An original resolution authorizing expenditures by the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
S. Res. 77, introduced in the 119th Congress, is a Senate resolution that authorizes expenditures by the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs for a defined period (March 1, 2025, through February 28, 2027). It gives the committee broad authority to spend from the Senate contingent fund, hire personnel, and, with approval from relevant departments/agencies and the Rules and Administration Committee, use the services of personnel from other government entities on a reimbursable or nonreimbursable basis. The resolution also lays out specific spending caps for three time blocks (through Sep. 30, 2025; through Sep. 30, 2026; and through Feb. 28, 2027), and provides for agency contributions to support the committee’s staffing. In addition, it empowers the committee to conduct extensive investigations and hearings, with subpoena authority, into a wide range of topics related to government operations, national security, energy policy, crime, and more.
Key Points
- 1Budget and timeframe: Authorizes appropriations up to specific caps for three periods—Mar 1, 2025–Sep 30, 2025 ($8,380,388); Oct 1, 2025–Sep 30, 2026 ($14,366,379); and Oct 1, 2026–Feb 28, 2027 ($5,985,991). Each period allows up to $400,000 for consultant services and up to $20,000 for professional staff training.
- 2Funding sources and personnel: The committee may use the contingent fund of the Senate, hire personnel, and, with prior consent of the relevant government department/agency and the Rules and Administration Committee, obtain services from those departments/agencies on a reimbursable or nonreimbursable basis.
- 3Expenses and streamlined payments: Most committee expenses are paid from the contingent fund upon vouchers approved by the committee chairman; however, several routine payments (e.g., salaries at annual rate, telecommunications, stationery, Postmaster services, copying charges, Senate Recording/Photographic Services, and mail costs) do not require vouchers.
- 4Agency contributions: Senate appropriations for “Expenses of Inquiries and Investigations” may be used to cover agency contributions related to the compensation of committee employees for the three periods.
- 5Investigations authority: The committee and its duly authorized subcommittees are empowered to study and investigate broad topics, including government efficiency and potential misconduct, labor-management practices, organized crime influencing interstate commerce, energy policy and management, national security, and other matters affecting public health, safety, and welfare. They may issue subpoenas, hold hearings, administer oaths, and compel testimony or document production.