[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 129 (Wednesday, September 29, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Pages S11656-S11661]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             AUTHORIZING EXPENDITURES BY SENATE COMMITTEES

  Mr. SPECTER. Mr. President, I now ask unanimous consent that the 
Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 289, S. 
Res. 189.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the bill by title.
  The legislative clerk read as follows:

       A resolution (S. Res. 189) authorizing expenditures by 
     committees of the Senate for the periods of October 1, 1999, 
     through September 30, 2000, and October 1, 2000, through 
     February 28, 2001.

  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the 
resolution.
  Mr. DODD. Mr. President, I am pleased to support the resolution 
before the Senate today which authorizes funding for 18 Senate standing 
committees through the remainder of the biennium ending on February 28, 
2001.
  This resolution marks another milestone in the development of the 
biennial funding authority for committees, first authorized in the 
100th Congress. Since 1989, the Senate has funded committees on a two-
year basis. The two-year budget has given the authorizing committees, 
and the Rules Committee in its capacity as the oversight committee, a 
management tool for efficiently operating the Senate committees. The 
two-year budget process allows for a continuity of funding which 
provides greater flexibility in allocating committee funds and 
scheduling committee business. Although the Rules Committee has 
adjusted the biennial funding authority in the past to provide greater 
flexibility to committees, the Senate has consistently approved a 
biennial budget for committee funding in each of the last six 
Congresses.
  In the 106th Congress, changes in the Senate financial management 
system

[[Page S11657]]

required to address Y2K issues necessitated a departure from the Senate 
rules and past practices. In the past, the Rules Committee completed 
action on the biennial committee funding resolution prior to the 
beginning of the new biennium on March 1 of the new Congress, as 
provided for in Rule XXVI of the Senate Rules. Due to the pressing 
business of the Senate at the beginning of the Congress, and in light 
of a number of unresolved issues regarding the implementation of the 
new financial management system in the Senate, the majority and 
minority staff of the Committee jointly recommended delaying committee 
action on the biennial budget until later in the year. Consequently, 
the Committee proposed, and the Senate adopted, S. Res. 38 on February 
12 of this year, which authorized the Rules Committee to report a 
continuing resolution for committee funding for the period of March 1, 
1999 through September 30, 1999. Subsequently, the Committee adopted, 
and the Senate passed, S. Res. 49 which funded 18 standing committees 
on a continuing basis for this period. In June, the Senate passed S. 
Res. 122, which required the authorizing committee to report their 
funding resolution by July 15 of this year and authorized the Rules 
Committee to report an omnibus funding resolution for the remainder of 
the biennium, ending on February 28, 2001. S. Res. 189 before us today 
is the culmination of this process.
  This resolution preserves the overall flexibility of a two-year 
budget while modifying past practices to reflect changes in the 
Senate's financial management system. At the recommendation of the 
Senate Disbursing Office, this resolution moves the committee budget 
year from two equal funding periods, within the overall two-year 
budget, of March 1 through February 28, to three varying funding 
periods which track the Senate's fiscal year period. S. Res. 49 
provided funding for the first of the three periods, March 1 through 
September 30, 1999. S. Res. 189 authorizes committee spending during 
each of the next two periods of the biennium: October 1, 1999 through 
September 30, 2000, and finally, October 1, 2000 through February 28, 
2001. It is anticipated that the biennial funding resolution adopted in 
the 107th Congress will once again follow Senate Rule XXVI and be 
adopted prior to March 1, 2001, providing funding for committees for 
the three fiscal year periods occurring during the biennium ending 
February 28, 2003.

  Most importantly, this resolution continues a practice begun by the 
Rules Committee in 1993 referred to as the ``special reserves.'' 
Special reserves result from the overlap in the end of the committee 
funding year on February 28 and the end of the fiscal year on September 
30. The unobligated balances of the authorizing committee budgets which 
are unspent at the end of the biennium on February 28, but which remain 
available through the end of the fiscal year on September 30, are 
reprogrammed into special reserves and made available to the committees 
to meet their unforseen needs.
  The Rules Committee first authorized the use of special reserves in 
the 103rd Congress in S. Res. 71, section 23. In that resolution, the 
Senate authorized special reserves to be reprogrammed as carry-over 
funds for the committees. In the 104th Congress, the Rules Committee 
reported S. Res. 73, section 22 of which continued the authorization 
for special reserves, but eliminated the authorization for automatic 
carry-over and replaced it with a procedure whereby the chairman and 
ranking member of the authorizing committee could jointly request a 
draw on the special reserves, subject to the joint approval of the 
chairman and ranking member of the Rules Committee. This procedure, and 
the authorization for special reserves, was continued in the 105th 
Congress in S. Res. 54, section 22. Finally, in the 106th Congress, S. 
Res. 49, which provided funding for committees on a continuing basis 
through September 30, 1999, also contained, in section 20, the 
authority for special reserves. This authority continued the procedure 
first adopted in the 104th Congress providing that the chair and 
ranking member of the authorizing committee jointly request a draw on 
special reserves, subject to the joint approval of the chair and 
ranking member of the Rules Committee.
  Although section 20 of S. Res. 189 continues the authority for 
special reserves, and the procedure by which such reserves are accessed 
by committees, this resolution reflects an important change in the 
calculation of the special reserves amount. Prior to the 106th 
Congress, special reserves represented a reprogramming of unobligated 
balances that automatically occurred when the committee funding 
authorization ended on February 28. With the changes necessitated by 
the new financial management system, committee funding authorizations 
now track the fiscal year. Consequently, there is no overlap between 
the end of the committee funding year and the end of the fiscal year. 
Therefore, in order to assure that sufficient funds remain available in 
the appropriations Investigations and Inquiries account to fund the 
unforseen needs of committees, the Rules Committee specified a funding 
level for special reserves. That funding level is based on the historic 
amount that has been available to the Committee for special reserves in 
the past three Congresses.
  I want to commend our chairman, Senator McConnell, for shepherding 
this resolution to the Senate floor. His leadership during this 
transition year has ensured that the committees have received 
sufficient funds while allowing the Committee time to adjust to the new 
financial management system. I especially commend the chairman for 
continuing the special reserves provision and for the responsible 
manner in which he has proposed to fund special reserves. This 
provision ensures that the Rules Committee can continue to hold 
committee funding to its historic levels, while retaining the 
flexibility to meet the unforseen needs that may result.
  I urge adoption of this resolution.
  Mr. SPECTER. I ask unanimous consent that this resolution be agreed 
to, the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table, and any statements 
relating to this resolution be printed in the Record.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The resolution (S. Res. 189) was agreed to, as follows:

                              S. Res. 189

       Resolved, 

     SECTION 1. AGGREGATE AUTHORIZATION.

       (a) In General.--For purposes of carrying out the powers, 
     duties, and functions under the Standing Rules of the Senate, 
     and under the appropriate authorizing resolutions of the 
     Senate there is authorized for the period October 1, 1999, 
     through September 30, 2000, in the aggregate of $52,933,922, 
     and for the period October 1, 2000, through February 28, 
     2001, in the aggregate of $22,534,293, in accordance with the 
     provisions of this resolution, for standing committees of the 
     Senate, the Special Committee on Aging, the Select Committee 
     on Intelligence, and the Select Committee on Indian Affairs.
       (b) 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 and the 
     Department of Telecommunications;
       (C) for the payment of stationery supplies purchased 
     through the Keeper of Stationery;
       (D) for payments to the Postmaster;
       (E) for the payment of metered charges on copying equipment 
     provided by the Office of the Sergeant at Arms and 
     Doorkeeper; or
       (F) for the payment of Senate Recording and Photographic 
     Services.
       (c) Agency Contributions.--There are authorized such sums 
     as may be necessary for agency contributions related to the 
     compensation of employees of the committees for the period 
     October 1, 1999, through September 30, 2000, and for the 
     period October 1, 2000, through February 28, 2001, 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 such 
     rules, 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 October 1, 1999, through February 28, 2001, 
     in its discretion--

[[Page S11658]]

       (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 for Fiscal Year 2000 Period.--The expenses of 
     the committee for the period October 1, 1999, through 
     September 30, 2000, under this section shall not exceed 
     $2,118,150, 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 (2 U.S.C. 72a(i))); 
     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 such Act).
       (c) Expenses for Period Ending February 28, 2001.--For the 
     period October 1, 2000, through February 28, 2001, expenses 
     of the committee under this section shall not exceed 
     $903,523, 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 such Act).

     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 such 
     rules, 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 October 1, 
     1999, through February 28, 2001, 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 for Fiscal Year 2000 Period.--The expenses of 
     the committee for the period October 1, 1999, through 
     September 30, 2000, under this section shall not exceed 
     $3,796,030, 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 $10,000, may be expended for the training 
     of the professional staff of such committee (under procedures 
     specified by section 202(j) of such Act).
       (c) Expenses for Period Ending February 28, 2001.--For the 
     period October 1, 2000, through February 28, 2001, expenses 
     of the committee under this section shall not exceed 
     $1,568,418, 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 $5,000, may be expended for the training 
     of the professional staff of such committee (under procedures 
     specified by section 202(j) of such Act).

     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 such 
     rules, 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 October 1, 1999, through February 28, 2001, 
     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 for Fiscal Year 2000 Period.--The expenses of 
     the committee for the period October 1, 1999, through 
     September 30, 2000, under this section shall not exceed 
     $3,160,739, 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 such Act).
       (c) Expenses for Period Ending February 28, 2001.--For the 
     period October 1, 2000, through February 28, 2001, expenses 
     of the committee under this section shall not exceed 
     $1,348,349, of which amount--
       (1) not to exceed $8,333, 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 $354, may be expended for the training of 
     the professional staff of such committee (under procedures 
     specified by section 202(j) of such Act).

     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 such 
     rules, 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 October 1, 1999, through 
     February 28, 2001, 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 for Fiscal Year 2000 Period.--The expenses of 
     the committee for the period October 1, 1999, through 
     September 30, 2000, under this section shall not exceed 
     $3,449,315, 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 such Act).
       (c) Expenses for Period Ending February 28, 2001.--For the 
     period October 1, 2000, through February 28, 2001, expenses 
     of the committee under this section shall not exceed 
     $1,472,442, 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 such Act).

     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 such 
     rules, 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 October 1, 1999, through February 28, 2001, 
     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 for Fiscal Year 2000 Period.--The expenses of 
     the committee for the period October 1, 1999, through 
     September 30, 2000, under this section shall not exceed 
     $3,823,318, 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 such Act).
       (c) Expenses for Period Ending February 28, 2001.--For the 
     period October 1, 2000, through February 28, 2001, expenses 
     of the committee under this section shall not exceed 
     $1,631,426, 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 such Act).

     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 such 
     rules, 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 
     October 1, 1999, through February 28, 2001, 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 for Fiscal Year 2000 Period.--The expenses of 
     the committee for the

[[Page S11659]]

     period October 1, 1999, through September 30, 2000, under 
     this section shall not exceed $2,924,935.
       (c) Expenses for Period Ending February 28, 2001.-- For the 
     period October 1, 2000, through February 28, 2001, expenses 
     of the committee under this section shall not exceed 
     $1,248,068.

     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 such 
     rules, 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 
     October 1, 1999, through February 28, 2001, 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 for Fiscal Year 2000 Period.--The expenses of 
     the committee for the period October 1, 1999, through 
     September 30, 2000, under this section shall not exceed 
     $2,688,097, 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 such Act).
       (c) Expenses for Period Ending February 28, 2001.--For the 
     period October 1, 2000, through February 28, 2001, expenses 
     of the committee under this section shall not exceed 
     $1,146,192, of which amount--
       (1) not to exceed $3,333, 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 $833, may be expended for the training of 
     the professional staff of such committee (under procedures 
     specified by section 202(j) of such Act).

     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 such 
     rules, 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 October 1, 1999, 
     through February 28, 2001, 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 for Fiscal Year 2000 Period.--The expenses of 
     the committee for the period October 1, 1999, through 
     September 30, 2000, under this section shall not exceed 
     $3,762,517, 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 such Act).
       (c) Expenses for Period Ending February 28, 2001.--For the 
     period October 1, 2000, through February 28, 2001, expenses 
     of the committee under this section shall not exceed 
     $1,604,978, 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 such Act).

     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 such 
     rules, 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 October 1, 
     1999, through February 28, 2001, 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 for Fiscal Year 2000 Period.--The expenses of 
     the committee for the period October 1, 1999, through 
     September 30, 2000, under this section shall not exceed 
     $3,158,449, 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 such committee (under procedures 
     specified by section 202(j) of such Act).
       (c) Expenses for Period Ending February 28, 2001.--For the 
     period October 1, 2000, through February 28, 2001, expenses 
     of the committee under this section shall not exceed 
     $1,347,981, 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 such committee (under procedures 
     specified by section 202(j) of such Act).

     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 such 
     rules, 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 October 
     1, 1999, through February 28, 2001, 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 for Fiscal Year 2000 Period.--The expenses of 
     the committee for the period October 1, 1999, through 
     September 30, 2000, under this section shall not exceed 
     $5,026,582, 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 $20,000, may be expended for the training 
     of the professional staff of such committee (under procedures 
     specified by section 202(j) of such Act).
       (c) Expenses for Period Ending February 28, 2001.--For the 
     period October 1, 2000, through February 28, 2001, expenses 
     of the committee under this section shall not exceed 
     $2,144,819, 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 $20,000, may be expended for the training 
     of the professional staff of such committee (under procedures 
     specified by section 202(j) of such Act).
       (d) 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 activity 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

[[Page S11660]]

     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 this 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 October 1, 1999, through February 28, 2001, 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 contained 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 subcommittee authorized 
     under S. Res. 49, agreed to February 24, 1999 (106th 
     Congress) are authorized to continue.

     SEC. 12. 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 such 
     rules, 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 October 1, 1999, through February 28, 2001, 
     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 for Fiscal Year 2000 Period.--The expenses of 
     the committee for the period October 1, 1999, through 
     September 30, 2000, under this section shall not exceed 
     $4,560,792, 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 $15,000, may be expended for the training 
     of the professional staff of such committee (under procedures 
     specified by section 202(j) of such Act).
       (c) Expenses for Period Ending February 28, 2001.--For the 
     period October 1, 2000, through February 28, 2001, expenses 
     of the committee under this section shall not exceed 
     $1,946,026, 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 $15,000, may be expended for the training 
     of the professional staff of such committee (under procedures 
     specified by section 202(j) of such Act).

     SEC. 13. 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 such 
     rules, 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 October 1, 
     1999, through February 28, 2001, 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 for Fiscal Year 2000 Period.--The expenses of 
     the committee for the period October 1, 1999, through 
     September 30, 2000, under this section shall not exceed 
     $4,845,263, 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 such Act).
       (c) Expenses for Period Ending February 28, 2001.--For the 
     period October 1, 2000, through February 28, 2001, expenses 
     of the committee under this section shall not exceed 
     $2,068,258, 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 such Act).

     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 such 
     rules, 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 
     October 1, 1999, through February 28, 2001, 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 for Fiscal Year 2000 Period.--The expenses of 
     the committee for the period October 1, 1999, through 
     September 30, 2000, under this section shall not exceed 
     $1,647,719, 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 $10,000, may be expended for the training 
     of the professional staff of such committee (under procedures 
     specified by section 202(j) of such Act).
       (c) Expenses for Period Ending February 28, 2001.--For the 
     period October 1, 2000, through February 28, 2001, expenses 
     of the committee under this section shall not exceed 
     $703,526, of which amount--
       (1) not to exceed $21,000, 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 $4,200, may be expended for the training 
     of the professional staff of such committee (under procedures 
     specified by section 202(j) of such Act).

     SEC. 15. COMMITTEE ON SMALL BUSINESS.

       (a) General Authority.--In carrying out its powers, duties, 
     and functions under the

[[Page S11661]]

     Standing Rules of the Senate, in accordance with its 
     jurisdiction under rule XXV of such rules, 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 October 1, 1999, through February 28, 
     2001, 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 for Fiscal Year 2000 Period.--The expenses of 
     the committee for the period October 1, 1999, through 
     September 30, 2000, under this section shall not exceed 
     $1,330,794, 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 $10,000, may be expended for the training 
     of the professional staff of such committee (under procedures 
     specified by section 202(j) of such Act).
       (c) Expenses for Period Ending February 28, 2001.--For the 
     period October 1, 2000, through February 28, 2001, expenses 
     of the committee under this section shall not exceed 
     $567,472, 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 such Act).

     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 such 
     rules, 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 October 1, 
     1999, through February 28, 2001, 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 for Fiscal Year 2000 Period.--The expenses of 
     the committee for the period October 1, 1999, through 
     September 30, 2000, under this section shall not exceed 
     $1,246,174, 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 $5,000, may be expended for the training 
     of the professional staff of such committee (under procedures 
     specified by section 202(j) of such Act).
       (c) Expenses for Period Ending February 28, 2001.--For the 
     period October 1, 2000, through February 28, 2001, expenses 
     of the committee under this section shall not exceed 
     $531,794, of which amount--
       (1) not to exceed $21,000, 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 $2,100, may be expended for the training 
     of the professional staff of such committee (under procedures 
     specified by section 202(j) of such Act).

     SEC. 17. SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON AGING.

       (a) General Authority.--In carrying out its powers, 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 October 1, 1999, 
     through February 28, 2001, 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 for Fiscal Year 2000 Period.--The expenses of 
     the committee for the period October 1, 1999, through 
     September 30, 2000, under this section shall not exceed 
     $1,459,827, of which amount 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).
       (c) Expenses for Period Ending February 28, 2001.--For the 
     period October 1, 2000, through February 28, 2001, expenses 
     of the committee under this section shall not exceed 
     $622,709, of which amount 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).

     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 October 1, 1999, 
     through February 28, 2001, 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 for Fiscal Year 2000 Period.--The expenses of 
     the committee for the period October 1, 1999, through 
     September 30, 2000, under this section shall not exceed 
     $2,674,687, of which amount not to exceed $65,000, 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).
       (c) Expenses for Period Ending February 28, 2001.--For the 
     period October 1, 2000, through February 28, 2001, expenses 
     of the committee under this section shall not exceed 
     $1,141,189, of which amount not to exceed $65,000, 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 its powers, duties, 
     and functions imposed by section 105 of S. Res. 4, agreed to 
     February 4, 1977 (95th Congress), and in exercising the 
     authority conferred on it by that section, the Committee on 
     Indian Affairs is authorized from October 1, 1999, through 
     February 28, 2001, 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 for Fiscal Year 2000 Period.--The expenses of 
     the committee for the period October 1, 1999, through 
     September 30, 2000, under this section shall not exceed 
     $1,260,534, of which amount not to exceed $1,000, may be 
     expended for the training of the professional staff of such 
     committee (under procedures specified by section 202(j) of 
     such Act).
       (c) Expenses for Period Ending February 28, 2001.--For the 
     period October 1, 2000, through February 28, 2001, expenses 
     of the committee under this section shall not exceed 
     $537,123, of which amount $1,000 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. 20. SPECIAL RESERVE.

       (a) Establishment.--Within the funds in the account 
     ``Expenses of Inquiries and Investigations'' appropriated by 
     the legislative branch appropriation Acts for fiscal years 
     2000 and 2001, there is authorized to be established a 
     special reserve to be available to any committee funded by 
     this resolution as provided in subsection (b) of which--
       (1) an amount not to exceed $3,700,000, shall be available 
     for the period October 1, 1999, through September 30, 2000; 
     and
       (2) an amount not to exceed $1,600,000, shall be available 
     for the period October 1, 2000, through February 28, 2001.
       (b) Availability.--The special reserve authorized in 
     subsection (a) shall be available to any committee--
       (1) on the basis of special need to meet unpaid obligations 
     incurred by that committee during the periods referred to in 
     paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (a); and
       (2) at the request of a Chairman and Ranking Member of that 
     committee subject to the approval of the Chairman and Ranking 
     Member of the Committee on Rules and Administration.

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