An original resolution authorizing expenditures by the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
This Senate resolution authorizes the Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW) to incur expenditures from March 1, 2025, through February 28, 2027. It gives the committee authority to use the Senate’s contingent fund, hire personnel, and, with the prior consent of relevant departments or agencies and the Rules and Administration Committee, obtain services from staff of other agencies on a reimbursable or nonreimbursable basis. The resolution sets specific spending caps for three distinct periods and outlines how expenses are to be paid, including certain categories that do not require voucher documentation. It also allows agency contributions to cover compensation for committee staff, funded from the Senate’s appropriations for “Expenses of Inquiries and Investigations” for the same periods. In short, the bill provides structured funding and staffing authority to support EPW’s hearings, investigations, and related activities in environment and public works, while detailing budgeting limits and payment procedures.
Key Points
- 1General authority and scope: The EPW Committee is authorized to expend funds, hire staff, and use services from other government departments or agencies (with prior consent) for March 1, 2025–February 28, 2027, to carry out hearings, reports, and investigations as allowed under Senate rules.
- 2Budget caps by period:
- 3- Period 1 (March 1, 2025–Sept 30, 2025): up to $4,107,247 total; up to $4,666 for consultants; up to $1,166 for staff training.
- 4- Period 2 (Oct 1, 2025–Sept 30, 2026): up to $7,040,996 total; up to $8,000 for consultants; up to $2,000 for staff training.
- 5- Period 3 (Oct 1, 2026–Feb 28, 2027): up to $2,933,748 total; up to $3,334 for consultants; up to $834 for staff training.
- 6Payment mechanics: Expenses generally paid from the Senate’s contingent fund upon vouchers approved by the committee chair. Some categories do not require vouchers (e.g., salaries, certain telecom and supplies, postmaster services, copying, recording/photographic services, and mail costs).
- 7Agency contributions: Authority to draw on appropriations for “Expenses of Inquiries and Investigations” for contributions related to compensation of EPW staff for the three periods listed above.
- 8Purpose alignment: Ensures EPW can conduct its duties (hearings, reporting, investigations) related to environment and public works by providing clear funding and staffing rules.