A resolution establishing the Senate Human Rights Commission.
This Senate resolution would create the Senate Human Rights Commission, a non-legislative body within the Senate designed to formalize bipartisan discussion and monitoring of international human rights. It aims to elevate human rights issues by providing a forum for testimony, regular briefings, hearings, and private roundtables, and by maintaining a public record of meetings and activities. The Commission would not have the power to legislate or interfere with standing committees. It would operate with a 10-member Senate membership (5 from each party), led by one co-chair from the majority and one from the minority, and would be funded through the Senate’s Contingent Fund with a cap of $200,000 per fiscal year. The Commission would sunset on January 1, 2029, unless renewed.
Key Points
- 1Establishment and purpose: Creates the Senate Human Rights Commission to serve as a bipartisan forum for international human rights issues and to promote internationally recognized human rights.
- 2Activities and records: The Commission would monitor global human rights conditions, conduct regular briefings, hearings, and private roundtables, and maintain records of all meetings and activities.
- 3Limitations: The Commission has no legislative jurisdiction, cannot take action on bills or resolutions, and cannot encroach on the jurisdiction of any Senate committee.
- 4Membership and leadership: Composed of 10 Senate members (5 from the majority and 5 from the minority), appointed by the President of the Senate; two co-chairpersons (one from each party) would lead the Commission and be appointed by party leaders; appointments and changes would be published in the Congressional Record.
- 5Staffing and funding: Authorized to hire staff and incur expenses, with funding limited to $200,000 per fiscal year from the Contingent Fund; detailed rules govern staff designation and reimbursement; a sunset provision ends the Commission on January 1, 2029.