Providing amounts for the expenses of the Committee on Foreign Affairs in the One Hundred Nineteenth Congress.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 138
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Congress
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-02-14: Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.
- Last Updated
- 2025-04-24T14:10:43Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 138) allocates a specific budget for the operational expenses of the U.S. House of Representatives' Committee on Foreign Affairs during the 119th Congress (2025-2027). It ensures the committee has funding for staff salaries and other costs to carry out its oversight and legislative duties related to foreign policy.
Key Provisions
- Total Funding: Up to $24,376,741 will be drawn from the House's general accounts for committee salaries and expenses.
- Session Breakdown:
- $11,683,048 for the first session, covering expenses from noon on January 3, 2025, to just before noon on January 3, 2026.
- $12,693,693 for the second session, covering expenses from noon on January 3, 2026, to just before noon on January 3, 2027.
- Payment Process: Funds are disbursed through vouchers approved by the Committee on Foreign Affairs (signed by its Chair) and the Committee on House Administration.
- Expenditure Rules: All spending must follow guidelines set by the Committee on House Administration to ensure proper oversight.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This resolution does not introduce major changes to existing law. It follows standard congressional practice for funding House committees at the start of a new Congress (every two years). It replaces similar resolutions from prior Congresses, updating the budget amount to reflect current needs without altering broader legal frameworks.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Primarily affects the internal operations of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs by providing dedicated funding, enabling it to conduct hearings, investigations, and policy work on international matters without relying on ad-hoc appropriations.
- On Citizens: Minimal direct impact; it supports congressional oversight of foreign affairs, which indirectly influences U.S. policy affecting everyday issues like trade, security, and diplomacy.
- On International Relations: No direct effects, as this is an internal budgetary measure. However, it ensures the committee can maintain its role in shaping U.S. foreign policy through legislation and reviews.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Primary: Members and staff of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, who rely on this funding for salaries and activities.
- Secondary: The Committee on House Administration, which oversees approvals and regulations; the broader House of Representatives, as it manages overall budget allocations.
- Indirect: U.S. taxpayers, as the funds come from federal appropriations; external entities like the State Department, which may interact with the committee's work.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: This is a procedural resolution under House rules, not a law requiring presidential approval. It upholds Article I of the U.S. Constitution, which grants Congress control over its internal operations and funding.
- Constitutional: Reinforces Congress's independence in budgeting for its committees, ensuring no executive interference in legislative functions.
- Political: As a routine measure introduced by Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL), it reflects bipartisan norms for committee funding but could be subject to debates over spending levels in a divided Congress. No controversial elements are present, making it unlikely to spark significant political contention.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Recent Actions
- 2025-02-14: Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.
- 2025-02-14: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Providing amounts for the expenses of the Committee on Foreign Affairs in the One Hundred Nineteenth Congress. — issued 2025-02-14 — PDF (2 pages)