[House Report 105-850]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]




                                                 Union Calendar No. 491
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105th Congress                                                   Report
  2d Session            HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES                105-850

_______________________________________________________________________

                                     


                        REPORT ON THE ACTIVITIES

                                 of the

                      COMMITTEE ON HOUSE OVERSIGHT

                                 of the

                        HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                               during the

                       ONE HUNDRED FIFTH CONGRESS

                             together with

                     MINORITY AND ADDITIONAL VIEWS




January 2, 1999.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the 
              State of the Union and ordered to be printed

                               --------

                    U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE                    
69-006                     WASHINGTON : 1999




                          LETTER OF SUBMITTAL

                              ----------                              


January 2, 1999.
Hon. Jeff Trandahl,
Clerk of the House of Representatives,
Washington, D.C.
    Dear Jeff: Pursuant to Clause 1(d) of Rule XI of the Rules 
of the House of Representatives, I hereby submit to the House a 
report on the activities of the Committee on House Oversight 
for the 105th Congress, including the oversight plan for the 
105th Congress.
    With best wishes,
            Sincerely,
                                             Bill Thomas, Chairman.


                     Establishment of the Committee

    The Committee was created on January 4, 1995, and is 
successor to the Committee on House Administration, which was 
created on January 2, 1947 as part of the Legislative 
Reorganization Act of 1946. This Act combined the Committee on 
Accounts, Enrolled Bills, Disposition of Executive Papers, 
Printing, Elections, Election of the President, Vice President, 
and Representatives in Congress, and Memorials. Between January 
2, 1947 and January 4, 1995, the jurisdiction of the Committee 
was amended to include the House Restaurant System, parking 
facilities, House Beauty Shop, campaign contributions to 
candidates for the House, resolutions authorizing committees to 
employ additional professional and clerical personnel, and the 
Committee shared jurisdiction with the Post Office and Civil 
Service Committee on matters relating to compensation, 
retirement and other benefits of Members, officers and 
employees of Congress.
    The Rules of the House of Representatives for the 104th 
Congress expanded the Committee responsibility for authorizing 
payment of expenses include all staff salaries for any 
committee, commission, or other entity (except the Committee on 
Appropriations) for a Congress. The Committee's jurisdiction 
was also broadened to include the Franking Commission. 
Responsibility for erection of monuments to the memory of 
individuals was transferred to the Committee on Resources.
    Upon adoption of the Rules of the House of Representatives 
for the 105th Congress, the Committee was given sole 
jurisdiction over, and responsibility for, assigning functions 
and providing oversight and policy direction to the Chief 
Administrative Officer of the House. An additional provision 
was added, clause 4(d)(2) of rule X, which requires joint 
approval by the chairman and ranking minority member of the 
Committee concerning the amount of funds to be paid before a 
House employing office may enter a settlement of a complaint 
under the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 (CAA) that 
provides for such a payment. The CAA assigns to the Committee 
responsibility for oversight of the Office of Compliance and 
the Board of Directors of the Office of Compliance (section 
301(i) of Public Law 104-1; 2 U.S.C. 1381(i)).

                         Committee Jurisdiction

    The Committee on House Oversight is a standing committee of 
the House of Representatives. The powers and duties of the 
Committee include the statutory responsibilities of the 
predecessor committee, the Committee on House Administration, 
as determined primarily by the Legislative Reorganization Acts 
of 1946 (Public Law 79-601) and 1970 (Public Law 91-510); the 
House of Representatives Administrative Reform Technical 
Corrections Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-186), and; the Rules of 
the House of Representatives adopted on January 7, 1997. The 
Committee on House Oversight, which consists of 9 members, has 
jurisdiction and related functions assigned by clauses 1, 2, 3, 
and 4 of rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives; 
and all bills, resolutions, and other matters relating to the 
following subjects shall be referred to the Committee:
          1. Appropriations from accounts for committee 
        salaries and expenses (except for the Committee on 
        Appropriations), House Information Systems, and 
        allowances and expenses of Members, House Officers and 
        administrative offices of the House.
          2. Auditing and settling of all accounts described in 
        subparagraph (1).
          3. Employment of persons by the House, including 
        clerks for Members and committees, and reporters of 
        debates.
          4. Except as provided in Rule X, clause 1(q)(11), 
        matters relating to the Library of Congress and the 
        House Library; statuary and pictures; acceptance or 
        purchase of works of art for the Capitol; the Botanic 
        Gardens; management of the Library of Congress; 
        purchase of books and manuscripts.
          5. Except as provided in Rule X, clause 1(q)(11), 
        matters relating to the Smithsonian Institution and the 
        incorporation of similar institutions.
          6. Expenditures of accounts described in subparagraph 
        (1).
          7. Franking Commission.
          8. Matters relating to printing and correction of the 
        Congressional Record.
          9. Measures relating to accounts of the House 
        generally.
          10. Measures relating to assignment of office space 
        for Members and committees.
          11. Measures relating to the disposition of useless 
        executive papers.
          12. Measures relating to the election of the 
        President, Vice President, or Members of Congress; 
        corrupt practices; contested elections; credentials and 
        qualifications; and Federal elections generally.
          13. Measures relating to services to the House, 
        including the House Restaurant, parking facilities and 
        administration of the House Office Buildings and the 
        House wing of the Capitol.
          14. Measures relating to the travel of Members of the 
        House.
          15. Measures relating to the raising, reporting and 
        use of campaign contributions for candidates for office 
        of Representative in the House of Representatives, or 
        Delegate, and of Resident Commissioner to the United 
        States from Puerto Rico.
          16. Measures relating to the compensation, retirement 
        and other benefits of the Members, officers, and 
        employees of the Congress.
    In addition to its legislative jurisdiction under the 
preceding provisions (and its general oversight function) the 
Committee has the function of:
          1. Examining all bills, amendments, and joint 
        resolutions after passage by the House and, in 
        cooperation with the Senate, examining all bills and 
        joint resolutions which shall have passed both Houses 
        to see that they are correctly enrolled, forthwith 
        presenting those which originated in the House to the 
        President of the United States in person after their 
        signature by the Speaker of the House and the President 
        of the Senate and reporting the fact and date of such 
        presentation to the House; and
          2. providing policy direction for, and oversight of, 
        the Clerk, Sergeant-at-Arms, Chief Administrative 
        Officer, and Inspector General.
    Finally, the Committee has privilege under House Rule XI, 
clause 4(a) to report at any time on enrolled bills, contested 
elections, and all matters referred to it of printing for the 
use of the House or the two Houses, and on all matters of 
expenditure of the applicable accounts of the House described 
in clause 1(h)(1) of rule X, and on all matters relating to 
preservation and availability of noncurrent records of the 
House under Rule XXXVI.

                     105th Congress Oversight Plan


                            member services


     Oversee Member allowance amounts, structure, and 
regulations; provide guidance to offices to ensure compliance 
with House regulations.
     Review and revise Members' Congressional Handbook 
regulations governing expenditure of Members' Representational 
Allowances.
     Review formula that establishes Members' 
Representational Allowance.


                    committee funding and oversight


     Continuing review and assessment of biennial and 
consolidated funding resolutions for committees.
     Receive and review Monthly Reports on committee 
activities and expenditures.
     Review and revise Committees' Congressional 
Handbook regulations governing expenditure of committee funds.
     Review Primary Expense Resolutions and approve 
committee funding levels.
     Create rules and regulations associated with 
administration of the reserve fund for unexpected oversight 
activities of committees.


     implementation of the congressional accountability act of 1995


     Monitor implementation of the Congressional 
Accountability Act of 1995 (PL 104-1).
     Review regulations adopted by the Office of 
Compliance and make recommendations on their approval by the 
House.
     Evaluate resources available to the Office of 
Compliance and House Employing Offices to facilitate 
implementation of the Act.
     Provide oversight for the Office of Compliance.


            franking commission and official mail allowance


     Review proposals to reform mass mailing practices 
of Members, and regulations governing such mailings, and 
monitor current prohibition on mass mailings 90 days before a 
primary or general election.
     Review previously implemented rules to increase 
disclosure and improve the accounting of franked mail costs.
     Consider revisions of pre-election franking 
complaint procedures.
     Review structure and use of Official Mail 
Allowance.


                       government printing office


     Consider legislation to reform government printing 
by eliminating redundancies, increasing efficiency, and 
enhancing public access to government publications.
     Gather information on the restructuring of 
government printing and the dissemination of government 
information to the public, especially in electronic form.


                  house officers and house operations


Chief Administrative Officer
     Review of procedures for processing contracts with 
the House that exceed the threshold of $100,000.
     Continue to review implementation of new financial 
management system.
     Review the long-term structure of House 
Information Resources and determine long-term organizational 
direction.
     Oversee progress towards successful implementation 
of the Information Systems Plan adopted by the Committee on 
November 15, 1995.
     Review and evaluate the process for approving 
equipment purchases by members and committees.
     Continuing review of functions and administrative 
operations assigned to the CAO.
     Review of semi-annual financial and operational 
status reports; recommend changes in operations to improve 
services and increase efficiencies.
Clerk of the House
     Review and assist in policy decisions regarding 
the administration of the audio transmission on the House 
floor.
     Review and approve contracts and requests for 
proposals for the Clerk which exceed the $100,000 spending 
threshold.
     Review and approve program plans for the 
implementation of the document management system.
     Review and approve progress on defining a standard 
for the electronic exchange of legislative information among 
Congress and legislative branch agencies.
     Continuing review of functions and administrative 
operations assigned to the Clerk
     Review of semi-annual financial and operational 
status reports; recommend changes in operations to improve 
services and increase efficiencies.
Sergeant at Arms
     Review of security operations in the House, 
including the House chamber, the galleries, the Capitol, House 
Office Buildings, and Capitol Grounds.
     Review of semi-annual financial and operational 
status reports; recommend changes in operations to improve 
services and increase efficiencies.
     Review impact of electronic access to controlled 
spaces.
     Continuing review of functions and administrative 
operations assigned to the Sergeant at Arms.
     Review the security operation of the House's 
parking facilities, its regulations and allocation of parking 
spaces.
Inspector General
     Review and evaluate proposed audit plan and audit 
reports.
     Receive and review comprehensive financial and 
operational audits of the House: investigate any irregularities 
uncovered; implement required improvements.


                oversight of legislative branch entities


Information and Technology Coordination
     Oversee, in conjunction with the Senate, 
implementation of the Legislative Branch Information Technology 
Exchange (LBITE) a forum for the sharing of technology plans 
and capabilities among the legislative branch agencies.
     Oversee, in conjunction with the Senate, the 
Legislative Branch Telecommunications group.
Library of Congress
     Oversee the remedial measures taken by the Library 
in response to the audit conducted in the 104th Congress.
     Consider the Library's proposals regarding 
restructuring of the Gift and Trust funds.
     Conduct a review of the progress that the Library 
has made in providing public access to government information, 
especially in electronic form.
     Continuing review and oversight of Library and 
Congressional Research Service operations.
Smithsonian Institution
     Receive and review the Smithsonian Inspector 
General's reports on the status of the Smithsonian.
     Continuing review and oversight of Smithsonian 
operations.
Architect of the Capitol
     Review the operations of the office of the 
architect, consider a systems and financial audit of the 
operation as a whole to provide a baseline for the 
administration of the new Architect.
     Conduct a review of the electronic and procured 
services provided by the Architect.


                      technology use by the house


     Continuing oversight of House Information 
Resources and other technology functions of the House to ensure 
timely, accurate electronic information dissemination.
     Oversee implementation of new House Rule XI 
2(e)(4) requiring committee documentation to be made available 
electronically, to the maximum extent feasible.


          elections, voter registration, and corrupt practices


     Conduct a review of current operations of the 
Federal Election Commission and evaluate possible changes to 
improve efficiency, strengthen enforcement of the Federal 
Election Campaign Act, and improve procedures for the 
disclosure of contributions and expenditures.
     Review state and federal activities in connection 
with the National Voter Registration Act. Examine reforms that 
could improve voter registration procedures, particularly with 
regard to strengthening protection against fraud.
     Examine options for improvement of the contested 
elections process and amendments to the Federal Contested 
Election Act.
     Examine evidence of fraud in the conduct of 
federal elections and evaluate measures to improve the 
integrity of the electoral process.
     Examine evidence of possible corruption and 
evasion of election laws in campaign fundraising, including 
contributions from prohibited foreign sources.
     Study the role of involuntary contributions used 
for expenditures that influence political campaigns.
     Review current federal election financing laws, 
consider legislative changes as necessary.



                                                       Calendar No. 491

105th Congress                                                   Report
  2d Session            HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES                105-850

=======================================================================


 
      REPORT ON THE ACTIVITIES OF THE COMMITTEE ON HOUSE OVERSIGHT

                                _______
                                

January 2, 1999.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the 
              State of the Union and ordered to be printed

                                _______


   Mr. Thomas, from the Committee on House Oversight, submitted the 
                               following

                              R E P O R T

                             together with

                     MINORITY AND ADDITIONAL VIEWS

  REPORT ON THE ACTIVITIES OF THE COMMITTEE ON HOUSE OVERSIGHT OF THE 
     HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES DURING THE ONE HUNDRED FIFTH CONGRESS

                    Summary of Oversight Activities

                             FIRST SESSION

The Committee met on January 8, 1997--105th Congress Organizational 
        Meeting

    1. Considered Committee Rules for the 105th Congress. 
Agreed to by voice vote.
    2. Announced Interim Authority Actions taken after 
adjournment sine die of the 104th Congress, which included:
          (a) MRA for 1997 has been set and disseminated to all 
        Members. The Clerk Hire component of the MRA includes a 
        2.3% increase.
          (b) Position of Acting Chief Administrative Officer 
        was established. Mr. Thomas was requested by the 
        Speaker to form a search committee. Mr. Fazio was asked 
        to serve on the committee.
    3. Considered a majority consultant contract for general 
election issues. The contract was agreed to by voice vote.
    4. Considered a majority consultant contract for contested 
election issues. The contract was agreed to by voice vote.
    5. Appointed Task Force to consider Contested Election 
filing for California's 46th Congressional District. Mr. Ehlers 
and Mr. Ney were appointed to the Task Force. Mr. Ehlers will 
serve as Chairman.
    6. Announced intent to consider consultant contract for the 
Select Committee on Standards of Official Conduct for period of 
January 3 through January 21, 1997.
    7. Considered consultant contract for the Committee on 
Rules. Agreed to by voice vote.

The Committee met on February 11, 1997--Business Meeting

    1. Considered the Inspector General's 1997 Audit Plan. 
Motion to adopt the plan was agreed to by voice vote.
    2. Announced that a recommendation be sent to the Speaker 
regarding the Membership of the Commission on Congressional 
Mailing Standards. The following Members were recommended: Mr. 
Thomas, Mr. Ney, and Mr. Boehner for the majority and Mr. 
Gejdenson, Mr. Clay and Mr. Frost for the minority.
    3. Considered H. Res. 85, Appointment of the House Members 
to the Joint Committee on the Library and Joint Committee on 
Printing. H. Res. 85 agreed to by voice vote and reported 
favorably to the House.
          (a) Members of the Joint Committee on the Library are 
        Mr. Thomas, Mr. Ney, and Mr. Ehlers for the majority 
        and Mr. Gejdenson, and Ms. Kilpatrick for the minority.
          (b) Members of the Joint Committee on Printing are 
        Mr. Thomas, Mr. Ney, and Ms. Granger for the majority 
        and Mr. Gejdenson and Mr. Hoyer for the minority.
    4. Considered H. Con. Res. 11, A Ceremony in the Capital 
Rotunda to Commemorate the Days of Remembrance of the Victims 
of the Holocaust. H. Con. Res. 11 was agreed to by voice vote 
and reported favorably to the House.
    5. Appointed Democratic Member, Mr. Hoyer, to the Task 
Force on the Contested Election in California's 46th 
Congressional District.
    6. Considered the Committee's Oversight Plan for the 105th 
Congress. Plan agreed to by voice vote.
    7. Considered H. Res. 55, providing amounts for expenses 
for the Committee on House Oversight in the 105th Congress. H. 
Res. 55 was agreed to by voice vote.
    8. Mr. Ehlers presented the 104th Congress Computer Working 
Group Report on House Information Resource's accomplishments.
    9. Considered two consultant contracts for the minority on 
issues relating to contested elections and general election 
issues. Both contracts were agreed to by voice vote.
    10. Considered a motion to grant the Chairman authority to 
issue subpoenas on issues relating to voter fraud and contested 
elections.
          (a) An amendment was offered by Mr. Gejdenson adding 
        the language ``in consultation with * * *'' the Ranking 
        Minority Member.
          (b) Amendment was agreed to by voice vote. The second 
        amendment offered by Mr. Gejdenson would end the 
        authorization of the Chairman to issue subpoenas on the 
        next recess period following the date of adoption. The 
        second amendment failed by voice vote. The motion, as 
        amended, was agreed to by voice vote.

The Committee met on February 26, 1997--Task Force on the Contested 
        Elections of California's 46th Congressional District Hearing

    1. A motion was offered by Mr. Ney that the Task Force 
postpones the disposition of the Contestees Motion to Dismiss 
until a hearing on the merits. The motion as offered by Mr. Ney 
was agreed to by voice vote.
          (a) An amendment was offered by Mr. Hoyer that the 
        Committee should approve Ms. Sanchez's request that the 
        contestant be required to provide a more definitive 
        statement of his claim. The amendment was not agreed to 
        by voice vote.
    Witnesses included:
          Mr. William Schweitzer, Majority Consultant on 
        Contested Elections issues
          Mr. Roger Ballentine, Minority Consultant on 
        Contested Elections issues

The Committee met on March 5, 1997--Hearing on Committee Funding

    Considered testimony on H. Res. 91, the Omnibus Committee 
Funding Resolution for the 105th Congress. The Committee heard 
testimony from the chairman and ranking minority members of the 
following House committees concerning their proposed budgets 
for the 105th Congress:
    1. House Oversight Committee
          Mr. Bill Thomas, Chairman
          Mr. Sam Gejdenson, Ranking Member
    2. Ways and Means Committee
          Mr. Bill Archer, Chairman
          Mr. Charles Rangel, Ranking Member
    3. Small Business Committee
          Mr. James M. Talent, Chairman
          Mr. John L. LaFalce, Ranking Member
    4. International Relations Committee
          Mr. Benjamin A. Gilman, Chairman
          Mr. Lee H. Hamilton, Ranking Member
    5. Agriculture Committee
          Mr. Bob Smith, Chairman
          Mr. Charles W. Stenholm, Ranking Member
    6. Judiciary Committee
          Mr. Henry J. Hyde, Chairman
          Mr. John Conyers, Jr., Ranking Member
    7. Standards of Official Conduct Committee
          Mr. James V. Hansen, Chairman
          Mr. Howard Berman, Ranking Member
    8. Transportation and Infrastructure Committee
          Mr. Bud Shuster, Chairman
          Mr. James L. Oberstar, Ranking Member
    9. Veterans' Affairs Committee
          Mr. Bob Stump, Chairman
          Mr. Lane Evans, Ranking Member
    10. Science Committee
          Mr. F. James Sensenbrenner, Jr., Chairman
          Mr. George E. Brown, Jr., Ranking Member
    11. Intelligence Permanent Select Committee
          Mr. Porter Goss, Chairman
          Mr. Norman D. Dicks, Ranking Member

The Committee met on March 6, 1997--Hearing on Committee Funding

    Considered testimony on H. Res. 91, the Omnibus Committee 
Funding Resolution for the 105th Congress. The Committee heard 
testimony from the chairman and ranking minority members of the 
following House committees concerning their proposed budgets 
for the 105th Congress:
    1. Rules Committee
          Mr. Gerald B.H. Solomon, Chairman
          Mr. John Moakley, Ranking Member
    2. Banking and Financial Services Committee
          Mr. James A. Leach, Chairman
          Mr. Henry B. Gonzalez, Ranking Member
    3. Government Reform and Oversight Committee
          Mr. Dan Burton, Chairman
          Mr. Henry A. Waxman, Ranking Member
    4. Resources Committee
          Mr. Don Young, Chairman
          Mr. George Miller, Ranking Member
    5. Education and the Workforce Committee
          Mr. William F. Goodling, Chairman
          Mr. William Clay, Ranking Member
    6. National Security Committee
          Mr. Floyd Spence, Chairman
          Mr. Ronald V. Dellums, Ranking Member
    7. Commerce Committee
          Mr. Thomas J. Bliley, Chairman
    8. Budget Committee
          Mr. John Kasich, Chairman
          Mr. John Spratt, Ranking Member Rules Committee

The Committee met on March 12, 1997--Business Meeting

    1. Considered Committee Resolution to set the franked mail 
allocation for all House Committees, excluding the 
Appropriations Committee. Resolution was agreed to by voice 
vote.
    2. Considered changes to the detailee reimbursement policy. 
The new policy requires that clerical details remain 
reimbursable but that committees may have non-reimbursable 
details up to 10% of their staff ceiling. Policy was agreed to 
by voice vote.
    3. Marked-up H. Res. 91, providing amounts for the expenses 
of certain committees of the House of Representatives and 
funding the reserve fund for the One Hundred Fifth Congress.
    (a) Mr. Thomas introduced an amendment in the nature of a 
substitute. The amendment in the nature of substitute was 
agreed to by roll call vote.

The Committee met on March 13, 1997--To Consider Reporting H. Res. 91, 
        as amended on March 12, 1997, to the House

    H. Res. 91, as amended, was reported favorably to the 
House.

The Committee met on March 19, 1997--Office of Compliance Oversight 
        Hearing

    1. Members inquired into process followed by the Board in 
adopting regulations to implement section 220(e) of the 
Congressional Accountability Act and the failure of the Board 
to engage in further rulemaking as requested by the Committee.
    Witnesses included:
          Mr. Glen D. Nager, Chairman, Board of Directors, 
        Office of Compliance
          Mr. Larry Lorber, Member, Board of Directors, Office 
        of Compliance
          Mr. Ricky Silverman, Executive Director, Office of 
        Compliance

The Committee met on April 16, 1997--Business Meeting

    Discussed several subpoenas issued by Contestant Robert 
Dornan. Under the Federal Contested Elections Act of 1969, the 
contestant is granted subpoena power in order to gather 
information to prove his case. Mr. Dornan had issued under the 
auspices of the Federal District Court for the Central District 
of California in Santa Ana over 20 subpoenas to various 
individuals and groups. Most of those entities filed motions 
with the Committee to quash or modify Mr. Dornan's subpoenas.
    1. Considered committee resolution to authorize the 
Chairman to issue letters to 16 entities stating that subpoenas 
issued to those parties would be held in abeyance until the 
contestant makes a further showing of the relevance of the 
requested material. Those entities were the U.S. District Court 
Naturalization Division, Immigration and Naturalization 
Service, Laborers Union 652, Carpenters Union 803, Carpenters 
Union 2361, the Guttenberg Group, Citizen's Forum, Lou Correa 
For State Assembly, Active Citizenship Campaign, Communication 
Worker's Local 9510, Hermandad Mexicana Nacional Sales and 
Marketing, Rancho Santiago College, Orange County Campus, 
Centennial Education Center, Orange Adult Learning Center, and 
Garden Grove Center. The resolution was agreed to by voice 
vote.
    2. Considered committee resolution authorizing the Chairman 
to issue letters to five entities stating that subpoenas issued 
to those parties would be enforced and that the materials 
requested should be provided within fifteen days. Those 
entities were: Catholic Charities,Dump Dornan Committee, 
Sanchez for Congress, Hermandad Mexicana Nacional, and Hermandad 
Mexicana Nacional Legal Center.
          (a) Mr. Hoyer offered a motion to quash the subpoena 
        of Catholic Charities. The motion was not agreed to. 
        Mr. Hoyer requested a roll call vote. The votes were as 
        follows: No--Mr. Ney, Mr. Boehner, Mr. Ehlers, Ms. 
        Granger, and Mr. Thomas; Yes--Mr. Hoyer.
          (b) Mr. Hoyer offered a motion to quash the subpoena 
        to the Dump Dornan Committee. The motion was defeated 
        by voice vote.
          (c) Mr. Hoyer offered a motion to delay the subpoena 
        to Sanchez for Congress until further consideration by 
        the Task Force. The motion was defeated by a voice 
        vote.
          (d) Mr. Hoyer offered a motion to quash the subpoena 
        to Hermandad Mexicana Nacional. The motion was defeated 
        by voice vote.
          (e) Mr. Hoyer offered a motion to quash the subpoena 
        to Hermandad Mexicana Nacional Legal Center. The motion 
        was defeated by a voice vote
    3. Committee considered the text of three protective orders 
that specify the terms of production and custody of documents 
produced under subpoena.
          (a) The first protective order applies to materials 
        produced by Catholic Charities and the Dump Dornan 
        Committee. The protective order includes a 
        confidentiality agreement that must be signed by 
        Committee Staff who review the documents. The 
        protective order was agreed to by voice vote.
          (b) The second protective order applies to materials 
        produced by Sanchez for Congress. An amendment was 
        offered by Mr. Hoyer which would make the materials 
        available to the majority and minority outside counsel. 
        The amendment was agreed to by voice vote. Mr. Hoyer 
        offered a second amendment that would keep the 
        materials produced by Sanchez for Congress under seal 
        until a time agreed upon by the Task Force. The second 
        amendment was agreed to by voice vote. The protective 
        order, as amended, was agreed to by voice vote.
          (c) The third protective order applies to materials 
        produced by Hermandad Mexicana Nacional. It also 
        includes a confidentiality agreement. The protective 
        order was agreed to by voice vote.
    4. The minority outside counsel, Mr. Ballentine requested 
that a memorandum, prepared by the minority, be attached to all 
outgoing subpoena letters. Without objection, the Chairman 
agreed to this request. A motion was also made to include 
``cost of production'' information together with the subpoena 
letters. The motion was passed by a voice vote.

The Committee met on April 19, 1997--Task Force on the Contested 
        Election in California's 46th Congressional District hearing on 
        the merits in Orange County, CA

    1. Each member of the morning panel spoke about their 
involvement in the case and offered their expertise on the 
issues and allegations involved in the case.
    2. Mr. Dornan presented evidence and allegations that 
substantial voter fraud in the November 1996 election warrants 
a new election. Witnesses for the Contestant testified that a 
representative of the Sanchez campaign asked them to vote 
illegally in the 1996 election. Mr. Sanchez, an employee of the 
Immigration and Naturalization Service, testified about the 
INS' capability to cross check the list of registered voters in 
Orange County, CA against their databases of illegal aliens.
    3. Ms. Sanchez rebutted claims of widespread fraud and 
claimed that Dornan was little more than a sore loser. Mr. 
Miller gave his interpretation of California election law, 
claiming that individuals who register to vote before becoming 
citizens should still be allowed to vote if they become 
naturalized before election day. Ms. Lever testified about vote 
counting processes and election policies.
    4. Mr. Ehlers, Chairman of the Task Force, agreed to allow 
four citizens to speak. They were:
          Mark Rosen, Attorney for Hermandad Mexicana Nacional
          Barbara Coe, Chairperson, California Coalition of 
        Immigration
          Zeke Hernandez, President, Santa Ana Chapter of the 
        League of United Latin American Citizens
          Glenn Spencer, President, Voice of Citizens Together
    Morning Panel--Government Officials:
          Mr. Bill Jones, Secretary of State of California
          Mr. Michael Capizzi, District Attorney of Orange 
        County
          Mr. Richard Rogers, District Director, Immigration 
        and Naturalization Service
          Ms. Rosalyn Lever, Orange County Registrar of Voters
    Afternoon Panel--Contestant and Contestee:
          Robert Dornan, Contestant
          Loretta Sanchez, Contestee
          William Hart and Michael Schroeder, attorneys for the 
        Contestant
          Wylie Aitken and Fred Woocher, attorneys for the 
        Contestee
    Witnesses included:
          Nelson Molina, witness for the Contestant
          Janet Cartee, witness for the Contestant
          James Sanchez, employee of INS
          Tony Miller, former Acting Secretary of State of 
        California, witness for the Contestee
          Rosalyn Lever, witness for the Contestee
          Mark Rosen, Attorney for Hermandad Mexicana Nacional
          Barbara Coe, Chairperson, California Coalition of 
        Immigration
          Zeke Hernandez, President, Santa Ana Chapter of the 
        League of United Latin American Citizens
          Glenn Spencer, President, Voice of Citizens Together

The Committee met on April 24, 1997--Business Meeting

    1. Accepted the Semi-Annual Reports from the House 
Officers.
    2. Received an update on the search for the new Chief 
Administrative Officer (CAO).
    3. Considered a Committee Resolution to move the Office of 
Printing Services from the CAO to the Clerk of the House. The 
Resolution was agreed to by voice vote.
    4. Considered a Committee Resolution to implement a single 
Standard Generalized Markup Language for the Legislative 
Branch. The Resolution was agreed to by voice vote.
    5. Considered H. Con. Res. 25, A Capitol Rotunda 
Celebration and Dedication of the Statute of Astronaut Jack 
Swigert to represent the State of Colorado in Statuary Hall. H. 
Con. Res. 25, as amended, was agreed to by voice vote and 
reported favorably to the House.
          (a) An amendment was offered by Mr. Ney to remove 
        printing requirements in the resolution. The amendment 
        passed by voice vote.
    6. Considered H. Res. 129, providing amounts for the 
expenses of committees of the House, excluding the Government 
Reform and Oversight Committee and the Appropriations 
Committee, in the One Hundred Fifth Congress. H. Res. 129, as 
amended, was reported favorably to the House.
          (a) Mr. Boehner offered an amendment in the nature of 
        a substitute that was agreed to by voice vote.
    7. Announced intent to send a letter to Chairman Solomon of 
the Rules Committee requesting a change in House Rule XI Clause 
5(f)(3) to change the 9% temporary spending level for 
committees to 8%.

The Committee met on May 14, 1997--Business Meeting

    1. Considered S. Con. Res. 26, to allow for the use of the 
Capitol Rotunda on June 5, 1997 honoring Mother Theresa. The 
Resolution was agreed to by voice vote and reported favorably 
to the House.
    2. Announced revised language to committee resolution 
specifying regulations for details to committees.
    3. Considered motion to authorize issuance of two subpoenas 
to the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) to:
          (a) Subpoena 1: Produce in an electronic format a 
        copy of each electronic record sufficient to show 
        matches between the relevant INS database and the 
        Orange County, California voter registration list, when 
        a record does not show a naturalization date or shows a 
        naturalization date later than the date of that 
        person's voter registration.
          (b) Subpoena 2: Produce in an electronic format a 
        copy of each electronic record sufficient to show, for 
        each person in the relevant INS databases, the 
        following information: full name, available identifying 
        information, date of last recorded update to record, 
        and relevant INS database(s) in which the person 
        appeared.
    The subpoenas were authorized by a voice vote.

The Committee met on May 21, 1997--Business Meeting

    The Committee met to consider motions on subpoenas issued 
in connection with the Contested Election in California's 46th 
Congressional District.
    1. Considered a motion to quash seven subpoenas issued by 
Contestant Robert K. Dornan:
          (a) Laborers Union Local 652
          (b) Communications Workers Union 9510
          (c) Southern California Edison
          (d) Southern California Gas
          (e) Garden Grove Water
          (f) Immigration and Naturalization Service; and
          (g) the U.S. District Court, Central District of 
        California, Naturalization Division.
    The motion was agreed to by voice vote.
    2. Considered a motion to take action on eight other 
outstanding subpoenas.
          (a) Carpenters Union Local 803--agreed to hold in 
        abeyance and seek more information from Contestant;
          (b) Carpenters Union Local 2361--agreed to hold in 
        abeyance and seek more information from Contestant;
          (c) Rancho Santiago Community College--agreed to hold 
        in abeyance and seek identity of confidential sources 
        from Contestant;
          (d) Citizens Forum--motion to quash was denied by 
        voice vote;
          (e) Guttenberg Group--motion to quash was denied by 
        voice vote;
          (f) Lou Correa for Assembly--motion to quash was 
        denied by roll call vote. Votes were as follows: Yes--
        Mr. Thomas, Mr. Ney, Mr. Boehner, Mr. Ehlers, Ms. 
        Granger, and Mr. Mica; No--Mr. Gejdenson and Mr. 
        Hoyer.;
          (g) Southwest Voter Registration Project-- motion to 
        quash was modified and denied by voice vote; and
          (h) One Stop Immigration and Educational Center--
        motion to quash was modified and denied by voice vote.

The Committee met on July 8, 1997--Business Meeting

    1. Considered amendment to majority contested elections 
contract. The contract was agreed to by voice vote.
    2. Considered amendment to minority contested elections 
contract. The contract was agreed to by voice vote.
    3. Considered Guidelines for Disbursement from Reserve 
Fund. The guidelines were agreed to by roll call vote. The 
votes were as follows: Yes--Mr. Thomas, Mr. Ney, and Mr. Mica; 
No--Mr. Hoyer and Ms. Kilpatrick.
          (a) Mr. Hoyer offered an amendment to add to the 
        guidelines that with the request of three or more 
        Members, the Chairman of the requesting committee 
        appear before the Committee on House Oversight during 
        the open debate discussion on the request for 
        disbursement from the Reserve Fund. The amendment was 
        defeated by a roll call vote. The votes were as 
        follows: No--Mr. Thomas, Mr. Ney, and Mr. Mica; Yes--
        Mr. Hoyer and Ms. Kilpatrick.
    4. Considered request from the Committee on Education and 
the Workforce for disbursement of funds from the Reserve Fund. 
The request was agreed to by roll call vote. The votes were as 
follows: Yes--Mr. Thomas, Mr. Ney, and Mr. Mica; No--Mr. Hoyer 
and Ms. Kilpatrick.
    5. Considered contract with the Gartner Group. The contract 
was agreed to by voice vote.

The Committee met on September 16, 1997--Business Meeting

    All three items were agreed to en bloc by voice vote.
    1. Considered the Science Committee's request for an 
allocation from the Reserve Fund.
    2. Considered the Committee Resolution to approve the 
General Information Security Guidelines to Protect Member and 
Committee Offices from Unauthorized Intrusions, as proposed by 
the Chief Administrative Officer.
    3. Considered the Committee Resolution approving the 
regulations on Reemployment of Military and Civilian Retirees 
to Meet Unique Employment Needs.

The Committee met on September 24, 1997--Business Meeting

    1. Accepted the Semi-Annual Reports from the Clerk of the 
House, Chief Administrative Officer, and Sergeant-at-Arms. 
Acceptance of the reports was agreed to by voice vote.
    2. Contested Election in California's 46th Congressional 
District:
          (a) Considered a Committee Resolution to quash 
        subpoenas issued by the Contestant, Robert Dornan. The 
        subpoenas to be quashed were issued to Loretta Sanchez, 
        Rancho SantiagoCollege, Naturalization Assistance 
Service, Carpenters Local 803/Carpenters Local 2361, and R. Scott 
Moxley. The resolution was agreed to by voice vote.
          (b) Considered a Committee Resolution to modify and 
        enforce subpoenas issued by the Contestant, Robert 
        Dornan to Nativo Lopez, Michael Farber, and Active 
        Citizenship Campaign. The resolution was agreed to by 
        voice vote.
          (c) Considered House Resolution 244 urging that the 
        Office of the United States Attorney for the Central 
        District of California file criminal charges against 
        Hermandad Mexicana Nacional for failure to comply with 
        a valid subpoena under the Federal Contested Elections 
        Act. H. Res. 244 was reported favorably to the House by 
        voice vote.
          (d) Considered issuance of interrogatories to Robert 
        Dornan, Michael Farber, Loretta Sanchez, Wylie Aitken, 
        John Shallman, Benny Hernandez, Nativo Lopez, 
        California Secretary of State Bill Jones, and Orange 
        County District Attorney Michael Capizzi. The 
        interrogatories were approved by voice vote.
    3. Considered payment for services rendered by Mr. Richard 
Leon to the Ethics Reform Task Force. Payment was agreed to by 
voice vote.

The Committee met on October 24, 1997--Business Meeting

    1. Consideration of a Memorandum of Understanding between 
the Task Force and the California Secretary of State. The 
Memorandum specifies in detail the procedures by which the 
California Secretary of State will conduct citizenship status 
verification of individuals who voted in the 46th Congressional 
District of California. The Memorandum was approved by voice 
vote.
    2. Consideration of a Committee Resolution requesting that 
the Chairman of the Committee on House Oversight issue 
Committee subpoenas to Nativo Lopez and Michael Farber. The 
resolution was approved by voice vote.

The Committee met on October 30, 1997--Campaign Reform Hearing

    The Committee received testimony in the first in a series 
of hearings on campaign reform.
    Witnesses included:
          1. The Honorable Asa Hutchinson (shared time with The 
        Honorable Tom Allen)
          2. The Honorable John Doolittle
          3. The Honorable Chris Shays (shared time with The 
        Honorable Martin Meehan)
          4. The Honorable Scotty Baesler
          5. The Honorable George Miller

The Committee met on October 31, 1997--Campaign Reform Hearing

    The Committee received testimony in the second in a series 
of hearings on campaign reform.
    Witnesses included:
          1. The Honorable Rob Portman
          2. The Honorable Tillie K. Fowler
          3. The Honorable David Dreier
          4. The Honorable Sam Farr
          5. The Honorable John F. Tierney

The Committee met on November 6, 1997--Campaign Reform Hearing

    The Committee received testimony in the third in a series 
of hearings on campaign reform. The committee received 
testimony on Ballot Integrity/Disclosure.
    Witnesses included:
          1. The Honorable Steve Horn
          2. The Honorable Billy Tauzin
          3. The Honorable Bill McCollum
          4. The Honorable Bob Goodlatte
          5. The Honorable Vic Fazio

The Committee met on November 6, 1997--Business Meeting

    All of the items were considered en bloc and approved by 
voice vote.
    1. Considered Resolution authorizing the Chairman, in 
concurrence with the Ranking Minority Member, to approve the 
issuance of food service contract(s) as may be necessary. The 
Resolution also directs the CAO to report to the Committee on 
the status of implementation of the contract(s) no later than 
60 days after the contract is approved.
    2. Considered Resolution approving the Chief Administrative 
Officer's Finance Office Reorganization Proposal.
    3. Considered consultant contract for the Committee on 
Education and the Workforce.
    4. Considered Resolution authorizing the Chairman to take 
such actions as may be necessary on behalf of the Committee to 
discharge the responsibilities of the Committee for the period 
between the adjournment sine die of the first session of the 
105th Congress and the beginning of the second session of the 
105th Congress. Written notice of intent to act on these 
matters and a reasonable time for response will be given to the 
Ranking Minority Member.

The Committee met on November 7, 1997--Campaign Reform Hearing

    The Committee received testimony in the fourth in a series 
of hearings on campaign reform. The Committee received 
testimony on Unions, Fundraising Abuses/Disclosure.
    Witnesses included:
          1. The Honorable Bob Schaffer
          2. The Honorable Harris Fawell
          3. The Honorable John Fox
          4. The Honorable Tim Petri
          5. The Honorable Donald Payne

                             SECOND SESSION

Polled Members of the Committee on January 9, 1998

    Considered the request from Chairman Burton of the 
Government Reform and Oversight Committee for approval of a 
consultant contract agreement between the Committee and Miles 
and Stockbridge, P.C. for the services of Richard D. Bennett. 
The contract agreement was agreed to by poll. Mr. Thomas, Mr. 
Ney, Mr. Boehner, Mr. Ehlers, Ms. Granger and Mr. Mica voted in 
the affirmative. Mr. Gejdenson, Mr. Hoyer and Ms. Kilpatrick 
voted in the negative.

Polled Members of the Committee on January 23, 1998

    Considered the request from Ms. Geraldine Gennet, Office of 
the General Counsel for approval of a consultant contract 
agreement between the Office of the General Counsel and the law 
firm of Latham & Watkins. The contract agreement was agreed to 
by poll. Mr. Thomas, Mr. Ney, Mr. Boehner, Mr. Ehlers, Ms. 
Granger and Mr. Mica voted in the affirmative. Mr. Gejdenson, 
Mr. Hoyer and Ms. Kilpatrick voted in the negative.

The Committee met on February 4, 1998 Task Force for the Contested 
        Election in the 46th Congressional District of California 
        Meeting

    1. Considered H. Res. 355 dismissing the election contest 
against Loretta Sanchez. H. Res. 355 was agreed to by voice 
vote and reported to the Committee.
          (a) Mr. Hoyer offered an amendment in the nature of a 
        substitute, also calling for the dismissal of the 
        contested election, but excluding the whereas clauses 
        included in H. Res. 355. Mr. Hoyer's resolution was 
        defeated by a vote of 2-1.

The Committee met on February 4, 1998--Business Meeting

    Task Force on the Contested Election in the 46th 
Congressional District of California reported the results of 
their investigation.
    1. Considered H. Res. 355 dismissing the contested 
election. The vote was a recorde