[House Report 106-1056]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
Calendar No. 618
106th Congress Report
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
2nd Session 106-1056
_______________________________________________________________________
REPORT ON THE ACTIVITIES
of the
COMMITTEE ON HOUSE ADMINISTRATION
of the
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
during the
ONE HUNDRED SIXTH CONGRESS
together with
MINORITY AND ADDITIONAL VIEWS
January 2, 2001.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the
State of the Union and ordered to be printed
__________
U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
89-006 WASHINGTON : 2001
LETTER OF SUBMITTAL
----------
January 2, 2001.
Hon. Jeff Trandahl,
Clerk of the House of Representatives,
Washington, DC.
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
Administration for the 106th Congress, including the oversight
plan for the 106th Congress.
Best regards,
Bill Thomas,
Chairman, Committee on House Administration.
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's 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 including all staff salaries for any
committee, commission, or other entity (except the Committee on
Appropriations) for each 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, 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 Administration 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
Administration, 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 recorders.
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 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 and on all matters relating to
preservation and availability of non-current records of the
House.
INTRODUCTION
Committee on House Administration
brief history
The Committee on House Administration is distinguished by
its exercise not only of legislative and oversight functions,
but also of extensive responsibility to regulate the day-to-day
management of internal support and operations of the House. The
vital character of the Committee's activities is reflected in
the broad scope of its authorities, which give it
responsibility for most internal fiscal and administrative
functions of the chamber.
In the elections of 1994, Republicans took majority control
of the House for the first time since 1954, and instituted a
sharp break with past House administrative practices. Signaling
recognition of the Committee's important role, the new majority
party placed authority to name Members of the committee in the
hands of its leadership rather than election by the party
conference.
Under the leadership of Chairman Bill Thomas, the first
Republican to hold this post in 40 years, the Committee on
House Administration adopted a management philosophy
substantially different from the pattern of the past. Basing
many of its reforms on private sector management principles,
the Committee's role evolved into one in which the Committee
set policy and conducted oversight of the subsequent
implementation by officers of the House.
Under Chairman Thomas, the Committee also conducted an
exhaustive survey of public laws applicable to itself, House
officers, and administrative functions. This effort culminated
in the August 1996 enactment of the House of Representatives
Administrative Reform Technical Corrections Act, which
clarified, changed, or repealed more than 250 ambiguous or
unnecessary statutes.
Additionally, the Committee commissioned an independent
audit of all House accounts by Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC)
in 1995. The audit revealed deficiencies in House financial
management including disorganized record keeping and inadequate
attention to costs. A series of more limited audits of House
accounts was carried out over the next six years by the House
Inspector General.
On the basis of the findings of those audits, the Committee
developed policies implementing extensive financial and
accounting management systems. A follow-up audit by PWC in 1999
found significant improvements in House accounts record
keeping, and the company pronounced the new financial
management practices instituted under the Committee's oversight
in keeping with standard accounting practices.
While putting the House in order, the Committee also made
great strides in making Congress more accessible to the
American people. By working with Speaker Newt Gingrich, the
Senate, and the Congressional Research Service, to develop a
computer system called THOMAS (after Thomas Jefferson), which
was established in the Library of Congress. A variety of
internal reforms ushered the digital age into the House and
today is a vital resource for Members, staff and the American
people.
The Committee also made significant strides by starting the
federal elections reform process. Chairman Thomas sponsored a
host of campaign finance disclosure and Federal Elections
Commission reform bills to modernize and update the federal
election system. A procedure was also established for dealing
with contested elections for Members of the House of
Representatives.
A central indicator of the success of the Committee under
Chairman Thomas is the extent to which it has been able to
effectively carry out its administrative, legislative, and
operational functions. These operations are often measured by
their shortcomings, gaining attention only when they fail.
Today's Committee carries out its work in support of the
legislative and representational missions of Congress smoothly,
without precipitating controversies or requiring corrective
actions.
106th Congress Oversight Plan
Member Services
Oversee Member allowance amounts, structure, and
regulations; provide guidance to offices to ensure compliance
with House regulations.
Review Members' Congressional Handbook regulations
governing expenditure of Members' Representational Allowances.
Review the formulas that establish the Members'
Representational Allowance.
Review processing of vouchers and payroll.
Committee Funding and Oversight
Continuing review of biennial and consolidated
funding resolutions for committees.
Receive and review Monthly Reports on committee
activities and expenditures.
Review Committees' Congressional Handbook
regulations governing expenditure of committee funds.
Review Primary Expense Resolutions and approve
committee-funding levels.
Review 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.
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.
Review the Congressional Accountability Act.
Franking Commission
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 regulation of Unsolicited Mass
Communications.
Review alternatives to the District Office Franked
Mail Certifications for recording and reporting franked mail
usage in district offices.
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.
Track the implementation of the Booz-Allen study
required in the FY99 Appropriations bill.
Conduct Oversight of the Government Printing
Office.
House Officers and House Operations
Analyze management improvement proposals and other
initiatives submitted by the House Officers, the Inspector
General and the Architect of the Capitol.
Coordinate with the Subcommittee on Legislative
Appropriations on matters impacting operations of the House and
joint entities.
Provide policy guidance to the House Officers,
Inspector General and the Joint entities as appropriate.
Oversee compliance with the House Employee
Classification Act, 2 U.S.C. 291, et seq.
Assure coordination among officers and joint
entities on administrative matters.
Chief Administrative Officer
Review 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 structure of House Information
Resources and determine organizational direction.
Review new technology initiatives to better serve
Members, Committees, and the House.
Review the process for approving equipment
purchases by members and committees.
Continue review of functions and administrative
operations assigned to the CAO.
Review semi-annual financial and operational
status reports; recommend changes in operations to improve
services and increase efficiencies.
Clerk of the House
Review 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 plans for the implementation of the
document management system.
Review progress steps towards defining a standard
for the electronic exchange of legislative information among
Congress and legislative branch agencies.
Continue 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 security operations in the House, including
the House chamber, the galleries, the Capitol, House Office
Buildings, and Capitol Grounds.
Review 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.
Analyze U.S. Capitol Police Board plans for the
spending of $106.7 million for the enhancement in Capitol
campus security as authorized by the Omnibus Appropriations Act
of 1999.
Inspector General
Review proposed audit plan and audit reports.
Review comprehensive financial and operational
audits of the House: investigate any irregularities uncovered;
and monitor the required improvements.
Monitor progress of House audits.
Oversight of Legislative Branch Entities
Information and Technology Coordination
Oversee, in conjunction with the Senate, forums
for the sharing of technology plans and capabilities among the
legislative branch agencies.
Oversee, in conjunction with the Senate, the
Legislative Branch Telecommunications group.
Oversee, in conjunction with the Senate, plans for
the implementation and growth of the Legislative Information
System.
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 oversight of Library and Congressional
Research Service operations.
Continuing review of the preparations for the
Culpeper Film Preservation Facility by the Library.
Examine options to improve the operation and
structure of the Library Inspector General.
Smithsonian Institution
Review the Smithsonian Inspector General's reports
on the status of the Smithsonian.
Continuing 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.
Review the electronic and procured services
provided by the Architect.
In conjunction with the Senate and other
appropriate House Committees, oversee the preparations for the
construction of the proposed Capitol Visitor's Center.
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 House Rule XI 2(e)(4)
requiring committee documentation to be made available
electronically, to the maximum extent feasible.
Oversee the continuing efforts of the House to
prepare for the Year 2000 computer problem.
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 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 and
consider legislative changes as necessary.
Calendar No. 618
106th Congress Report
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
2nd Session 106-1056
======================================================================
REPORT ON THE ACTIVITIES OF THE COMMITTEE ON HOUSE ADMINISTRATION
_______
January 2, 2001.--Committee of the Whole House on the State of the
Union and ordered to be printed
_______
Mr. Thomas, from the Committee on House Administration, submitted the
following
R E P O R T
together with
MINORITY AND ADDITIONAL VIEWS
REPORT OF THE ACTIVITIES OF THE COMMITTEE ON HOUSE ADMINISTRATION
DURING THE 106TH CONGRESS
Summary of Oversight Activities
first session
The Committee met on January 7, 1999--Business Meeting
1. The Committee introduced the 106th Congress Committee on
House Administration Members.
2. The Committee considered the 106th Congress Committee on
House Administration Rules. A Motion to adopt the rules was
agreed to by voice vote.
3. The Committee was notified of action and approval taken
under Interim Authority.
(a) Judiciary Committee Consultant Contracts with
David P. Schippers & Associates, Chartered and R.S.
Hoover & Associates.
(b) Extensions to the Select Committee on China
Consultant Contracts with the Washington Advisory
Group, LLC, and Dechert, Price & Rhoads.
(c) The User's Guide to Equipment Software and
Related Services.
(d) The Universal Resource Locator Regulations.
4. The Committee considered the Members' Representational
Allowance for 1999. The MRAs were approved by unanimous voice
vote.
5. The Committee considered the Managers' consultant
contracts for the Impeachment Trial of William J. Clinton,
President of the United States. The contracts were agreed to by
voice vote.
The Committee met on February 3, 1999--Business Meeting
1. Minority Amendments to the 106th Congress Rules of the
Committee on House Administration.
2. Committee Resolution Approving the 106th Congress
Oversight Plan.
3. Committee Resolution Approving a Drug Testing Policy for
the House of Representatives.
4. Consideration of the Committee on House Administration
minority consultant contract.
5. Committee Resolution Approving Unsolicited Mass
Communications Regulations.
The Committee met on February 10, 1999--Business Meeting
1. Committee Resolution: Appointing Members to the Joint
Committee on the Library and to the Joint Committee on
Printing.
2. Committee Resolution: Approving the 106th Congress
Budget Request.
3. Consideration of Select Committee on U.S. National
Security and Military/Commercial concerns with the People's
Republic of China consultant contracts.
4. Consideration of a contract for the purchase of a New
Member Payroll System from Lawson Software.
The Committee met on February 24, 1999
Closed Meeting:
1. Consideration of the U.S. Capitol Police Security
Enhancement Plan.
2. Consideration of the Capitol Perimeter Security
Improvement Plan.
The Committee met on March 3, 1999--Committee Funding Hearing
The Committee heard testimony from the Chairman and Ranking
Minority Member of the following House committees concerning
their proposed budgets for the 106th Congress:
1. House Administration Committee
Mr. Bill Thomas, Chairman
Mr. Steny Hoyer, Ranking Minority Member
2. International Relations Committee
Mr. Benjamin A. Gilman, Chairman
Mr. Sam Gejdenson, Ranking Minority Member
3. Standards of Official Conduct Committee
Mr. Lamar Smith, Chairman
Mr. Howard Berman, Ranking Minority Member
4. Science Committee
Mr. F. James Sensenbrenner, Jr., Chairman
Mr. George E. Brown, Jr., Ranking Minority Member
5. Budget Committee
Mr. John Kasich, Chairman
Mr. John Spratt, Ranking Minority Member
6. Veterans' Affairs Committee
Mr. Bob Stump, Chairman
Mr. Lane Evans, Ranking Minority Member
7. Transportation and Infrastructure Committee
Mr. Bud Shuster, Chairman
Mr. James L. Oberstar, Ranking Minority Member
8. Banking and Financial Services Committee
Mr. James A. Leach, Chairman
Mr. John LaFalce, Ranking Minority Member
The Committee met on March 4, 1999--Committee Funding Hearing
The Committee heard testimony from the chairman and ranking
minority members of the following House committees concerning
their proposed budgets for the 106th Congress:
1. Small Business Committee
Mr. James M. Talent, Chairman (Missouri)
Ms. Nydia Velazquez, Ranking Minority Member (New
York)
2. Resources Committee
Mr. Don Young, Chairman (Arkansas)
Mr. George Miller, Ranking Minority Member
(California)
3. Judiciary Committee
Mr. Henry J. Hyde, Chairman (Illinois)
Mr. John Conyers, Jr., Ranking Minority Member
(Mississippi)
4. Agriculture Committee
Mr. Larry Combest, Chairman (Texas)
Mr. Charles W. Stenholm, Ranking Minority Member
(Texas)
5. Ways and Means Committee
Mr. Bill Archer, Chairman (Texas)
Mr. Charles Rangel, Ranking Minority Member (New
York)
6. Intelligence Permanent Select Committee
Mr. Porter Goss, Chairman (Florida)
Mr. Julian Dixon, Ranking Minority Member
(California)
7. Armed Services Committee
Mr. Floyd Spence, Chairman (South Carolina)
Mr. Ike Skelton, Ranking Minority Member (Missouri)
8. Education and the Workforce Committee
Mr. William F. Goodling, Chairman (Pennsylvania)
Mr. William Clay, Ranking Minority Member (Missouri)
9. Government Reform Committee
Mr. Dan Burton, Chairman (Indiana)
Mr. Henry A. Waxman, Ranking Minority Member
(California)
10. Commerce Committee
Mr. Thomas J. Bliley, Chairman (Virginia)
Mr. John Dingell, Ranking Minority Member
(Mississippi)
11. Rules Committee
Mr. David Dreier, Chairman (California)
Mr. John Moakley, Ranking Minority Member
(Massachusetts)
The Committee met on March 10, 1999--Business Meeting
1. Consideration of the 106th Congress Franked Mail
Allocation for Committees. Set and Approved by Resolution.
2. Consideration of the Architect of the Capitol
Reengineering Plan for FY 99. Approved by Resolution.
3. Consideration of the Committee on House Administration
Parking Policy. Approved by Resolution. Resolved further
Chairman may in consultation with Ranking Minority Member
direct changes in the policy as necessary.
4. Consideration of the House of Representatives Inspector
General Audits for 1999. Approved by Resolution.
5. Acceptance of the Officer's Semi-Annual Reports.
6. Consideration of Revised Reserve Fund Guidelines.
Approved by Resolution. Resolved further Chairman may in
consultation with the Ranking Minority Member direct changes in
these guidelines as necessary.
The Committee met on March 16, 1999--Mark-Up
The Committee met to consider H. Res. 101, 106th Congress
Omnibus Committee Primary Expense Resolution. Mr. Boehner
introduced the leadership mark as an amendment in the nature of
a substitute. Mr. Hoyer introduced two amendments. The first
amendment required that one-third or greater of any amount
allocated from the Reserve Fund be paid at the direction of the
Ranking Minority Member. The second amendment required that
one-third or greater of any amount authorized to committees,
except the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, be paid
at the direction of the Ranking Minority Member. Both
amendments failed by roll call vote. The amendment in the
nature of a substitute introduced by Mr. Boehner was agreed to
by roll call vote. H. Res. 101, as amended, was reported
favorably to the House by voice vote.
The Committee met on March 25, 1999--Hearing on United States Capitol
Police Management
The Committee heard testimony from the following:
1. Robert Gramling, U.S. Government Accounting Office
2. John D. Mayer, Project Manager, Booz-Allan &
Hamilton
3. James W. Ziglar, Chairman of the U.S. Capitol
Police Board
4. Gary L. Abrecht, Chief of Police
April 1, 1999--Committee Poll
Approved 8-0 contract extensions for the Select Committee
on U.S. National Security and Military/Commercial concerns with
The People's Republic of China.
The Committee met on May 18, 1999--Federal Election Commission
Authorization Hearing
Witnesses (Independent Auditors):
1. Kevin Bacon, Partner, PricewaterhouseCoopers
2. Stephen Watson, Director, PricewaterhouseCoopers
3. Ray Mayfield, Principal Consultant,
Pricewaterhouse-
Coopers
Witnesses (Commissioners):
1. Scott E. Thomas, Chairman, Federal Election
Commission
2. Darryl Wold, Vice Chairman, Federal Election
Commission
3. Danny Lee McDonald, Federal Election Commission
May 25, 1999--Committee Poll--Contract Amendments
The Committee approved (9-0) amendments to 3 contract
agreements between the Select Committee on U.S. National
Security Military/Commercial Concerns with the People's
Republic of China and Bahler Communications, Dechert Price &
Rhoads, and Briggs Design Associates.
The Committee met on June 17, 1999--Campaign Reform Hearing
Witnesses:
1. The Honorable Wayne Gilchrest
2. The Honorable Ken Calvert
3. The Honorable Martin Sabo
The Committee met on June 22, 1999--Committee Business Meeting
The Committee Considered and Approved the following items:
1. House Officer Drug Free Workplace Policies
2. FEMA-US Capitol Police Agreement
3. Liability Policy for Equipment Assigned to House
Officers
4. Purchase Approval Threshold Increase
5. Systems Development Life Cycle Policy
6. CHA Majority Consultant Contracts with Baker &
Hostetler
7. Members' Congressional Handbook
The Committee met on June 29, 1999--Campaign Reform Hearing
Witnesses:
1. The Honorable Christopher Shays
2. The Honorable Asa Hutchinson
3. The Honorable Ralph Regula
4. The Honorable Patsy Mink
5. The Honorable Paul Gilmor
6. The Honorable John Tanner
7. The Honorable Robert Andrews
The Committee met on July 13, 1999--Campaign Reform Hearing
Witnesses:
1. The Honorable David Dreier
2. The Honorable John Doolittle
3. The Honorable Dan Burton
4. The Honorable Doug Bereuter
5. The Honorable Joseph Pitts
6. The Honorable Bill Goodling
7. The Honorable David Price
8. The Honorable Ron Paul
9. The Honorable Wes Watkins
The Committee met on July 22, 1999--Campaign Reform Hearing
Witnesses:
1. Roger Pilon, Director, Center for Constitutional
Studies, CATO Institute
2. Laura Murphy, Legislative Director, American Civil
Liberties Union
3. Don Simon, Acting President, Common Cause
4. Jim Miller, Author of Monopoly Politics, Former
Director OMB
5. Burt Neuborne, Director, Brennan Center for Law
and Justice
6. James Bopp, James Madison Center for Free Speech
7. Bob Dahl, Fair Government Foundation
8. Paul Sullivan, Americans Back in Charge Foundation
9. David O'Steen, Executive Director, Campaign for
America
10. Cheryl Perrin, Executive Director, Campaign for
America
11. Amy Kauffman, Research Fellow, Hudson Institute
12. Kathleen Hall Jamieson, Dean, Annenberg School of
Communication
The Committee met on August 2, 1999--Committee Markup-Campaign Reform
1. Markup of H.R. 2668, Campaign Reform and Election
Integrity Act of 1999--Reported Favorably.
2. Markup of H.R. 1922, Citizen Legislature and Political
Freedom Act--Reported without recommendation.
3. Markup of H.R. 1867, Campaign Integrity Act of 1999--
Reported without recommendation.
4. Markup of H.R. 417, Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of
1999--Reported Unfavorably.
Committee Poll August 4, 1999--Committee Business
The following items were approved by committee poll
unanimously:
1. Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Contract
Agreement.
2. Committees' Congressional Handbook.
3. Committee and Event Room Security Standards. (HISPUB
009.09)
October 21, 1999--Committee Business Meeting
The following were considered and approved:
1. Acceptance of Officers' Semi-annual Reports.
2. Consideration of Chief Administrative Officer's Proposal
for Procuring a House
Financial System.
3. Consideration of Chief Administrative Officer's Proposal
for Procuring a Staff Payroll System.
4. Consideration of Telecommuting Policy.
5. Consideration of updated House Information Security
Policies (HISPOL).
6. Consideration of Incidental Use Policy.
7. Consideration of Interim Authority Resolution.
October 26, 1999--Committee Poll
The following were approved by committee poll:
1. Amendment to Contract Agreement between the Permanent
Select Committee on Intelligence and First Security of Boston
extending the date of contract from October 31, 1999 through
April 1, 2000.
2. Committee Resolution Adopting the House Information
Security Policy 5.1 establishing minimum-security standards for
permanent connections to the House network.
SECOND SESSION
January 20, 2000--Committee Poll
The following items were approved by Committee Poll:
1. Contract Agreement between the Committee on House
Administration Majority and Baker & Hostetler, LLP. (General
election issues).
2. Contract agreement between the Committee on House
Administration Majority and Baker & Hostetler, LLP. (Contested
election issues).
3. Contract agreement between the Committee on House
Administration Minority and Herb Stone.
The Committee met on March 8, 2000--Committee Business Meeting
1. Announcement of Actions taken under Interim Authority.
2. Announcement of Revisions to Members' Congressional
Handbook.
3. Announcement of Revisions to Committees' Congressional
Handbook.
4. Acceptance of House Officers' Semi Annual Reports.
5. Consideration and Approval of the House of
Representatives Inspector General Audits for 2000.
The Committee met on March 29, 2000--Federal Election Commission
Authorization Hearing
Witnesses:
1. Darryl Wold, Chairman, Federal Election
Commission.
2. Danny Lee McDonald, Vice Chairman, Federal
Election Commission, and Chairman, Federal Election
Commission Finance Committee.
3. David Mason, Commissioner, Federal Election
Commission.
April 7, 2000--Committee Poll
Committee approved consultant contract agreement between
the Committee on Agriculture and John A. Jurich for
investigations determined by the oversight agenda of the
Committee on Agriculture.
The Committee met on June 28, 2000--Committee Business Meeting
1. Consideration and Approval of Award of Contract for the
House Financial System Replacement Requirements Analysis to
Booz-Allan and Hamilton.
2. Consideration of Committee Resolution Approving the
Revised Unsolicited Mass Communication Restrictions Policy.
Approval was deferred.
3. Capitol Police Update on Security Enhancements.
The Committee met on September 21, 2000--Committee Business Meeting
The Committee considered the following:
1. Information Systems Security Program. Resolution
Approving Program Adopted.
2. Revised User's Guide to Equipment. Resolution Approving
Revised Guide Adopted.
3. Officers' Semi-Annual Reports. Accepted.
4. Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence's Consultant
Contract. Approved.
5. Architect of the Capitol update on Fire Protection
efforts in the House Office Buildings and House side of the
Capitol.
The Committee met on October 12, 2000--Committee Business Meeting
Consideration of Interim Authority Resolution. Approved.
November 6, 2000--Committee Poll
Committee Poll on three separate contracts before the
Committee. All Approved.
1. Contract with Herb Stone to assist Democratic Members of
the Committee with contested election issues through January 2,
2001.
2. Contract with Patton Boggs, L.L.P. to assist Democratic
Members of the Committee with contested election issues through
January 2, 2001.
3. Contract with Robert Hunter to assist Republican Members
of the Committee with contested election issues through January
2, 2001.
November 28, 2000--Committee Poll
Committee approved Amendment to the Contract Agreement
between the Committee on House Administration Majority and
Baker & Hostetler.
General Oversight Activities Throughout the 106th Congress
MEMBER AND COMMITTEE SERVICES
Members
Oversee Member allowance amounts, structure, and
regulations; provide guidance to offices to ensure compliance
with House regulations.
Review Members' Congressional Handbook regulations
governing expenditure of Members' Representational Allowances.
Answered questions regarding parking rules and
assignments.
Handled problems regarding allowance regulations.
(In response to certain inquiries, the Committee created
clarifying policy memoranda to the administrative offices of
the House).
Answered inquiries regarding service and support
issues concerning House Information Resources (HIR) and
Correspondent Management System (CMS) vendors.
Oversaw the registration of Congressional Member
Organizations, disseminating information and responding to
questions accordingly.
Respond to inquiries on Federal laws, House Rules
and Committee regulations pertaining to the operation of Member
offices.
Calculated and issued authorization amounts for
Member's Representational Allowances.
Brief district office staff on use of official
resources.
Established seminars for House staff to address
concerns related to issues under the Committee's jurisdiction.
Provided advice to offices on personnel and
employment issues, such as Accrued Leave, Drug Testing, and
American with Disabilities Act Compliance.
Committees
Answered inquiries regarding regulations governing
the expenditures of committee funds.
Reviewed and approved detail agreements.
Received and reviewed monthly reports from the
standing and select committees of the House.
Continuing review of biennial and consolidated
funding resolutions for committees.
Oversee implementation of House Rule XI 2(e)(4)
requiring committee documentation to be made available
electronically, to the maximum extent feasible.
Commission on Mailing Standards
The Franking Commission reviewed drafts of
proposed mass mailings, issued written advisories on approved
mailings, answered questions regarding specific mailings as
well as general franking regulations and policy.
Answered inquires from Member offices regarding
compliance with the new Single Drop Mass Mail Obligation
Requisition Form.
Review all Unsolicited Mass Communications.
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 alternatives to the District Office Franked
Mail Certifications for recording and reporting franked mail
usage in district offices.
ELECTIONS
General Election Issues
Studied voter registration laws under the National
Voter Registration Act of 1993.
Handled inquiries from the public regarding
campaign finance reform legislation.
Distributed information on bills referred to the
Committee and summaries of campaign finance reform bills from
previous Congresses.
Reviewed, monitored, and studied legislation
introduced on election reform issues.
Federal Election Commission
Monitored the appointment process of Commissioners
to the Federal Election Commission.
Handled inquiries and gathered information on FEC
oversight issues.
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.
OVERSIGHT OF HOUSE OFFICERS AND INSPECTOR GENERAL
General
Track the implementation of the Booz-Allen study
required in the FY99 Appropriations bill.
Analyze management improvement proposals and other
initiatives submitted by the House Officers, the Inspector
General and the Architect of the Capitol.
Coordinate with the Subcommittee on Legislative
Appropriations on matters impacting operations of the House and
joint entities.
Provide policy guidance to the House Officers,
Inspector General and the Joint entities as appropriate.
Assure coordination among officers and joint
entities on administrative matters.
Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)
Provided policy direction for and oversight of the
CAO.
Reviewed and revised service contracts with the
House.
Reviewed and evaluated equipment purchases over
$100,000 by Members and committees.
Review the structure of House Information
Resources and determine organizational direction.
Review the process for approving equipment
purchases by members and committees.
Continue review of functions and administrative
operations assigned to the CAO.
Oversee compliance with the House Employee
Classification Act, 2 U.S.C. 291, et seq.
Continuing oversight of House Information
Resources and other technology functions of the House to ensure
timely, accurate electronic information dissemination.
Clerk of the House
Provided policy direction and oversight of the
Clerk.
Reviewed and approved contracts and requests for
proposals for the Clerk which exceed the $100,000 spending
threshold.
Coordinated and worked with Congressional Research
Service, the Clerk of the House and HIR staff to implement the
new Legislative Information System.
Worked with the Clerk of the House and Secretary
of the Senate Task Force to implement a data standard for
information exchange for the Legislative Branch.
Continue review of functions and administrative
operations assigned to the Clerk.
Sergeant-at-Arms
Provided policy direction for and oversight of the
Sergeant-at-Arms.
Monitored pending litigation involving the U.S.
Capitol Police.
Continuing review of functions and administrative
operations assigned to the Sergeant at Arms.
Review security operations in the House, including
the House chamber, the galleries, the Capitol, House Office
Buildings, Parking Facilities, and Capitol Grounds.
Inspector General
Provided policy direction for and oversight of the
Inspector General.
LEGISLATIVE BRANCH AGENCIES
Library of Congress
Biweekly meetings with the library to review
operations, budgetary concerns, and management concerns.
Reviewed and answered inquiries on Library of
Congress security issues.
Continuing oversight of Library and Congressional
Research Service operations.
Oversee the remedial measures taken by the Library
in response to the audit conducted in the 104th Congress.
Conduct a review of the progress that the Library
has made in providing public access to government information,
especially in electronic form.
Government Printing Office
Worked with representatives of the Legislative
Branch Appropriation Subcommittee and the Government Printing
Office (GPO) to discuss budget requirements for GPO.
Monitored legislation to reform Title 44 of the
U.S. Code relating to government printing and dissemination of
government information to the public.
Gather information on the restructuring of
government printing and the dissemination of government
information to the public, especially in electronic form.
Smithsonian Institution
Reviewed the Smithsonian Institution's draft
Strategic Plan developed in response to the Government
Performance and Results Act.
Continuing oversight of Smithsonian operations.
Review the Smithsonian Inspector General's reports
on the status of the Smithsonian.
Office of Compliance
Monitor implementation of the Congressional
Accountability Act of 1995 (PL 104-1).
Conduct oversight of the Office of Compliance.
Processed requests for authority to settle cases
pending before the Office of Compliance.
Architect of the Capitol
Worked with Architect of the Capitol staff to
discuss their plans for a Computer Assisted Facilities
Management (CAFM) system.
In conjunction with the Senate and other
appropriate House Committees, oversee the preparations for the
construction of the proposed Capitol Visitor's Center.
Consider a systems and financial audit of the
operation as a whole to provide a baseline for the
administration of the new Architect.
Technology
Oversee, in conjunction with the Senate, forums
for the sharing of technology plans and capabilities among the
legislative branch agencies.
Review new technology initiatives to better serve
Members, Committees, and the House.
Review progress steps towards defining a standard
for the electronic exchange of legislative information among
Congress and legislative branch agencies.
Oversee the continuing efforts of the House to
prepare for the Year 2000 computer problem.
General
Answered press inquiries regarding issues under
the Committee's jurisdiction.
Enrolled House bills and resolutions.
Processed vouchers for payment under the Federal
Tort Claims Act and the Military Personnel and Civilian
Employees Claims Act.
Worked with foreign congressional delegations to
discuss issues related to the Committee and the House.
Worked closely with the Legislative Branch
Subcommittee on appropriations matters.
Oversee, in conjunction with the Senate, the
Legislative Branch Telecommunications group.
Oversee, in conjunction with the Senate, plans for
the implementation and growth of the Legislative Information
System.
Review semi-annual financial and operational
status reports; recommend changes in operations to improve
services and increase efficiencies.
Continue to review implementation of new financial
management system.
First Session
January 1999
Review the formulas that establish the Members'
Representational Allowance.
Review processing of vouchers and payroll.
Committee adopted policy requiring Franking
Advisories for all Unsolicited Mass Communications.
Review Committees' Congressional Handbook
regulations governing expenditure of committee funds.
Review Primary Expense Resolutions and approve
committee-funding levels.
Review rules and regulations associated with
administration of the reserve fund for unexpected oversight
activities of committees.
Review plans for the implementation of the
document management system.
Analyze U.S. Capitol Police Board plans for the
spending of $106.7 million for the enhancement in Capitol
campus security as authorized by the Omnibus Appropriations Act
of 1999.
Review comprehensive financial and operational
audits of the House: investigate any irregularities uncovered;
and monitor the required improvements.
Review preparations for the Culpeper Film
Preservation Facility by the Library.
Examine options to improve the operation and
structure of the Library Inspector General.
Oversee implementation of House Rule XI 2(e)(4)
requiring committee documentation to be made available
electronically, to the maximum extent feasible.
Met with GAO and Representatives of the Accounting
firm of Price Waterhouse Coopers to review results of the
Independent Technology and Performance Audit and Management
Review of the Federal Election Commission.
Examine reforms that could improve voter
registration procedures, particularly with regard to
strengthening protection against fraud.
Met with members of Joint Election Officers
Liaison Committee to discuss State and local election official
perspectives on reform of voter registration laws.
Study the role of involuntary contributions used
for expenditures that influence political campaigns.
Met with Member of Peruvian Congress to discuss
operations of the Committee.
February 1999
Committee adopted policy requiring Franking
Advisories for all Unsolicited Mass Communications.
Reviewed 106th Congress budget requests submitted
by all House Committees, excluding the Appropriations
Committee.
Review previously implemented rules to increase
disclosure and improve the accounting of franked mail costs.
Consider revisions of pre-election franking
complaint procedures.
Review alternatives to the District Office Franked
Mail Certifications for recording and reporting franked mail
usage in district offices.
Review the administration of the audio
transmission on the House floor.
Review plans for the implementation of the
document management system.
Review House ID Card policies and procedures.
Review proposed audit plan and audit reports.
Review comprehensive financial and operational
audits of the House: investigate any irregularities uncovered;
and monitor the required improvements.
Review the Library's FY '00 Budget request.
Analyze Library's 106th Congress legislative
agenda.
Review and evaluate proposal of Buyout plan for
certain Architect employees.
Examine reforms that could improve voter
registration procedures, particularly with regard to
strengthening protection against fraud.
Reviewed correspondences on military voting
rights.
Met with Postal Service representatives, Postal
Service Subcommittee staff, and election officials to discuss
proposal to establish a special, postal rate for election
officials.
Study the role of involuntary contributions used
for expenditures that influence political campaigns.
March 1999
Reviewed 106th Congress budget requests submitted
by all House Committees, excluding the Appropriations
Committee. Receive and review Monthly Reports on committee
activities and expenditures.
Review and evaluate proposal of Buyout plan for
certain Architect employees.
Prepared plans for FEC Authorization Hearing.
Reviewed materials on Missouri contribution limits
case.
Discussed election law conferences with Dave Scott
of Council of State Governments.
Examine evidence of fraud in the conduct of
federal elections and evaluate measures to improve the
integrity of the electoral process.
Reviewed, monitored, and studied legislation
introduced on campaign finance reform and discussed possible
bills to be proposed.
Review state and federal activities in connection
with the National Voter Registration Act.
April 1999
Committee adopted policy requiring Franking
Advisories for all Unsolicited Mass Communications.
Track the implementation of the Booz-Allen study
required in the FY99 Appropriations bill.
Analyze management improvement proposals and other
initiatives submitted by the House Officers, the Inspector
General and the Architect of the Capitol.
Review plans for the implementation of the
document management system.
Monitor progress of House audits.
Oversee the remedial measures taken by the Library
in response to the audit conducted in the 104th Congress.
Continuing oversight of House Information
Resources and other technology functions of the House to ensure
timely, accurate electronic information dissemination.
Oversee implementation of House Rule XI 2(e)(4)
requiring committee documentation to be made available
electronically, to the maximum extent feasible.
Discussed plans for FEC Authorization Hearing,
including distribution of FEC response to audit implementation
to outside experts.
Analyzed interaction of Federal and California
election law with regards to 2000 elections.
Responded to American Bar Association regarding
campaign finance laws.
Reviewed military voting rights initiative and
Internet voting initiatives.
May 1999
Receive and review Monthly Reports on committee
activities and expenditures.
Reviewed House Officer Drug Free Workplace
Policies.
Reviewed House Officer Equipment Management
Policies.
Reviewed proposed agreement between FEMA and the
USCP Board.
Reviewed revisions to the House Procurement
Guidelines.
Review security operations in the House, including
the House chamber, the galleries, the Capitol, House Office
Buildings, and Capitol Grounds.
Continued with House IG search process.
Review the Library's FY '00 Budget request.
Analyze Library's 106th Congress legislative
agenda.
Wrote to the Architect of the Capitol on
management of statues in the Capitol.
Met with election officials, Minority staff, and
Rep. Ney's staff to discuss and analyze proposed legislation to
improve voting access for the elderly and disabled.
June 1999
Held Campaign Reform Hearing.
Attended Election Center Conference on voting
access for the disabled.
Continued analyzing proposed legislation to
improve voting access for the elderly and disabled.
Met with officials from Congo to discuss election
laws.
Reviewed legislation introduced on campaign
finance reform and discussed possible bills to be proposed.
Held FEC Authorization Hearing.
July 1999
Answer correspondence and research requests for
processing GPO tasks.
Approved House Officer Drug Free Workplace
Policies.
Approved House Officer Equipment Management
Policies.
Approved proposed agreement between FEMA and the
USCP Board.
Approved revisions to the House Procurement
Guidelines.
Raised procedures for processing contracts with
the House that exceed the threshold of $250,000.
Continued with House IG search process.
Held Campaign Reform Hearing to discuss and
analyze campaign reform bills referred to the Committee.
Propose H.R. 2668, ``Campaign Reform and Election
Integrity Act of 1999''.
Monitor Treasury Postal Appropriations, dealing
with Federal Election Commission recommendations.
Review and discuss, with election officials,
voting system standards.
Review and analyze Department of Defense
Appropriations bill, specifically provisions regarding military
voting rights.
August 1999
Receive and review Monthly Reports on committee
activities and expenditures.
Approved and distributed the 1999 edition of the
Committees' Congressional Handbook, which governs the
expenditure of committee funds.
Held Campaign Reform Markup to consider campaign
reform bills H.R. 417, Bipartisan Campaign Finance Reform Act
of 1999; H.R. 1867, Campaign Integrity Act of 1999; H.R. 1922,
Citizen Legislature and Political Freedom Act; and H.R. 2668,
Campaign Reform and Election Integrity Act of 1999.
Review legislation dealing with disabled voting
rights.
September 1999
Draft incidental use of official resources policy.
Draft telecommuting policy.
Monitor Transition of New Board Appointments to
the Office of Compliance.
Review and Approval of end of year procurement
contracts.
Review and propose House ID Card policies and
procedures.
Monitor progress of House audits.
Continued with House IG search process.
Managed floor consideration of campaign finance
reform proposals.