[Senate Report 109-135]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]



109th Congress                                                   Report
                                 SENATE
 1st Session                                                    109-135
_______________________________________________________________________

                                     


                     REVIEW OF LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITY

                       DURING THE 108TH CONGRESS

                               __________

                              R E P O R T

                                 of the

                         COMMITTEE ON RULES AND

                             ADMINISTRATION

                          UNITED STATES SENATE

                               during the

                             108TH CONGRESS

                              (2003-2004)

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




               September 8, 2005.--Ordered to be printed
                                FOREWORD

                              ----------                              

    This report reviewing the legislative activity during the 
108th 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.
                                              Trent Lott, 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 to the Senate by the Committee.................     2
Measures Approved by Senate......................................     4
Measures Obviated................................................     5
Measures Enacted Into Law........................................     6
Committee Meetings and Hearings..................................     6
U.S. Senate Internet Services Usage Regulations and Policies.....     8
Advance Payment..................................................     8
Public Transportation Subsidy Regulations........................     8
Travel Regulations...............................................     9
Furniture Regulations............................................     9
Service Awards...................................................     9
Suite Selection Regulations......................................     9
De Minimis Use of Senate Equipment...............................     9
Payment of Funeral Expenses of Deceased Members Regulations......     9
Committee Publications...........................................    10


109th Congress                                                   Report
                                 SENATE
 1st Session                                                    109-135

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



 
        REVIEW OF LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITY DURING THE 108TH CONGRESS

                                _______
                                

               September 8, 2005.--Ordered to be printed

                                _______
                                

Mr. Lott, 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 108th Congress, a total of 71 legislative 
measures were referred to the Committee on Rules and 
Administration, of which 33 were reported to the Senate. The 71 
measures included 37 Senate resolutions, 9 Senate and House 
concurrent resolutions, and 25 Senate and House bills and joint 
resolutions.

            Measures Reported to the Senate by the Committee

    H. Con. Res. 40, to permit the use of the Rotunda of the 
Capitol for a ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days 
of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust.
    H. Con. Res. 388, to authorize the use of the Capitol 
Grounds for the National Peace Officers' Memorial Service.
    S. Res. 66, to authorize expenditures by committees of the 
Senate for the periods March 1, 2003, through September 30, 
2003, October 1, 2003 through September 30, 2004, and October 
1, 2004, through February 28, 2005. S. Report 108-73.
    S. Con. Res. 136, to honor and memorialize the passengers 
and crew of United Airlines Flight 93. Status: Referred to the 
House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
    S. Res. 27, to authorize expenditures by the Select 
Committee on Intelligence. Reported as a Provision of S. Res. 
66.
    S. Res. 35, to authorize expenditures by the Committee on 
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Reported as a provision of 
S. Res. 66.
    S. Res. 36, to authorize expenditures by the Committee on 
Energy & Natural Resources. Reported as a provision of S. Res. 
66.
    S. Res. 37, to authorize expenditures by the Committee on 
Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported as a provision 
of S. Res. 66.
    S. Res. 38, to authorize expenditures by the Special 
Committee on Aging. Reported as a provision of S. Res. 66.
    S. Res. 39, to authorize expenditures by the Committee on 
Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Reported as a provision 
of S. Res. 66.
    S. Res. 47, to authorize expenditures by the Committee on 
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. Reported as a provision 
of S. Res. 66.
    S. Res. 50, to authorize expenditures by the Committee on 
Foreign Relations. Reported as a provision of S. Res. 66.
    S. Res. 51, to authorize expenditures by the Committee on 
Governmental Affairs. Reported as a provision of S. Res. 66.
    S. Res. 53, to authorize expenditures by the Committee on 
Veterans' Affairs. Reported as a provision of S. Res. 66.
    S. Res. 55, to authorize expenditures by the Committee on 
Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Reported as a provision of 
S. Res. 66.
    S. Res. 56, to authorize expenditures by the Committee on 
the Budget. Reported as a provision of S. Res. 66.
    S. Res. 57, to authorize expenditures by the Committee on 
Armed Services. Reported as a provision of S. Res. 66.
    S. Res. 60, to authorize expenditures by the Committee on 
Rules and Administration. Reported as a provision of S. Res. 
66.
    S. Res. 61, to authorize expenditures by the Committee in 
Finance. Reported as a provision of S. Res. 66.
    S. Res. 64, to authorize expenditures by the Senate 
Committee on Indian Affairs. Reported as a provision of S. Res. 
66.
    S. Res. 65, to authorize expenditures by the Committee on 
the Judiciary. Reported as a provision of S. Res. 66.
    S. Res. 138, to amend rule XXII of the Standing Rules of 
the Senate relating to the consideration of nominations 
requiring the advice and consent of the Senate. Hearing held.
    S. Res. 157, to authorize the printing of the prayers of 
Reverend Lloyd John Ogilvie.
    S. Res. 177, to direct the Senate Commission on Art to 
select an appropriate scene commemorating the Great Compromise 
of our forefathers establishing a bicameral Congress with equal 
representation in the United States Senate, to be placed in the 
Senate wing of the Capitol, and to authorize the Committees on 
Rules and Administration to obtain technical advice and 
assistance in carrying out its duties.
    S. Res. 178, to prohibit Members of the Senate and other 
persons from removing art and historic objects from the Senate 
wing of the Capitol and Senate office buildings for personal 
use.
    S. Res. 360, to express the sense of the Senate that 
legislative information shall be publicly available through the 
Internet.
    S. Res. 428, to re-authorize the John Heinz Senate 
Fellowship Program by Unanimous Consent.
    S. Res. 445, to eliminate certain restrictions on service 
of a Senator on the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence.
    S.J. Res. 38, for the appointment of Eli Broad as a citizen 
regent of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution.
    S. 148, to provide for the Secretary of Homeland Security 
to be included in the line of Presidential succession.
    S. 535, to provide Capitol-flown flags to the families of 
law enforcement officers and firefighters killed in the line of 
duty.
    S. 1157, to establish within the Smithsonian Institution 
the National Museum of African American History and Culture, 
and for other purposes.
    S. 2362, to authorize construction of a Smithsonian 
Astrophysical Observatory instrumentation support control 
building and associated site development on Kitt Peak, Arizona, 
and for other purposes.*

                    Measures Approved by the Senate

    H. Con. Res. 40, to permit the use of the Rotunda of the 
Capitol for a ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days 
of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust.
    H. Con. Res. 388, to authorize the use of the Capitol 
Grounds for the National Peace Officers' Memorial Service.
    S. Con. Res. 20, to permit the Chairman of the Committee on 
Rules and Administration of the Senate to designate another 
member of the Committee to serve on the Joint Committee on 
Printing in place of the Chairman.*
    S. Con. Res. 63, to authorize the use of the rotunda of the 
Capitol for the unveiling of the portrait bust of Vice 
President Dan Quayle on September 10, 2003.*
    S. Con. Res. 93, to authorize the use of the rotunda of the 
Capitol by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural 
Ceremonies.*
    S. Con. Res. 94, to establish the Joint Congressional 
Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies.*
    S. Con. Res. 135, to authorize the printing of a 
commemorative document in memory of the late President of the 
United States, Ronald Wilson Reagan.*
    S. Con. Res. 136, to honor and memorialize the passengers 
and crew of United Airlines Flight 93.
    S. Res. 66, to authorize expenditures by committees of the 
Senate for the periods March 1, 2003, through September 30, 
2003, October 1, 2003 through September 30, 2004, and October 
1, 2004, through February 28, 2005. S. Report 108-73.
    S. Res. 80, to authorize the printing of a collection of 
the rules of the committees of the Senate.*
    S. Res. 84, to provide for members on the part of the 
Senate of the Joint Committee on Printing and the Joint 
Committee of Congress on the Library.*
    S. Res. 157, to authorize the printing of the prayers of 
Reverend Lloyd John Ogilvie.
    S. Res. 177, to direct the Senate Commission on Art to 
select an appropriate scene commemorating the Great Compromise 
of our forefathers establishing a bicameral Congress with equal 
representation in the United States Senate, to be placed in the 
Senate wing of the Capitol, and to authorize the Committees on 
Rules and Administration to obtain technical advice and 
assistance in carrying out its duties.
    S. Res. 178, to prohibit Members of the Senate and other 
persons from removing art and historic objects from the Senate 
wing of the Capitol and Senate office buildings for personal 
use.
    S. Res. 428, to re-authorize the John Heinz Senate 
Fellowship Program.
    S. Res. 238, to authorize regulations relating to the use 
of official equipment.*
    S. Res. 329, to authorize the Sergeant at Arms and 
Doorkeeper of the Senate to ascertain and settle claims arising 
out of the discovery of lethal ricin powder in the Senate 
Complex.*
    S. Res. 445, to eliminate certain restrictions on service 
of a Senator on the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence.
    S. Res. 463, to authorize the printing of a revised edition 
of the Senate Rules and Manual.*
    S.J. Res. 38, to for the appointment of Eli Broad as a 
citizen regent of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian 
Institution.
    S. 148, to provide for the Secretary of Homeland Security 
to be included in the line of Presidential succession.
    S. 535, to provide Capitol-flown flags to the families of 
law enforcement officers and firefighters killed in the line of 
duty.
    S. 1157, to establish within the Smithsonian Institution 
the National Museum of African American History and Culture, 
and for other purposes.
    S. 2362, to authorize construction of a Smithsonian 
Astrophysical Observatory instrumentation support control 
building and associated site development on Kitt Peak, Arizona, 
and for other purposes.*
    *Measures approved by the Senate without referral to the committee.

                           Measures Obviated

    S. Res. 27, to authorize expenditures by the Select 
Committee on Intelligence. Obviated by the passage of S. Res. 
66.
    S. Res. 35, to authorize expenditures by the Committee on 
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Obviated by the passage of 
S. Res. 66.
    S. Res. 36, to authorize expenditures by the Committee on 
Energy & Natural Resources. Obviated by the passage of S. Res. 
66.
    S. Res. 37, to authorize expenditures by the Committee on 
Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Obviated by the passage 
of S. Res. 66.
    S. Res. 38, to authorize expenditures by the Special 
Committee on Aging. Obviated by the passage of S. Res. 66.
    S. Res. 39, to authorize expenditures by the Committee on 
Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Obviated by the passage 
of S. Res. 66.
    S. Res. 47, to authorize expenditures by the Committee on 
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. Obviated by the passage 
of S. Res. 66.
    S. Res. 50, to authorize expenditures by the Committee on 
Foreign Relations. Obviated by the passage of S. Res. 66.
    S. Res. 51, to authorize expenditures by the Committee on 
Governmental Affairs. Obviated by the passage of S. Res. 66.
    S. Res. 53, to authorize expenditures by the Committee on 
Veterans' Affairs. Obviated by the passage of S. Res. 66.
    S. Res. 61, to authorize expenditures by the Committee on 
finance. Obviated by the passage of S. Res. 66.
    S. Res. 64, to authorize expenditures by the Senate 
Committee on Indian Affairs. Obviated by the passage of S. Res. 
66.
    S. Res. 65, to authorize expenditures by the Committee on 
the Judiciary. Obviated by the passage of S. Res. 66.
    S.J. Res. 12, to recognize the Dr. Samuel D. Harris 
National Museum of Dentistry located at 31 South Greene Street 
in Baltimore, Maryland, as the official national museum of 
dentistry in the United States. Obviated by the passage of H.J. 
Res. 52, which became Public Law 108-122.
    S. 1157, to establish within the Smithsonian Institution 
the National Museum of African American History and Culture, 
and for other purposes. Obviated by the passage of H.R. 3491, 
which became Public Law 108-184.

                       Measures Enacted Into Law

    H.J. Res. 52, recognizing the Dr. Samuel D. Harris National 
Museum of Dentistry, an affiliate of the Smithsonian 
Institution in Baltimore, Maryland, as the official national 
museum of dentistry in the United States. Public Law No: 108-
122 *
    H.R. 3229, to amend title 44, United States Code, to 
transfer to the Public Printer the authority over the 
individuals responsible for preparing indexes of the 
Congressional Record, and for other purposes. Public Law No: 
108-102 *
    S.J. Res. 38, to for the appointment of Eli Broad as a 
citizen regent of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian 
Institution. Public Law No: 108-284
    *Measure approved by the Senate without referral to the committee.

                    Committee Meetings and Hearings

    Feb. 13, 2003--Committee Organization Meeting--to adopt the 
Rules of Procedure for the Committee, review the budgets 
submitted by the Senate Committees and receive testimony of the 
Honorable Richard G. Lugar, Chairman, Committee on Foreign 
Relations and the Honorable Joseph R. Biden, Ranking Member, 
Committee on Foreign Relations.
    February 26, 2003--Committee Markup of S. Res. 66--to 
authorize expenditures by committees of the Senate for the 
periods March 1, 2003, through September 30, 2003, October 1, 
2003 through September 30, 2004, and October 1, 2004, through 
February 28, 2005. Resolution agreed to in Senate February 27, 
2003 by Unanimous Consent.
    March 19, 2003--Hearing on Oversight--on the Operations of 
Secretary of the Senate and Architect of the Capitol. Testimony 
received from the Honorable Emily Reynolds, Secretary of the 
Senate, and the Honorable Alan Hantman, Architect of the 
Capitol.
    April 8, 2003--Hearing on Oversight--on the Operations of 
the Sergeant at Arms, Library of Congress and Congressional 
Research Service. Testimony received from the Honorable William 
H. Pickle, Sergeant at Arms, Dr. James H. Billington, Librarian 
of Congress, and Daniel P. Mulholan, Director of the 
Congressional Research Service.
    May 20, 2003--Hearing on Oversight--on the Operations of 
the Smithsonian Institution and the John F. Kennedy Center for 
the Performing Arts. Testimony received from Michael Kaiser, 
President of the John F. Kennedy Center and Lawrence Small, 
Secretary of the Smithsonian.
    June 5, 2003--Hearing on Senate Rule XXII--to review 
proposals to amend this rule and hear testimony from the 
Honorable Dr. William H. Frist, the Honorable Edward Kennedy, 
the Honorable Zell Miller, the Honorable John Cornyn, and Dr. 
John Eastman, Professor of Law, Chapman University Law School, 
Orange, California, Michael J. Gerhardt, Arthur B. Hanson 
Professor of Law, William and Mary Law School, Dean Douglas W. 
Kmiec, Dean and Thomas More Professor of Law at Catholic 
University of America.
    June 17, 2003--Hearing on S. Res. 151--to require public 
disclosure of notices of objections (``holds'') to proceedings 
to motions or measures in the Senate. Testimony from the 
Honorable Walter J. Stewart, Secretary of the Senate Emeritus, 
Dr. Sarah Binder, The Brookings Institute, and George 
Washington University, Professor John Cooper, Johns Hopkins 
University, Professor C. Lawrence Evans, the College of William 
and Mary, Dr. Steven S. Smith, Kate M. Gregg Professor of 
Social Sciences and Director of the Weidenbaum Center on 
Economy, Government and Public Policy, Washington University, 
St. Louis, Missouri.
    June 24, 2003--Markup of S. Res. 138, S. 148, and S. Res. 
178--regarding bills to amend rule XXII of the Standing Rules 
of the Senate relating to the consideration of nominations 
requiring the advice and consent of the Senate; to prohibit 
Members of the Senate and other persons from removing art and 
historic objects from the Senate wing of the Capitol and Senate 
office buildings for personal use; and to provide for the 
Secretary of Homeland Security to be included in the line of 
Presidential succession.
    July 9, 2003--Hearing on S. Res. 173--to review proposed 
changes in Rule XVI of the Standing Rules of the Senate as they 
relate to unauthorized appropriations. Testimony from the 
Honorable John McCain and Dr. Douglas Holtz-Eakin, Director of 
the Congressional Budget Office.
    September 16, 2003--Joint Hearing, Rules and Administration 
Committee and Committee on the Judiciary--Ensuring the 
Continuity of the United States Government: The Presidency. 
Testimony from Professor Akhil Reed Amar, Yale Law School, New 
Haven, Connecticut, Dr. John C. Fortier, the American 
Enterprise Institute, M. Miller Baker, McDermott, Will and 
Emery, Professor Howard M. Wasserman, Florida International 
University, College of Law, Miami, Florida.
    October 28, 2003--Confirmation Hearing--to confirm 
Presidential Nominees of the Election Assistance Commission. 
Testimony from Paul S. Gregorio (2 year term), Gracia M. 
Hillman (2 year term), Raymundo Martinez III (4 year term), and 
DeForest B. Soaries, Jr. (4 year term).
    March 10, 2004--Hearing--to examine the Scope and Operation 
of Organizations registered under Section 527 of the Internal 
Revenue Code. Testimony from the Honorable John McCain, the 
Honorable Russell Feingold, Lawrence Noble, the Center for 
Responsive Politics, and Edward B. Foley, Moritz College of 
Law, Ohio State University.
    July 14, 2004--Hearing on Oversight--of the Federal 
Election Commission. Testimony from Bradley Smith, Chairman of 
the Federal Election Commission, Ellen Weintraub, Vice Chairman 
of the Federal Elections Commission, Trevor Potter, Esq. Caplin 
and Drysdale, Benjamin Ginsberg, Esq, Patton Boggs, LLP, and 
Robert Bauer, Esq. Chairman of Political Law Group, Perkins, 
Coie, LLP.
    October 5, 2004--Special meeting to eliminate certain 
restrictions on service of a Senator on the Senate Select 
Committee on Intelligence.

                Nominations--Federal Election Commission

    In the 108th Congress, the Rules Committee reported out the 
following nominations for the Federal Election Commission: 
Michael E. Toner, of the District of Columbia, to be a Member 
of the Federal Election Commission for a term expiring April 
30, 2007, and Ellen L. Weintraub, of Maryland, to be a Member 
of the Federal Election Commission for a term expiring April 
30, 2007. Both Nominations were confirmed by the Senate on 
March 18, 2003.

              Nominations--Election Assistance Commission

    In the 108th Congress, the Rules Committee reported out the 
following nominations for the Election Assistance Commission: 
Deforest B. Soaries, Jr., of New Jersey, to be a Member of the 
Election Assistance Commission for a term of four years; 
Raymundo Martinez III, of Texas, to be a Member of the Election 
Assistance Commission for a term of four years; Gracia M. 
Hillman, of the District of Columbia, to be a Member of the 
Election Assistance Commission for a term of two years; and 
Paul S. DeGregorio, of Missouri, to be a Member of the Election 
Assistance Commission for a term of two years. Both Nominations 
were confirmed by the Senate on December 9, 2003.

      U.S. Senate Internet Services Usage Regulations and Policies

    During the 108th Congress, the Rules Committee reviewed the 
1996 U.S. Senate Internet Services Usage Rules and Regulations. 
The regulations were modified to reflect changes in the 
restriction on the use of internet services during the 60-day 
pre-election. These changes in Internet Services Usage 
Regulations and Policies were also integrated into the 60-Day 
pre-election Period restrictions. Changes were adopted 
effective October 8, 2003.

                            Advance Payment

    During the 108th Congress, the Rules Committee amended the 
Regulations Governing Advance Payment were amended to include 
pre-paid cellular and telephone communications, and metro 
subsidy.

               Public Transportation Subsidy Regulations

    Committee regulations implementing the Tax Reform Act of 
1986 authorized a tax free ``de minimis fringe benefit'' for 
employees using public transportation. During the 108th 
Congress, the Rules Committee increased the benefit to $105 
consistent with the subsidy given by Federal agencies within 
the District of Columbia metropolitan area.

                           Travel Regulations

    During the 108th Congress, the Rules Committee modified 
Regulations governing payments and reimbursements from the 
Senate contingent fund as well as from Members' office expense 
and personnel accounts have been amended to raise the threshold 
required for receipted documentation from $35 to $50. 
Regulations were adopted effective November 1, 2003.

                         Furniture Regulations

    During the 108th Congress, the Rules Committee modified the 
allowance for Senator's Special Furniture and Accessory 
Allowance. The Committee increased the allowance to $5,000.00 
in the amount allotted each newly elected/re-elected Senator 
for the purpose of furnishing a Senator's personal office, 
reception room, and conference room. Increase effective January 
3, 2005.

                             Service Awards

    During the 108th Congress, the Rules Committee reviewed the 
1987 regulations which authorized the issuance of a staff 
service pin. The Committee concluded that service pins should 
also be awarded to staff members who have served 20 years in 
the Senate and to those staff members who have served for 30 
years. The regulation were adopted effective September 22, 
2004.

                      Suite Selection Regulations

    During the 108th Congress, the Rules Committee reviewed of 
the 1992 Regulations on Senatorial Suite Selection. As a 
result, the regulations were modified to facilitate the rapid 
and smooth transition of assigning Senatorial offices. Amended 
October 7, 2004.

                   De Minimis Use of Senate Equipment

    During the 108th Congress, the Rules Committee amended the 
Regulations Governing Assignment, Accountability,and Inventory 
Control of Equipment. Pursuant to S. Res. 238 (108th Congress, 
1st Session), the de minimis use of official Senate resources 
(i.e., computers, Internet services, cellular telephones, 
copiers and facsimile machines and other such similar devices) 
is hereby permitted. Amended November 1, 2003.

      Payment of Funeral Expenses of Deceased Members Regulations

    During the 108th Congress, the Rules Committee reviewed the 
regulations governing the payment of funeral expenses for 
deceased members that were authorized in accordance with Sec. 
3.(a)(1) of Senate Resolution 458 (October 4, 1984). As a 
result of the review, the Committee modified the regulations 
effective November 1, 2003.

                         Committee Publications

    Authorizing Expenditures By Committees of the Senate, 108th 
Congress, 1st session, S. Rpt. 108-73.
    Authority and Rules of Senate Committees, 2003-2004, 108th 
Congress, 1st session, S. Doc. 108-6.
    Intern Handbook, Summer 2004 edition, 108th Congress, 2nd 
session.

                                  
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