An original resolution authorizing expenditures by the Committee on Foreign Relations.
This Senate resolution authorizes the Committee on Foreign Relations to incur expenditures from March 1, 2025, through February 28, 2027. It grants the committee authority to spend from the Senate’s contingent fund, hire staff, and obtain services from other government departments or agencies (with prior consent from the relevant department or agency and the Rules and Administration Committee). The resolution sets hard spending caps for three periods within the authorization window and allows limited use of consultants and staff training. It also outlines how expenses are paid (primarily by vouchers approved by the committee chair, with certain routine costs exempt from vouchers) and authorizes agency contributions to cover portions of employee compensation. In short, it provides the Foreign Relations Committee with a two-year funding framework to support its hearings, investigations, staffing, and related activities.
Key Points
- 1General authority: The Foreign Relations Committee may spend from the Senate contingent fund, employ personnel, and use the services of personnel from other departments or agencies on a reimbursable or nonreimbursable basis, with prior consent and under Senate Standing Rules (March 1, 2025 – Feb 28, 2027).
- 2Spending limits by period:
- 3- Period ending Sept. 30, 2025: up to $6,068,289; up to $250,000 for consultants; up to $30,000 for staff training.
- 4- Period in fiscal year 2026 (Oct. 1, 2025 – Sept. 30, 2026): up to $10,402,781; same subcaps for consultants and training.
- 5- Period ending Feb. 28, 2027 (Oct. 1, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027): up to $4,334,492; same subcaps for consultants and training.
- 6Payment mechanics and exemptions: Expenses generally paid from the contingent fund upon vouchers approved by the committee chair, with specific categories exempt from voucher requirements (e.g., salaries paid at annual rate, certain telecommunications, stationery, Postmaster services, copying charges, Senate Recording and Photographic Services, and franked/mass mail costs).
- 7Agency contributions: Authorized to be paid from the Senate’s “Expenses of Inquiries and Investigations” appropriation to cover portions of employee compensation for the specified periods.
- 8Governing references: Provisions reference Sections 202(i) and 202(j) of the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 for consultant services and staff training, respectively, and require compliance with Standing Rules and Rules of the Senate.