An original resolution authorizing expenditures by the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

Bill Number

S.Res. 59

Origin Chamber

Senate

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Congress

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-02-05: Referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration. (text: CR S672)

Last Updated

2026-05-08T10:56:19Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This resolution authorizes funding and operational support for the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW) to carry out its duties, such as holding hearings, conducting investigations, and reporting on issues related to environmental protection, public infrastructure, and related matters, as defined by Senate rules. The authorization covers the period from March 1, 2025, through February 28, 2027.

Key Provisions

• General Authority (Section 1): The EPW Committee is permitted to:
• Spend money from the Senate's contingent fund (a general pool for unexpected or committee-specific expenses).
• Hire staff.
• Use personnel from other government departments or agencies on a reimbursable (paid back) or non-reimbursable basis, with approval from the relevant agency and the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration.
• Expense Limits (Section 2): Total spending is capped for three periods, with sub-limits for specific uses:
• March 1, 2025, to September 30, 2025: Up to $4,107,247 total, including no more than $4,666 for consultants (experts hired for advice, as allowed under the 1946 Legislative Reorganization Act) and $1,166 for staff training.
• October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026: Up to $7,040,996 total, including no more than $8,000 for consultants and $2,000 for staff training.
• October 1, 2026, to February 28, 2027: Up to $2,933,748 total, including no more than $3,334 for consultants and $834 for staff training.
• Payment and Contributions (Section 3):
• Most expenses are paid from the Senate's contingent fund via vouchers (official approval forms) signed by the committee chair.
• Certain routine costs (e.g., employee salaries, telecommunications, stationery, postage, copying, photography, and mailing) do not require vouchers.
• Additional funds from the Senate's "Expenses of Inquiries and Investigations" account can cover employer contributions (e.g., for benefits like retirement or health insurance) related to committee staff compensation across all three periods.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This resolution does not introduce major new laws but provides routine, time-limited updates to the EPW Committee's funding authority under existing Senate Standing Rules (e.g., Rules XXV for jurisdiction, XXVI for hearings and investigations) and the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946. It sets specific budget caps and procedures for the 119th Congress (2025–2027), likely replacing or renewing prior authorizations to align with the new congressional session and fiscal years.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: Enables the EPW Committee to collaborate with federal departments (e.g., Environmental Protection Agency or Department of Transportation) by borrowing staff, potentially streamlining oversight of environmental and infrastructure policies without creating new burdens.
• On Citizens: Indirect and minimal; supports the committee's work on public issues like clean water, highways, and climate, which could influence future legislation affecting everyday life, but no direct citizen impacts.
• On International Relations: Negligible, as it focuses on domestic Senate operations rather than foreign policy.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Primary: The Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (including its chair, members, and staff), which gains budgeted resources to function effectively.
• Secondary: The Senate as a whole (via shared funds), the Committee on Rules and Administration (for approvals), and other federal agencies (for potential staff sharing).
• Indirect: Broader Senate operations and taxpayers, as funding comes from public appropriations.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Reinforces compliance with Senate rules and federal statutes on committee funding, ensuring transparency through spending caps and voucher requirements. No challenges to separation of powers, as it operates within Congress's constitutional authority to organize itself (Article I, Section 5).
• Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's internal rulemaking powers; no broader implications for executive or judicial branches.
• Political: As a procedural measure introduced by the committee chair (Mrs. Capito), it facilitates bipartisan or majority-led oversight of key policy areas like infrastructure and environment, potentially influencing legislative priorities in the 119th Congress without partisan controversy. It promotes fiscal accountability by limiting expenditures.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Sen. Capito, Shelley Moore [R-WV]

Recent Actions

• 2025-02-05: Referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration. (text: CR S672)
• 2025-02-05: Committee on Environment and Public Works. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Capito. Without written report.
• 2025-02-05: Committee on Environment and Public Works. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Capito. Without written report.
• 2025-02-05: Committee on Environment and Public Works. Committee consideration held. Business Meeting printed. S. Hrg. 119-267.
• 2025-02-05: Introduced in Senate

Bill Versions

• Authorizing expenditures by the Committee on Environment and Public Works. — issued 2025-02-05 — PDF (5 pages)