Providing amounts for the expenses of the Committee on Energy and Commerce in the One Hundred Nineteenth Congress.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 85
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Congress
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-01-31: Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.
- Last Updated
- 2025-04-11T13:32:32Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This resolution (H. Res. 85) authorizes funding for the operational expenses of the U.S. House of Representatives' Committee on Energy and Commerce during the 119th Congress (2025–2027). The committee oversees areas like health, energy policy, telecommunications, and consumer protection, and this funding supports its staff salaries and other costs to carry out its duties.
Key Provisions
- Total Funding Allocation: Up to $32,293,696 will be drawn from the House of Representatives' accounts for committee salaries and expenses.
- Session Breakdown:
- No more than $15,774,974 for expenses from January 3, 2025, to January 2, 2026 (first session).
- No more than $16,518,722 for expenses from January 3, 2026, to January 2, 2027 (second session).
- Payment Process: Funds are disbursed through vouchers approved by the Committee on Energy and Commerce, signed by its Chair, and authorized by the Committee on House Administration (a House panel that manages administrative rules).
- Expenditure Rules: All spending must follow regulations set by the Committee on House Administration to ensure proper use.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This resolution does not introduce major changes to existing laws or rules. It is a routine funding measure for the new Congress, similar to resolutions passed at the start of each two-year congressional term. It updates the budget specifically for the 119th Congress, replacing prior allocations from the 118th Congress without altering broader House procedures.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Enables the Committee on Energy and Commerce to maintain its investigations, hearings, and legislative work without funding shortfalls, indirectly supporting related federal agencies in energy, health, and commerce.
- On Citizens: Minimal direct impact, as this is an internal House budgetary matter; however, it ensures the committee can address public issues like healthcare access or energy regulations effectively.
- On International Relations: No direct effects, though the committee's work on trade, technology, and energy could influence U.S. policies with global implications if funded adequately.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Primary: Members and staff of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, who rely on this funding for salaries and operations.
- Secondary: The Committee on House Administration, which oversees approvals and regulations; and the broader House of Representatives, as it manages the overall budget.
- Indirect: Federal agencies under the committee's jurisdiction (e.g., FDA, FCC) and industries like energy and telecom, which may face committee oversight.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: This is a housekeeping resolution under House rules (Article I, Section 5 of the U.S. Constitution allows each chamber to set its internal procedures), ensuring compliance with federal budgeting laws like the Congressional Budget Act. It promotes transparency through voucher requirements.
- Constitutional: Reinforces Congress's power of the purse (Article I, Section 9), allowing self-funding for legislative committees without executive branch involvement.
- Political: Routine and non-partisan in nature, but the funding level could reflect priorities for the majority party (Republicans in the 119th Congress). It avoids controversy by capping expenses, potentially limiting debates over committee spending in a divided Congress.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Recent Actions
- 2025-01-31: Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.
- 2025-01-31: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Providing amounts for the expenses of the Committee on Energy and Commerce in the One Hundred Nineteenth Congress. — issued 2025-01-31 — PDF (2 pages)