[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 29 (Monday, February 15, 2021)]
[House]
[Pages H508-H511]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     PUBLICATION OF COMMITTEE RULES


 rules of the committee on house administration for the 117th congress

                                         House of Representatives,


                             Committee on House Administration

                                Washington, DC, February 15, 2021.
     Hon. Nancy Pelosi,
     Speaker, House of Representatives,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Madam Speaker: Pursuant to clause 2(a) of rule XI of 
     the Rules of the House of Representatives, I submit the Rules 
     of the Committee on House Administration for the 117th 
     Congress for publication in the Congressional Record. On 
     February 10, 2021, the Committee met in open session and 
     adopted these Rules by voice vote, a quorum being present.
           Sincerely,
                                                      Zoe Lofgren,
                                                      Chairperson.
       Attachment.

                       Adopted February 10, 2021

     Rule No. 1--General Provisions
       (a) The Rules of the House of Representatives are the rules 
     of the Committee so far as applicable, except that a motion 
     to recess from day to day is a privileged motion in the 
     Committee.
       (b) The Committee is authorized at any time to conduct such 
     investigations and studies as it may consider necessary or 
     appropriate in the exercise of its responsibilities under 
     rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives and, 
     subject to the adoption of expense resolutions as required by 
     clause 6 of rule X of the Rules of the House of 
     Representatives, to incur expenses (including travel 
     expenses) in connection therewith.
       (c) The Committee is authorized to have printed and bound 
     testimony and other data presented at hearings held by the 
     Committee, and to make such information available to the 
     public. All costs of stenographic services and transcripts in 
     connection with any meeting or hearing of the Committee shall 
     be paid from the appropriate House account.
       (d) The Committee shall submit to the House, not later than 
     January 2 of each odd-numbered year, a report on the 
     activities of the committee under rules X and XI of the Rules 
     of the House of Representatives.
       (e) The Committee's rules shall be made publicly available 
     in electronic form and published in the Congressional Record 
     not later than 60 days after the Chairperson is elected in 
     each odd-numbered year.
     Rule No. 2--Regular and Special Meetings
       (a)(l) The regular meeting date of the Committee shall be 
     the second Tuesday of every month when the House is in 
     session in accordance with clause 2(b) of rule XI of the 
     Rules of the House of Representatives. If the House is not in 
     session on the second Tuesday of a month, the regular meeting 
     date shall be the third Tuesday of that month.
       (2) Additional meetings may be called by the Chairperson of 
     the full Committee as the Chairperson considers necessary, or 
     at the request of a majority of the members of the Committee 
     in accordance with clause 2(c) of rule XI of the Rules of the 
     House of Representatives.
       (3) The determination of the business to be considered at 
     each meeting shall be made by the Chairperson subject to 
     clause 2(c) of rule XI of the Rules of the House of 
     Representatives. A regularly scheduled meeting may be 
     dispensed with if, in the judgment of the Chairperson, there 
     is no need for the meeting.
       (b) If the Chairperson is not present at any meeting of the 
     Committee, the ranking member of the majority party who is 
     present shall preside at the meeting.
       (c) The Chairperson, in the case of meetings to be 
     conducted by the Committee shall make public announcement of 
     the date, place, and subject matter of any meeting to be 
     conducted on any measure or matter. Such meeting shall not 
     commence earlier than the third calendar day (excluding 
     Saturdays, Sundays, or legal holidays except when the House 
     is in session on such a day) on which members have notice 
     thereof. If the Chairperson, with the concurrence of the 
     ranking minority member, determines that there is good cause 
     to begin the meeting sooner, or if the Committee so 
     determines by majority vote, a quorum being present, the 
     Chairperson shall make the announcement at the earliest 
     possible date. The announcement shall promptly be made 
     publicly available in electronic form and published in the 
     Daily Digest.
       (d) The Chairperson, in the case of meetings to be 
     conducted by the Committee shall make publicly available in 
     electronic form the text of any legislation to be marked up 
     at a meeting at least 24 hours before such meeting (or at the 
     time of an announcement made within 24 hours of such 
     meeting). This requirement shall also apply to any resolution 
     or regulation to be considered at a meeting.
     Rule No. 3--Open Meetings
       As required by clause 2(g) of rule XI of the Rules of the 
     House of Representatives, each meeting for the transaction of 
     business, including the markup of legislation of the 
     Committee, shall be open to the public except when the 
     Committee in open session and with a quorum present 
     determines by record vote that all or part of the remainder 
     of the meeting on that day shall be closed to the public 
     because disclosure of matters to be considered would endanger 
     national security, would compromise sensitive law enforcement 
     information, or would tend to defame, degrade, or incriminate 
     any person, or otherwise would violate any law or rule of the 
     House. Provided, however, that no person other than members 
     of the Committee, and such congressional staff and such other 
     persons as the Committee may authorize, shall be present in 
     any business or markup session which has been closed to the 
     public. To the maximum extent practicable, the Chairperson 
     shall cause to be provided audio and video coverage of each 
     hearing or meeting that allows the public to easily listen to 
     and view the proceedings and maintain the recordings of such 
     coverage in a manner that is easily accessible to the public.
     Rule No. 4--Records and Rollcalls
       (a)(l) A record vote shall be held if requested by any 
     member of the Committee.
       (2) The result of each record vote in any meeting of the 
     Committee shall be made publicly available in electronic form 
     within 48 hours of such record vote. Information so available 
     shall include a description of the amendment, motion, order 
     or other proposition, the name of each member voting for and 
     against, and the members present but not voting.
       (3) The Chairperson shall make publicly available in 
     electronic form on the Committee's website not later than 24 
     hours after the adoption of any amendment, or 48 hours after 
     the disposition or withdrawal of any other amendment, to a 
     measure or matter the text of such amendment.
       (b)(l) Subject to subparagraph (2), the Chairperson may 
     postpone further proceedings when a record vote is ordered on 
     the question of approving any measure or matter or adopting 
     an amendment. The Chairperson may resume proceedings on a 
     postponed request at any time.

[[Page H509]]

       (2) In exercising postponement authority under subparagraph 
     (1), the Chairperson shall take all reasonable steps 
     necessary to notify members on the resumption of proceedings 
     on any postponed record vote.
       (3) When proceedings resume on a postponed question, 
     notwithstanding any intervening order for the previous 
     question, an underlying proposition shall remain subject to 
     further debate or amendment to the same extent as when the 
     question was postponed.
       (c) All Committee hearings, records, data, charts, and 
     files shall be kept separate and distinct from the 
     congressional office records of the member serving as 
     Chairperson, and such records shall be the property of the 
     House and all members of the House shall have access thereto.
       (d) House records of the Committee which are at the 
     National Archives shall be made available pursuant to rule 
     VII of the Rules of the House of Representatives. The 
     Chairperson shall notify the ranking minority member of any 
     decision to withhold a record pursuant to the rule, and shall 
     present the matter to the Committee upon written request of 
     any Committee member.
       (e) To the maximum extent feasible, the Committee shall 
     make its publications available in electronic form.
     Rule No. 5--Proxies
       No vote by any member in the Committee may be cast by 
     proxy.
     Rule No. 6--Power to Sit and Act; Subpoena Power
       (a) For the purpose of carrying out any of its functions 
     and duties under rules X and XI of the Rules of the House of 
     Representatives, the Committee is authorized (subject to 
     subparagraph (b)(l) of this paragraph)--
       (1) to sit and act at such times and places within the 
     United States, whether the House is in session, has recessed, 
     or has adjourned, and to hold such hearings; and
       (2) to require, by subpoena or otherwise, the attendance 
     and testimony of such witnesses and the production of such 
     books, records, correspondence, memoranda, papers, documents, 
     and other materials as it deems necessary, including 
     materials in electronic form. The Chairperson, or any member 
     designated by the Chairperson, may administer oaths to any 
     witness.
       (b)(l) A subpoena may be authorized and issued by the 
     Chairperson of the full Committee, in accordance with clause 
     2(m) of rule XI of the House of Representatives, in the 
     conduct of any investigation or activity or series of 
     investigations or activities within the jurisdiction of the 
     Committee, following consultation with the ranking minority 
     member.
       (2) In addition, a subpoena may be authorized and issued by 
     the Committee in accordance with clause 2(m) of rule XI of 
     the Rules of the House of Representatives, in the conduct of 
     any investigation or activity or series of investigations or 
     activities, when authorized by a majority of the members 
     voting, a majority of the Committee being present. Authorized 
     subpoenas shall be signed by the Chairperson or by any member 
     designated by the Committee.
       (3) At least two business days before issuing any subpoena 
     pursuant to paragraph
       (1) of this subsection, the Chairperson shall consult with 
     the ranking minority member regarding the authorization and 
     issuance of such subpoena, and the Chairperson shall provide 
     a full copy of the proposed subpoena, including any proposed 
     document schedule, at that time.
       (4) The requirements of paragraph (3) may be waived in the 
     event of an exigent circumstance that does not reasonably 
     allow for advance written notice.
     Rule No. 7--Quorums
       No measure or recommendation shall be reported to the House 
     unless a majority of the Committee is actually present. For 
     the purposes of taking any action other than reporting any 
     measure, issuance of a subpoena pursuant to Rule 6(b)(2) of 
     the Rules of the Committee, closing meetings, promulgating 
     Committee orders, or changing the rules of the Committee, 
     one-third of the members of the Committee shall constitute a 
     quorum. For purposes of taking testimony and receiving 
     evidence, two members shall constitute a quorum.
     Rule No. 8--Amendments
       Any amendment offered to any pending legislation before the 
     Committee must be made available in written form when 
     requested by any member of the Committee. If such amendment 
     is not available in written form when requested, the 
     Chairperson will allow an appropriate period of time for the 
     provision thereof.
     Rule No. 9--Hearing Procedures
       (a) The Chairperson shall make public announcement of the 
     date, place, and subject matter of any hearing to be 
     conducted on any measure or matter at least one week before 
     the commencement of that hearing. If the Chairperson, with 
     the concurrence of the ranking minority member, determines 
     that there is good cause to begin the hearing sooner, or if 
     the Committee so determines by majority vote, a quorum being 
     present, the Chairperson shall make the announcement at the 
     earliest possible date, and the announcement shall be 
     published promptly in the Daily Digest and made publicly 
     available in electronic form.
       (b) Unless excused by the Chairperson, each witness who is 
     to appear before the Committee shall file with the clerk of 
     the Committee, at least 48 hours in advance of their 
     appearance, a written statement of their proposed testimony 
     and shall limit their oral presentation to a summary of their 
     statement.
       (c) When any hearing is conducted by the Committee upon any 
     measure or matter, the minority party members on the 
     Committee shall be entitled, upon request to the Chairperson 
     by a majority of those minority members before the completion 
     of such hearing, to call witnesses selected by the minority 
     to testify with respect to that measure or matter during at 
     least one day of hearings thereon.
       (d) All other members of the Committee may have the 
     privilege of sitting with any subcommittee during its hearing 
     or deliberations and may participate in such hearings or 
     deliberations, but no member who is not a member of the 
     subcommittee shall count for a quorum or offer any motion or 
     amendment or vote on any matter before the subcommittee.
       (e) Committee members may question witnesses only when they 
     have been recognized by the Chairperson for that purpose, and 
     only for a five-minute period until all members present have 
     had an opportunity to question a witness. The five-minute 
     period for questioning a witness by any one member can be 
     extended as provided by clause 2(j) of rule XI of the Rules 
     of the House of Representatives. The questioning of a witness 
     in Committee hearings shall be initiated by the Chairperson, 
     followed by the ranking minority member and all other members 
     alternating between the majority and minority. In recognizing 
     members to question witnesses in this fashion, the 
     Chairperson shall take into consideration the ratio of the 
     majority to minority members present and shall establish the 
     order of recognition for questioning in such a manner as not 
     to disadvantage the members of the majority. The Chairperson 
     may accomplish this by recognizing two majority members for 
     each minority member recognized.
       (f) The following additional rules shall apply to hearings 
     of the Committee as applicable:
       (1) The Chairperson at a hearing shall announce in an 
     opening statement the subject of the investigation.
       (2) A copy of the Committee rules and this clause shall be 
     made available to each witness as provided by clause 2(k)(2) 
     of rule XI of the Rules of the House of Representatives.
       (3) Witnesses at hearings may be accompanied by their own 
     counsel for the purpose of advising them concerning their 
     constitutional rights.
       (4) The Chairperson may punish breaches of order and 
     decorum, and of professional ethics on the part of counsel, 
     by censure and exclusion from the hearings; and the Committee 
     may cite the offender to the House for contempt.
       (5) If the Committee determines that evidence or testimony 
     at a hearing may tend to defame, degrade, or incriminate any 
     person, it shall--
       (A) afford such person an opportunity voluntarily to appear 
     as a witness;
       (B) receive such evidence or testimony in executive 
     session; and
       (C) receive and dispose of requests from such person to 
     subpoena additional witnesses.
       (6) Except as provided in paragraph (5) of this subsection, 
     the Chairperson shall receive, and the Committee shall 
     dispose of, requests to subpoena additional witnesses.
       (7) No evidence or testimony taken in executive session may 
     be released or used in public sessions without the consent of 
     the Committee.
       (8) In the discretion of the Committee, witnesses may 
     submit brief and pertinent sworn statements in writing for 
     inclusion in the record. The Committee is the sole judge of 
     the pertinence of testimony and evidence adduced at its 
     hearing.
       (9) A witness may obtain a transcript copy of their 
     testimony given at a public session or, if given at an 
     executive session, when authorized by the Committee.
     Rule No. 10--Procedures for Reporting Measures or Matters
       (a)(l) It shall be the duty of the Chairperson to report or 
     cause to be reported promptly to the House any measure 
     approved by the Committee and to take or cause to be taken 
     necessary steps to bring the matter to a vote.
       (2) In any event, the report of the Committee on a measure 
     which has been approved by the Committee shall be filed 
     within seven calendar days (exclusive of days on which the 
     House is not in session) after the day on which there has 
     been filed with the clerk of the Committee a written request, 
     signed by a majority of the members of the Committee, for the 
     reporting of that measure. Upon the filing of any such 
     request, the clerk of the Committee shall transmit 
     immediately to the Chairperson notice of the filing of that 
     request.
       (b)(l) No measure or recommendation shall be reported to 
     the House unless a majority of the Committee is actually 
     present.
       (2) With respect to each record vote on a motion to report 
     any measure or matter of a public character, and on any 
     amendment offered to the measure or matter, the total number 
     of votes cast for and against, and the names of those members 
     voting for and against, shall be included in the Committee 
     report on the measure or matter.
       (c) The report of the Committee on a measure or matter 
     which has been approved by the Committee shall include the 
     matters required by clause 3(c) of Rule XIII of the Rules of 
     the House of Representatives.
       (d)(l) If, at the time any measure or matter is ordered 
     reported by the Committee, any

[[Page H510]]

     member of the Committee gives notice of intention to file 
     supplemental, minority, additional, or dissenting views for 
     inclusion in the report, members shall be entitled to not 
     less than two additional calendar days after the day of such 
     notice, commencing on the day on which the measure or 
     matter(s) was approved, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and 
     legal holidays, in which to file such views, in writing and 
     signed by that member, with the clerk of the Committee.
       (2) All such views so filed by one or more members of the 
     Committee shall be included within, and shall be a part of, 
     the report filed by the Committee with respect to that 
     measure or matter.
       (3) The report of the Comittee upon that measure or matter 
     shall be printed in a single volume which--
       (A) shall include all supplemental, minority, additional or 
     dissenting views, in the form submitted, by the time of the 
     filing of the report, and
       (B) shall bear upon its cover a recital that any such 
     supplemental, minority, additional, or dissenting views (and 
     any material submitted under clause 3(c)(3) of rule XIII of 
     the Rules of the House of Representatives) are included as 
     part of the report. This subparagraph does not preclude--
       (i) the immediate filing or printing of a Committee report 
     unless timely request for the opportunity to file 
     supplemental, minority, additional, or dissenting views has 
     been made as provided under clause 2(1) of rule XI of the 
     Rules of the House of Representatives; or
       (ii) the filing of any supplemental report upon any measure 
     or matter which may be required for the correction of any 
     technical error in a previous report made by the Committee 
     upon that measure or matter.
       (4) shall, when appropriate, contain the documents required 
     by clause 3(e) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of 
     Representatives.
       (e) The Chairperson, following consultation with the 
     ranking minority member, is directed to offer a motion under 
     clause 1 of rule XXII of the Rules of the House of 
     Representatives relating to going to conference with the 
     Senate, whenever the Chairperson considers it appropriate.
       (f) If hearings have been held on any such measure or 
     matter so reported, the Committee shall make every reasonable 
     effort to have such hearings published and available to the 
     members of the House prior to the consideration of such 
     measure or matter in the House.
       (g) The Chairperson may designate any majority member of 
     the Committee to act as floor manager of a bill or resolution 
     during its consideration in the House.
     Rule No. 11--Committee Oversight
       (a) The Committee shall conduct oversight of matters within 
     the jurisdiction of the Committee in accordance with clauses 
     2 and 4(d) of rule X of the Rules of the House of 
     Representatives.
       (b) Not later than March 1 of the first session of a 
     Congress and in accordance with clause 2(d) of rule X of the 
     Rules of the House of Representatives, the Committee shall 
     prepare an oversight plan for that Congress.
     Rule No. 12--Review of Continuing Programs; Budget Act 
         Provisions
       (a) The Committee shall, in its consideration of all bills 
     and joint resolutions of a public character within its 
     jurisdiction, ensure that appropriation for continuing 
     programs and activities of the Federal Government will be 
     made annually to the maximum extent feasible and consistent 
     with the nature, requirement, and objectives of the programs 
     and activities involved. For the purposes of this paragraph a 
     Government agency includes the organizational units of 
     government listed in clause 4(e) of rule X of the Rules of 
     the House of Representatives.
       (b) The Committee shall review, from time to time, each 
     continuing program within its jurisdiction for which 
     appropriations are not made annually in order to ascertain 
     whether such program could be modified so that appropriations 
     therefore would be made annually.
       (c) The Committee shall, in accordance with clause 4(f)(1) 
     of rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives, 
     submit to the Committee on the Budget (1) its views and 
     estimates with respect to all matters to be set forth in the 
     concurrent resolution on the budget for the ensuing fiscal 
     year which are within its jurisdiction or functions, and (2) 
     an estimate of the total amounts of new budget authority, and 
     budget outlays resulting there from, to be provided or 
     authorized in all bills and resolutions within its 
     jurisdiction which it intends to be effective during that 
     fiscal year.
       (d) Whenever the Committee is directed in a concurrent 
     resolution on the budget to determine and recommend changes 
     in laws, bills, or resolutions under the reconciliation 
     process it shall promptly make such determination and 
     recommendations, and report a reconciliation bill or 
     resolution (or both) to the House or submit such 
     recommendations to the Committee on the Budget, in accordance 
     with the Congressional Budget Act of 1974.
     Rule No. 13--Audio and Visual Coverage of Committee 
         Proceedings
       Whenever any hearing or meeting conducted by the Committee 
     is open to the public, those proceedings shall be open to 
     coverage by audio and visual means as provided in clause 4 of 
     rule XI of the Rules of the House of Representatives, subject 
     to the limitations therein.
     Rule No. 14--Committee Staff
       The staff of the Committee on House Administration shall be 
     appointed as follows:
       (a) The staff shall be appointed by the Chairperson except 
     as provided in paragraph (b), and may be removed by the 
     Chairperson, and shall work under the general supervision and 
     direction of the Chairperson;
       (b) All staff provided to the minority party members of the 
     Committee shall be appointed by the ranking minority member, 
     and may be removed by the ranking minority member of the 
     Committee, and shall work under the general supervision and 
     direction of such member;
       (c) The appointment of all professional staff shall be 
     subject to the approval of the Committee as provided by, and 
     subject to the provisions of, clause 9 of rule X of the Rules 
     of the House of Representatives;
       (d) The Chairperson shall fix the compensation of all staff 
     of the Committee, after consultation with the ranking 
     minority member regarding any minority party staff, within 
     the budget approved for such purposes for the Committee.
     Rule No. 15--Travel of Members and Staff
       (a) Consistent with the primary expense resolution and such 
     additional expense resolutions as may have been approved, the 
     provisions of this rule shall govern travel of Committee 
     members and staff. Travel for any member or any staff member 
     shall be paid only upon the prior authorization of the 
     Chairperson or their designee. Travel may be authorized by 
     the Chairperson for any member and any staff member in 
     connection with the attendance at hearings conducted by the 
     Committee and meetings, conferences, and investigations which 
     involve activities or subject matter under the general 
     jurisdiction of the Committee. Before such authorization is 
     given there shall be submitted to the Chairperson in writing 
     the following:
       (1) The purpose of the travel;
       (2) The dates during which the travel will occur;
       (3) The locations to be visited and the length of time to 
     be spent in each; and
       (4) The names of members and staff seeking authorization.
       (b)(l) In the case of travel outside the United States of 
     members and staff of the Committee for the purpose of 
     conducting hearings, investigations, studies, or attending 
     meetings and conferences involving activities or subject 
     matter under the legislative assignment of the committee, 
     prior authorization must be obtained from the Chairperson. 
     Before such authorization is given, there shall be submitted 
     to the Chairperson, in writing, a request for such 
     authorization. Each request, which shall be filed in a manner 
     that allows for a reasonable period of time for review before 
     such travel is scheduled to begin, shall include the 
     following:
       (A) the purpose of the travel;
       (B) the dates during which the travel will occur;
       (C) the names of the countries to be visited and the length 
     of time to be spent in each;
       (D) an agenda of anticipated activities for each country 
     for which travel is authorized together with a description of 
     the purpose to be served and the areas of committee 
     jurisdiction involved; and
       (E) the names of members and staff for whom authorization 
     is sought.
       (2) At the conclusion of any hearing, investigation, study, 
     meeting, or conference for which travel outside the United 
     States has been authorized pursuant to this rule, members and 
     staff attending meetings or conferences shall submit a 
     written report to the Chairperson covering the activities and 
     other pertinent observations or information gained as a 
     result of such travel.
       (c) Members and staff of the Committee performing 
     authorized travel on official business shall be governed by 
     applicable laws, resolutions, or regulations of the House and 
     of the Committee on House Administration pertaining to such 
     travel.
     Rule No. 16--Staff Deposition Authority
       The Chairperson may authorize the staff of the Committee to 
     conduct depositions pursuant to section 3(b) of House 
     Resolution 8, One Hundred Seventeenth Congress, and subject 
     to any regulations issued pursuant thereto.
     Rule No. 17-- Number and Jurisdiction of Subcommittees
       (a) There shall be one standing subcommittee, with party 
     ratios of members as indicated. The subcommittee shall have 
     jurisdiction as stated by these rules, may conduct oversight 
     over such subject matter, and may consider such legislation 
     as may be referred to them by the Chairperson. The name and 
     jurisdiction of the subcommittee shall be:
       (1) Subcommittee on Elections (3/1)--Matters relating to 
     voting rights issues and such other matters as may be 
     referred to the subcommittee.
       1(b) The Chairperson may establish and appoint members, 
     consistent with the ratio between majority and minority 
     members serving on the Subcommittee on Elections, to serve on 
     task forces, panels, special, or select subcommittees of the 
     Committee, to perform specific functions for limited periods 
     of time, as the Chairperson deems appropriate.
     Rule No. 18--Referral of Legislation to Subcommittees
       The Chairperson may refer legislation or other matters to 
     the subcommittee as the

[[Page H511]]

     Chairperson considers appropriate. The Chairperson may 
     discharge the subcommittee of any matter referred to it.
     Rule No. 19--Powers and Duties of Subcommittees
       The subcommittee is authorized to meet, hold hearings, 
     receive evidence and report to the full committee on all 
     matters referred to it. The subcommittee shall not meet 
     during any full Committee meeting or hearing.
     Rule No. 20--Other Procedures and Regulations
       The Chairperson may establish such other procedures and 
     take such actions as may be necessary to carry out the 
     foregoing rules or to facilitate the effective operation of 
     the committee.
     Rule No. 21--Designation of Clerk of the Committee
       For the purposes of these Rules and the Rules of the House 
     of Representatives, the staff director of the Committee shall 
     act as the clerk of the Committee.

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