[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 2]
[House]
[Pages 2804-2810]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     PUBLICATION OF COMMITTEE RULES

  Rules of the Committee on Financial Services for the 112th Congress

                                     U.S. House of Represenatives,


                              Committee on Financial Services,

                                Washington, DC, February 25, 2011.
     Hon. John Boehner,
     Speaker, House of Representatives,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Mr. Speaker: Herewith, I am submitting the rules of 
     the Committee on Financial Services, as favorably adopted, on 
     January 25, 2011.
       Please do not hesitate to contact me or Natalie McGarry of 
     my staff should you need anything further.
           Sincerely,
                                                   Spencer Bachus,
                                                         Chairman.


                       RULE 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS

       (a) The rules of the House are the rules of the Committee 
     on Financial Services (hereinafter in these rules referred to 
     as the ``Committee'') and its subcommittees so far as 
     applicable, except that a motion to recess from day to day, 
     and a motion to dispense with the first reading (in full) of 
     a bill or resolution, if printed copies are available, are 
     privileged motions in the Committee and shall be considered 
     without debate. A proposed investigative or oversight report 
     shall be considered as read if it has been available to the 
     members of the Committee for at least 24 hours (excluding 
     Saturdays, Sundays, or legal holidays except when the House 
     is in session on such day).
       (b) Each subcommittee is a part of the Committee, and is 
     subject to the authority and direction of the Committee and 
     to its rules so far as applicable.
       (c) The provisions of clause 2 of rule XI of the Rules of 
     the House are incorporated by reference as the rules of the 
     Committee to the extent applicable.


                            RULE 2. MEETINGS

     Calling of Meetings
       (a)(1) The Committee shall regularly meet on the first 
     Tuesday of each month when the House is in session.
       (2) A regular meeting of the Committee may be dispensed 
     with if, in the judgment of the Chairman of the Committee 
     (hereinafter in these rules referred to as the ``Chair''), 
     there is no need for the meeting.
       (3) Additional regular meetings and hearings of the 
     Committee may be called by the Chair, in accordance with 
     clause 2(g)(3) of rule XI of the rules of the House.
       (4) Special meetings shall be called and convened by the 
     Chair as provided in clause 2(c)(2) of rule XI of the Rules 
     of the House.
     Notice for Meetings
       (b)(1) The Chair shall notify each member of the Committee 
     of the agenda of each regular meeting of the Committee at 
     least three calendar days before the time of the meeting.
       (2) The Chair shall provide to each member of the 
     Committee, at least three calendar days before the time of 
     each regular meeting for each measure or matter on the agenda 
     a copy of--
       (A) the measure or materials relating to the matter in 
     question; and
       (B) an explanation of the measure or matter to be 
     considered, which, in the case of an explanation of a bill, 
     resolution, or similar measure, shall include a summary of 
     the major provisions of the legislation, an explanation of 
     the relationship of the measure to present law, and a summary 
     of the need for the legislation.
       (3) At least 24 hours prior to the commencement of a 
     meeting for the markup of legislation, the Chair shall cause 
     the text of such legislation to be made publicly available in 
     electronic form.
       (4) The provisions of this subsection may be waived by a 
     two-thirds vote of the Committee or by the Chair with the 
     concurrence of the ranking minority member.


                 RULE 3. MEETING AND HEARING PROCEDURES

     In General
       (a)(1) Meetings and hearings of the Committee shall be 
     called to order and presided over by the Chair or, in the 
     Chair's absence, by the member designated by the Chair as the 
     Vice Chair of the Committee, or by the ranking majority 
     member of the Committee present as Acting Chair.
       (2) Meetings and hearings of the committee shall be open to 
     the public unless closed in accordance with clause 2(g) of 
     rule XI of the Rules of the House.
       (3) Any meeting or hearing of the Committee that is open to 
     the public shall be open to coverage by television broadcast, 
     radio broadcast, and still photography in accordance with the 
     provisions of clause 4 of rule XI of the Rules of the House 
     (which are incorporated by reference as part of these rules). 
     Operation and use of any Committee operated broadcast system 
     shall be fair and nonpartisan and in accordance with clause 
     4(b) of rule XI and all other applicable rules of the 
     Committee and the House.
       (4) Opening statements by members at the beginning of any 
     hearing or meeting of the Committee shall be limited to 5 
     minutes each for the Chair or ranking minority member, or 
     their respective designee, and 3 minutes each for all other 
     members.
       (5) To the extent feasible, members and witnesses may use 
     the Committee equipment for the purpose of presenting 
     information electronically during a meeting or hearing 
     provided the information is transmitted to the appropriate 
     Committee staff in an appropriate electronic format at least 
     one business day before the meeting or hearing so as to 
     ensure display capacity and quality. The content of all 
     materials must relate to the pending business of the 
     Committee and conform to the rules of the House. The 
     confidentiality of the material will be maintained by the 
     technical staff until its official presentation to the 
     Committee members. For the purposes of maintaining the 
     official records of the committee, printed copies of all 
     materials presented, to the extent practicable, must 
     accompany the presentations.
       (6) No person, other than a Member of Congress, Committee 
     staff, or an employee of a Member when that Member has an 
     amendment under consideration, may stand in or be seated at 
     the rostrum area of the Committee rooms unless the Chair 
     determines otherwise.
     Quorum
       (b)(1) For the purpose of taking testimony and receiving 
     evidence, two members of the Committee shall constitute a 
     quorum.
       (2) A majority of the members of the Committee shall 
     constitute a quorum for the purposes of reporting any measure 
     or matter, of authorizing a subpoena, of closing a meeting or 
     hearing pursuant to clause 2(g) of rule XI of the rules of 
     the House (except as provided in clause 2(g)(2)(A) and (B)) 
     or of releasing executive session material pursuant to clause 
     2(k)(7) of rule XI of the rules of the House.
       (3) For the purpose of taking any action other than those 
     specified in paragraph (2) one-third of the members of the 
     Committee shall constitute a quorum.
     Voting
       (c)(1) No vote may be conducted on any measure or matter 
     pending before the Committee unless the requisite number of 
     members of the Committee is actually present for such 
     purpose.
       (2) A record vote of the Committee shall be provided on any 
     question before the Committee upon the request of one-fifth 
     of the members present.
       (3) No vote by any member of the Committee on any measure 
     or matter may be cast by proxy.
       (4) In addition to any other requirement of these rules or 
     the Rules of the House, including clause 2(e)(1)(B) of rule 
     XI, the Chair shall make the record of the votes on any 
     question on which a record vote is demanded publicly 
     available for inspection at the offices of the Committee and 
     in electronic form on the Committee's Web site not later than 
     one business day after such vote is taken. Such record shall 
     include in electronic form the text of the amendment, motion, 
     order, or other proposition, the name of each member voting 
     for and each member voting against such amendment, motion, 
     order, or proposition, and the names of those members of the 
     committee present but not voting. With respect to any record 
     vote on any motion to report or record vote on any amendment, 
     a record of such votes shall be included in the report of the 
     Committee showing the total number of votes cast for and 
     against and the names of those members of the committee 
     present but not voting.
       (5) POSTPONED RECORD VOTES.--(A) Subject to subparagraph 
     (B), the Chairman may postpone further proceedings when a 
     record vote is ordered on the question of approving any 
     measure or matter or adopting an amendment. The Chairman may 
     resume proceedings on a postponed request at any time, but no 
     later than the next meeting day.
       (B) In exercising postponement authority under subparagraph 
     (A), the Chairman shall take all reasonable steps necessary 
     to notify members on the resumption of proceedings on any 
     postponed record vote;
       (C) 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.
     Hearing Procedures
       (d)(1)(A) The Chair shall make public announcement of the 
     date, place, and subject matter of any committee hearing at 
     least one week before the commencement of the hearing, unless 
     the Chair, with the concurrence of the ranking minority 
     member, or the Committee by majority vote with a quorum 
     present for the transaction of business, determines there is 
     good cause to begin the hearing sooner, in which case the 
     Chair shall make the announcement at the earliest possible 
     date.

[[Page 2805]]

       (B) Not less than three days before the commencement of a 
     hearing announced under this paragraph, the Chair shall 
     provide to the members of the Committee a concise summary of 
     the subject of the hearing, or, in the case of a hearing on a 
     measure or matter, a copy of the measure or materials 
     relating to the matter in question and a concise explanation 
     of the measure or matter to be considered. At the same time 
     the Chair provides the information required by the preceding 
     sentence, the Chair shall also provide to the members of the 
     Committee a final list consisting of the names of each 
     witness who is to appear before the Committee at that 
     hearing. The witness list may not be modified within 24 hours 
     of a hearing, unless the Chair, with the concurrence of the 
     ranking minority member, determines there is good cause for 
     such modification.
       (2) To the greatest extent practicable--
       (A) each witness who is to appear before the Committee 
     shall file with the Committee two business days in advance of 
     the appearance sufficient copies (including a copy in 
     electronic form), as determined by the Chair, of a written 
     statement of proposed testimony and shall limit the oral 
     presentation to the Committee to brief summary thereof; and
       (B) each witness appearing in a non-governmental capacity 
     shall include with the written statement of proposed 
     testimony a curriculum vitae and a disclosure of the amount 
     and source (by agency and program) of any Federal grant (or 
     subgrant hereof) or contract (or subcontract thereof) 
     received during the current fiscal year or either of the two 
     preceding fiscal years. Such disclosure statements, with 
     appropriate redactions to protect the privacy of the witness, 
     shall be made publicly available in electronic form not later 
     than one day after the witness appears.
       (3) The requirements of paragraph (2)(A) may be modified or 
     waived by the Chair when the Chair determines it to be in the 
     best interest of the Committee.
       (4) The five-minute rule shall be observed in the 
     interrogation of witnesses before the Committee until each 
     member of the Committee has had an opportunity to question 
     the witnesses. No member shall be recognized for a second 
     period of five minutes to interrogate witnesses until each 
     member of the Committee present has been recognized once for 
     that purpose.
       (5) Whenever any hearing is conducted by the Committee on 
     any measure or matter, the minority party members of the 
     Committee shall be entitled, upon the request of a majority 
     of them before the completion of the hearing, to call 
     witnesses with respect to that measure or matter during at 
     least one day of hearing thereon.
     Subpoenas and Oaths
       (e)(1) Pursuant to clause 2(m) of rule XI of the Rules of 
     the House, a subpoena may be authorized and issued by the 
     Committee or a subcommittee in the conduct of any 
     investigation or series of investigations or activities, only 
     when authorized by a majority of the members voting, a 
     majority being present, or pursuant to paragraph (2).
       (2) The Chair, with the concurrence of the ranking minority 
     member, may authorize and issue subpoenas under such clause 
     during any period for which the House has adjourned for a 
     period in excess of three days when, in the opinion of the 
     Chair, authorization and issuance of the subpoena is 
     necessary to obtain the material or testimony set forth in 
     the subpoena. The Chair shall report to the members of the 
     Committee on the authorization and issuance of a subpoena 
     during the recess period as soon as practicable, but in no 
     event later than one week after service of such subpoena.
       (3) Authorized subpoenas shall be signed by the Chair or by 
     any member designated by the Committee, and may be served by 
     any person designated by the Chair or such member.
       (4) The Chair, or any member of the Committee designated by 
     the Chair, may administer oaths to witnesses before the 
     Committee.
     Special Procedures
       (f)(1)(A) COMMEMORATIVE MEDALS AND COINS.--It shall not be 
     in order for the Subcommittee on Domestic Monetary Policy and 
     Technology to hold a hearing on any commemorative medal or 
     commemorative coin legislation unless the legislation is 
     cosponsored by at least two-thirds of the members of the 
     House.
       (B) It shall not be in order for the subcommittee to 
     approve a bill or measure authorizing commemorative coins for 
     consideration by the full Committee which does not conform 
     with the mintage restrictions established by section 5112 of 
     title 31, United States Code.
       (C) In considering legislation authorizing Congressional 
     gold medals, the subcommittee shall apply the following 
     standards--
       (i) the recipient shall be a natural person;
       (ii) the recipient shall have performed an achievement that 
     has an impact on American history and culture that is likely 
     to be recognized as a major achievement in the recipient's 
     field long after the achievement;
       (iii) the recipient shall not have received a medal 
     previously for the same or substantially the same 
     achievement;
       (iv) the recipient shall be living or, if deceased, shall 
     have been deceased for not less than five years and not more 
     than twenty five years;
       (v) the achievements were performed in the recipient's 
     field of endeavor, and represent either a lifetime of 
     continuous superior achievements or a single achievement so 
     significant that the recipient is recognized and acclaimed by 
     others in the same field, as evidenced by the recipient 
     having received the highest honors in the field.
       (2) TESTIMONY OF CERTAIN OFFICIALS.--
       (A) Notwithstanding subsection (a)(4), when the Chair 
     announces a hearing of the Committee for the purpose of 
     receiving--
       (i) testimony from the Chairman of the Federal Reserve 
     Board pursuant to section 2B of the Federal Reserve Act (12 
     U.S.C. 221 et seq.), or
       (ii) testimony from the Chairman of the Federal Reserve 
     Board or a member of the President's cabinet at the 
     invitation of the Chair, the Chair may, in consultation with 
     the ranking minority member, limit the number and duration of 
     opening statements to be delivered at such hearing. The 
     limitation shall be included in the announcement made 
     pursuant to subsection (d)(1)(A), and shall provide that the 
     opening statements of all members of the Committee shall be 
     made a part of the hearing record.
       (B) Notwithstanding subsection (a)(4), at any hearing of 
     the Committee for the purpose of receiving testimony (other 
     than testimony described in clause (i) or (ii) of 
     subparagraph (A)), the Chair may, after consultation with the 
     ranking minority member, limit the duration of opening 
     statements to ten minutes, to be divided between the Chair 
     and Chair of the pertinent subcommittee, or the Chair's 
     designees, and ten minutes, to be controlled by the ranking 
     minority member, or the ranking minority member's designees. 
     Following such time, the duration for opening statements may 
     be extended by agreement between the Chairman and ranking 
     minority member, to be divided at the discretion of the Chair 
     or ranking minority member. The Chair shall provide that the 
     opening statements for all members of the Committee shall be 
     made a part of the hearing record.
       (C) At any hearing of a subcommittee, the Chair of the 
     subcommittee may, in consultation with the ranking minority 
     member of the subcommittee, limit the duration of opening 
     statements to ten minutes, to be divided between the 
     Subcommittee Chair or Chair's designees and ten minutes, to 
     be controlled by the ranking minority member of the 
     Subcommittee or the ranking minority member's designees. 
     Following such time, the duration for opening statements may 
     be extended by agreement between the Chair of the 
     subcommittee and ranking minority member of the subcommittee, 
     to be divided at the discretion of the Chair of the 
     subcommittee or ranking minority member of the subcommittee. 
     The Chair of the subcommittee shall ensure that opening 
     statements for all members shall be made a part of the 
     hearing record.
       (D) If the Chair and ranking minority member acting jointly 
     determine that extraordinary circumstances exist 
     necessitating allowing members to make opening statements, 
     subparagraphs (B) or (C), as the case may be, shall not apply 
     to such hearing.


          RULE 4. PROCEDURES FOR REPORTING MEASURES OR MATTERS

       (a) No measure or matter shall be reported from the 
     Committee unless a majority of the Committee is actually 
     present.
       (b) The Chair of the Committee shall report or cause to be 
     reported promptly to the House any measure approved by the 
     Committee and take necessary steps to bring a matter to a 
     vote.
       (c) 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 pursuant to the provisions of clause 2(b)(2) 
     of rule XIII of the Rules of the House.
       (d) All reports printed by the Committee pursuant to a 
     legislative study or investigation and not approved by a 
     majority vote of the Committee shall contain the following 
     disclaimer on the cover of such report: ``This report has not 
     been officially adopted by the Committee on Financial 
     Services and may not necessarily reflect the views of its 
     Members.''
       (e) The Chair is directed to offer a motion under clause 1 
     of rule XXII of the Rules of the House whenever the Chair 
     considers it appropriate.


                         RULE 5. SUBCOMMITTEES

     Establishment and Responsibilities of Subcommittees
       (a)(1) There shall be six subcommittees of the Committee as 
     follows:
       (A) SUBCOMMITTEE ON CAPITAL MARKETS AND GOVERNMENT 
     SPONSORED ENTERPRISES.--The jurisdiction of the Subcommittee 
     on Capital Markets and Government Sponsored Enterprises 
     includes--
       (i) securities, exchanges, and finance;

[[Page 2806]]

       (ii) capital markets activities, including business capital 
     formation and venture capital;
       (iii) activities involving futures, forwards, options, and 
     other types of derivative instruments;
       (iv) the Securities and Exchange Commission;
       (v) secondary market organizations for home mortgages, 
     including the Federal National Mortgage Association, the 
     Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, and the Federal 
     Agricultural Mortgage Corporation;
       (vi) the Federal Housing Finance Agency; and
       (vii) the Federal Home Loan Banks.
       (B) SUBCOMMITTEE ON DOMESTIC MONETARY POLICY AND 
     TECHNOLOGY.--The jurisdiction of the Subcommittee on Domestic 
     Monetary Policy and Technology includes--
       (i) financial aid to all sectors and elements within the 
     economy;
       (ii) economic growth and stabilization;
       (iii) defense production matters as contained in the 
     Defense Production Act of 1950, as amended;
       (iv) domestic monetary policy, and agencies which directly 
     or indirectly affect domestic monetary policy, including the 
     effect of such policy and other financial actions on interest 
     rates, the allocation of credit, and the structure and 
     functioning of domestic financial institutions;
       (v) coins, coinage, currency, and medals, including 
     commemorative coins and medals, proof and mint sets and other 
     special coins, the Coinage Act of 1965, gold and silver, 
     including the coinage thereof (but not the par value of 
     gold), gold medals, counterfeiting, currency denominations 
     and design, the distribution of coins, and the operations of 
     the Bureau of the Mint and the Bureau of Engraving and 
     Printing; and,
       (vi) development of new or alternative forms of currency.
       (C) SUBCOMMITTEE ON FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AND CONSUMER 
     CREDIT.--The jurisdiction of the Subcommittee on Financial 
     Institutions and Consumer Credit includes--
       (i) all agencies, including the Office of the Comptroller 
     of the Currency, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, 
     the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the 
     Federal Reserve System, the Office of Thrift Supervision, and 
     the National Credit Union Administration, which directly or 
     indirectly exercise supervisory or regulatory authority in 
     connection with, or provide deposit insurance for, financial 
     institutions, and the establishment of interest rate ceilings 
     on deposits;
       (ii) all matters related to the Bureau of Consumer 
     Financial Protection;
       (iii) the chartering, branching, merger, acquisition, 
     consolidation, or conversion of financial institutions;
       (iv) consumer credit, including the provision of consumer 
     credit by insurance companies, and further including those 
     matters in the Consumer Credit Protection Act dealing with 
     truth in lending, extortionate credit transactions, 
     restrictions on garnishments, fair credit reporting and the 
     use of credit information by credit bureaus and credit 
     providers, equal credit opportunity, debt collection 
     practices, and electronic funds transfers;
       (v) creditor remedies and debtor defenses, Federal aspects 
     of the Uniform Consumer Credit Code, credit and debit cards, 
     and the preemption of State usury laws;
       (vi) consumer access to financial services, including the 
     Home Mortgage Disclosure Act and the Community Reinvestment 
     Act;
       (vii) the terms and rules of disclosure of financial 
     services, including the advertisement, promotion and pricing 
     of financial services, and availability of government check 
     cashing services;
       (viii) deposit insurance; and
       (ix) consumer access to savings accounts and checking 
     accounts in financial institutions, including lifeline 
     banking and other consumer accounts.
       (D) SUBCOMMITTEE ON INSURANCE, HOUSING AND COMMUNITY 
     OPPORTUNITY.--The jurisdiction of the Subcommittee on 
     Insurance, Housing and Community Opportunity includes--
       (i) insurance generally; terrorism risk insurance; private 
     mortgage insurance; government sponsored insurance programs, 
     including those offering protection against crime, fire, 
     flood (and related land use controls), earthquake and other 
     natural hazards; the Federal Insurance Office;
       (ii) housing (except programs administered by the 
     Department of Veterans Affairs), including mortgage and loan 
     insurance pursuant to the National Housing Act; rural 
     housing; housing and homeless assistance programs; all 
     activities of the Government National Mortgage Association; 
     housing construction and design and safety standards; 
     housing-related energy conservation; housing research and 
     demonstration programs; financial and technical assistance 
     for nonprofit housing sponsors; housing counseling and 
     technical assistance; regulation of the housing industry 
     (including landlord/tenant relations); and real estate 
     lending including regulation of settlement procedures;
       (iii) community development and community and neighborhood 
     planning, training and research; national urban growth 
     policies; urban/rural research and technologies; and 
     regulation of interstate land sales; and,
       (iv) the qualifications for and designation of Empowerment 
     Zones and Enterprise Communities (other than matters relating 
     to tax benefits).
       (E) SUBCOMMITTEE ON INTERNATIONAL MONETARY POLICY AND 
     TRADE.--The jurisdiction of the Subcommittee on International 
     Monetary Policy and Trade includes--
       (i) multilateral development lending institutions, 
     including activities of the National Advisory Council on 
     International Monetary and Financial Policies as related 
     thereto, and monetary and financial developments as they 
     relate to the activities and objectives of such institutions;
       (ii) international trade, including but not limited to the 
     activities of the Export-Import Bank;
       (iii) the International Monetary Fund, its permanent and 
     temporary agencies, and all matters related thereto; and
       (iv) international investment policies, both as they relate 
     to United States investments for trade purposes by citizens 
     of the United States and investments made by all foreign 
     entities in the United States.
       (F) SUBCOMMITTEE ON OVERSIGHT AND INVESTIGATIONS.--The 
     jurisdiction of the Subcommittee on Oversight and 
     Investigations includes--
       (i) the oversight of all agencies, departments, programs, 
     and matters within the jurisdiction of the Committee, 
     including the development of recommendations with regard to 
     the necessity or desirability of enacting, changing, or 
     repealing any legislation within the jurisdiction of the 
     Committee, and for conducting investigations within such 
     jurisdiction; and
       (ii) research and analysis regarding matters within the 
     jurisdiction of the Committee, including the impact or 
     probable impact of tax policies affecting matters within the 
     jurisdiction of the Committee.
       (2) In addition, each such subcommittee shall have specific 
     responsibility for such other measures or matters as the 
     Chair refers to it.
       (3) Each subcommittee of the Committee shall review and 
     study, on a continuing basis, the application, 
     administration, execution, and effectiveness of those laws, 
     or parts of laws, the subject matter of which is within its 
     general responsibility.
     Referral of Measures and Matters to Subcommittees
       (b)(1) The Chair shall regularly refer to one or more 
     subcommittees such measures and matters as the Chair deems 
     appropriate given its jurisdiction and responsibilities. In 
     making such a referral, the Chair may designate a 
     subcommittee of primary jurisdiction and subcommittees of 
     additional or sequential jurisdiction.
       (2) All other measures or matters shall be subject to 
     consideration by the full Committee.
       (3) In referring any measure or matter to a subcommittee, 
     the Chair may specify a date by which the subcommittee shall 
     report thereon to the Committee.
       (4) The Committee by motion may discharge a subcommittee 
     from consideration of any measure or matter referred to a 
     subcommittee of the Committee.
     Composition of Subcommittees
       (c)(1) Members shall be elected to each subcommittee and to 
     the positions of chair and ranking minority member thereof, 
     in accordance with the rules of the respective party 
     caucuses. The Chair of the Committee shall designate a member 
     of the majority party on each subcommittee as its vice chair.
       (2) The Chair and ranking minority member of the Committee 
     shall be ex officio members with voting privileges of each 
     subcommittee of which they are not assigned as members and 
     may be counted for purposes of establishing a quorum in such 
     subcommittees.
       (3) The subcommittees shall be comprised as follows:
       (A) The Subcommittee on Capital Markets and Government 
     Sponsored Enterprises shall be comprised of 35 members, 20 
     elected by the majority caucus and 15 elected by the minority 
     caucus.
       (B) The Subcommittee on Domestic Monetary Policy and 
     Technology shall be comprised of 14 members, 8 elected by the 
     majority caucus and 6 elected by the minority caucus.
       (C) The Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer 
     Credit shall be comprised of 30 members, 17 elected by the 
     majority caucus and 13 elected by the minority caucus.
       (D) The Subcommittee on Insurance, Housing and Community 
     Opportunity shall be comprised of 18 members, 10 elected by 
     the majority caucus and 8 elected by the minority caucus.
       (E) The Subcommittee on International Monetary Policy and 
     Trade shall be comprised of 14 members, 8 elected by the 
     majority caucus and 6 elected by the minority caucus.
       (F) The Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations shall 
     be comprised of 18 members, 10 elected by the majority caucus 
     and 8 elected by the minority caucus.
     Subcommittee Meetings and Hearings
       (d)(l) Each subcommittee of the Committee is authorized to 
     meet, hold hearings, receive

[[Page 2807]]

     testimony, mark up legislation, and report to the full 
     Committee on any measure or matter referred to it, consistent 
     with subsection (a).
       (2) No subcommittee of the Committee may meet or hold a 
     hearing at the same time as a meeting or hearing of the 
     Committee.
       (3) The chair of each subcommittee shall set hearing and 
     meeting dates only with the approval of the Chair with a view 
     toward assuring the availability of meeting rooms and 
     avoiding simultaneous scheduling of Committee and 
     subcommittee meetings or hearings.
     Effect of a Vacancy
       (e) Any vacancy in the membership of a subcommittee shall 
     not affect the power of the remaining members to execute the 
     functions of the subcommittee as long as the required quorum 
     is present.
     Records
       (f) Each subcommittee of the Committee shall provide the 
     full Committee with copies of such records of votes taken in 
     the subcommittee and such other records with respect to the 
     subcommittee as the Chair deems necessary for the Committee 
     to comply with all rules and regulations of the House.


                             RULE 6. STAFF

     In General
       (a)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), the 
     professional and other staff of the Committee shall be 
     appointed, and may be removed by the Chair, and shall work 
     under the general supervision and direction of the Chair.
       (2) All professional and other staff provided to the 
     minority party members of the Committee shall be appointed, 
     and may be removed, by the ranking minority member of the 
     Committee, and shall work under the general supervision and 
     direction of such member.
       (3) It is intended that the skills and experience of all 
     members of the Committee staff be available to all members of 
     the Committee.
     Subcommittee Staff
       (b) From funds made available for the appointment of staff, 
     the Chair of the Committee shall, pursuant to clause 6(d) of 
     rule X of the Rules of the House, ensure that sufficient 
     staff is made available so that each subcommittee can carry 
     out its responsibilities under the rules of the Committee and 
     that the minority party is treated fairly in the appointment 
     of such staff.
     Compensation of Staff
       (c)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Chair shall 
     fix the compensation of all professional and other staff of 
     the Committee.
       (2) The ranking minority member shall fix the compensation 
     of all professional and other staff provided to the minority 
     party members of the Committee.


                       RULE 7. BUDGET AND TRAVEL

     Budget
       (a)(1) The Chair, in consultation with other members of the 
     Committee, shall prepare for each Congress a budget providing 
     amounts for staff, necessary travel, investigation, and other 
     expenses of the Committee and its subcommittees.
       (2) From the amount provided to the Committee in the 
     primary expense resolution adopted by the House of 
     Representatives, the Chair, after consultation with the 
     ranking minority member, shall designate an amount to be 
     under the direction of the ranking minority member for the 
     compensation of the minority staff, travel expenses of 
     minority members and staff, and minority office expenses. All 
     expenses of minority members and staff shall be paid for out 
     of the amount so set aside.
     Travel
       (b)(l) The Chair may authorize travel for any member and 
     any staff member of the Committee in connection with 
     activities or subject matters under the general jurisdiction 
     of the Committee. Before such authorization is granted, there 
     shall be submitted to the Chair in writing the following:
       (A) The purpose of the travel.
       (B) The dates during which the travel is to occur.
       (C) The names of the States or countries to be visited and 
     the length of time to be spent in each.
       (D) The names of members and staff of the Committee for 
     whom the authorization is sought.
       (2) Members and staff of the Committee shall make a written 
     report to the Chair on any travel they have conducted under 
     this subsection, including a description of their itinerary, 
     expenses, and activities, and of pertinent information gained 
     as a result of such travel.
       (3) Members and staff of the Committee performing 
     authorized travel on official business shall be governed by 
     applicable laws, resolutions, and regulations of the House 
     and of the Committee on House Administration.


                    RULE 8. COMMITTEE ADMINISTRATION

     Records
       (a)(1) There shall be a transcript made of each regular 
     meeting and hearing of the Committee, and the transcript may 
     be printed if the Chair decides it is appropriate or if a 
     majority of the members of the Committee requests such 
     printing. Any such transcripts shall be a substantially 
     verbatim account of remarks actually made during the 
     proceedings, subject only to technical, grammatical, and 
     typographical corrections authorized by the person making the 
     remarks. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to 
     require that all such transcripts be subject to correction 
     and publication.
       (2) The Committee shall keep a record of all actions of the 
     Committee and of its subcommittees. The record shall contain 
     all information required by clause 2(e)(1) of rule XI of the 
     Rules of the House and shall be available in electronic form 
     and for public inspection at reasonable times in the offices 
     of the Committee.
       (3) All Committee hearings, records, data, charts, and 
     files shall be kept separate and distinct from the 
     congressional office records of the Chair, shall be the 
     property of the House, and all Members of the House shall 
     have access thereto as provided in clause 2(e)(2) of rule XI 
     of the Rules of the House.
       (4) The records of the Committee at the National Archives 
     and Records Administration shall be made available for public 
     use in accordance with rule VII of the Rules of the House of 
     Representatives. The Chair shall notify the ranking minority 
     member of any decision, pursuant to clause 3(b)(3) or clause 
     4(b) of the rule, to withhold a record otherwise available, 
     and the matter shall be presented to the Committee for a 
     determination on written request of any member of the 
     Committee.
     Committee Publications on the Internet
       (b) To the maximum extent feasible, the Committee shall 
     make its publications available in electronic form.
     Audio and Video Coverage of Committee Hearings and Meetings
       (c)(l) To the maximum extent feasible, the Committee shall 
     provide audio and video coverage of each hearing or meeting 
     for the transaction of business in a manner that allows the 
     public to easily listen to and view the proceedings; and,
       (2) maintain the recordings of such coverage in a manner 
     that is easily accessible to the public.
                                  ____


Rules of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform for the 112th 
                                Congress


                      Rule 1--Application of Rules

       Except where the terms ``full committee'' and 
     ``subcommittee'' are specifically referred to, the following 
     rules shall apply to the Committee on Oversight and 
     Government Reform and its subcommittees as well as to the 
     respective chairs and ranking minority members.


                            Rule 2--Meetings

       The regular meetings of the full committee shall be held on 
     the second Thursday of each month at 10 a.m., when the House 
     is in session. The chairman is authorized to dispense with a 
     regular meeting or to change the date thereof, and to call 
     and convene additional meetings, when circumstances warrant. 
     A special meeting of the committee may be requested by 
     members of the committee pursuant to the provisions of House 
     Rule XI, clause 2(c)(2). Subcommittees shall meet at the call 
     of the subcommittee chairs. Every member of the committee, 
     unless prevented by unusual circumstances, shall be provided 
     with a memorandum at least three calendar days before each 
     meeting or hearing explaining: (1) the purpose of the meeting 
     or hearing; and (2) the names, titles, background and reasons 
     for appearance of any witnesses. The ranking minority member 
     shall be responsible for providing the same information on 
     witnesses whom the minority may request.


                            Rule 3--Quorums

       (a) A majority of the members of the committee shall form a 
     quorum, except that two members shall constitute a quorum for 
     taking testimony and receiving evidence, and one third of the 
     members shall form a quorum for taking any action other than 
     for which the presence of a majority of the committee is 
     otherwise required. If the chairman is not present at any 
     meeting of the committee or subcommittee, the ranking member 
     of the majority party on the committee who is present shall 
     preside at that meeting.
       (b) The chairman of the full committee may, at the request 
     of a subcommittee chair, make a temporary assignment of any 
     member of the full committee to such subcommittee for the 
     purpose of constituting a quorum at and participating in any 
     public hearing by such subcommittee to be held outside of 
     Washington, DC. Members appointed to such temporary positions 
     shall not be voting members. The chairman shall give 
     reasonable notice of such temporary assignment to the ranking 
     minority members of the committee.


                       Rule 4--Committee Reports

       (a) Bills and resolutions approved by the full committee 
     shall be reported by the chairman pursuant to House Rule 
     XIII, clauses 2-4.
       (b) A proposed investigative or oversight report shall not 
     be considered in the committee unless the proposed report has 
     been available to the members of the committee

[[Page 2808]]

     for at least three calendar days (excluding Saturdays, 
     Sundays, and legal holidays, unless the House is in session 
     on such days) before consideration of such proposed report in 
     the committee. If hearings have been held on the matter 
     reported upon, every reasonable effort shall be made to have 
     such hearings printed and available to the members of the 
     committee before the consideration of the proposed report in 
     the committee.
       (c) Every investigative or oversight report shall be 
     approved by a majority vote of the committee at a meeting at 
     which a quorum is present. If at the time of approval of such 
     a report a member of the committee gives notice of intent to 
     file supplemental, minority, or additional views that member 
     shall be entitled to file such views following House Rule XI, 
     clause 2(l) and Rule XIII, clause 3(a)(1).
       (d) Only those investigative or oversight reports approved 
     by a majority vote of the committee may be ordered printed, 
     unless otherwise required by the Rules of the House of 
     Representatives.


                          Rule 5--Record Votes

       (a) A record vote of the members may be had upon the 
     request of any member upon approval of a one-fifth vote of 
     the members present.
       (b) Pursuant to House Rule XI, clause 2(h)(4), the chairman 
     is authorized to postpone further proceedings when a record 
     vote is ordered on the question of approving a measure or 
     matter or on adopting an amendment and to resume proceedings 
     on a postponed question at any time after reasonable notice. 
     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. After consultation with the ranking 
     minority member, the chairman shall take reasonable steps to 
     notify members on the resumption of proceedings on any 
     postponed record vote.


                    Rule 6--Subcommittees; Referrals

       (a) There shall be seven standing subcommittees with 
     appropriate party ratios. The chairman shall assign members 
     to the subcommittees. Minority party assignments shall be 
     made only with the concurrence of the ranking minority 
     member. The subcommittees shall have the following fixed 
     jurisdictions:
       (1) The Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, U.S. Postal 
     Service and Labor Policy--Legislative jurisdiction over the 
     federal civil service and the U.S. Postal Service. The 
     Subcommittee also has oversight jurisdiction over labor 
     policy;
       (2) The Subcommittee on Government Organization, Efficiency 
     and Financial Management--Legislative jurisdiction over 
     government management and accounting measures, the economy, 
     efficiency, and management of government operations and 
     activities (other than procurement and data standards), 
     federal property, and reorganizations of the executive 
     branch;
       (3) The Subcommittee on Health Care, District of Columbia, 
     Census and the National Archives--Legislative jurisdiction 
     over drug policy, the District of Columbia, the Census 
     Bureau, and federal records (including the National Archives 
     and Records Administration and the Presidential Records Act). 
     The subcommittee also has oversight jurisdiction over federal 
     health care policy, food and drug safety, public support for 
     the arts, libraries and museums, criminal justice, and 
     transportation;
       (4) The Subcommittee on National Security, Homeland Defense 
     and Foreign Operations--Oversight jurisdiction over national 
     security, homeland security, foreign operations, immigration, 
     and emergency management;
       (5) The Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs, Stimulus 
     Oversight and Government Spending--Legislative jurisdiction 
     over federal paperwork reduction, data quality, and the 
     Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs. The 
     Subcommittee also has oversight jurisdiction over regulatory 
     affairs, stimulus policy, federal spending, education, 
     agriculture, and communications policy;
       (6) The Subcommittee on TARP, Financial Services and 
     Bailouts of Public and Private Programs--Oversight 
     jurisdiction over financial and monetary policy, banking, 
     housing, and insurance regulation, financial crisis and 
     rescues, and tax policy; and
       (7) The Subcommittee on Technology, Information Policy, 
     Intergovernmental Relations and Procurement Reform--
     Legislative jurisdiction over public information, including 
     the Freedom of Information Act and Federal Advisory Committee 
     Act, federal information technology and data standards, 
     procurement and grant reform, the relationship between the 
     federal government and states and municipalities, including 
     unfunded mandates. The subcommittee also has oversight 
     jurisdiction over public broadcasting.
       (b) Bills, resolutions. and other matters shall be 
     expeditiously referred by the chairman to subcommittees for 
     consideration or investigation in accordance with their fixed 
     jurisdictions. Where the subject matter of the referral 
     involves the jurisdiction of more than one subcommittee or 
     does not fall within any previously assigned jurisdiction, 
     the chairman shall refer the matter as he may deem advisable. 
     Bills, resolutions, and other matters referred to 
     subcommittees may be re-referred or discharged by the 
     chairman when, in his judgment, the subcommittee is not able 
     to complete its work or cannot reach agreement therein.
       (c) The chairman and the ranking minority member of the 
     full committee shall be ex officio members of all 
     subcommittees. They are authorized to vote on subcommittee 
     matters; but, unless they are regular members of the 
     subcommittee, they shall not be counted in determining a 
     subcommittee quorum other than a quorum for taking testimony.


                    Rule 7--Subcommittee Scheduling

       (a) Each subcommittee is authorized to meet, hold hearings, 
     receive testimony, mark up legislation, and report to the 
     full committee on any measure or matter referred to it.
       (b) No subcommittee may meet or hold a hearing at the same 
     time as a meeting or hearing of the full committee.
       (c) The chair of each subcommittee shall set hearing and 
     meeting dates only with the approval of the full committee 
     chairman with a view toward assuring the availability of 
     meeting rooms and avoiding simultaneous scheduling of 
     committee meetings or hearings.
       (d) Each subcommittee chair shall notify the chairman of 
     any hearing plans at least two weeks before the date of 
     commencement of the hearings, including the date, place, 
     subject matter, and the names of witnesses, willing and 
     unwilling, who would be called to testify, including, to the 
     extent the chair is advised thereof, witnesses whom the 
     minority members may request.


                             Rule 8--Staff

       (a) Except as otherwise provided by House Rule X, clauses 
     6, 7 and 9, the chairman of the full committee shall have the 
     authority to hire and discharge employees of the professional 
     and clerical staff of the committee,
       (b) Except as otherwise provided by House Rule X, clauses 
     6, 7 and 9, the staff of the committee shall be subject to 
     the direction of the chairman of the full committee and shall 
     perform such duties as he or she may assign.


                            Rule 9--Hearings

       (a) A committee member may question witnesses only when 
     recognized by the chairman for that purpose. In accordance 
     with House Rule XI, clause 20)(2), the five-minute rule shall 
     apply during the questioning of witnesses in a hearing. The 
     chairman shall, so far as practicable, recognize alternately 
     based on seniority of those majority and minority members 
     present at the time the hearing was called to order and 
     others based on their arrival at the hearing. After that, 
     additional time may be extended at the direction of the 
     chairman.
       (b) The chairman, with the concurrence of the ranking 
     minority member, or the committee by motion, may permit an 
     equal number of majority and minority members to question a 
     witness for a specified, total period that is equal for each 
     side and not longer than thirty minutes for each side.
       (c) The chairman, with the concurrence of the ranking 
     minority member, or the committee by motion, may permit 
     committee staff of the majority and minority to question a 
     witness for a specified, total period that is equal for each 
     side and not longer than thirty minutes for each side.
       (d) Nothing in paragraph (b) or (c) affects the rights of a 
     member (other than a member designated under paragraph (b)) 
     to question a witness for 5 minutes in accordance with 
     paragraph (a) after the questioning permitted under paragraph 
     (b) or (c). In any extended questioning permitted under 
     paragraph (b) or (c), the chairman shall determine how to 
     allocate the time permitted for extended questioning by 
     majority members or majority committee staff, and the ranking 
     minority member shall determine how to allocate the time 
     permitted for extended questioning by minority members or 
     minority committee staff. The chairman or the ranking 
     minority member, as applicable, may allocate the time for any 
     extended questioning permitted to staff under paragraph (c) 
     to members.
       (e) Hearings shall be conducted according to the procedures 
     in House Rule XI, clause 2(k). All questions put to witnesses 
     before the committee shall be relevant to the subject matter 
     before the Committee for consideration, and the chairman 
     shall rule on the relevance of any questions put to the 
     witnesses.
       (f) Witnesses appearing before the committee shall so far 
     as practicable, submit written statements at least 24 hours 
     before their appearance. Witnesses appearing in a non-
     governmental capacity shall include a curriculum vitae and a 
     disclosure of the amount and source (by agency and program) 
     of each federal grant (or subgrant thereof) or contract (or 
     subcontract thereof) received during the current fiscal year 
     or either of the two previous fiscal years, by the witness or 
     by an entity represented by the witness.
       (g) The chairman or any member designated by the chairman 
     may administer oaths to any witness before the committee. All 
     witnesses appearing in hearings may be administered the 
     following oath by the Chairman or his designee prior to 
     receiving the testimony: ``Do you solemnly swear or affirm 
     that the testimony that you are about

[[Page 2809]]

     to give is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the 
     truth, so help you God?''.


        Rule--10 Committee Records, Open Meetings, Transparency

       (a) The committee staff shall maintain in the committee 
     offices a complete record of committee actions from the 
     current Congress including a record of the roll call votes 
     taken at committee business meetings. The original records, 
     or true copies thereof, as appropriate, shall be available 
     for public inspection whenever the committee offices are open 
     for public business. The staff shall assure that such 
     original records are preserved with no unauthorized 
     alteration, additions, or defacement.
       (b) A stenographic record of all testimony shall be kept of 
     public hearings and shall be made available on such 
     conditions as the chairman may prescribe.
       (c) Meetings for the transaction of business and hearings 
     of the committee shall be open to the public or closed in 
     accordance with the Rules of the House of Representatives.
       (d) The chairman of the full committee shall maintain an 
     official website on behalf of the committee for the purpose 
     of furthering the committee's legislative and oversight 
     responsibilities, including communicating information about 
     the Committee's activities to committee members and other 
     members of the House. To the greatest extent practicable, the 
     chairman shall ensure that committee records are made 
     available on the committee's official website in appropriate 
     formats.
       (e) The ranking minority member of the full committee is 
     authorized to maintain a similar official website on behalf 
     of the committee minority for the same purpose, including 
     communicating information about the activities of the 
     minority to committee members and other members of the House.


      Rule 11--Audio and Visual Coverage of Committee Proceedings

       (a) An open meeting or hearing of the committee may be 
     covered, in whole or in part, by television broadcast, radio 
     broadcast, internet broadcast, and still photography, unless 
     closed subject to the provisions of House Rules. Any such 
     coverage shall conform to the provisions of House Rule XI, 
     clause 4.
       (b) Use of the Committee Broadcast System shall be fair and 
     nonpartisan, and in accordance with House Rule XI, clause 
     4(b), and all other applicable rules of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Oversight and Government 
     Reform. Members of the committee shall have prompt access to 
     a copy of coverage by the Committee Broadcast System, to the 
     extent that such coverage is maintained.
       (c) Personnel providing coverage of an open meeting or 
     hearing of the committee by internet broadcast, other than 
     through the Committee Broadcast System shall be currently 
     accredited to the Radio and Television Correspondents' 
     Galleries. If the Committee Broadcast System is not 
     available, the chairman may, with the concurrence of the 
     ranking minority member, direct staff to provide coverage in 
     a manner that is fair and nonpartisan and in accordance with 
     House Rule XI, clause 4.


                 Rule 12--Additional Duties of Chairman

       The chairman of the full committee shall:
       (a) Make available to other committees the findings and 
     recommendations resulting from the investigations of the 
     committee as required by House Rule X, clause 4(c)(2);
       (b) Direct such review and studies on the impact or 
     probable impact of tax policies affecting subjects within the 
     committee's jurisdiction as required by House Rule X, clause 
     2(c);
       (c) Submit to the Committee on the Budget views and 
     estimates required by House Rule X, clause 4(f), and to file 
     reports with the House as required by the Congressional 
     Budget Act;
       (d) Authorize and issue subpoenas as provided in House Rule 
     XI, clause 2(m), in the conduct of any investigation or 
     activity or series of investigations or activities within the 
     jurisdiction of the Committee;
       (e) Prepare, after consultation with the ranking minority 
     member, a budget for the Committee;
       (f) Make any necessary technical and conforming changes to 
     legislation reported by the committee upon unanimous consent; 
     and
       (g) Offer motions under clause 1 of Rule XXII of the Rules 
     of the House (motion to request or agree to a conference) 
     whenever the chairman considers it appropriate.


        Rule 13--Consideration of Certain Bills and Resolutions

       (a) The determination of the subject matter of 
     commemorative stamps and new semi-postal issues is properly 
     for consideration by the Postmaster General and the committee 
     will not give consideration to legislative proposals 
     specifying the subject matter of commemorative stamps and new 
     semi-postal issues. It is suggested that recommendations for 
     the subject matter of stamps be submitted to the Postmaster 
     General.
       (b) The consideration of bills designating facilities of 
     the United States Postal Service shall be conducted so as to 
     minimize the time spent on such matters by the committee and 
     the House of Representatives.
       (c) The Chairman shall not request to have scheduled any 
     resolution for consideration under suspension of the Rules, 
     which expresses appreciation, commends, congratulates, 
     celebrates, recognizes the accomplishments of, or celebrates 
     the anniversary of, an entity, event, group, individual, 
     institution, team or government program; or acknowledges or 
     recognizes a period of time for such purposes.


                    Rule 14--Panels and Task Forces

       (a) The chairman of the full committee is authorized to 
     appoint panels or task forces to carry out the duties and 
     functions of the committee.
       (b) The chairman and ranking minority member of the full 
     committee may serve as ex-officio members of each panel or 
     task force.
       (c) The chairman of any panel or task force shall be 
     appointed by the chairman of the full committee. The ranking 
     minority member of the full committee shall select a ranking 
     minority member for each panel or task force.
       (d) The House and committee rules applicable to 
     subcommittee meetings, hearings, recommendations, and reports 
     shall apply to the meetings, hearings, recommendations, and 
     reports of panels and task forces,
       (e) No panel or task force so appointed shall continue in 
     existence for more than six months. A panel or task force so 
     appointed may, upon the expiration of six months, be 
     reappointed by the chairman.


                     Rule 15--Deposition Authority

       (a) The chairman of the full committee, upon consultation 
     with the ranking minority member of the full committee, may 
     order the taking of depositions, under oath and pursuant to 
     notice or subpoena.
       (b) Notices for the taking of depositions shall specify the 
     date, time, and place of examination (if other than within 
     the committee offices). Depositions shall be taken under oath 
     administered by a member or a person otherwise authorized to 
     administer oaths.
       (c) Consultation with the ranking minority member shall 
     include three business days notice before any deposition is 
     taken. All members shall also receive three business days 
     notice that a deposition has been scheduled.
       (d) Witnesses may be accompanied at a deposition by counsel 
     to advise them of their rights. No one may be present at 
     depositions except members, committee staff designated by the 
     chairman or ranking minority member of the full committee, an 
     official reporter, the witness, and the witness's counsel. 
     Observers or counsel for other persons, or for agencies under 
     investigation, may not attend.
       (e) At least one member of the committee shall be present 
     at each deposition taken by the committee, unless the witness 
     to be deposed agrees in writing to waive this requirement.
       (f) A deposition shall be conducted by any member or staff 
     attorney designated by the chairman or ranking minority 
     member. When depositions are conducted by committee staff 
     attorneys, there shall be no more than two committee staff 
     attorneys permitted to question a witness per round. One of 
     the committee staff attorneys shall be designated by the 
     chairman and the other by the ranking minority member. Other 
     committee staff members designated by the chairman or ranking 
     minority member may attend, but may not pose questions to the 
     witness.
       (g) Questions in the deposition shall be propounded in 
     rounds. alternating between the majority and minority. A 
     single round shall not exceed 60 minutes per side, unless the 
     members or staff attorneys conducting the deposition agree to 
     a different length of questioning. In each round, a member or 
     committee staff attorney designated by the chairman shall ask 
     questions first, and the member or committee staff attorney 
     designated by the ranking minority member shall ask questions 
     second.
       (h) Any objection made during a deposition must be stated 
     concisely and in a non-argumentative and non-suggestive 
     manner. The witness may refuse to answer a question only to 
     preserve a privilege. When the witness has objected and 
     refused to answer a question to preserve a privilege, the 
     full committee chairman may rule on any such objection after 
     the deposition has adjourned. If the chairman overrules any 
     such objection and thereby orders a witness to answer any 
     question to which a privilege objection was lodged, such 
     ruling shall be filed with the clerk of the committee and 
     shall be provided to the members and the witness no less than 
     three days before the reconvened deposition. If a member of 
     the committee appeals in writing the ruling of the chairman, 
     the appeal shall be preserved for committee consideration. A 
     deponent who refuses to answer a question after being 
     directed to answer by the chairman in writing may be subject 
     to sanction, except that no sanctions may be imposed if the 
     ruling of the chairman is reversed on appeal.
       (i) Committee staff shall ensure that the testimony is 
     either transcribed or electronically recorded or both. If a 
     witness's testimony is transcribed, the witness or the 
     witness's counsel shall be afforded an opportunity to review 
     a copy. No later than five days thereafter, the witness may 
     submit suggested changes to the chairman. Committee

[[Page 2810]]

     staff may make any typographical and technical changes 
     requested by the witness. Substantive changes, modifications, 
     clarifications, or amendments to the deposition transcript 
     submitted by the witness must be accompanied by a letter 
     signed by the witness requesting the changes and a statement 
     of the witness's reasons for each proposed change. Any 
     substantive changes, modifications, clarifications, or 
     amendments shall be included as an appendix to the transcript 
     conditioned upon the witness signing the transcript.
       (j) The individual administering the oath, if other than a 
     member, shall certify on the transcript that the witness was 
     duly sworn. The transcriber shall certify that the transcript 
     is a true record of the testimony, and the transcript shall 
     be filed, together with any electronic recording, with the 
     clerk of the Committee in Washington, DC. Depositions shall 
     be considered to have been taken in Washington, DC, as well 
     as the location actually taken once filed there with the 
     clerk of the Committee for the Committee's use. The chairman 
     and the ranking minority member of the full committee shall 
     be provided with a copy of the transcripts of the deposition 
     at the same time.
       (k) The chairman and ranking minority member of the full 
     committee shall consult regarding the release of depositions. 
     If either objects in writing to a proposed release of a 
     deposition or a portion thereof, the matter shall be promptly 
     referred to the full committee for resolution.
       (l) A witness shall not be required to testify unless the 
     witness has been provided with a copy of the committee's 
     rules.

                          ____________________