[Senate Report 106-41]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]





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106th Congress                                                   Report
1st Session                      SENATE                          106-41
_______________________________________________________________________



 
       REVIEW OF LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITY DURING THE 105TH CONGRESS        

                               __________

                              R E P O R T

                                 Of The

                         COMMITTEE ON RULES AND

                             ADMINISTRATION

                          UNITED STATES SENATE

                               During The

                             105TH CONGRESS

                              (1997-1998)

 PURSUANT TO PARAGRAPH 8(b) OF RULE XXVI OF THE STANDING RULES OF THE 
                                 SENATE




                 April 13, 1999.--Ordered to be printed

                               --------

                    U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE                    
69-010                     WASHINGTON : 1999




                                FOREWORD

                              ----------                              

    This report reviewing the legislative activity during the 
105th Congress of the Committee on Rules and Administration is 
submitted pursuant to paragraph 8(b) of Rule XXVI of the 
Standing Rules of the Senate. Paragraph 8 provides that 
standing committees of the Senate shall review and study, on a 
continuing basis, the application, administration, and 
execution of those laws, or parts thereof, the subject matter 
of which is within their jurisdiction, and submit to the 
Senate, not later than March 31 of each odd-numbered year, a 
report detailing the activities of that committee for the 
preceding Congress. The text of paragraph 8 of rule XXVI is as 
follows:

    8. (a) In order to assist the Senate in--
          (1) its analysis, appraisal, and evaluation of the 
        application, administration, and execution of the laws 
        enacted by the Congress, and
          (2) its formulation, consideration, and enactment of 
        such modifications of or changes in those laws, and of 
        such additional legislation, as may be necessary or 
        appropriate,
each standing committee (except the Committees on 
Appropriations and the Budget), shall review and study, on a 
continuing basis the application, administration, and execution 
of those laws, or parts of laws, the subject matter of which is 
within the legislative jurisdiction of that committee. Such 
committees may carry out the required analysis, appraisal, and 
evaluation themselves, or by contract, or may require a 
Government agency to do so and furnish a report thereon to the 
Senate. Such committees may rely on such techniques as pilot 
testing, analysis of costs in comparison with benefits, or 
provision for evaluation after a defined period of time.
    (b) In each odd-numbered year, each such committee shall 
submit, not later than March 31, to the Senate, a report on the 
activities of that committee under this paragraph during the 
Congress ending at noon on January 3 of such year.

                                         Mitch McConnell, Chairman.


                            C O N T E N T S

                              ----------                              
                                                                   Page
Foreword.........................................................   III
Jurisdiction of the Committee on Rules and Administration........     1
Committee Legislative Activities.................................     2
Measures Reported by the Committee...............................     2
Measures Considered in Senate....................................     4
Measures Approved by Senate......................................     4
Measures Obviated................................................     4
Committee Meetings and Hearings..................................     6
Credentials of Members...........................................     7
Federal Elections Legislation....................................     8
Oversight of the Government Printing Office......................     8
Franked Mail.....................................................     9
Advance Payment..................................................     9
Travel Regulations...............................................     9
Public Transportation Subsidy Regulations........................    10
Regulation for Display of Flags In Hallways......................    10
Amendment to Rules for Regulation of Senate Wing of the United 
  States Capitol.................................................    10
Procurement Regulations..........................................    10
Committee Publications...........................................    10




106th Congress                                                   Report
  1st Session           HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES                 106-41

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



        REVIEW OF LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITY DURING THE 105TH CONGRESS

                                _______
                                

                 April 13, 1999.--Ordered to be printed

                                _______


    Mr. McConnell, from the Committee on Rules and Administration, 
                        submitted the following

                              R E P O R T

 [Pursuant to paragraph 8(b) of rule XXVI of the Standing Rules of the 
                                Senate]

       Jurisdiction of the Committee on Rules and Administration

    The jurisdiction of the Committee on Rules and 
Administration is set forth in paragraph 1(n)(1) of rule XXV of 
the Standing Rules of the Senate. The following are excerpts 
from that paragraph.

                                RULE XXV

                          STANDING COMMITTEES

    1. The following standing committees shall be appointed at 
the commencement of each Congress, and shall continue and have 
the power to act until their successors are appointed, with 
leave to report by bill or otherwise on matters within their 
respective jurisdictions:

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    (n)(1) Committee on Rules and Administration, to which 
committee shall be referred all proposed legislation, messages, 
petitions, memorials, and other matters relating to the 
following subjects:
    1. Administration of the Senate Office Buildings and the 
Senate wing of the Capitol, including the assignment of office 
space.
    2. Congressional organization relative to rules and 
procedures, and Senate rules and regulations, including floor 
and gallery rules.
    3. Corrupt practices.
    4. Credentials and qualifications of Members of the Senate, 
contested elections, and acceptance of incompatible offices.
    5. Federal elections generally, including the election of 
the President, Vice President, and Members of the Congress.
    6. Government Printing Office, and the printing and 
correction of the Congressional Record, as well as those 
matters provided for under rule XI.
    7. Meeting of the Congress and attendance of Members.
    8. Payment of money out of the contingent fund of the 
Senate or creating a charge upon the same (except that any 
resolution relating to substantive matter within the 
jurisdiction of any other standing committee of the Senate 
shall be first referred to such committee).
    9. Presidential succession.
    10. Purchase of books and manuscripts and erection of 
monuments to the memory of individuals.
    11. Senate Library and statuary, art, and pictures in the 
Capitol and Senate Office Buildings.
    12. Services to the Senate, including the Senate 
restaurant.
    13. United States Capitol and congressional office 
buildings, the Library of Congress, the Smithsonian Institution 
(and the incorporation of similar institutions), and the 
Botanic Gardens.
    (2) Such committee shall also--
          (A) make a continuing study of the organization and 
        operation of the Congress of the United States and 
        shall recommend improvements in such organization and 
        operation with a view toward strengthening the 
        Congress, simplifying its operations, improving its 
        relationships with other branches of the United States 
        Government, and enabling it better to meet its 
        responsibilities under the Constitution of the United 
        States; and
          (B) identify any court proceeding or action which, in 
        the opinion of the Committee, is of vital interest to 
        the Congress as a constitutionally established 
        institution of the Federal Government and call such 
        proceeding or action to the attention of the Senate.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                    Committee Legislative Activities

    During the 105th Congress, a total of 83 legislative 
measures were referred to the Committee on Rules and 
Administration, of which 27 were reported to the Senate. The 83 
total measures included 30 Senate resolutions (25 reported, of 
which 6 were agreed to), 8 Senate and House concurrent 
resolutions (1 reported and 2 agreed to by both the House and 
Senate), and 45 Senate and House bills and joint resolutions (1 
reported).

            Measures Reported to the Senate by the Committee

    1. S. 2288, to provide for the reform and continuing 
legislative oversight of the production, procurement, 
dissemination, and permanent public access of the Government's 
publications, and for other purposes. S. Rept. 105-413.
    2. S. Con. Res. 33, to authorize the use of the Capitol 
Grounds for the National SAFE KIDS Campaign SAFE KIDS Buckle Up 
Car Seat Check Up (without written report).
    3. S. Res. 20, to authorize expenditures by the Committee 
on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. Reported as a 
provision of S. Res. 54.
    4. S. Res. 26, to authorize expenditures by the Committee 
on Environment and Public Works. Reported as a provision of S. 
Res. 54.
    5. S. Res. 27, to authorize expenditures by the Committee 
on Finance. Reported as a provision of S. Res. 54.
    6. S. Res. 28, to authorize expenditures by the Committee 
on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Reported as a provision 
of S. Res. 54.
    7. S. Res. 29, to authorize expenditures by the Committee 
on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported as a 
provision of S. Res. 54.
    8. S. Res. 30, to authorize expenditures by the Select 
Committee on Intelligence. Reported as a provision of S. Res. 
54.
    9. S. Res. 31, to provide for members on the part of the 
Senate of the Joint Committee on Printing and the Joint 
Committee on the Library of Congress (without written report).
    10. S. Res. 32, to authorize the printing of a collection 
of the rules of the committees of the Senate (without written 
report).
    11. S. Res. 33, to authorize expenditures by the Committee 
on Appropriations. Reported as a provision of S. Res. 54.
    12. S. Res. 34, to authorize expenditures by the Committee 
on Energy and Natural Resources. Reported as a provision of S. 
Res. 54.
    13. S. Res. 35, to authorize expenditures by the Committee 
on Labor and Human Resources. Reported as a provision of S. 
Res. 54.
    14. S. Res. 37, to authorize expenditures by the Committee 
on Foreign Relations. Reported as a provision of S. Res. 54.
    15. S. Res. 38, to authorize expenditures by the Committee 
on Armed Services. Reported as a provision of S. Res. 54.
    16. S. Res. 39, to authorize expenditures by the Committee 
on Governmental Affairs. Provisions pertaining to regular 
operations reported as a provision of S. Res. 54.
    17. S. Res. 39, including those provisions pertaining to 
special investigations (without written report).
    18. S. Res. 40, to authorize expenditures by the Committee 
on Small Business. Reported as a provision of S. Res. 54.
    19. S. Res. 41, to authorize expenditures by the Special 
Committee on Aging. Reported as a provision of S. Res. 54.
    20. S. Res. 42, to authorize expenditures by the Committee 
on Rules and Administration (without written report). Reported 
as a provision of S. Res. 54.
    21. S. Res. 43, to authorize expenditures by the Committee 
on the Judiciary. Reported as a provision of S. Res. 54.
    22. S. Res. 44, to authorize expenditures by the Committee 
on the Budget. Reported as a provision of S. Res. 54.
    23. S. Res. 45, to authorize expenditures by the Committee 
on Veterans' Affairs. Reported as a provision of S. Res. 54.
    24. S. Res. 46, to authorize expenditures by the Committee 
on Indian Affairs. Reported as a provision of S. Res. 54.
    25. S. Res. 54, to authorize biennial expenditures by the 
committees of the Senate for the period March 1, 1997 through 
February 28, 1999. S. Rept. 105-9.
    26. S. Res. 110, to permit an individual with a disability 
with access to the Senate floor to bring necessary supporting 
aids and services (without written report).
    27. S. Res. 126, to authorize additional expenditures by 
the Committee on Veterans' Affairs (without written report).

                     Measures Considered in Senate

    S. 25, to reform the financing of Federal elections, was 
referred to Rules Committee on Jan. 21, 1997. The Committee was 
discharged from further consideration on Sept. 25, 1997, and 
the measure was laid before the Senate by unanimous consent on 
Sept. 26, 1997. Cloture motions were presented and considered 
on Oct. 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 1997, but cloture was not invoked.

                      Measures Approved by Senate

    S. Con. Res. 33, authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds 
for the National SAFE KIDS Campaign SAFE KIDS Buckle Up Car 
Seat Check Up.
    S. Con. Res. 120, to redesignate the United States Capitol 
Police headquarters building located at 119 D Street, 
Northeast, Washington, D.C., as the ``Eney, Chestnut, Gibson 
Memorial Building''.
    S. Res. 31, providing for members on the part of the Senate 
of the Joint Committee on Printing and the Joint Committee on 
the Library.
    S. Res. 32, to authorize the printing of a collection of 
the rules of the committees of the Senate.
    S. Res. 39, to authorize expenditures for special 
investigations by the Committee on Governmental Affairs.
    S. Res. 54, to authorize biennial expenditures by 
committees of the Senate for the period March 1, 1997 through 
Feb. 28, 1999.
    S. Res. 110, to permit an individual with a disability with 
access to the Senate floor to bring necessary supporting aids 
and services.
    S. Res. 126, to authorize additional expenditures by the 
Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

                           Measures Obviated

    During the 105th Congress, the following 25 measures 
referred to the Committee were obviated by the passage of 
another piece of legislation:
    S. 278, to guarantee the right of all active military 
personnel, merchant mariners, and their dependents to vote in 
Federal, State, and local elections. Obviated by the passage of 
S. 1566.
    S. 1486, to authorize acquisition of certain real property 
for the Library of Congress. Obviated by the passage of H.R. 
2979.
    S. Con. Res. 42, authorizing the use of the Capitol rotunda 
for a ceremony honoring Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. 
Obviated by the passage of H. Con. Res. 134.
    S. Con. Res. 118, authorizing the use of the Capitol 
rotunda on Sept. 23, 1998, for the presentation of the 
Congressional Gold Medal to Nelson Mandela. Obviated by the 
passage of H. Con. Res. 326.
    S. Res. 20, to authorize expenditures by the Committee on 
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. Obviated by the passage 
of S. Res. 54.
    S. Res. 26, to authorize expenditures by the Committee on 
Environment and Public Works. Obviated by the passage of S. 
Res. 54.
    S. Res. 27, to authorize expenditures by the Committee on 
Finance. Obviated by the passage of S. Res. 54.
    S. Res. 28, to authorize expenditures by the Committee on 
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Obviated by the passage of 
S. Res. 54.
    S. Res. 29, to authorize expenditures by the Committee on 
Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Obviated by the passage 
of S. Res. 54.
    S. Res. 30, to authorize expenditures by the Select 
Committee on Intelligence. Obviated by the passage of S. Res. 
54.
    S. Res. 33, to authorize expenditures by the Committee on 
Appropriations. Obviated by the passage of S. Res. 54.
    S. Res. 34, to authorize expenditures by the Committee on 
Energy and Natural Resources. Obviated by the passage of S. 
Res. 54.
    S. Res. 35, to authorize expenditures by the Committee on 
Labor and Human Resources. Obviated by the passage of S. Res. 
54.
    S. Res. 37, to authorize expenditures by the Committee on 
Foreign Relations. Obviated by the passage of S. Res. 54.
    S. Res. 38, to authorize expenditures by the Committee on 
Armed Services. Obviated by the passage of S. Res. 54.
    S. Res. 40, to authorize expenditures by the Committee on 
Small Business. Obviated by the passage of S. Res. 54.
    S. Res. 41, to authorize expenditures by the Special 
Committee on Aging. Obviated by the passage of S. Res. 54.
    S. Res. 42, to authorize expenditures by the Committee on 
Rules and Administration. Obviated by the passage of S. Res. 
54.
    S. Res. 43, to authorize expenditures by the Committee on 
the Judiciary. Obviated by the passage of S. Res. 54.
    S. Res. 44, to authorize expenditures by the Committee on 
the Budget. Obviated by the passage of S. Res. 54.
    S. Res. 45, to authorize expenditures by the Committee on 
Veterans' Affairs. Obviated by the passage of S. Res. 54.
    S. Res. 46, to authorize expenditures by the Committee on 
Indian Affairs. Obviated by the passage of S. Res. 54.
    S. Res. 61, to authorize expenditures by the Committee on 
Governmental Affairs to conduct a special investigation of 
Federal election campaign fundraising and expenditures 
practices. Obviated by the reporting of S. Res. 39.
    S. Res. 71, to ensure that the Senate is in compliance with 
the Congressional Accountability Act with respect to permitting 
a disabled individual access to the Senate floor when that 
access is required to allow the disabled individual to 
discharge his or her official duties. Obviated by passage of S. 
Res. 110.
    S. Res. 72, to allow disabled persons or Senate employees 
seeking access to the Senate floor the ability to bring what 
supporting services are necessary for them to execute their 
official duties. Obviated by passage of S. Res. 110.
    S. Res. 288, authorizing the printing of the Report of the 
Task Force on Economic Sanctions. Obviated by the passage of S. 
Res. 289.

                     Committee Meeting and Hearings

    Jan. 28, 1997--To receive testimony and vote on the 
nomination of Alan M. Hantman to be Architect of the Capitol 
for a term of 10 years; to adopt Rules of Procedures for the 
Committee and select members for the Joint Committee on 
Printing and the Library.
    Jan. 30, 1997--To receive testimony on the budget 
authorization request of the Federal Election Commission for 
FY98 and on proposals to reform the financing of Federal 
elections.
    Feb. 4, 5, and 6, 1997--To receive testimony from chairmen 
and ranking members of committees on their committee funding 
resolutions for 1997 and 1998.
    Mar. 5, 1997--To review the operations of the Secretary of 
the Senate, the Sergeant at Arms of the Senate, the Architect 
of the Capitol, and the National Gallery of Art.
    Mar. 6, 1997--To consider the additional committee funding 
request of the Committee on Governmental Affairs.
    Mar. 12, 1997--To review the operations of the Smithsonian 
Institution, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing 
Arts, and the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars.
    Mar. 20, 1997--To review the operations of the 
Congressional Research Service and the Library of Congress.
    Apr. 10, 1997--To receive and consider the report of 
outside counsel regarding the petition relating to the election 
in Louisiana.
    Apr. 15, 1997--To hear oral argument from the Petitioner, 
accompanied by counsel, and counsels for the junior Senator 
from Louisiana, regarding the petition relating to the election 
in Louisiana.
    Apr. 17, 1997--To consider the Committee's course of action 
regarding a petition filed in connection with a contested U.S. 
Senate election held in Louisiana in November, 1996.
    Apr. 24, May 8, and 22, 1997--To consider revisions to 
Title 44 of the U.S. Code.
    May 14, 1997--To examine the campaign finance system for 
Presidential elections, focusing on the growth of ``soft'' 
money and other effects on political parties and candidates.
    June 25, 1997--To examine campaign finance issues, focusing 
on whether certain types of political contributions are 
voluntary.
    July 9, 1997--To receive a briefing on the status of the 
investigation into the contested U.S. Senate election in 
Louisiana (closed session).
    July 31, 1997--To consider continuing the investigation 
into the contested U.S. Senate election in Louisiana under 
revised committee rules.
    Aug. 13, 14, 26 and 27, 1997--Investigative sessions held 
in New Orleans, LA (closed sessions).
    Sept. 18, 1997--To receive testimony on the investigation 
into the contested U.S. Senate election in Louisiana (closed 
session).
    Sept. 25, 1997--To receive testimony on issues affecting 
Capitol security.
    Oct. 1, 1997--To vote on termination of the investigation 
into the contested U.S. Senate election in Louisiana.
    Oct. 30, 1997--To receive testimony on Strategic Planning 
for the Senate.
    Nov. 5, 1997--To consider the use of laptop computers on 
the Senate floor; the release of certain documents and 
reimbursement of expenses related to the contested U.S. Senate 
election in Louisiana.
    Feb. 25, 1998--To receive testimony on the operations of 
the Secretary of the Senate, the Sergeant at Arms of the 
Senate, and the Architect of the Capitol.
    Feb. 27, 1998--To receive testimony on the operations of 
the Government Printing Office, the National Gallery of Art, 
and the Congressional Research Service.
    Mar. 4, 1998--To receive testimony on a proposal to make 
certain information available through the CRS web site; on the 
FY99 budget request of the Library of Congress; and, on 
reauthorization of the American Folklife Center.
    Mar. 19, 1998--To receive testimony on the operations of 
the Smithsonian Institution, the Kennedy Center, and the 
Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars.
    Mar. 25, 1998--To receive testimony on the budget 
authorization request of the Federal Election Commission for 
FY99.
    July 21, 1998--To receive testimony on the nominations to 
the Federal Election Commission of Scott E. Thomas, of the 
District of Columbia; David M. Mason, of Virginia; Darryl R. 
Wold, of California; and, Karl J. Sandstrom, of Washington.
    July 22, 1998--To consider nominations to the Federal 
Election Commission.
    July 29; Sept. 16, 1998--To receive testimony on the 
Wendell H. Ford Government Publications Act of 1998, S. 2288.
    Sept. 10, 28, 1998--To mark up S. 2288, the Wendell H. Ford 
Government Publications Act of 1998.
    Sept. 16, 1998--To receive testimony from the Architect of 
the Capitol on plans to renovate the Dirksen Senate Office 
Building and the Capitol Dome.
    Sept. 24, 25; Oct. 1, 1998--To receive testimony on Capitol 
security issues (closed session).

                         Credentials of Members

    On December 5, 1996, a communication was received from a 
citizen of the State of Louisiana, Louis ``Woody'' Jenkins, 
concerning the seating of a citizen from the State of 
Louisiana, Mary L. Landrieu. The Committee took the following 
action:
    December 18, 1996--Committee on Rules and Administration 
obtained the services of outside counsel to advise in its 
proceedings regarding this petition.
    April 10, 1997--Committee met to receive and consider the 
report of outside counsel. Those testifying were Robert F. 
Bauer of Perkins Coie and William B. Canfield III, of Williams 
& Jensen, P.C.
    April 15, 1997--Committee met to hear oral argument from 
the petitioner, Mr. Jenkins, accompanied by counsel Mark K. 
Siefert, and counsels for Senator Landrieu, G. Anthony 
Gelderman III, and Scott R. Bickford.
    April 17, 1997--Committee authorized an investigation into 
alleged illegal and improper activities affecting the outcome 
of a U.S. Senate election in Louisiana.
    July 9, 1997--Committee met in closed session to receive a 
briefing from staff on the status of the investigation.
    July 31, 1997--Business meeting held wherein the Committee 
agreed to the Chairman's motion to continue the investigation 
under revised committee rules.
    Aug. 13, 14, 26 and 27, 1997--Committee held closed 
investigative sessions in New Orleans, LA.
    Sept. 18, 1997--Committee met in closed session to receive 
testimony from witnesses related to the Belle of Orleans, 
Harrah's Jazz Company, and the Queen of New Orleans at the 
Hilton Joint Venture.
    Oct. 1, 1997--Committee voted unanimously to terminate the 
investigation.
    Nov. 5, 1997--Committee rejected a request for release of 
certain documents, and a request for reimbursement of expenses 
incurred as a result of the investigation.

                       Federal Elections Hearings

    During the 105th Congress, the Rules Committee held the 
following hearings to examine the campaign finance system:
    May 14, 1997--Hearings held to examine the campaign finance 
system for Presidential elections, focusing on the growth of 
``soft'' money and other effects on political parties and 
candidates. Testimony was received from Lamar Alexander; Eugene 
J. McCarthy; Larry Sabato, Professor of Government and Foreign 
Affairs, University of Virginia; and, Bradley A. Smith, Adjunct 
Scholar, The Cato Institute.
    June 25, 1997--Hearings held to examine campaign finance 
issues, focusing on whether certain types of political 
contributions are voluntary. Testimony was received from 
Senator Don Nickles; David Stewart of Owasso, OK; Senator Paul 
Wellstone; Bob Williams, President, Evergreen Freedom 
Foundation; Cindy Omlin of Mead, WA; Victoria L. Bor, 
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers; James B. 
Coppess, Communications Workers of America; and, Raymond J. 
LaJeunesse, National Right to Work Foundation.

              Oversight of the Government Printing Office

    In the 105th Congress, the Rules Committee held the 
following hearings to receive testimony on revisions to Title 
44 of the U.S. Code, and S. 2288, the Wendell H. Ford 
Government Publications Reform Act of 1998.
    April 24, 1997--Testimony was received from Michael F. 
DiMario, Public Printer, Government Printing Office; George E. 
Lord, Chairman, Joint Council of Unions, GPO; William J. 
Boarman, President, Printing, Publishing and Media Workers 
Sector of Communications Workers of America; and, Royce C. 
Lamberth, U.S. District Judge for the District of Columbia.
    May 8, 1997--Testimony was received from Sally Katzen, 
Administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory 
Affairs, Office of Management and Budget; Richard Shiffrin, 
Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Department of Justice; 
Francis J. Buckley, Director, Shaker Heights Public Library; 
Ben Cooper, Vice President, Printing Industries of America; 
and, Ronald G. Dunn, President, Information Industries 
Association.
    May 22, 1997--Testimony was received from Henry J. Gioia, 
Senior Management Analyst, Department of Defense; Gary R. 
Bachula, Deputy Under Secretary for Technology Administration, 
Department of Commerce; Governor John W. Carlin, Archivist of 
the United States; and, Joan K. Lippincott, Interim Executive 
Director, Coalition for Networked Information.
    July 29, 1998--Testimony was received from Barbara J. Ford, 
representing the American Library Association; Daniel P. 
O'Mahony representing the Inter-Association Working Group on 
Government Information Policy; Robert L. Oakley, representing 
the American Association of Law Libraries; Benjamin Y. Cooper, 
Senior Vice President, Printing Industries of America, Inc.; 
Daniel C. Duncan, Senior Vice President, Information Industry 
Association; Patrice McDermott, Information Policy Analyst, OMB 
Watch; Michael DiMario, Public Printer, GPO; William Boarman, 
Vice President, Communications Workers of America; and George 
E. Lord, Chairman Joint Council of GPO Unions.
    Sept. 16, 1998--Testimony was received from J. Michael 
Farren, representing the Information Technology Industry 
Council; Leonard Pomata, representing the Professional Services 
Council; and William Gindlesperger, President, ABC Advisors, 
Inc.

                              Franked Mail

    During the 105th Congress, the Rules Committee adopted one 
revision to the Regulations Governing Official Mail for FY99. A 
clarification was made to the regulations regarding town 
meeting notices.
    Effective October 1, 1998, town meeting notices, in excess 
of 500 notices per town, may not be sent fewer than 60 days 
immediately before the date of any primary or general election 
(whether regular, special or runoff) for any Federal, state or 
local office for which a Member of the Senate is a candidate 
for election unless the Senator's candidacy is uncontested.

                            Advance Payment

    During the 105th Congress, the Rules Committee adopted one 
revision to the Regulations Governing Advance Payment.
    Added to the list of items approved for advance payment is 
state office rents. These may now be paid up to one year in 
advance.

                           Travel Regulations

    During the 105th Congress, the Rules Committee approved 
several changes to the travel regulations which were clarifying 
and technical in nature. Key among these changes was allowing 
the calculation of mileage for the purpose of incurring per 
diem to be done by highway miles, rather than a radius; and, 
allowing round trip travel to begin and end in either the duty 
station or residence, whichever is more advantageous to the 
Senate.

               Public Transportation Subsidy Regulations

    Committee regulations implementing the Tax Reform Act of 
1986 authorized $21 per month as a tax free ``de minimas fringe 
benefit'' for employees using public transportation. During the 
105th Congress, the Rules Committee increased the benefit to 
$40 which approximates the average subsidy given by Federal 
agencies within the District of Columbia metropolitan area.

              Regulation for Display of Flags in Hallways

    Regulations permit only one flag, either the United States 
or an individual state flag to be flown outside a member's 
office. During the 105th Congress, the Rules Committee amended 
the regulation to permit the flying of both the United States 
and individual state flags outside a member's office.

  Amendment to Rules for Regulation of the Senate Wing of the United 
                             States Capitol

    During the 105th Congress, the Rules Committee amended Rule 
X in the Rules for Regulation of the Senate Wing of the United 
States to also include Senate Office Buildings. The change 
adopted prohibits smoking in all public places and unassigned 
space within the Senate Wing of the Capitol and each of the 
Senate Office Buildings. Senators, Chairmen of Committees in 
consultation with their Ranking Members, the Secretary of the 
Senate, the Sergeant at Arms,Architect of the Capitol, the 
Chaplain, and heads of support organizations assigned space may each 
establish smoking policies for all office space assigned to them.

                        Procurement Regulations

    The Rules Committee, in consultation with the Sergeant at 
Arms, the Secretary of the Senate, Senate Legal Counsel, the 
Senate Ethics Committee and the Senate Counsel for Employment, 
did an extensive review of the Senate Procurement Regulations 
adopted by the Committee in 1983. Those regulations were 
updated to streamline the contracting process while still 
providing for healthy competition and appropriate protest and 
contract dispute procedures to ensure fairness in Senate 
procurement actions.

           Committee Publications/Administrative Publications

    Authority and Rules of Senate Committees, 105th Congress, 
1st session, 1997, S. Doc. 105-4.
    Legislative Calendar of the Committee on Rules and 
Administration, Final Calendar, 104th Congress, 2nd session, 
published 1997, S. Prt. 104-80.
    Review of Legislative Activity During the 104th Congress, 
105th Congress, 1st session, 1997, S. Rept. 105-14.
    United States Senate (information brochure and seating 
chart), 105th Congress, 1st session, 1997, S. Pub. 105-8.
    Senate Election Law Guidebook, 1998, 105th Congress, 1st 
session, 1997, S. Doc. 105-12.
    Authority and Rules of Senate Special Investigatory 
Committees and Other Senate Entities, 1973-97, 105th Congress, 
1st session, 1997, S. Doc. 105-16.
    Printing Pictures of Missing Children on Senate Mail, 105th 
Congress, 1st session, 1997, S. Rept. 105-34.

                        Legislative Publications

    Title 44, U.S. Code--Proposals for Revision, 105th 
Congress, 1st session, S. Hrg. 105-139.
    Biennial Committee Funding Resolution, S. Res. 54, 105th 
Congress, 1st session, S. Rept. 105-9.
    Wendell H. Ford Government Publications Reform Act of 1998, 
S. 2288, 105th Congress, 2nd session, (to be printed).
    Wendell H. Ford Government Publications Reform Act of 1998, 
S. 2288, 105th Congress, 2nd session, S. Rept. 105-413.

                                
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