[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 11]
[House]
[Pages 14804-14807]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     PUBLICATION OF COMMITTEE RULES


    RULES OF THE COMMITTEE ON SMALL BUSINESS FOR THE 114TH CONGRESS

                                         House of Representatives,


                                  Committee on Small Business,

                               Washington, DC, September 24, 2015.
     Hon. John Boehner,
     The Speaker of the House, U.S. House of Representatives, 
         Washington, DC.
       Dear Speaker Boehner: Pursuant to clause 2(a)(2) of House 
     Rule XI, I hearby submit the Rules of the Committee on Small 
     Business for publication in the Congressional Record. The 
     Rules were adopted by the Committee in its organizational 
     meeting.
           Sincerely,
                                                     Steve Chabot,
                                                         Chairman.


                         1. GENERAL PROVISIONS

       The Rules of the House of Representatives, in total (but 
     especially with respect to the operations of committees Rule 
     X, cl. 1(q), cl. 2, cl. 3(l), and Rule XI) are the rules of 
     the Committee on Small Business to the extent applicable and 
     are incorporated by reference. Each Subcommittee of the 
     Committee on Small Business (``the Committee'') is a part of 
     the Committee and is subject to the authority and direction 
     of the Committee, and to the rules of the House and the rules 
     adopted herein to the extent applicable.


                   2. REFERRAL OF BILLS BY THE CHAIR

       The Chair will retain consideration of all legislation 
     referred to the Committee by the Speaker. No action will be 
     required of a Subcommittee before legislation is considered 
     for report by the Committee. Subcommittee chairs, pursuant to 
     the rules set out herein, may hold hearings on any bill 
     referred to the Committee.


                           3. DATE OF MEETING

       The regular meeting date of the Committee shall be the 
     second Wednesday of every month when the House is in session. 
     The Chair may dispense with the meeting of the Committee, if 
     in the sole discretion of the Chair, there is no need for 
     such meeting. Additional meetings may be called as deemed 
     necessary by the Chair or at the request of the majority 
     Members of the Committee pursuant to Rule XI, cl. 2(c) of the 
     rules of the House.
       At least 3 days notice of such an additional meeting shall 
     be given unless the Chair, with the concurrence of the 
     Ranking Minority Member, determines that there is good cause 
     to call the meeting on less notice or upon a vote by a 
     majority of the Committee (a quorum being present). To the 
     extent possible, the three days shall be counted from the 72 
     hours before the time of the meeting. Announcements of the 
     meeting shall be published promptly in the Daily Digest and 
     made publicly available in electronic form.
       The determination of the business to be considered at each 
     meeting shall be made by the Chair subject to limitations set 
     forth in House Rule XI, cl. 2(c).
       The Chair shall provide to each Member of the Committee, to 
     the extent practicable, at least 48 hours in advance of a 
     meeting, a copy of the bill, resolution, report or other item 
     to be considered at the meeting, but no later than 24 hours 
     before the meeting. Such material also shall be made 
     available to the public at least 24 hours in advance in 
     electronic form.
       The rules for notice and meetings as set forth in Rule 3 of 
     these Rules shall not apply to special and emergency 
     meetings. Clause 2(c)(2) of Rule XI and clause 2(g)(3)(A) of 
     Rule XI of the Rules of the House, as applicable, shall apply 
     to such meetings.
       A record vote of the Committee shall be provided on any 
     question before the Committee upon the request of any Member 
     of the Committee. A record of the vote of each Member of the 
     Committee on a matter before the Committee shall be available 
     in electronic form within 48 hours of such record vote, and, 
     with respect to any roll call vote on any motion to amend or 
     report, 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 voting for and against.
       The Chair of the Committee shall, not later than 24 hours 
     after consideration of a bill, resolution, report or other 
     item cause the text of the reported item and any amendment 
     adopted thereto to be made publicly available in electronic 
     form.


                      4. Announcement of Hearings

       Public announcement of the date, place, and subject matter 
     of any hearing to be conducted by the Committee shall be made 
     no later than 7 calendar days before the commencement of the 
     hearing. To the extent possible, the seven days shall be 
     counted from 168 hours before the time of the Committee's 
     hearing.
       The Chair, with the concurrence of the Ranking Minority 
     Member, or upon a vote by the majority of the Committee (a 
     quorum being present), may authorize a hearing to commence on 
     less than 7 calendar days notice.
     A. Witness Lists
       Unless the Chair determines it is impracticable to do so, 
     the Committee shall make a tentative witness list available 
     at the time it makes the public announcement of the hearing. 
     If a tentative witness list is not made available at the time 
     of the announcement of the hearing, such witness list shall 
     be made available as soon as practicable after such 
     announcement is made. A final witness list

[[Page 14805]]

     shall be issued by the Committee no later than 48 hours prior 
     to the commencement of the hearing.
     B. Material for the Hearing
       The Chair shall provide to all Members of the Committee, as 
     soon as practicable after the announcement of the hearing, a 
     memorandum explaining the subject matter of the hearing and 
     any official reports from departments and agencies on the 
     subject matter of the hearing. Such material shall be made 
     available to all Members of the Committee no later than 48 
     hours before the commencement of the hearing unless the 
     Chair, after consultation with the Ranking Minority Member, 
     determines that certain reports from departments or agencies 
     should not be made available prior to the commencement of the 
     hearing. Material provided by the Chair to all Members, 
     whether provided prior to or at the hearing, shall be placed 
     on the Committee website no later than 48 hours after the 
     commencement of the hearing unless such material contains 
     sensitive or classified information in which case such 
     material shall be handled pursuant to Rule 15 of the 
     Committee's Rules.


              5. Meetings and Hearings Open to the Public

     A. Meetings
       Each meeting of the Committee or its Subcommittees for the 
     transaction of business, including the markup of legislation, 
     shall be open to the public, including to radio, television, 
     and still photography coverage, except as provided by House 
     Rule XI, cl. 4. If the majority of Members of the Committee 
     or Subcommittee present at the meeting, determine by a 
     recorded vote in open session that all or part of the 
     remainder of the meeting on that day shall be closed to the 
     public because the 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 executive branch representatives 
     they may authorize, shall be present in any meeting which has 
     been closed to the public.
       The Chair and Ranking Minority Member are ex officio 
     Members of all Subcommittees for the purpose of any meeting 
     conducted by a Subcommittee.
     B. Hearings
       Each hearing conducted by the Committee or its 
     Subcommittees shall be open to the public, including radio, 
     television and still photography coverage. If the majority of 
     Members of the Committee or Subcommittee present at the 
     hearing, determine by a recorded vote in open session, that 
     all or part of the remainder of the hearing on that day shall 
     be closed to the public because the 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 the Committee or Subcommittee may by 
     the same procedure also vote to close one subsequent day of 
     hearings. Notwithstanding the requirements of the preceding 
     sentence, a majority of those present (if the requisite 
     number of Members are present under Committee rules for the 
     purpose of taking testimony) may vote: (i) to close the 
     hearing for the sole purpose of discussing whether the 
     testimony or evidence to be received would endanger the 
     national security, would compromise sensitive law enforcement 
     information, or violate Rule XI, cl. 2(k)(5) of the House or 
     (ii) to close the hearing, as provided clause 2(k)(5) of Rule 
     XI of the House.
       The Chair and Ranking Minority Member are ex officio 
     Members of all Subcommittees for any hearing conducted by a 
     Subcommittee. Members of the Committee who wish to 
     participate in a hearing of the Subcommittee to which they 
     are not Members shall make such request to the Chair and the 
     Ranking Minority Member of the Subcommittee at the 
     commencement of the hearing. The Chair, after consultation 
     with the Ranking Minority Member of the Subcommittee, shall 
     grant such request.
       No Member of the House may be excluded from non-
     participatory attendance at any hearing of the Committee or 
     any Subcommittee, unless the House of Representatives shall 
     by majority vote authorize the Committee or Subcommittees, 
     for purposes of a particular subject of investigation, to 
     close its hearing to Members by the same procedures 
     designated to close hearings to the public.
       Members of Congress who are not Members of the Committee 
     but would like to participate in a hearing shall notify the 
     Chair and the Ranking Minority Member and submit a formal 
     request no later than 24 hours before the commencement of the 
     meeting or hearing.
       To the maximum extent practicable, 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 and view the proceedings and shall 
     maintain the recordings of such coverage in a manner easily 
     accessible to the public.


                              6. Witnesses

     A. Statement of Witnesses
       Each witness who is to appear before the Committee or 
     Subcommittee shall file an electronic copy of the testimony 
     with the Committee and the Ranking Minority Member no later 
     than 48 hours before the commencement of the hearing. In 
     addition, the witness shall provide 25 copies of the 
     testimony by the commencement of the hearing. The Chair may 
     waive the requirement by the witness providing 25 copies in 
     which case the Committee or Subcommittee shall provide the 25 
     copies.
       Each non-governmental witness shall provide to the 
     Committee and the Ranking Minority Member, no later than 48 
     hours before the commencement of the hearing, a curriculum 
     vitae or other statement describing their education, 
     employment, professional affiliation or other background 
     information pertinent to their testimony.
       As required by Rule XI, cl. 2(g) of the Rules of the House, 
     each non-governmental witness before the commencement of the 
     hearing shall file with the Chair a disclosure form detailing 
     any contracts or grants that the witness has with the federal 
     government. Such information shall be posted on the Committee 
     website within 24 hours after the witness appeared at the 
     hearing.
       The failure to provide the materials set forth by the 
     deadlines set forth in these rules may be grounds for 
     excluding both the oral and written testimony of the witness 
     unless waived by the Chair of the Committee or Subcommittee.
       The Committee will provide public access to printed 
     materials, including the testimony of witnesses in electronic 
     form on the Committee's website no later than 24 hours after 
     the hearing is adjourned. Supplemental material provided 
     after the hearing adjourns, shall be placed on the Committee 
     website no later than 24 hours after receipt of such 
     material.
     B. Number of Witnesses and Witnesses Selected by the Minority
       For any hearing conducted by the Committee or Subcommittee 
     there shall be no more than four non-governmental witnesses 
     of which the Ranking Minority Member of the Committee or 
     Subcommittee (as appropriate) is entitled to select one 
     witness for the hearing. Witnesses selected by the Ranking 
     Minority Member of the Committee or Subcommittee shall be 
     invited to testify by the Chair of the Committee or 
     Subcommittee (as appropriate). Rule 6(A) shall apply with 
     equal force to witnesses selected by the Ranking Minority 
     Member of the Committee or Subcommittee.
       The limitations set forth in the preceding paragraph shall 
     not apply if the Committee holds a hearing to honor the work 
     of the small business community in conjunction with the 
     annual celebration of Small Business Week. Witness 
     limitations for such a hearing shall be determined by the 
     Chair in consultation with the Ranking Minority Member.
     C. Interrogation of Witnesses
       Except when the Committee adopts a motion pursuant to 
     subdivisions (B) and (C) of clause 2(i)(2) of Rule XI of the 
     Rules of the House, Committee Members may question witnesses 
     only when they have been recognized by the Chair for that 
     purpose. Members shall have the opportunity, as set forth in 
     Rule XI, cl. 2(j) of the Rules of the House, to question each 
     witness on the panel for a period not to exceed five minutes. 
     For any hearing, the Chair of the Committee or Subcommittee 
     may offer a motion to extend the questioning of a witness or 
     witnesses by the Member identified in the motion for more 
     than five minutes as set forth in Rule XI, cl. 2(j)(B).
       The Chair of the Committee or Subcommittee shall commence 
     questioning followed by the Ranking Minority Member. 
     Thereafter, questioning shall alternate between the majority 
     and minority Members in order of their arrival at the hearing 
     after the gavel has been struck to commence the hearing with 
     the first arriving having priority over Members of his or her 
     party. If Members arrive simultaneously or are there prior to 
     the gavel being struck to commence the hearing, order of 
     questioning shall be based on seniority.
       In recognizing Members to question witnesses, the Chair may 
     take into consideration the ratio of majority and minority 
     Members present in such a manner as to not disadvantage the 
     Members of either party.


                              7. Subpoenas

       A subpoena may be authorized and issued by the Committee in 
     the conduct of any investigation or series of investigations 
     or activities to require the attendance and testimony of such 
     witness and the production of such books, records, 
     correspondence, memoranda, papers and document, as deemed 
     necessary. Such subpoena shall be authorized by a majority of 
     the full Committee. The requirement that the authorization of 
     a subpoena require a majority vote may be waived by the 
     Ranking Member of the Committee. The Chair may issue a 
     subpoena, in consultation with the Ranking Minority Member, 
     when the House is out for session for more than three 
     legislative days.

[[Page 14806]]




                               8. Quorum

       A quorum, for purposes of reporting a measure or 
     recommendation, shall be a majority of the Committee Members. 
     For purposes of taking testimony or receiving evidence, a 
     quorum shall be one Member from the Majority and one Member 
     from the Minority. The Chair of the Committee or Subcommittee 
     shall exercise reasonable comity by waiting for the Ranking 
     Minority Member even if a quorum is present before striking 
     the gavel to commence the hearing. For hearings held by the 
     Committee or a Subcommittee in a location other than the 
     Committee's hearing room in Washington, DC, a quorum shall be 
     deemed to present if the Chair of the Committee or 
     Subcommittee is present.


                      9. Amendments During Mark-Up

       Any amendment offered to any pending legislation before the 
     Committee must be made available in written form by any 
     Member of the Committee. If such amendment is not available 
     in written form when requested, the Chair shall allow an 
     appropriate period for the provision thereof and may adjourn 
     the markup to provide sufficient time for the provision of 
     such written amendment. Such period or adjournment shall not 
     prejudice the offering of such amendment.
       For amendments to be accepted during mark-up, there is no 
     requirement that the amendments be filed prior to 
     commencement of the mark-up or prepared with the assistance 
     of the Office of Legislative Counsel. Even though it is not 
     necessary, Members seeking to amend legislation during mark-
     up should draft amendments with the assistance of the Office 
     of Legislative Counsel and consult with the Chair or Ranking 
     Member's staff (as appropriate) in the preparation of such 
     amendments.


                    10. Postponement of Proceedings

       The Chair in consultation with the Ranking Minority Member 
     may postpone further proceedings when a record vote is 
     ordered on the question of approving any measure or matter or 
     adopting an amendment. The Chair may resume postponed 
     proceedings, but no later than 24 hours after such 
     postponement, unless the House is not in session or there are 
     conflicts with Member schedules that make it unlikely a 
     quorum will be present to conduct business on the postponed 
     proceeding. In such cases, the Chair will consult with 
     Members to set a time as early as possible to resume 
     proceedings but in no event later than the next meeting date 
     as set forth in Rule 3 of these Rules. 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.


              11. Number and Jurisdiction of Subcommittees

       There will be five Subcommittees as follows:

           The Subcommittee on Agriculture, Energy and Trade

       This Subcommittee (which will consist of six (6) Republican 
     Members and four (4) Democratic Members) will address 
     policies that enhance rural economic growth, increasing 
     America's energy independence and ensuring that America's 
     small businesses can compete effectively in a global 
     marketplace.
       Oversight of agricultural policies.
       Oversight of environmental issues and regulations 
     (including agencies such as the Environmental Protection 
     Agency and the Army Corps of Engineers).
       Oversight of energy issues, including expansion of domestic 
     resources whether they are renewable or non-renewable.
       Oversight of international trade policy with particular 
     emphasis on agencies that provide direct assistance to small 
     businesses, such as: the Small Business Administration's 
     (SBA) Office of International Trade, the Department of 
     Commerce's United States Export Assistance Centers, the 
     Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service, and 
     the Export-Import Bank.
       Oversight of infringement of intellectual property rights 
     by foreign competition.

               The Subcommittee on Health and Technology

       This Subcommittee (which will consist of six (6) Republican 
     Members and four (4) Democratic Members) will address how 
     health care policies may inhibit or promote economic growth 
     and job creation by small businesses. In addition, the 
     Subcommittee will examine small business job growth through 
     the creation and adoption of advanced technologies.
       Oversight of the implementation of the Patient Protection 
     and Affordable Care Act.
       Oversight of availability and affordability of health care 
     coverage for small businesses.
       Oversight of general technology issues, including 
     intellectual property policy in the United States.
       Oversight of United States telecommunications policies 
     including, but not limited to, the National Broadband Plan 
     and allocation of electromagnetic spectrum
       The Small Business Innovation Research Program.
       Small Business Technology Transfer Program.

      The Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Tax and Capital Access

       This Subcommittee (which will consist of six (6) Republican 
     Members and four (4) Democratic Members) will evaluate the 
     operation of the financial markets in the United States and 
     their ability to provide needed capital to small businesses. 
     In addition, the Subcommittee will review federal programs, 
     especially those overseen by the SBA, aimed at assisting 
     entrepreneurs in obtaining needed capital. Since the tax 
     policy plays an integral role in access to capital, this 
     Committee also will examine the impact of federal tax 
     policies on small businesses.
       Oversight of capital access and financial markets.
       Implementation of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and 
     Consumer Protection Act.
       SBA financial assistance programs, including guaranteed 
     loans, microloans, certified development company loans, and 
     small business investment companies.
       Oversight of the Department of Agriculture business and 
     industry guaranteed loan program.
       Oversight of general tax policy affecting small businesses.
       The management of the SBA disaster loan program.

     The Subcommittee on Investigations, Oversight and Regulations

       This Subcommittee (which will consist of six (6) Republican 
     Members and four (4) Democratic Members) will probe the 
     efficient operation of government programs that affect small 
     businesses, including the SBA, and develop proposals to make 
     them operate in a more cost-effective manner. This 
     Subcommittee also will review the regulatory burdens imposed 
     on small businesses and how those burdens may be alleviated.
       Oversight of general issues affecting small businesses and 
     federal agencies.
       Oversight of the management of the SBA.
       Oversight of the SBA Inspector General.
       Implementation of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
       Oversight of the Office of Information and Regulatory 
     Affairs at the Office of Management and Budget.
       Use of the Congressional Review Act.
       Transparency of the federal rulemaking process as required 
     by the Administrative Procedure and Data Quality Acts.
       Implementation of the Paperwork Reduction Act.

             The Subcommittee on Contracting and Workforce

       This Subcommittee (which will consist of six (6) Republican 
     Members and four (4) Democratic Members) will assess the 
     federal procurement system, including those programs designed 
     specifically to enhance participation by small businesses in 
     providing goods and services to the federal government. The 
     Subcommittee will examine various programs designed to 
     provide technical assistance to small businesses, whether 
     specifically aimed at federal contractors or small businesses 
     in general. Finally, the Subcommittee will review the broad 
     scope of workforce issues that affect the ability of small 
     businesses to obtain and maintain qualified employees.
       Oversight of government-wide procurement practices and 
     programs affecting small businesses.
       Oversight of federal procurement policies that inhibit or 
     expand participation by small businesses in the federal 
     contracting marketplace.
       All contracting programs established by the Small Business 
     Act, including HUBZone, 8(a), Women-, and Service Disabled 
     Veteran-Owned Small Business Programs.
       Technical assistance provided to federal contractors and 
     perspective contractors through SBA personnel, Offices of 
     Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization, and Procurement 
     Technical Assistance Centers.
       The SBA Surety Bond guarantee program.
       Oversight of all federal policies that affect the workforce 
     including, but not limited to, the roles of the Department of 
     Labor and the National Labor Relations Board.
       SBA entrepreneurial development and technical assistance 
     programs unrelated to participation in the federal government 
     contracting.


                 12. Powers and Duties of Subcommittees

       Each Subcommittee is authorized to meet, hold hearings, 
     receive evidence, and report to the Conunittee on any matters 
     referred to it. Prior to the scheduling of any meeting or 
     hearing of a Subcommittee, the Chair of the Subcommittee 
     shall obtain the approval of the Chair of the Committee.
       No hearing or meeting of a Subcommittee shall take place at 
     the same time as the meeting or hearing of the full Committee 
     or another Subcommittee, provided however, that the 
     Subcommittee Chairs may hold field hearings that conflict 
     with those held by other Subcommittees of the Committee.


                          13. Committee Staff

     A. Majority Staff
       The employees of the Committee, except those assigned to 
     the Minority as provided below, shall be appointed and 
     assigned, and may be removed by the Chair of the Committee. 
     The Chair shall fix their remuneration and they shall be 
     under the general supervision and direction of the Chair.

[[Page 14807]]


     B. Minority Staff
       The employees of the Committee assigned to the Minority 
     shall be appointed and assigned, and their remuneration 
     determined, as the Ranking Minority Member of the Committee 
     shall decide.
     C. Subcommittee Staff
       There shall be no separate staff assigned to Subcommittees. 
     The Chair and Ranking Member shall endeavor to ensure that 
     sufficient committee staff is made available in order that 
     each Subcommittee may carry out the responsibilities set 
     forth in Rule 11, supra.


                              14. Records

       The Committee shall keep a complete record of all actions, 
     which shall include a record of the votes on any question on 
     which a recorded vote is demanded. The result of any vote by 
     the Committee, or if applicable by a Subcommittee, including 
     a voice vote shall be posted on the Committee's website 
     within 24 hours after the vote has been taken. Such record 
     shall include a description of the amendment, motion, order, 
     or other proposition, the name of the Member voting for and 
     against such amendment, motion, order, or other proposition, 
     and the names of Members present but not voting. For any 
     amendment, motion, order, or other proposition decided by 
     voice vote, the record shall include a description and 
     whether the voice vote was in favor or against.
       The Committee shall keep a complete record of all Committee 
     and Subcommittee activity which, in the case of a meeting or 
     hearing transcript shall include a substantially verbatim 
     account of the remarks actually made during the proceedings 
     subject only to technical, grammatical, and typographical 
     corrections authorized by the person making the remarks.
       The records of the Committee at the National Archives and 
     Records Administration shall be made available in accordance 
     with Rule VII of the Rules of the House. The Chair of the 
     Committee shall notify the Ranking Member of the Committee of 
     any decision, pursuant to Rule VII, cl. 3(b)(3) or cl. 4(b), 
     to withhold a record otherwise available, and the matter 
     shall be presented to the Committee for a determination of 
     the written request of any Member of the Committee.
       The Committee Rules shall be made publicly available in 
     electronic form and published in the Congressional Record not 
     later than 30 days after the Chair of the Committee is 
     elected in each odd-numbered year.


           15. Access to Classified or Sensitive Information

       Access to classified or sensitive information supplied to 
     the Committee or Subcommittees and attendance at closed 
     sessions of the Committee or a Subcommittee shall be limited 
     to Members and necessary Committee staff and stenographic 
     reporters who have appropriate security clearance when the 
     Chair determines that such access or attendance is essential 
     to the functioning of the Committee or one of its 
     Subcommittees.
       The procedures to be followed in granting access to those 
     hearings, records, data, charts, and files of the Committee 
     which involve classified information or information deemed to 
     be sensitive shall be as follows:
       (A) Only Members of the House of Representatives and 
     specifically designated Committee staff of the Committee on 
     Small Business may have access to such information.
       (B) Members who desire to read materials that are in 
     possession of the Committee shall notify the Clerk of the 
     Committee in writing.
       (C) The Clerk of the Committee will maintain an accurate 
     access log, which identifies the circumstances surrounding 
     access to the information, without revealing the material 
     examined.
       (D) If the material desired to be reviewed is material 
     which the Committee or Subcommittee deems to be sensitive 
     enough to require special handling, before receiving access 
     to such information, individuals will be required to sign an 
     access information sheet acknowledging such access and that 
     the individual has read and understands the procedures under 
     which access is being granted.
       (E) Material provided for review under this rule shall not 
     be removed from a specified room within the Committee 
     offices.
       (F) Individuals reviewing materials under this rule shall 
     make certain that the materials are returned to the proper 
     custodian.
       (G) No reproductions or recordings may be made of any 
     portion of such materials.
       (H) The contents of such information shall not be divulged 
     to any person in any way, form, shape, or manner and shall 
     not be discussed with any person who has not received the 
     information in the manner authorized by the rules of the 
     Committee.
       (I) When not being examined in the manner described herein, 
     such information will be kept in secure safes or locked file 
     cabinets within the Committee offices.
       (J) These procedures only address access
     to information the Committee or Subcommittee deems to be 
     sensitive enough to require special treatment.
       (K) If a Member of the House of Representatives believes 
     that certain sensitive information should not be restricted 
     as to dissemination or use, the Member may petition the 
     Committee or Subcommittee to so rule. With respect to 
     information and materials provided to the Committee by the 
     Executive Branch or an independent agency as that term is 
     defined in 44 U.S.C. Sec. 3502, the classification of 
     information and materials as determined by the Executive 
     Branch or independent agency shall prevail unless 
     affirmatively changed by the Committee or Subcommittee 
     involved, after consultation with the Executive Branch or 
     independent agency.
       (L) Other materials in the possession of the Committee are 
     to be handled in the accordance with normal practices and 
     traditions of the Committee.


                          16. Other Procedures

       The Chair of the Committee 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.


                   17. Amendments to Committee Rules

       The rules of the Committee may be modified, amended or 
     repealed by a majority vote of the Members, at a meeting 
     specifically called for such purpose, but only if written 
     notice of the proposed change or changes has been provided to 
     each Member of the Committee at least 72 hours prior to the 
     time of the meeting of the Committee to consider such change 
     or changes.


                         18. Budget and Travel

       From the amount provided to the Committee in the primary 
     expense resolution adopted by the House of Representatives in 
     the 113th Congress, the Chair, after consultation with the 
     Ranking Minority Member, shall designate one-third of the 
     budget under the direction of the Ranking Minority Member for 
     the purposes of minority staff, travel expenses of minority 
     staff and Members, and minority office expenses.
       The Chair may authorize travel in connection with 
     activities or subject matters under the legislative or 
     oversight jurisdiction of the Committee as set forth in Rule 
     X of the Rules of the House.
       The Ranking Minority Member may authorize travel for any 
     Minority Member or staff of the minority in connection with 
     activities or subject matters under the Committee's 
     jurisdiction as set forth in Rule X of the Rules of the 
     House. Before such travel, there shall be submitted to the 
     Chair of the Committee in writing the following at least 
     seven (7) calendar days prior specifying: 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 spent in each; and d) the names of Members and 
     staff of the Committee participating in such travel. Prior 
     approval shall not be required of Minority Staff traveling to 
     participate in a deposition, authorized by the Chair in rule 
     16 of these Rules of an individual located outside of the 
     Washington, DC metropolitan area.


                         19. Committee Website

       The Chair shall maintain an official Committee website for 
     the purpose of furthering the Committee's legislative and 
     oversight responsibilities, including communicating 
     information about Committee's activities to Committee Members 
     and other Members of the House. The Ranking Minority Member 
     may maintain a similar website for the same purpose, 
     including communicating information about the activities of 
     the Minority to Committee Members and other Members of the 
     House.


                             20. Vice Chair

       Pursuant to the Rules of the House, the Chair shall 
     designate a Member of the Majority to serve as Vice Chair of 
     the Committee. The Vice Chair shall preside at any meeting or 
     hearing during the temporary absence of the Chair. The Chair 
     also reserves the right to designate a Member of the 
     Committee Majority to serve as the Chair at a hearing or 
     meeting.

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