[Deschler-Brown Precedents, Volume 17, Chapters 34 - 40]
[Ch. 37. Resignations]
[C. Resignations From Committees and Delegations]
[Â§ 6. Procedures and Forms]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


[Page 425-455]
 
                               CHAPTER 37
 
                              Resignations
 
            C. Resignations from Committees and Delegations
 
Sec. 6. Procedures and Forms


    The request of a Member of the House to be relieved from service on 
a committee of the House is submitted to the House for approval, and 
the Member's resignation from membership on the committee may or may 
not be accepted.(1) Although there were instances in the 
earlier practice where a Member's request to be excused from committee 
service was refused,(2) in modern practice the resignation 
of a Member from a committee is routinely accepted.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. 4 Hinds' Precedents Sec. Sec. 4494 et seq. For a discussion of 
        resignation from conference committees, see Ch. 33, supra.
 2. 4 Hinds' Precedents Sec. Sec. 4500-4505.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                -------------------

Procedure for Acceptance

Sec. 6.1 The resignation of a Member from a committee--whether as a 
    member of the committee or as its chair--is laid before the House 
    and accepted by unanimous consent.(1)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. Parliamentarian's Note: In addition to acceptance of the 
        resignation of a Member from a committee, the House may remove 
        a Member from a committee assignment by adoption of a 
        resolution, for example, electing certain Members to a standing 
        committee in lieu of other Members. Because under Rule X clause 
        5(a)(1) (House Rules and Manual Sec. 757 [2007]) a resolution 
        proposing to ``change the composition'' of a standing committee 
        is privileged if offered by direction of the party caucus or 
        conference concerned, a resolution electing Members to standing 
        committees has effectively removed Members erroneously named in 
        a previous resolution by electing new Members ``in lieu of'' 
        those erroneously elected. On Feb. 6, 1997, the House 
        considered as privileged and adopted a resolution (see H. Res. 
        42 at 143 Cong. Rec. 1687, 105th Cong. 1st Sess.) electing 
        certain Members to standing committees ``in lieu of'' Members 
        erroneously named in a previous resolution, effectively 
        removing certain Members from mistaken committee assignments 
        without requiring resignations. (See also Sec. 6.6, infra.) 
        However, it is more traditional for the House to act on actual 
        resignations.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    On June 29, 2006,(2) the House by unanimous consent 
accepted the resignation of a Member from a standing committee and 
considered and adopted a resolution to elect a Member to sundry 
standing committees.(3)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 2. 152 Cong. Rec. 13700, 109th Cong. 2d Sess.
 3. Parliamentarian's Note: The resolution was not privileged only 
        because it was not offered by direction of the caucus or 
        conference concerned.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 426]]

              RESIGNATION AS MEMBER OF COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES

        The SPEAKER pro tempore(4) laid before the House the 
    following resignation as a member of the Committee on Armed 
    Services:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 4. Michael Simpson (ID).

                                    Congress of the United States,
                                         House of Representatives,
                                    Washington, DC, June 29, 2006.
                                             Hon. J. Dennis Hastert,
                            Speaker of the House of Representatives,
                                                     Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: This letter is to advise you that, effective 
    today, I am resigning my seat on the House Committee on Armed 
    Services.
        Thank you for your attention to this matter.

            Sincerely,
                                        Howard P. ``Buck'' McKeon,
                                               Member of Congress.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the resignation is 
    accepted.
        There was no objection.

         {time}  1930                          -------------------

         ELECTION OF MEMBER TO CERTAIN STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE HOUSE

        Mr. [Tom] PRICE of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I offer a resolution 
    (H. Res. 902) and I ask unanimous consent for its immediate 
    consideration.
        The Clerk read the resolution, as follows:

                                  H. Res. 902

            Resolved, that the following Member be and is hereby 
        elected to the following standing committees of the House of 
        Representatives:
            Committee on Armed Services: Mr. [Brian P.] Bilbray [of 
        California].
            Committee on Government Reform: Mr. Bilbray.
            Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Mr. Bilbray.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of 
    the gentleman from Georgia?
        There was no objection.
        The resolution was agreed to.
        A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

    On Feb. 28, 2006,(5) the Speaker pro 
tempore(6) laid before the House the following resignation 
as a member of the Committee on Education and the Workforce:

 5. 152 Cong. Rec. 2200, 109th Cong. 2d Sess.
 6. Robert B. Aderholt (AL).

                                         House of Representatives,
                                Washington, DC, February 16, 2006.

                                             Hon. J. Dennis Hastert,
                             Speaker, U.S. House of Representatives,
                                       U.S. Capitol, Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker, Effective today, February 16th, I resign my 
    seat on the Committee on Education pending my appointment to the 
    Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

            Sincerely,
                                                      John Barrow.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the resignation is 
    accepted.
        There was no objection.

    On Feb. 8, 2006,(7) the Speaker pro 
tempore(8) laid before the

[[Page 427]]

House the following resignation as a member of the Committee on 
Financial Services:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 7. 152 Cong. Rec. 1080, 109th Cong. 2d Sess.
 8. Dennis R. Rehberg (MT).

                                    Congress of the United States,
                                         House of Representatives,
                                 Washington, DC, February 8, 2006.
                                               Hon.  Dennis Hastert,
                                               Speaker of the House,
                                                     Washington, DC.

        Dear Speaker Hastert: I hereby respectfully resign my seat on 
    the Committee on Financial Services, effective immediately. Thank 
    you for the opportunity to serve on this important committee.

            Sincerely,
                                                    Peter T. King,
                                                Member of Congress

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the resignation is 
    accepted.

    Also on Feb. 8, 2006,(9) the Speaker pro 
tempore(10) laid before the House the following resignation 
as a member of the Committee on the Budget:

 9. 152 Cong. Rec. 1050, 109th Cong. 2d Sess.
10. Phil Gingrey (GA).

                                    Congress of the United States,
                                         House of Representatives,
                                 Washington, DC, February 8, 2006.

        Dear Speaker Hastert: I respectfully resign my seat on the 
    House Budget Committee effective immediately. Thank you very much 
    for giving me the opportunity to serve on this important committee.

            Sincerely,
                                              Ileana Ros-Lehtinen,
                                               Member of Congress.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the resignation is 
    accepted.
        There was no objection.

    On Feb. 7, 2006,(11) the Speaker pro 
tempore(12) laid before the House the following resignation 
as a member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
11. 152 Cong. Rec. 989, 109th Cong. 2d Sess.
12. John Campbell (CA).


                                    Congress of the United States,
                                         House of Representatives,
                                 Washington, DC, February 7, 2006.

                                             Hon. J. Dennis Hastert,
                              Speaker, House of the Representatives,
                                                     Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: I hereby respectfully resign my seat on the 
    House Energy and Commerce Committee effective February 7, 2006. I 
    would like to express my deep gratitude to you and Chairman Barton 
    for the opportunity to serve and look forward to continuing to work 
    with you in the future.

            Sincerely,
                                               J. Gresham Barrett,
                                               Member of Congress.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the resignation is 
    accepted.
        There was no objection.

    On Sept. 26, 2005,(13) the House accepted the 
resignation of a Member from the Select Bipartisan Committee to 
Investigate

[[Page 428]]

the Preparation for and Response to Hurricane Katrina.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
13. 151 Cong. Rec. 21177, 21178, 109th Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

           RESIGNATION AS MEMBER AND APPOINTMENT OF MEMBER TO SELECT 
          BIPARTISAN COMMITTEE TO INVESTIGATE THE PREPARATION FOR AND 
                         RESPONSE TO HURRICANE KATRINA

        The SPEAKER pro tempore(14) laid before the House 
    the following resignation as a member of the Select Bipartisan 
    Committee to Investigate the Preparation for and Response to 
    Hurricane Katrina:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
14. John Boozman (AR).

                                         House of Representatives,
                               Washington, DC, September 23, 2005.
                                             Hon. J. Dennis Hastert,
                                  Speaker, House of Representatives,
                                                     Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: I hereby resign as a member of the Select 
    Bipartisan Committee to Investigate the Preparation for and 
    Response to Hurricane Katrina.
        This resignation is made necessary by the fact that most of the 
    Select Committee's hearings will conflict with business of the 
    Committee on the Judiciary, thus making it impossible for me to 
    actively participate in the Select Committee's activities.
        Thank you for your confidence in me.

            Sincerely,
                                      F. James Sensenbrenner, Jr.,
                                               Member of Congress.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the resignation is 
    accepted.
        There was no objection.

    On Feb. 16, 2005,(15) the following resignations were 
laid before the House:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
15. 151 Cong. Rec. H664, H665 [Daily Ed.], 109th Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

                 RESIGNATION AS MEMBER OF COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE

        The SPEAKER pro tempore laid before the House the following 
    resignation as a member of the Committee on Science:

                                    Congress of the United States,
                                         House of Representatives,
                                Washington, DC, February 15, 2005.

                                                Hon. Dennis Hastert,
                             Speaker, U.S. House of Representatives,
                                                     Washington, DC.

        Dear Speaker Hastert: I respectfully request that you permit me 
    to vacate my seat on the House Science Committee as soon as 
    possible. I am hopeful that I would be able to retain my seniority 
    position on this committee should I seek to return in a future 
    Congress. I have greatly enjoyed my service on the House Science 
    Committee.
        Thank you for your kind consideration of this request.

            Sincerely,
                                                      Zoe Lofgren,
                                               Member of Congress.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. LaTourette).(16) 
    Without objection, the resignation is accepted.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
16. Steven C. LaTourette (OH).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

        There was no 
    objection.                          -------------------

        ELECTION OF MEMBERS TO CERTAIN STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE HOUSE

        Mr. [Robert] MENENDEZ [of New Jersey]. Mr. Speaker, by 
    direction of the Democratic Caucus, I offer a privileged resolution 
    (H. Res. 111) and ask for its immediate consideration.

[[Page 429]]

        The Clerk read the resolution, as follows:

                                H. Res. 111

            Resolved, That the following named Members be and are 
        hereby elected to the following standing committees of the 
        House of Representatives:
            (1) Committee on House Administration.--Ms. Zoe Lofgren of 
        California.
            (2) Committee on Small Business.--Ms. Moore of Wisconsin.

        Mr. MENENDEZ (during the reading.) Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous 
    consent that the resolution be considered as read and printed in 
    the Record.
        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of 
    the gentleman from New Jersey?
        There was no objection.
        The resolution was agreed to.
        A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

    On Feb. 9, 2005,(17) the Speaker pro 
tempore(18) laid before the House the following 
resignations:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
17. 151 Cong. Rec. 1871, 109th Cong. 1st Sess. See also 151 Cong. Rec. 
        22711, 109th Cong. 1st Sess., Oct. 7, 2005.
18. Jo Ann Emerson (MO).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

           RESIGNATION AS MEMBER OF COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION AND 
                                 INFRASTRUCTURE

        The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. Emerson) laid before the House 
    the following resignation from the Committee on Transportation and 
    Infrastructure:

                                         House of Representatives,
                                 Washington, DC, February 8, 2005.

                                             Hon. J. Dennis Hastert,
                                  Speaker, House of Representatives,
                                                     Washington, DC.

        Dear Speaker Hastert: Effective immediately I am resigning my 
    position on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
        It has been a pleasure to serve on the Committee, and I will 
    continue to support the Committee to achieve its legislative goals. 
    However, because of my recent appointment to the House Financial 
    Services Committee and the House Homeland Security Committee as 
    well as my continued service on the House Resources Committee, it 
    is necessary for me to resign from the Transportation and 
    Infrastructure Committee.
        Mr. Speaker, thank you for appointing me to the House Financial 
    Services and Homeland Security Committees. I look forward to these 
    new Committee assignments and working to advance the Majority 
    agenda. Your help was critical and I greatly appreciate your effort 
    on my behalf.
        Thank you for your support and for accepting my resignation 
    from the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. If you 
    have any questions, please contact me.

            Sincerely,
                                                    Stevan Pearce,
                                               Member of Congress.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the resignation is 
    accepted.
        There was no objection.

[[Page 430]]

                                    -------------------RESIGNATION AS 
                    MEMBER OF COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT REFORM

        The SPEAKER pro tempore laid before the House the following 
    resignation from the Committee on Government Reform.

                                         House of Representatives,
                                 Washington, DC, February 8, 2005.

                                             Hon. J. Dennis Hastert,
                                              Office of the Speaker,
                                        U.S. Capitol, Washington DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: I respectfully resign from the Committee on 
    Government Reform, effective immediately.

            Sincerely,
                                                 Katherine Harris,
                                               Member of Congress.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the resignation is 
    accepted.
        There was no objection.

    On Jan. 26, 2005,(19) the Speaker pro 
tempore(20) laid the following resignations before the 
House:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
19. 151 Cong. Rec. 835, 109th Cong. 1st Sess.
20. Darrell E. Issa (CA).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

          RESIGNATION AS A MEMBER OF HOUSE COMMITTEE ON INTERNATIONAL 
                                   RELATIONS

        The Speaker pro tempore laid before the House the following 
    resignation as a member of the House Committee on International 
    Relations.

                                           House of Representatives,
                                   Washington, DC, January 26, 2005.

                                             Hon. J. Dennis Hastert,
                                              Office of the Speaker,
                                                       U.S. Capitol,
                                                     Washington D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: Please consider this letter as my 
    resignation, as of this date, as a member of the House Committee on 
    International Relations. I have appreciated the opportunity to 
    serve as a member of this committee and have enjoyed my eight years 
    of service.
        With every good wish, I am

            Sincerely yours,

                                                   John M. McHugh,
                                               Member of Congress.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Tiberi).(21) Without 
    objection, the resignation is accepted.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
21. Patrick J. Tiberi (OH).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

        There was no 
    objection.                          -------------------

            RESIGNATION AS MEMBER OF COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' AFFAIRS

        The Speaker pro tempore laid before the House the following 
    resignation as a member of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

            Effective today, January 26, 2005, I am resigning from the 
        Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

                                                    Rick G. Renzi,
                                                 U.S. Congressman,
                                          1st District of Arizona.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the resignation is 
    accepted.
        There was no objection.

    On Oct. 7, 2004,(22) the Speaker pro 
tempore(23) laid before the

[[Page 431]]

House the following resignation from a Member of the Committee on 
Government Reform.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
22. 150 Cong. Rec.  21923, 108th Cong. 2d Sess.
23. Jim Gerlach (PA).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

            RESIGNATION AS MEMBER OF COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT REFORM

        The SPEAKER pro tempore laid before the House the following 
    resignation as a member of the Committee on Government Reform:

                                    Congress of the United States,
                                         House of Representatives,
                                  Washington, DC, October 6, 2004.
                                             Speaker Dennis Hastert,
                                      U.S. House of Representatives,
                                                     Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: With this letter, please accept my 
    resignation from the House Committee on Government Reform, 
    effective immediately.
        Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
        With kind regards, I am

            Sincerely,
                                                      Eric Cantor,
                                               Member of Congress.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the resignation is 
    accepted.
        There was no objection.

    On Apr. 27, 2004,(24) by unanimous consent, the House 
accepted the resignation of a Member from the Select Committee on 
Homeland Security, whereupon the Speaker filled the vacancy by 
appointment pursuant to Sec. 4 of House Resolution 5, 108th Congress 
(the select committee charter).(25)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
24. 150 Cong. Rec. 7602, 108th Cong. 2d Sess.
25. See 149 Cong. Rec. 11, 108th Cong. 1st Sess., Jan. 7, 2003.
            Parliamentarian's Note: As indicated in the letter, Rep. 
        Tauzin's membership on the select committee was by virtue of 
        his chairmanship of the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

           RESIGNATION AS MEMBER AND APPOINTMENT OF MEMBER TO SELECT 
                         COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY

        The SPEAKER pro tempore laid before the House the following 
    resignation as member of the Select Committee on Homeland Security:

                                         House of Representatives,
                                   Washington, DC, April 23, 2004.
                                             Hon. J. Dennis Hastert,
                                  Speaker, House of Representatives,
                                                     Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: Please accept this letter as my resignation 
    as a member of the Select Committee on Homeland Security, effective 
    immediately. I realize that I served on the Select Committee due to 
    my role as Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee. I no 
    longer hold the position of Chairman, thus I resign from the other.
        Thank you for your assistance in this matter.

            Sincerely,
                                            W.J. ``Billy'' Tauzin,
                                               Member of Congress.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Burgess).(26) The 
    resignation is accepted.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 26. Michael C. Burgess (TX).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

        There was no objection.
        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to section 4 of House 
    Resolution 5, 108th Congress, and the order of the House of 
    December 8, 2003, the Chair

[[Page 432]]

    announces the Speaker's appointment of the gentleman from Texas 
    (Mr. Barton) of the House to the Select Committee on Homeland 
    Security to fill the existing vacancy thereon, and to rank 
    immediately after the gentleman from New York (Mr. Boehlert).
        There was no 
    objection.                          -------------------

         CORRECTION TO THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD OF TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 
                       2004 AT PAGE H2395(27)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
27. See 150 Cong. Rec. 7967, 108th Cong. 2d Sess., Apr. 27, 2004.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

           RESIGNATION AS MEMBER AND APPOINTMENT OF MEMBER TO SELECT 
                         COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY

        The SPEAKER pro tempore laid before the House the following 
    resignation as member of the Select Committee on Homeland Security:

                                         House of Representatives,
                                   Washington, DC, April 23, 2004.
                                             Hon. J. Dennis Hastert,
                                  Speaker, House of Representatives,
                                                     Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: Please accept this letter as my resignation 
    as a member of the Select Committee on Homeland Security, effective 
    immediately. I realize that I served on the Select Committee due to 
    my role as Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee. I no 
    longer hold the position of Chairman, thus I resign from the other.
        Thank you for your assistance in this matter.

            Sincerely,
                                            W.J. ``Billy'' Tauzin,
                                               Member of Congress.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Burgess). Without objection, the 
    resignation is accepted.
        There was no objection.
        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to section 4 of House 
    Resolution 5, 108th Congress, and the order of the House of 
    December 8, 2003, the Chair announces the Speaker's appointment of 
    the following Member of the House to the Select Committee on 
    Homeland Security to fill the existing vacancy thereon:
        The gentleman from Texas (Mr. [Joe] Barton) to rank immediately 
    after the gentleman from New York (Mr. [Sherwood] Boehlert).

    On Feb. 26, 2004,(28) the House by unanimous consent 
accepted the resignation of a Member as chairman of a standing 
committee (on which he continued to serve).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
28. 150 Cong. Rec. 2577, 108th Cong. 2d Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Under Rule X clause 5(a)(1),(29) a resolution to 
establish the rank of a member on a standing committee is privileged if 
offered at the direction of the caucus or conference concerned.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
29. House Rules and Manual Sec. 757 (2007).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The House by unanimous consent adopted a resolution electing a 
member of a standing committee to serve as its chairman and to re-
establish the rank of the erstwhile chairman whose resignation created 
the vacancy.
    The House also by unanimous consent accepted the resignation

[[Page 433]]

from a standing committee of a Member who had just been elevated to 
chairman of another standing committee.
    The proceedings were as follows:

            RESIGNATION AS CHAIRMAN AND ELECTION AS CHAIRMAN OF THE 
                        COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND COMMERCE

        The SPEAKER pro tempore laid before the House the following 
    resignation as chairman of the Committee on Energy and Commerce:

                                         House of Representatives,
                                 Committee on Energy and Commerce,
                                Washington, DC, February 11, 2004.

                                             Hon. J. Dennis Hastert,
                                  Speaker, House of Representatives,
                                                     Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: Please accept this letter as my resignation 
    as Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, 
    effective at midnight on February 16, 2004.
        Thank you for your assistance in this matter.

            Sincerely,
                                            W.J. ``Billy'' Tauzin,
                                                         Chairman.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore.(30) Without objection, the 
    resignation is accepted.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 30. Ray LaHood (IL).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

        There was no objection.
        Mr. [David] DREIER [of California]. Mr. Speaker, I offer a 
    resolution (H. Res. 539) and ask unanimous consent for its 
    immediate consideration.
        The Clerk read the resolution, as follows:

                                H. Res. 539

            Resolved, That the following named Member be, and that he 
        hereby is, elected to the following standing committee of the 
        House of Representatives:
            Committee on Energy and Commerce: Mr. Barton of Texas, 
        Chairman.
            Resolved, That the following named Member be, and that he 
        hereby is, ranked as follows on the following standing 
        committee of the House of Representatives:
            Committee on Energy and Commerce: Mr. Tauzin, after Mr. 
        Barton of Texas.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of 
    the gentleman from California?
        There was no objection.
        The resolution was agreed to.
        A motion to reconsider was laid on the table. . . 
    .                          -------------------

                 RESIGNATION AS MEMBER OF COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE

        The SPEAKER pro tempore laid before the House the following 
    resignation as a member of the Committee on Science:

                                         House of Representatives,
                                Washington, DC, February 25, 2004.

                                             Hon. J. Dennis Hastert,
                                  Speaker, House of Representatives,
                                                     Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: I hereby resign as a Member of the Science 
    Committee.

            Sincerely,
                                                       Joe Barton,
                                               Member of Congress.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the resignation is 
    accepted.

[[Page 434]]

        There was no objection.

    On Mar. 5, 2003,(31) a privileged resolution was 
submitted by direction of the Democratic Caucus electing a minority 
member to a standing committee, whereupon the House accepted by 
unanimous consent the resignation of the Member so-elected. The 
proceedings are as follows:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
31. 149 Cong. Rec. 5120, 5121, 108th Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

        Ms. [Rosa L.] DeLAURO [of Connecticut]. Madam Speaker, by 
    direction of the Democratic Caucus, I offer a privileged resolution 
    (H. Res. 123) and ask for its immediate consideration.
        The Clerk read the resolution, as follows:

                                H. Res. 123

            Resolved, That the following named Member be and is hereby 
        elected to the following standing committee of the House of 
        Representatives:
            Committee on Armed Services: Mr. Ruppersberger (to rank 
        immediately after Mr. Alexander).

        The resolution was agreed to.
        A motion to reconsider was laid on the 
    table.                          -------------------

              RESIGNATION AS MEMBER OF COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES

        The SPEAKER pro tempore(32) laid before the House 
    the following resignation as a member of the Committee on Armed 
    Services:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
32. Sue Wilkins Myrick (NC).

                                    Congress of the United States,
                                         House of Representatives,
                                    Washington, DC, March 5, 2003.

                                                        The Speaker,
                                           House of Representatives,
                                        The Capitol, Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: Effective March 5, 2003, I hereby take a 
    leave of absence from the Committee on Armed Services due to my 
    appointments to the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and 
    the Committee on Government Reform.

            Sincerely,
                                         C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger,
                                               Member of Congress.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the resignation is 
    accepted.
        There was no objection.

    On Aug. 5, 1999,(33) Speaker pro tempore Edward A. 
Pease, of Indiana, laid before the House the following communication 
from a Member resigning from a standing committee (even while 
continuing to serve as conferee ostensibly from that committee).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
33. 145 Cong. Rec. 20215, 106th Cong. 1st Sess.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 Gary L. Ackerman,

                                    Congress of the United States,

                           5th District, New York, August 5, 1999.

                                             Hon. J. Dennis Hastert,

                                  Speaker, House of Representatives,

                                                    Washington, D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: This letter is to inform you of that I do 
    hereby resign

[[Page 435]]

    from the Committee on Banking and Financial Services, effective 
    immediately.

              Sincerely,

                                                 Gary L. Ackerman,

                                               Member of Congress.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the resignation is 
    accepted.
        There was no objection.

    On Oct. 4, 1996,(34) Speaker pro tempore Robert S. 
Walker, of Pennsylvania, laid before the House the following 
communication from a Member resigning his seat on a select committee, 
which was read by the Clerk:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
34. 142 Cong. Rec. 27348, 104th Cong. 2d Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                    Congress of the United States,

                                         House of Representatives,

                                  Washington, DC, October 3, 1996.

                                              Speaker Newt Gingrich,

                                      U.S. House of Representatives,

                                                    Washington, D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: Effective today, October 3, 1996, I 
    respectfully resign from the House Intelligence Committee.
        With kindest personal regards, I remain

              Very truly yours,

                                                Ronald D. Coleman,

                                               Member of Congress.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the resignation is 
    accepted.
        There was no objection.
        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, and pursuant to the 
    provisions of clause 1 of rule XLVIII and clause 6(f) of rule X, 
    the Chair announces the Speaker's appointment of the gentleman from 
    New Mexico [Mr. Richardson] to the Permanent Select Committee on 
    Intelligence to fill the existing vacancy thereon and to rank after 
    the gentleman from Washington [Mr. Dicks].
        There was no objection.

    On Sept. 27, 1996,(35) Speaker pro tempore Mac 
Thornberry, of Texas, laid before the House the following communication 
from a Member resigning his seat on a select committee, which was read 
by the Clerk:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
35. 142 Cong. Rec. 25603, 104th Cong. 2d Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                         House of Representatives,

                               Washington, DC, September 27, 1996.

                                                 Hon. Newt Gingrich,

                             Speaker, U.S. House of Representatives,

                                       The Capitol, Washington, D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: I hereby resign my seat on the House 
    Intelligence Committee effective today.
        I appreciate the opportunity to serve on the committee beyond 
    my allotted time. Your efforts to accommodate my many international 
    assignments have been most helpful.
        I look forward to serving on the committee in the future.

              Sincerely,

                                                  Bill Richardson,

                                                Chief Deputy Whip.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the resignation is 
    accepted.

[[Page 436]]

        There was no objection.
        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, and pursuant to the 
    provisions of clause 1 of rule XLVIII and clause 6(f) of rule X, 
    the Chair announces the Speaker's appointment of the gentlewoman 
    from California [Ms. Harman] to the Permanent Select Committee on 
    Intelligence to fill the existing vacancy thereon and to rank after 
    the gentlewoman from California [Ms. Pelosi].
        There was no objection.

    On Feb. 28, 1991,(36) the Speaker laid before the House 
the following communication from a Member resigning as chairman (though 
not as a member) of a select committee, which was read by the Clerk:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
36. 137 Cong. Rec. 4618, 102d Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                          House of Representatives

                                Washington, DC, February 27, 1991.

                                               Hon. Thomas S. Foley,

                                               Speaker of the House,

                                           House of Representatives,

                                                        The Capitol.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: Over the past eight years, I have had the 
    high honor and privilege of serving as the first chairman of the 
    House Select Committee on Children, Youth, and Families. I am 
    grateful to you, and your two predecessors as Speaker, for 
    appointing me to this position which has been among my most 
    gratifying responsibilities during my service in the Congress of 
    the United States.
        The goal of the Select Committee has been to identify the most 
    critical issues confronting America's children and families, to 
    examine the impact and potential of public policies, and to make 
    recommendations to standing committees of the Congress for 
    legislation to promote the healthy development of young Americans 
    and their families.
        Because of the dedicated work of the members of the House 
    Select Committee over the years, the innumerable contributions of 
    the outstanding staff, and the participation of experts, 
    researchers and advocates from throughout the United States, we 
    have fulfilled that important mission at a time when much of the 
    government was abandoning or ignoring its responsibilities to 
    children. And the Congress has responded, by enacting important 
    legislation on child care, child health, foster care, preventive 
    services, mental health, education and nutrition--all developed in 
    large part by the work of the House Select Committee on Children, 
    Youth, and Families.
        Despite these many achievements, a great deal still needs to be 
    done for America's children. Far too many remain in poverty, at 
    risk of birth defects, subject to horrendous living conditions and 
    victimized by child abuse, enduring inadequate educational programs 
    that leave them uneducated and unemployable, suffering malnutrition 
    and preventable diseases. I also know how much time must be devoted 
    to addressing these issues and to producing the highest quality 
    work product which can serve as the basis for action by the 
    Congress in addressing these remaining critical problems.
        The action of the House of Representatives in conveying to me, 
    as Vice Chairman of the Committee on

[[Page 437]]

    Interior and Insular Affairs, the responsibilities of the chairman, 
    places many new and pressing duties upon me. Urgent national issues 
    including the Western drought and national energy policy demand my 
    fullest attention and energies, as does the management of this 
    Committee. I do not believe it would be fair either to the 
    Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs or the Select Committee 
    on Children, Youth, and Families to attempt to perform both 
    responsibilities concurrently.
        Accordingly, I must very regrettably submit my resignation to 
    you as the chairman of the Select Committee on Children, Youth, and 
    Families, to be effective upon your appointment of a new chairman. 
    This is certainly the most difficult personal decision of my 
    sixteen years in Congress, but it is the right decision for the 
    Select Committee and its important constituency, our nation's 
    children. I certainly intend to work closely with whomever you 
    select as the new chair to facilitate a smooth transition and to 
    assure that the crucial work of the Committee continues 
    uninterrupted.
        The Select Committee must continue to ``hold up a mirror for 
    America to see its children,'' as we originally promised, and to 
    serve as the unique group within the Congress that can frame these 
    complex issues, conduct the essential investigative and analytical 
    work, and then convert our findings into sound public policy.
        I look forward to continuing to provide that leadership as a 
    member of the Select Committee under the new chairman in the years 
    to come. I wish again to extend to you, and to Speakers Wright and 
    O'Neill, my deep personal gratitude for having placed your 
    confidence in me as chairman of the Select Committee on Children, 
    Youth, and Families during these past eight years.

              Sincerely,

                                                    George Miller,

                                     Chairman, Select Committee on

                                    Children, Youth, and Families.

    On Jan. 30, 1991,(37) Speaker pro tempore Steny Hoyer, 
of Maryland, laid before the House the following communication from a 
Member resigning his seat on a standing committee, which was read by 
the Clerk:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
37. 137 Cong. Rec. 2556, 102d Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                         House of Representatives,

                                 Washington, DC, January 29, 1991.

                                               Hon. Thomas S. Foley,

                             Speaker, U.S. House of Representatives,

                                       The Capitol, Washington, D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: Due to my increased responsibilities on the 
    House Appropriations Committee, I herewith tender my resignation as 
    a member of the Committee on the Budget and request its acceptance 
    as soon as possible under the rules of the House.

              Sincerely,

                                                    Dean A. Gallo,

                                               Member of Congress.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the resignation is 
    accepted.
        There was no objection.

    On June 21, 1976,(38) the Speaker laid before the House 
the following communication from a

[[Page 438]]

Member resigning as chairman (though not as a member) of a standing 
committee, which was read by the Clerk:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
38. 122 Cong. Rec. 19449, 94th Cong. 2d Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                                  Washington, D.C.

                                                    June 21, 1976.

                                                   Hon. Carl Albert,

                                               Speaker of the House,

                                                    Washington, D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: The charges which have been made against me 
    and the current state of my health make it impossible for me to 
    devote the time necessary to carry out my responsibilities as 
    Chairman of the House Administration Committee.
        I, therefore, have decided to step down as Chairman of that 
    Committee.
        I am confident that I will be vindicated as to any wrong-doing, 
    and when that occurs, I shall ask for a re-examination of my 
    position by the Caucus.
        With kind personal regards, I am,

              Very sincerely yours,

                                                    Wayne L. Hays,

                                                         Chairman.

        The SPEAKER. Without objection, the resignation will be 
    accepted.
        There was no objection.

    On May 4, 1971,(39) the Speaker laid before the House a 
letter from the chairman of the Committee on Banking and Currency, 
resigning as a member of the Select Committee on Small Business, which 
was thereupon accepted by the House.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
39. 117 Cong. Rec. 13327, 13328, 92d Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                                  Washington, D.C.

                                                      May 1, 1971.

                                                   Hon. Carl Albert,

                              The Speaker, House of Representatives,

                                                    Washington, D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: This letter is to inform you of the fact that 
    I am tendering my resignation as a member of the Select Committee 
    on Small Business.
        It has been a most rewarding experience to have been a member 
    of this Select Committee since it was originally created by 
    resolution which I introduced in 1941.
        Unfortunately, because of the press of other duties I feel it 
    would be in the best interest of the Congress to take this action 
    and allow another Member to assume the responsibilities in my place 
    on this most important Committee.
        I do not wish to in any way imply that my action in this 
    instance signifies any diminution in my interest in the problems 
    and prospects of small business and wish to assure the Congress and 
    small business throughout the country that I shall continue to 
    maintain my interest in this area and work toward the solution of 
    problems which confront and beset this most vital part of our free 
    enterprise system.

              Sincerely,

                                                    Wright Patman,

                                                         Chairman.

        The SPEAKER. Without objection, the resignation will be 
    accepted.
        There was no objection.

    On Oct. 14, 1965,(40) a letter of resignation of a 
Member from a

[[Page 439]]

standing committee was laid before the House and 
accepted:(41)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
40. 111 Cong. Rec. 27013, 89th Cong. 1st Sess.
41. For other examples of resignations from a committee, see 107 Cong. 
        Rec. 21201, 87th Cong. 1st Sess., Sept. 25, 1961; and 105 Cong. 
        Rec. 840, 86th Cong. 1st Sess., Jan. 19, 1959.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                     Congress of the United States

                                         House of Representatives,

                             Washington, D.C., September 20, 1965.

                                    The Honorable John W. McCormack,

                             Speaker, U.S. House of Representatives,

                                       The Capitol, Washington, D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: With regret, I find it necessary to resign my 
    membership to the House Post Office and Civil Service Committee.
        It was a great deal of pleasure serving with this distinguished 
    group, which is and has done such constructive work for the 
    Congress and the Nation.
        With kind personal regards, I am,

              Sincerely yours,

                                               Harley O. Staggers.

        The SPEAKER. Without objection, the resignation will be 
    accepted.
        There was no objection.

    On July 27, 1947,(42) the Speaker laid before the House 
the following communication from a Member resigning from a joint 
committee, which was read by the Clerk:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
42. 93 Cong. Rec. 10078, 80th Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          House of Representatives

                                 Washington, D. C., July 24, 1947.

                                              Hon. Joseph W. Martin,

                            Speaker of the House of Representatives.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: I hereby tender my resignation from the Joint 
    Committee on Printing.

              Sincerely,

                                                      Tom Pickett,

                                               Member of Congress,

                                        Seventh District of Texas.

        The SPEAKER. Without objection, the resignation will be 
    accepted.
        There was no objection.

Sec. 6.2 The resignation of a Member from a committee presents a 
    question of privilege; when a letter of resignation is laid before 
    the House, the pending question is whether the House will accept 
    the resignation; if there is to be debate, the Member who submits 
    the letter is recognized for one hour.

    On Mar. 8, 1977,(1) the Speaker laid before the House 
the following communication from a Member resigning both as chairman 
and as a member of a select committee, which was read by the Clerk:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. 123 Cong. Rec. 6580, 6581, 95th Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                                 Washington, D.C.,

                                                    March 1, 1977.

                                       Hon. Thomas P. (Tip) O'Neill,

                                           The Speaker of the House,


[[Page 440]]


                                                    Washington, D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: I feel keenly the responsibilities placed on 
    me as Chairman of the House Select Committee on Assassinations. At 
    the outset, I pledged to you, the Majority Leader, and to the 
    House, that I would see that Committee operated in a credible, 
    responsible and productive manner.
        In your widely reported public statements, you expressed 
    concern about the Committee chief counsel's budget demands, his 
    advocacy of extremely questionable investigative techniques and his 
    general conduct. You made statements to the effect that Henry 
    Gonzalez would make policy, not the Committee counsel. Clearly, you 
    expected me to resolve these problems and bring the Committee into 
    acceptable condition.
        Against that background, I assumed Chairmanship of this 
    Committee. I was expected to rectify the problems that had 
    accumulated through months of neglect and the virtually free hand 
    given to the Committee's ambitious chief counsel.
        With the responsibility that I had and the expectations so 
    clearly expressed by the House Leadership, and with your 
    appointment, I could only assume that the Leadership would support 
    my efforts to provide direction and a sense of responsibility to 
    the Committee.
        I made intense efforts to enlist the support of my colleagues 
    on the Committee. Immediately after passage of House Resolution 
    222, I asked for an informal meeting. Nothing was possible on that 
    day, February 2, or on the following two days, despite the fact 
    that I tried to reach each Member personally. I arranged for a 
    private meeting the following Monday, February 7, where I laid out 
    some of the problems confronting the Committee. I told of the 
    urgent need to make financial adjustments, and asked for 
    assistance. I asked the chief counsel to let the Committee know 
    what positions were least essential, since even then employees had 
    been forced into a 35 per cent pay cut. At a meeting the next day, 
    Tuesday, he refused and followed this by convening staff pep 
    rallies generally aimed at maligning me personally and undermining 
    my authority as Chairman.
        I felt that since Mr. Sprague refused to produce any kind of 
    information on which the Committee could make rational budget 
    decisions, and since he pursued a deliberate course of action to 
    undermine me with Members of the Committee and staff, alike, I had 
    no recourse but to dismiss him, which I did.
        I made every effort to inform my Colleagues on the Committee of 
    my action and the reasons for it. I informed you, through letters, 
    and made repeated attempts to reach you by telephone, but to no 
    avail. I prepared to discuss the situation at a February 16 
    Committee meeting, only to see the meeting adjourned without any 
    action.
        No one in my position could have acted in any way other than as 
    I did. I found in the Committee an administrative nightmare; I 
    found a chief counsel who assumed full powers of the Committee, 
    itself, (and by implication usurped the powers of the House, 
    itself); a chief counsel who was insubordinate and insulting, not 
    to mention disloyal. I found unjustifiable salaries, unjustified 
    employees, and reckless, inexplicable financial obligations. I had 
    a

[[Page 441]]

    responsibility to act, and no one has yet demonstrated that I acted 
    wrongly or without full cause.
        During the past several days I have been ill and unable to 
    return to Washington. Notwithstanding my illness and absence, 
    several of my Colleagues on the Committee appear to be interested 
    in usurping even my ministerial powers. I do not know whether the 
    Leadership is aware of these events, nor what Leadership efforts 
    have been made, in any, to insist that the Committee function 
    within the Rules of the House.
        It seems clear now that the House Leadership is unwilling to 
    offer me support. Yet, I cannot bring myself to sign pay vouchers 
    for an unscrupulous individual, an unconscionable scoundrel, and no 
    power on earth can compel me to do so. I will not compromise my own 
    standards or integrity and I will not accept any arrangement that 
    saves face at the expense of the Constitutional obligations, the 
    integrity, the prestige and the honor of the House.
        Under the circumstances that now exist, I have no alternative 
    but to resign from the Select Committee on Assassinations herewith.
        With warmest personal regards.

              Sincerely yours,

                                                Henry B. Gonzalez,

                                     Member of Congress, Chairman.

    Objection having been heard to a request by unanimous consent to 
accept the resignation, the House considered the letter as a question 
of privilege.
    The House voted to accept the resignation.
    On June 16, 1975,(2) the Speaker laid before the House 
the following communication from a Member resigning his seat on a 
select committee, which was read by the Clerk:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 2. 121 Cong. Rec. 19054-61, 94th Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                                 Washington, D.C.,

                                                    June 12, 1975.

                                                   Hon. Carl Albert,

                                               Speaker of the House,

                                                    Washington, D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: I hereby submit my resignation as a member 
    and as Chairman of the House Select Committee on Intelligence 
    effective as of this date.

              Respectfully,

                                                  Lucien N. Nedzi,

                                               Member of Congress.

    The question was put should the resignation of Mr. Nedzi be 
accepted. After debate, the House voted to reject the resignation.

Sec. 6.3 A communication from a Member surrendering a seat on a 
    standing committee, even if styled by the Member as a ``leave of 
    absence'' or otherwise couched as ``temporary,'' is laid before the 
    House as a resignation.

[[Page 442]]

    On Feb. 9, 2005,(1) the Speaker pro 
tempore(2) laid before the House the following 
resignation:(3)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. 151 Cong. Rec. 1891, 109th Cong. 1st Sess., Feb. 9, 2005.
 2. Ray LaHood (IL).
 3. Parliamentarian's Note: Rep. Simmons was elected to Homeland 
        Security earlier this day. See 151 Cong. Rec. 1871, 109th Cong. 
        1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

            RESIGNATION AS MEMBER OF COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' AFFAIRS

        The SPEAKER pro tempore laid before the House the following 
    resignation as a member of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs:

                                         House of Representatives,
                                 Washington, DC, February 9, 2005.

                                             Hon. Dennis J. Hastert,
                                           House of Representatives,
                                                     Washington, DC.

        Dear Speaker Hastert: I hereby resign from the Committee on 
    Veterans' Affairs to accept my appointment to the Committee on 
    Homeland Security.
        Also, I ask that you consider my request for a leave of absence 
    from the VA Committee. I have been privileged to serve as Chairman 
    of the Health Subcommittee and hope to return to the Committee 
    sometime in the future.
        Thank you for giving me an opportunity to serve our nation as a 
    member of the new, permanent Homeland Security Committee. I 
    appreciate all of your support.

            All the best,
                                                      Rob Simmons,
                                               Member of Congress.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. LaHood). Without objection, the 
    resignation is accepted.
        There was no objection.

    On Feb. 23, 1999,(4) Speaker pro tempore Ed Pease, of 
Indiana, laid before the House the following communication from a 
Member resigning from a standing committee, which was read by the 
Clerk:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 4. 145 Cong. Rec. 2692, 106th Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                                    U.S. Congress,

                                         House of Representatives,

                                Washington, DC, February 22, 1999.

                                             Hon. J. Dennis Hastert,

                                  Speaker, House of Representatives,

                                                     Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: In accordance with Democratic Caucus Rules, I 
    am writing to request a leave of absence, effective immediately, 
    from the House Committee on Small Business for the duration of 
    106th Congress so that I may serve on the Permanent Select 
    Committee on Intelligence.
        Thank you for your attention to my request.

              Sincerely,

                                                   Norman Sisisky,

                                               Member of Congress.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the resignation is 
    accepted.
        There was no objection.

    Parliamentarian's Note: For a form styled as a resignation of a 
``permanent'' seat on a standing committee, see Feb. 5, 
1991(5)

[[Page 443]]

(public acknowledgement of the ``temporary'' committee membership 
policy of Democratic Caucus; Rep. Peter H. Kostmayer [PA] and Rep. 
Gerry E. Studds [MA] were placed in temporary status on the Committee 
on Foreign Affairs in the wake of their election to the Committee on 
Energy and Commerce in order to avoid caucus limitations on committee 
assignments).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 5. 137 Cong. Rec. 2814, 102d Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    On Jan. 19, 1999,(6) the Speaker laid before the House 
the following communication from a Member resigning from a standing 
committee, which was read by the Clerk:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 6. 145 Cong. Rec. 604, 106th Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                        Congress of United States,

                                         House of Representatives,

                                                  January 7, 1999.

                                       Hon. Dennis J. [sic] Hastert,

                                               Speaker of the House,
                                      U.S. House of Representatives,
                                                     Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: I hereby respectfully request a leave of 
    absence from the Committee on Government Reform, effective 
    immediately. My request is made with the understanding that I will 
    retain all seniority on the Committee.
        If you have any questions regarding this request, please do not 
    hesitate to contact me. Thank you for your attention to this 
    matter.

              Sincerely,

                                                  Christopher Cox,

                                              U.S. Representative.

        The SPEAKER. Without objection, the resignation is accepted.
        There was no objection.

    On Mar. 6, 1997,(7) Speaker pro tempore Ed Pease, of 
Indiana, laid before the House the following communication from a 
Member resigning his seat on a standing committee, which was read by 
the Clerk:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 7. 143 Cong. Rec. 3299, 105th Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                         House of Representatives,

                                    Washington, DC, March 6, 1997.

                                                 Hon. Newt Gingrich,

              Speaker, U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. Capitol, 
                                                    Washington, D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: This letter is to inform you that in order 
    for me to accept an appointment by Democratic Leader Richard 
    Gephardt to a seat on the House Permanent Select Committee on 
    Intelligence, it will be necessary for me to interrupt my service 
    on the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs and as Ranking Member 
    of its subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.
        Rule 19 F. of the Preamble and Rules of the Democratic Caucus 
    provides that no Democratic Member of the Permanent Select 
    Committee on Intelligence may serve on more than one standing 
    committee during that Member's term of service on the select 
    committee. However, the rule also provides that Members shall be 
    entitled to take leaves of absence from service on any committee 
    (or subcommittee thereof) during the period they serve on the

[[Page 444]]

    select committee and seniority rights on such committee (and on 
    each subcommittee) to which they were assigned at the time shall be 
    fully protected as if they had continued to serve during the period 
    of leave of absence.
        While I will remain committed to protecting and enhancing the 
    needs and benefits of our nation's veterans, this letter 
    constitutes notice of my intent to take the necessary leave of 
    absence from the Committee on Veterans' Affairs in order to accept 
    an appointment to the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.
        With kindest regards, I remain

              Sincerely yours,

                                           Sanford D. Bishop, Jr.,

                                               Member of Congress.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the resignation is 
    accepted.
        There was no objection.

    On Jan. 21, 1997,(8) Speaker pro tempore Ray LaHood, of 
Illinois, laid before the House the following communication from a 
Member resigning his seat on a standing committee, which was read by 
the Clerk:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 8. 143 Cong. Rec. 459, 105th Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                    Congress of the United States,

                                         House of Representatives,

                                 Washington, DC, January 21, 1997.

                   Re request to take leave from Veterans Committee.

                                                 Hon. Newt Gingrich,

                                                        The Capitol,

                                                    Washington, D.C.

        Dear Newt: In light of my new assignment to the House Committee 
    on Government Reform and Oversight, I hereby request that I be 
    granted a leave of absence from my assigned slot on the Committee 
    on Veterans' Affairs.
        Thank you for your consideration,
        With warmest regards, I am,

              Very truly yours,

                                                         Bob Barr.

                                               Member of Congress.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the resignation is 
    accepted.
        There was no objection.

    On Jan. 25, 1996,(9) Speaker pro tempore Joel Hefley, of 
Colorado, laid before the House the following communication from a 
Member, purporting to resign his seat on a standing committee 
``effective upon ratification by the full House'' of a new committee 
assignment (its contingency having been resolved):
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 9. 142 Cong. Rec. 1404, 104th Cong. 2d Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                    Congress of the United States,

                                       New York, January 24, 1996.

                                                        The Speaker,

                          House of Representatives, Washington, D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: I hereby resign my position as a member of 
    the House International Relations Committee (HIRC) effective upon 
    ratification by the full House of my membership on the House Ways 
    and Means Committee.
        While I look forward to returning to my assignment on Ways and 
    Means, I wish to thank Chairman Gilman,

[[Page 445]]

    Ranking Member Hamilton, and all the HIRC members for the many 
    courtesies extended to me during my service on that panel.

              Sincerely,

                                               Michael R. McNulty,

                                               Member of Congress.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the resignation is 
    accepted.
        There was no objection.

    On May 19, 1994,(10) Speaker pro tempore Samuel G. 
Coppersmith, of Arizona, laid before the House the following 
communications from two Members resigning from a standing committee, 
which were read by the Clerk:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
10. 140 Cong. Rec. 11040, 103d Cong. 2d Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                         House of Representatives,

                                Washington, DC, February 10, 1994.

                                               Hon. Thomas S. Foley,

              The Speaker, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: I hereby submit my temporary resignation as a 
    Member of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology in order 
    to serve on the Committee on the Budget. It is my understanding 
    that my seniority status on the Committee on Science, Space, and 
    Technology will be protected during my tenure on the Budget 
    Committee.

              Sincerely,

                                                  Lynn C. Woolsey.



                                         House of Representatives,

                                     Washington, DC, May 12, 1994.

                                               Hon. Thomas S. Foley,

            Speaker of the House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: I hereby submit my temporary resignation as a 
    Member of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology in order 
    to serve on the Committee on the Budget. It is my understanding 
    that my seniority status on the Committee on Science, Space, and 
    Technology will be protected during my tenure on the Budget 
    Committee.

              Sincerely,

                                                     Glen Browder.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the resignations 
    are accepted.
        There was no objection.

Sec. 6.4 The resignation of a Member from a committee of conference is 
    subject to the approval of the House (where the Speaker is not 
    exercising his power of removal under Rule I clause 
    11).(1)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. House Rules and Manual Sec. 637 (2007).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    On July 20, 1993,(2) Speaker pro tempore Michael R. 
McNulty, of New York, laid before the House the following communication 
from Rep. James V. Hansen, of Utah, resigning from a conference 
committee, which was read by the Clerk:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 2. 139 Cong. Rec. 16260, 103d Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                    Congress of the United States,

                                         House of Representatives,

                                    Washington, DC, July 20, 1993.


[[Page 446]]


                                               Hon. Thomas S. Foley,

                  Speaker, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: I have been named as a conferee to the Budget 
    Reconciliation bill, H.R. 2264, due to my position on the House 
    Natural Resources Committee. Due to unexpected time constraints in 
    my other positions, Armed Services and Intelligence, I respectfully 
    request that I be allowed to withdraw as a conferee.
        Thank you for your attention to this matter and if you have any 
    question please feel free to call me.

              Sincerely,

                                                  James V. Hansen,

                                               Member of Congress.

    On Nov. 14, 1989,(3) Speaker pro tempore James H. 
Bilbray, of Nevada, laid before the House the following communication 
from Rep. Jack B. Brooks, of Texas, resigning from a conference 
committee, which was read by the Clerk:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 3. 135 Cong. Rec. 28834, 101st Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                       Committee on the Judiciary,

                                Washington, DC, November 10, 1989.

                                               Hon. Thomas S. Foley,

                 Speaker, House of Representatives, Washington, D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: As you know, on October 4, 1989, I was 
    appointed as a House conferee on the bill, H.R. 2712, the Emergency 
    Chinese Adjustment of Status Facilitation Act of 1989. As passed by 
    the House on July 31 of this year, H.R. 2712 responds to the 
    Chinese government's repression of the pro-democracy movement and 
    actions against pro-democracy students by granting those students a 
    waiver from the requirement that they return to China for two years 
    before being eligible to change their immigrant status.
        It now appears that the House may be concluding the business of 
    the First Session within the next few days. I would not want my 
    absence from the Congress for medical reasons to impede the 
    enactment of this critically needed piece of legislation, leaving 
    thousands of Chinese students in doubt as to their immigration 
    status. Accordingly, in order to expedite resolution of this 
    matter, I am submitting my resignation as a conferee on the bill.
        With every good wish, I am

              Sincerely,

                                                      Jack Brooks,

                                                         Chairman.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the resignation is 
    accepted.
        There was no objection.

    On Dec. 10, 1973,(4) the House by unanimous consent 
excused Rep. Williamson S. Stuckey, Jr., of Georgia, from further 
service on a conference committee on the motion of Rep. Harley O. 
Staggers, of West Virginia, whereupon Speaker Carl Albert, of Oklahoma, 
filled the resulting vacancy by appointment.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 4. 119 Cong. Rec. 40500, 93d Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

        Mr. STAGGERS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the 
    gentleman

[[Page 447]]

    from Georgia (Mr. Stuckey) be excused from further service as a 
    conferee on the bill H.R. 11324, and that the Speaker be authorized 
    to appoint a Member to fill the vacancy.
        The SPEAKER. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman 
    from West Virginia?
        There was no objection.
        The SPEAKER. The Chair appoints the gentleman from Texas (Mr. 
    Eckhardt) to fill the vacancy, and the Senate will be notified of 
    the action of the House.

Sec. 6.5 Pursuant to Rule X clause 4(e)(3)(1) of the 105th 
    Congress, a resignation from the Select Committee on Ethics was 
    effective upon its being laid before the House.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. House Rules and Manual (1997).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    On Jan. 9, 1997,(2) Speaker Newt Gingrich, of Georgia, 
laid before the House the following communication from Rep. Bunning, 
resigning from a select committee,(3) which was read by the 
Clerk:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 2. 143 Cong. Rec. 278, 105th Cong. 1st Sess.
 3. Rep. Jim Bunning (KY) served on the Committee on Standards of 
        Official Conduct in the 104th Congress.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    Congress of the United States,

                                         House of Representatives,

                                  Washington, DC, January 8, 1997.

                        The Speaker of the House of Representatives,

                                       The Capitol, Washington, D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: This is to notify you that I consider my 
    service as a member of the Ethics Committee complete.

              Best personal regards,

                                                      Jim Bunning,

                                               Member of Congress.

    The charter of the Select Committee on Ethics of the 105th Congress 
provided for automatic acceptance of resignations and vested 
replacement authority in the respective party leader, rather than in 
the Speaker, since the Speaker was being investigated.(4)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 4. In the 105th Congress a new subparagraph (3) was added at the end 
        of former clause 4(e) of Rule X to establish a Select Committee 
        on Ethics only to resolve an inquiry originally undertaken by 
        the standing Committee on Standards of Official Conduct in the 
        104th Congress (143 Cong. Rec. 123, 105th Cong. 1st Sess., Jan. 
        7, 1997 [H. Res. 5]). See House Rules and Manual Sec. 738 
        (2007).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sec. 6.6 Instance in which multiple letters of resignation from 
    committees were laid before the House, creating vacancies to be 
    filled by a privileged resolution electing Members to committees.

    On Feb. 5, 2003,(1) a privileged resolution was 
adopted(2) electing

[[Page 448]]

Members and Delegates to certain standing committees of the House and 
to establish a Member's rank thereon. The proceedings were as follows:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. 149 Cong. Rec. 2420, 108th Cong. 1st Sess.
 2. H. Res. 52. See Id. at p. 2420, 2421.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

                RESIGNATION AS MEMBER OF COMMITTEE ON RESOURCES

        The SPEAKER pro tempore(3) laid before the House the 
    following resignation as a member of the Committee on Resources:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 3. Steven C. LaTourette (OH).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    U.S. Congress,

                                         House of Representatives,

                                 Washington, DC, February 5, 2003.

                       Hon. J. Dennis Hastert, Speaker of the House,

                                                     Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker. Effective February 5, 2003, I hereby resign 
    from the Committee on Resources.

            Sincerely,
                                                    George Miller,
                                               Member of Congress.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the resignation is 
    accepted.
        There was no 
    objection.                          -------------------

                 RESIGNATION AS MEMBER OF COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE

        The SPEAKER pro tempore laid before the House the following 
    resignation as a member of the Committee on Science:

                                         House of Representatives.
                                 Washington, DC, February 5, 2003.

                                             Hon. J. Dennis Hastert,
                                           House of Representatives,
                                                     Washington D.C.

        Dear Speaker Hastert: In order to comply with the rules of the 
    Democratic Caucus so that I may serve on the Committee on the 
    Budget, I hereby take a leave of absence from the Committee on 
    Science. Pursuant to the rules of the Democratic Caucus, I 
    understand that my rights for seniority on the Science Committee 
    will be preserved and that my seniority will continue to accrue.

            Sincerely,
                                                      Brian Baird,
                                               Member of Congress.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the resignation is 
    accepted.
        There was no 
    objection.                          -------------------

               RESIGNATION AS MEMBER OF COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE

        The SPEAKER pro tempore laid before the House the following 
    resignation as a member of the Committee on Agriculture:

                                         House of Representatives,
                                 Washington, DC, February 5, 2003.

                                             Hon. J. Dennis Hastert,
                            Speaker of the House of Representatives,
                                         The Capitol, Washington DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: Effective February 5, 2003, I hereby resign 
    my position on the Agriculture Committee.

            Sincerely,
                                                  Leonard Boswell,
                                               Member of Congress.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the resignation is 
    accepted.
        There was no objection.

[[Page 449]]

                                    -------------------RESIGNATION AS 
                       MEMBER OF COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE

        The SPEAKER pro tempore laid before the House the following 
    resignation as a member of the Committee on Agriculture:

                                         House of Representatives,
                                 Washington, DC, February 5, 2003.

                                             Hon. J. Dennis Hastert,
                            Speaker of the House of Representatives,
                                         The Capitol, Washington DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: Effective February 5, 2003 I hereby resign my 
    position on the House Agriculture Committee, due to my permanent 
    appointment to the House Armed Services Committee.
        Thank you for your consideration of this matter.

            Sincerely,
                                                      Rick Larsen,
                                               Member of Congress.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the resignation is 
    accepted.
        There was no 
    objection.                          -------------------

                RESIGNATION AS MEMBER OF COMMITTEE ON RESOURCES

        The SPEAKER pro tempore laid before the House the following 
    resignation as a member of the Committee on Resources:

                                         House of Representatives,
                                 Washington, DC, February 5, 2003.
                                             Hon. J. Dennis Hastert,
                            Speaker of the House of Representatives,
                                        The Capitol, Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: Effective February 5, 2003, I hereby resign 
    my position on the Resources Committee due to my permanent 
    appointment to the International Relations Committee.

            Sincerely,
                                                       Adam Smith,
                                               Member of Congress.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the resignation is 
    accepted.
        There was no 
    objection.                          -------------------

            RESIGNATION AS MEMBER OF COMMITTEE ON FINANCIAL SERVICES

        The SPEAKER pro tempore laid before the House the following 
    resignation as a member of the Committee on Financial Services:

                                         House of Representatives,
                                 Washington, DC, February 5, 2003.
                                             Hon. J. Dennis Hastert,
                            Speaker of the House of Representatives,
                                        The Capitol, Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: Effective February 5, 2003, I hereby resign 
    my position on the Financial Services Committee due to an error in 
    H. Res. 35 and my permanent appointment to the Transportation and 
    Infrastructure Committee.

            Sincerely,
                                                    Lincoln Davis,
                                               Member of Congress.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the resignation is 
    accepted.
        There was no objection.

[[Page 450]]

                                    -------------------RESIGNATION AS 
                         MEMBER OF COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE

        The SPEAKER pro tempore laid before the House the following 
    resignation as a member of the Committee on Science:

                                         House of Representatives,
                      Second District, New York, February 5, 2003.
                                             Hon. J. Dennis Hastert,
                            Speaker of the House of Representatives,
                                        The Capitol, Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: Effective February 5, 2003, I hereby resign 
    my position on the Science Committee due to my permanent 
    appointment to the Armed Services Committee.

            Sincerely,
                                                     Steve Israel,
                                               Member of Congress.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the resignation is 
    accepted.
        There was no 
    objection.                          -------------------

            RESIGNATION AS MEMBER OF COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT REFORM

        The SPEAKER pro tempore laid before the House the following 
    resignation as a member of the Committee on Government Reform:

                                         House of Representatives,
                                 Washington, DC, February 5, 2003.
                                             Hon. J. Dennis Hastert,
                                  Speaker of the House, The Capitol,
                                                     Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: Effective February 5, 2003, I will be taking 
    a leave of absence from the Government Reform Committee due to my 
    appointment as the Ranking Member of the Select Committee on 
    Homeland Security.

            Sincerely,
                                                       Jim Turner,
                                               Member of Congress.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the resignation is 
    accepted.
        There was no 
    objection.                          -------------------

                                {time}  1900

             ELECTION OF MEMBERS AND DELEGATES TO CERTAIN STANDING 
                            COMMITTEES OF THE HOUSE

        Mr. [James E.] CLYBURN [of South Carolina]. Mr. Speaker, by 
    direction of the Democratic Caucus, I offer a privileged resolution 
    (H. Res. 52) and ask for its immediate consideration.
        The Clerk read the resolution, as follows:

                                   H. Res. 52

            Resolved, That the following named Members and Delegates be 
        and are hereby elected to the following standing committees of 
        the House of Representatives:
            (1) Committee on Agriculture: Mr. Alexander, Mr. Ballance, 
        Mr. Cardoza, Mr. Scott of Georgia, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Case.
            (2) Committee on Armed Services: Mr. Israel, Mr. Larsen of 
        Washington, Mr. Cooper, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Meek of Florida, Ms. 
        Bordallo, Mr. Alexander.
            (3) Committee on the Budget: Ms. Majette.
            (4) Committee on Education and the Workforce: Mr. Case, Mr. 
        Grijalva, Ms. Majette, Mr. Ryan of Ohio, Mr. Van Hollen.
            (5) Committee on Financial Services: Mr. Emanuel (to rank 
        immediately after Mr. Miller of North Carolina), Mr. Davis of 
        Alabama.

[[Page 451]]

            (6) Committee on Government Reform: Mr. Van Hollen, Ms. 
        Linda T. Sanchez, Mr. Ruppersberger.
            (7) Committee on House Administration: Mr. Larson of 
        Connecticut, Ms. Millender-McDonald, Mr. Brady of Pennsylvania.
            (8) Committee on International Relations: Mr. Smith of 
        Washington, Ms. McCollum, Mr. Bell.
            (9) Committee on Resources: Mr. Grijalva, Mr. Cardoza, Ms. 
        Bordallo.
            (10) Committee on Science: Mr. Bell, Mr. Bishop of New 
        York, Mr. Miller of North Carolina, Mr. Davis of Tennessee.
            (11) Committee on Small Business: Mr. Ballance, Mr. Ryan of 
        Ohio.
            (12) Committee on Standards of Official Conduct: Mr. 
        Mollohan.
            (13) Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Mr. Michaud.

        Mr. CLYBURN (during the reading). Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous 
    consent that the resolution be considered as read and printed in 
    the Record.
        The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Simpson).(4) Is there 
    objection to the request of the gentleman from South Carolina?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 4. Michael K. Simpson (ID).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

        There was no objection.
        The resolution was agreed to.
        A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

    Parliamentarians' Note: The resignations and subsequent elections 
were aimed at rectifying mistakes made in previous resolutions and 
moving Members whose previous appointments were mere placeholders. The 
second sentence of clause 5(a)(1) of Rule X(5) provides that 
a resolution ``to change the composition of a standing committee'' 
shall be privileged if offered by direction of the caucus or conference 
and can support removal or removal-and-replacement. The sentence was 
added by Sec. 227 of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control 
Act (Pub. L. No. 99-177) to a provision in the rules already addressing 
the election of members to the standing committees. The drafters chose 
not to focus on ``election'' but rather used the broader phrase 
``change the composition.''
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 5. House Rules and Manual Sec. 757 (2007).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sec. 6.7 The House, by unanimous consent, accepted the resignation of a 
    Member from a standing committee, which cited her recent 
    appointment to a permanent select committee.

    On Sept. 8, 2004,(1) the following 
occurred:(2)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. 150 Cong. Rec. 17754, 108th Cong. 2d Sess.
 2. See Sec. 6.8, infra, for Rep. Davis's appointment to the Permanent 
        Select Committee on Intelligence.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

            RESIGNATION AS MEMBER OF COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT REFORM

        The SPEAKER pro tempore(3) laid before the House the 
    following resignation as a member of the Committee on Government 
    Reform:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 3. Stevan Pearce (NM).


                                         House of Representatives,
                                  Washington, DC, August 10, 2004.

[[Page 452]]

                                             Hon. J. Dennis Hastert,
                                  Speaker, House of Representatives,
                                                     Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: I am writing to inform you that I am 
    resigning my seat on the House Government Reform Committee 
    effective August 10, 2004 to accept a seat on the House Permanent 
    Select Committee on Intelligence.
        Thank you for your time and consideration.

            Sincerely,
                                                     Jo Ann Davis,
                                               Member of Congress.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the resignation is 
    accepted.
        There was no objection.

Sec. 6.8 The Chair laid before the House two letters of resignation 
    from the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, each to be 
    effective during August (when the House was unavailable to accept 
    the resignations), and announced that the Speaker, in consonance 
    with those letters of resignation, and pursuant to Rule I clause 
    11,(1) had removed the resigning Members from the 
    permanent select committee and appointed other Members to fill the 
    resulting vacancies.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. House Rules and Manual Sec. 637 (2007).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    On Sept. 8, 2004,(2) the following 
occurred:(3)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 2. 150 Cong. Rec. 17754, 17755, 108th Cong. 2d Sess.
 3. Parliamentarian's Note: In tendering his resignation as chairman, 
        Rep. Goss implicitly resigned also as a member of the 
        (permanent) select committee. When plans for his departure from 
        the House to become the Director of the CIA became final during 
        the August recess, the Speaker wanted to avoid any lapse in 
        either the chairmanship or the membership of the permanent 
        select committee. To achieve that end, the Speaker used his 
        authority under Rule I clause 11 to remove members of select 
        committees (albeit in consonance with their letters of 
        resignation) to perfect the vacancies to which he could appoint 
        replacements. Rep. Bereuter's resignation from the House had 
        been laid down on July 22, 2004, but was not effective until 
        Aug. 31, 2004. See 150 Cong. Rec. 17328, 108th Cong. 2d Sess., 
        July 22, 2004.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

         RESIGNATION AS MEMBER AND APPOINTMENT OF MEMBER TO PERMANENT 
                        SELECT COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE

        The SPEAKER pro tempore(4) laid before the House the 
    following resignation as a member of the Permanent Select Committee 
    on Intelligence:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 4. Mike Pence (IN).

                                    Congress of the United States,
                                         House of Representatives,
                                                   August 9, 2004.
                                             Hon. J. Dennis Hastert,
                                  Speaker, House of Representatives,
                                        The Capitol, Washington, DC.

[[Page 453]]

        Dear Mr. Speaker: Effective immediately, I resign my seat on 
    the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.

            Best Wishes,
                                                    Doug Bereuter,
                                               Member of Congress.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair announces that on August 10, 
    2004, in consonance with the letter of resignation from the 
    gentleman from Nebraska and pursuant to clause 11 of rule I, the 
    Speaker appointed the gentlewoman from Virginia (Mrs. Jo Ann Davis) 
    to serve on the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, vice 
    the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. 
    Bereuter).                          -------------------

            RESIGNATION AS CHAIRMAN AND APPOINTMENT OF CHAIRMAN TO 
                   PERMANENT SELECT COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE

        The SPEAKER pro tempore laid before the House the following 
    resignation as chairman of the Permanent Select Committee on 
    Intelligence:


                                    U.S. House of Representatives,
                       Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence,
                                  Washington, DC, August 10, 2004.
                                             Hon. J. Dennis Hastert,
                            Speaker of the House of Representatives,
                                                     Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: As a result of the honor bestowed upon me by 
    the President today, nominating me for the position of Director of 
    Central Intelligence, I believe it is appropriate to relinquish my 
    position as Chairman of the Permanent Select Committee on 
    Intelligence during the pendency of the confirmation process of 
    that nomination, effective immediately.
        Therefore, I would ask that you appoint a Member to take the 
    Chairmanship of the Committee on a temporary basis, effective 
    immediately, until the Senate makes a final determination on the 
    President's nomination.
        I believe it continues to be appropriate for me to remain a 
    Member of the Committee, however.
        Thank you for your consideration of this request.

            Very truly yours,
                                                   Porter J. Goss,
                                                         Chairman.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair announces that on August 25, 
    2004, in consonance with the letter of resignation from the 
    gentleman from Florida and pursuant to clause 11 of rule I, the 
    Speaker designated the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Hoekstra) as 
    chairman of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, vice 
    the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Goss).

Sec. 6.9 Form of postponement of proceedings (pursuant to an earlier 
    order) on a concurrent resolution for the purpose of accepting 
    resignations from standing committees and electing Members thereto.

    On Feb. 2, 2005,(1) the House, by unanimous consent, 
accepted

[[Page 454]]

resignations of Members from standing committees:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. 151 Cong. Rec. 1390, 109th Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

        The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Simpson).(2) Pursuant 
    to the order of the House of today, further proceedings on this 
    concurrent resolution will be postponed.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 2. Michael K. Simpson (ID).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

            RESIGNATION AS MEMBER OF COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT REFORM

        The SPEAKER pro tempore laid before the House the following 
    resignation as a member of the Committee on Government Reform:


                                         House of Representatives,
                                 Washington, DC, February 1, 2005.

                                             Hon. J. Dennis Hastert,
                                  Speaker, House of Representatives,
                                                     Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: I am requesting a leave of absence (effective 
    immediately) from the House Committee on Government Reform due to 
    my pending appointment to the House Permanent Select Committee on 
    Intelligence.
        Thank you.

            Sincerely,
                                                  John F. Tierney,
                                               Member of Congress.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the resignation is 
    accepted.
        There was no 
    objection.                          -------------------

               RESIGNATION AS MEMBER OF COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE

        The SPEAKER pro tempore laid before the House the following 
    resignation as a member of the Committee on Agriculture:

                                         House of Representatives,
                                 Washington, DC, February 1, 2005.

                                             Hon. J. Dennis Hastert,
                                  Speaker, House of Representatives,
                                                     Washington, DC.

        Dear Speaker Hastert: I would like to resign my seat from the 
    Committee on Agriculture, effective immediately.

            Sincerely,
                                               Bennie G. Thompson,
                                               Member of Congress.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the resignation is 
    accepted.
        There was no objection.

    Later that same day,(3) a privileged resolution was 
submitted by direction of the Democratic Caucus electing minority 
Members to standing committees:(4)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 3. 151 Cong. Rec. 1391, 109th Cong. 1st Sess.
 4. Parliamentarian's Note: The Members needed to be elected to their 
        assigned committees in order to participate in committee 
        activities scheduled for that day.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

        ELECTION OF MEMBERS TO CERTAIN STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE HOUSE

        Mr. [Robert] MENENDEZ [of New Jersey]. Mr. Speaker, I offer a 
    privileged resolution (H. Res. 62) and ask for its immediate 
    consideration.
        The Clerk read the resolution, as follows:

                                 H. Res. 62

            Resolved,  That the following named Members and Delegates 
        be

[[Page 455]]

        and are hereby elected to the following standing committees of 
        the House of Representatives:
            (1) Committee on Agriculture.--Mr. Pomeroy, Mr. Boswell, 
        Mr. Larsen of Washington, Mr. Davis of Tennessee, Mr. Chandler.
            (2) Committee on the Budget.--Mr. Kind.
            (3) Committee on Government Reform.--Ms. Norton.
            (4) Committee on Resources.--Mr. George Miller of 
        California, Mr. Markey, Mr. DeFazio, Mr. Inslee, Mr. Udall of 
        Colorado, Mr. Cardoza, Ms. Herseth.
            (5) Committee on Science.--Ms. Hooley of Oregon (to rank 
        immediately after Ms. Woolsey), Ms. Jackson-Lee of Texas, Ms. 
        Zoe Lofgren of California, Mr. Sherman, Mr. Baird, Mr. 
        Matheson, Mr. Costa, Mr. Al Green of Texas, Mr. Melancon.
            (6) Committee on Small Business.--Mr. Faleomavaega, Mrs. 
        Christensen, Mr. Davis of Illinois, Mr. Case, Ms. Bordallo, Mr. 
        Grijalva, Mr. Michaud, Ms. Linda T. Sanchez of California, Mr. 
        Barrow, Ms. Bean.
            (7) Committee on Veterans' Affairs.--Mr. Strickland, Ms. 
        Hooley of Oregon, Mr. Reyes, Ms. Berkley, Mr. Udall of New 
        Mexico.

        Mr. MENENDEZ (during the reading). Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous 
    consent that the resolution be considered as read and printed in 
    the Record.
        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of 
    the gentleman from New Jersey?
        There was no objection.
        The resolution was agreed to.
        A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.