An original resolution authorizing expenditures by the Committee on Finance.
This Senate resolution authorizes a two-year funding authorization for the Senate Committee on Finance. From March 1, 2025, to February 28, 2027, the committee may spend from the Senate’s contingent fund, hire personnel, and (with the consent of the relevant government department or agency and the Rules and Administration Committee) use the services of personnel from other agencies on a reimbursable or nonreimbursable basis. The resolution sets specific budget caps for three periods within that time frame and designates how expenses are paid (primarily via vouchers approved by the committee chair, with certain routine payments exempt from voucher requirements). It also allows agency contributions to cover compensation for the committee’s employees during the same periods. In short, the measure provides formal, multi-period budgeting and spending authority to support the Committee on Finance’s hearings, investigations, staff, and related activities, while outlining payment procedures and mogućnosti for using other agencies’ personnel.
Key Points
- 1General authority: The Committee on Finance may spend from the contingent fund, hire staff, and, with prior consent of the relevant department/agency and the Rules and Administration Committee, use services of personnel from other agencies on a reimbursable or nonreimbursable basis for March 1, 2025 through February 28, 2027.
- 2Budget periods and caps:
- 3- Period ending September 30, 2025: up to $7,638,723 total; up to $17,500 for consultants; up to $5,833 for staff training.
- 4- Fiscal year 2026 period (October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026): up to $13,094,954 total; up to $30,000 for consultants; up to $10,000 for staff training.
- 5- Period ending February 28, 2027 (October 1, 2026 – February 28, 2027): up to $5,456,231 total; up to $12,500 for consultants; up to $4,166 for staff training.
- 6Expenses and payment rules:
- 7- Most expenses are paid from the contingent fund upon vouchers approved by the committee chair.
- 8- Several categories do not require vouchers, including salaries paid at an annual rate, telecommunications, stationery, Postmaster services, copying charges, Senate Recording and Photographic Services, and franked/mass mail costs.
- 9Agency contributions: The resolution authorizes paying from the Senate’s “Expenses of Inquiries and Investigations” account amounts necessary to compensate the committee’s employees for the three defined periods.
- 10Duration and scope: The authorities cover hearings, reports, and investigations under the Senate’s standing rules, with the spending window ending February 28, 2027.