that section, the Committee 
     on Indian Affairs is authorized from March 1, 1999, through 
     September 30, 1999, in its discretion--
       (1) to make expenditures from the contingent fund of the 
     Senate;
       (2) to employ personnel; and
       (3) with the prior consent of the Government department or 
     agency concerned and the Committee on Rules and 
     Administration to use, on a reimbursable or nonreimbursable 
     basis, the services of personnel of any such department or 
     agency.
       (b) Expenses.--The expenses of the committee for the period 
     March 1, 1999, through September 30, 1999, under this section 
     shall not exceed $712,580, of which amount not to exceed 
     $40,000, may be expended for the procurement of the services 
     of individual consultants, or organizations thereof (as 
     authorized by section 202(i) of the Legislative 
     Reorganization Act of 1946).

     SEC. 20. SPECIAL RESERVES.

       (a) In General.--
       (1) Establishment.--Of the funds authorized for the Senate 
     committees listed in sections 3 through 21 by S. Res. 54, 
     agreed to February 13, 1997 (105th Congress), for the funding 
     period ending on the last day of February 1999, any 
     unexpended balances remaining shall be transferred to a 
     special reserve which shall, on the basis of a special need 
     and at the request of a Chairman and Ranking Member of any 
     such committee, and with the approval of the Chairman and 
     Ranking Member of the Committee on Rules and Administration, 
     be available to any committee for the purposes provided in 
     subsection (b).
       (2) Payment of incurred obligations.--During March 1999, 
     obligations incurred but not paid by February 28, 1999, shall 
     be paid from the unexpended balances of committees before 
     transfer to the special reserves and any obligations so paid 
     shall be deducted from the unexpended balances of committees 
     before being transferred to the special reserves.
       (b) Purposes.--The reserves established in subsection (a) 
     shall be available for the period commencing March 1, 1999, 
     and ending with the close of September 30, 1999, for the 
     purpose of--
       (1) meeting any unpaid obligations incurred during the 
     funding period ending on the last day of February 1999, and 
     which were not deducted from the unexpended balances under 
     subsection (a); and
       (2) meeting expenses incurred after such last day and prior 
     to the close of September 30, 1999.

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