[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
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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.