An original resolution authorizing expenditures by the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
This Senate resolution (S. Res. 70) provides formal authorization for the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources to spend money and hire staff for a 2-year period (March 1, 2025 – February 28, 2027). It authorizes use of the Senate contingent fund, allows hiring of personnel, and permits using the services of other government departments or agencies with prior consent. The measure sets specific spending caps for three sub-periods, and it outlines how expenses are to be paid, including limited exceptions where vouchers are not required. It also allows agency contributions to cover some staff costs and contemplates reimbursable or nonreimbursable arrangements for cross-agency personnel. In short, the resolution is a budgetary authorization that enables the committee to conduct its work (hearings, investigations, and related activities) by specifying total spending limits, permissible staffing actions, and procedures for payment and inter-agency coordination.
Key Points
- 1General authority to spend and operate: The committee may, from March 1, 2025 through February 28, 2027, use the Senate contingent fund, hire personnel, and, with prior consent from relevant departments/agencies and the Rules and Administration Committee, obtain services of personnel from other agencies on a reimbursable or nonreimbursable basis.
- 2Explicit spending caps by period:
- 3- Period ending September 30, 2025: up to $4,394,583 total; up to $17,500 for consultants; up to $8,750 for staff training.
- 4- Fiscal year 2026 period (Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026): up to $7,533,571 total; up to $30,000 for consultants; up to $15,000 for staff training.
- 5- Period ending February 28, 2027 (Oct 1, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027): up to $3,138,988 total; up to $12,500 for consultants; up to $6,250 for staff training.
- 6Payment mechanics and exemptions: Most expenses are paid from the contingent fund upon approvals by the committee chair, but certain categories do not require vouchers (e.g., salaries, telecommunications, stationery, postroom charges, copying, Senate Recording and Photographic Services, and mail costs handled by the Sergeant at Arms/Doorkeeper).
- 7Agency contributions: The resolution authorizes agency contributions from the Senate’s “Expenses of Inquiries and Investigations” appropriation for the committee’s staff compensation during three periods (Mar 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2025; Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026; Oct 1, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027).