An original resolution authorizing expenditures by the Committee on the Budget.
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 78
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Congress
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-02-13: Referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration. (text: CR S980-981)
- Last Updated
- 2025-05-20T17:57:42Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This resolution (S. Res. 78) authorizes funding and operational support for the Senate Committee on the Budget to carry out its responsibilities under Senate rules, such as holding hearings, conducting investigations, and reporting on budget-related matters. It covers the period from March 1, 2025, through February 28, 2027.
Key Provisions
- General Authority (Section 1): 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 or services from other government departments or agencies, either for free or with reimbursement, but only with prior approval from those entities and the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration.
- Expense Limits by Period (Section 2):
- March 1, 2025 – September 30, 2025: Total cap of $4,630,478, including up to $23,333 for consultants (experts hired for advice, as allowed under the 1946 Legislative Reorganization Act) and $17,500 for staff training.
- October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026: Total cap of $7,937,962, including up to $40,000 for consultants and $30,000 for staff training.
- October 1, 2026 – February 28, 2027: Total cap of $3,307,484, including up to $16,667 for consultants and $12,500 for staff training.
- Payment and Contributions (Section 3):
- Most expenses are paid from the Senate's contingent fund, approved by the committee chair via vouchers (official receipts or claims).
- Certain routine costs, like 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 pensions or health insurance) related to committee staff compensation across all three periods.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This resolution does not introduce major alterations to standing Senate rules or broader laws. It primarily sets specific budget caps and authorizations for the Committee on the Budget for the upcoming two-year period, likely renewing or updating similar prior resolutions. References to the 1946 Legislative Reorganization Act maintain existing allowances for consultants and training without expansion or restriction.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Enables the Committee on the Budget to collaborate with other federal departments by borrowing their staff or services, potentially streamlining investigations but requiring coordination and approvals. It also draws from shared Senate funds, which could indirectly affect resource allocation for other committees.
- On Citizens: Minimal direct impact, as this is an internal Senate funding measure focused on legislative oversight of federal budgeting. It supports the committee's role in reviewing national budget proposals, which could indirectly influence future fiscal policies affecting taxes, spending, and services.
- On International Relations: No direct effects, as the resolution is limited to domestic Senate operations.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Primary: The Senate Committee on the Budget, including its chair (introduced by Sen. Lindsey Graham), members, and professional staff, who gain authorized funding for operations.
- Secondary: Senate support offices (e.g., Sergeant at Arms, Rules and Administration Committee) involved in approvals, payments, and services; other federal agencies providing personnel; and consultants or trainers hired under the caps.
- Broader: The U.S. Senate as a whole, through shared funds, and indirectly taxpayers funding these expenditures via congressional appropriations.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Aligns with Senate Standing Rules (e.g., Rules XXV for jurisdiction, XXVI for hearings and investigations) and the Legislative Reorganization Act, ensuring procedural compliance without challenging existing frameworks. The use of the contingent fund and inquiry expenses account is standard for committee authorizations.
- Constitutional: Supports Congress's constitutional role in budgeting and oversight (Article I), but as a simple resolution, it applies only to Senate operations and does not require House approval or presidential signature.
- Political: Routine and non-controversial, it facilitates bipartisan budget work in the 119th Congress without partisan mandates. Potential for scrutiny if spending exceeds caps, but built-in limits promote fiscal accountability within the Senate.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Recent Actions
- 2025-02-13: Referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration. (text: CR S980-981)
- 2025-02-13: Committee on the Budget. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Graham. Without written report.
- 2025-02-13: Committee on the Budget. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Graham. Without written report.
- 2025-02-13: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Authorizing expenditures by the Committee on the Budget. — issued 2025-02-13 — PDF (5 pages)