An original resolution authorizing expenditures by the Select Committee on Intelligence.
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 73
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Congress
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-02-11: Referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration. (text: CR S863-864)
- Last Updated
- 2025-05-20T17:38:18Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate resolution (S. Res. 73) authorizes the funding and operational resources needed for the Select Committee on Intelligence to carry out its duties, such as holding hearings, conducting investigations, and overseeing U.S. intelligence activities, from March 1, 2025, through February 28, 2027. It builds on the committee's longstanding authority established in 1976.
Key Provisions
- General Authority: The committee is permitted to:
- Spend money from the Senate's contingent fund (a general pool for unexpected or authorized expenses).
- Hire staff as needed.
- Use personnel from other government departments or agencies, either for free or with reimbursement, but only with prior approval from those agencies and the Senate's Committee on Rules and Administration.
- Expense Limits by Period:
- March 1, 2025, to September 30, 2025: Up to $5,261,497 total, including no more than $10,208 for consultants or consulting organizations.
- October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026: Up to $9,019,709 total, including no more than $17,500 for consultants.
- October 1, 2026, to February 28, 2027: Up to $3,758,212 total, including no more than $7,292 for consultants.
- Payment Rules: Most expenses are paid from the Senate's contingent fund using vouchers (official receipts) approved by the committee chair. However, vouchers are not needed for routine items like employee salaries, telecommunications, stationery, postage, copying, photography, or mailing costs provided through Senate offices.
- Agency Contributions: 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 employees during the three periods.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This resolution does not introduce major new laws or alter the committee's core powers, which stem from Senate Resolution 400 (1976). It primarily updates and extends the committee's budget authorization for the next two years, adjusting spending caps based on prior fiscal needs. References to the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 confirm ongoing rules for consultant hiring, with no substantive modifications.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Enables the committee to collaborate with intelligence and other federal agencies by borrowing staff, potentially streamlining oversight without creating new burdens. The funding ensures the committee can investigate national security matters effectively.
- On Citizens: Indirect and minimal; it supports congressional oversight of intelligence activities, which could enhance accountability and protect civil liberties through investigations, but does not directly affect individuals.
- On International Relations: Negligible direct impact, as the resolution focuses on domestic committee operations rather than foreign policy or treaties.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Select Committee on Intelligence: Primary beneficiary, gaining authorized funding and flexibility to operate.
- U.S. Senate: Manages the contingent fund and oversees approvals; the Committee on Rules and Administration plays a gatekeeping role.
- Federal Agencies: Including intelligence community members (e.g., CIA, NSA), which may provide personnel or services.
- Committee Employees and Consultants: Benefit from authorized hiring and compensation.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Reinforces the committee's statutory jurisdiction under existing Senate rules, ensuring compliance with voucher and approval processes to prevent misuse of funds. The consultant limits align with federal laws on external expertise to avoid conflicts of interest.
- Constitutional: Supports Congress's oversight role in the separation of powers, particularly Article I's grant of investigative authority, allowing balanced scrutiny of the executive branch's intelligence operations without encroaching on other branches.
- Political: As a routine bipartisan measure (introduced by Sen. Cotton on behalf of the committee), it promotes continuity in intelligence oversight amid potential geopolitical tensions, but could spark debate over spending levels in a divided Congress. No controversial elements like new surveillance powers are included.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Recent Actions
- 2025-02-11: Referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration. (text: CR S863-864)
- 2025-02-11: Select Committee on Intelligence. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Cotton. Without written report.
- 2025-02-11: Select Committee on Intelligence. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Cotton. Without written report.
- 2025-02-11: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Authorizing expenditures by the Select Committee on Intelligence. — issued 2025-02-11 — PDF (4 pages)