House Practice: A Guide to the Rules, Precedents and Procedures of the House (2024)

[House Practice: A Guide to the Rules, Precedents and Procedures of the House][Chapter 11. Committees][From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov] HOUSE PRACTICE A. Generally; Establishing Committees Sec. 1. The Committee System; Standing, Select, and Joint Committees Sec. 2. Establishing Committees Sec. 3. Committee Expenses; Funding B. Chairs, Members, and Staff; Elections and Appointments Sec. 4. In General; Membership and Seniority Sec. 5. Numerical Composition of Committees; Party Ratios Sec. 6. The Chair's Role Sec. 7. Committee Employees and Staff C. Committee Functions; Jurisdiction and Authority Sec. 8. Legislative Jurisdiction Sec. 9. Oversight Jurisdiction Sec. 10. Investigative Jurisdiction and Authority Sec. 11. Standing Committees Sec. 12. Select Committees Sec. 13. -- Particular Uses of Select Committees Sec. 14. Joint Committees D. Procedure in Committees Sec. 15. Committee Rules; Applicable House Rules Sec. 16. Records, Files, and Transcripts; Disclosure and Disposition; Member Access Sec. 17. Meetings Sec. 18. -- Consideration and Debate; Voting Sec. 19. Hearings Sec. 20. Hearings and Meetings as Open or Closed Sec. 21. Quorum Requirements Sec. 22. -- In Ordering a Report to the House Sec. 23. -- Points of Order Based on Reporting Requirements Sec. 24. Witnesses[[Page 236]] Sec. 25. -- Rights or Privileges of Witnesses Sec. 26. -- Proceedings Against Recalcitrant Witnesses Sec. 27. Media Coverage of Hearings and Meetings E. Committee Reports Sec. 28. In General Sec. 29. Form and Contents of Report Sec. 30. Comparative Prints; The Ramseyer Rule Sec. 31. Printing; Referral to Calendars Sec. 32. Supplemental, Minority, and Additional Views Sec. 33. Filing Reports Sec. 34. Calling Up; Time to Report Sec. 35. Availability (``Layover'') Requirements Sec. 36. Points of Order Relating to Reports Research References 4 Hinds Sec. Sec. 4019-4703 7 Cannon Sec. Sec. 1721-2170; 8 Cannon Sec. Sec. 2171-2317 Deschler Ch 17 Manual Sec. Sec. 714-814, 816, 831-863 A. Generally; Establishing Committees Sec. 1 . The Committee System; Standing, Select, and Joint Committees The Role of Committees The committee system is as old as the House itself, having been patterned after the English House of Commons, the colonial assemblies, and the Continental Congress. Although during its first quarter century the House relied primarily upon select committees and the Committee of the Whole, the first standing committee dates from 1789. The committees of the House play a prominent role at every stage of the legislative process. As a general rule, proposed legislative measures are referred to committees before receiving consideration in the House itself. Manual Sec. 446. A committee may report a measure with or without amendments (which may rewrite the measure entirely), report adversely, or fail to[[Page 237]] report the measure at all. For a discussion of discharge procedures, see Discharging Measures From Committees. The role of the committee does not terminate with the reporting of the bill to the House. When a bill reaches the floor, members of the committee reporting it are entitled to priority in recognition for the purpose of offering amendments, and general debate is generally under the control of the chair and ranking minority member. See Consideration and Debate and Amendments. Finally, members of the reporting committees are often appointed by the Speaker to serve on the conference committee to resolve differences between competing forms of the bill. See Conferences Between the Houses. Standing, Select, and Joint Committees Distinguished House committees are of three distinct types: (1) standing committees, whose members are elected by the House, (2) select committees (also called special committees), whose members are appointed by the Speaker, and (3) joint committees, whose members are chosen according to the provisions of the statute or concurrent resolution creating them. Variations of these three categories are discussed in later sections. Standing committees (created in the standing rules) receive bills and other measures within their jurisdiction upon referral from the Speaker. See Introduction and Reference of Bills. Select committees are established (usually outside the standing rules) to consider a particular matter or subject and may or may not have legislative jurisdiction. A select committee often expires when it issues its final report on the matter for which it was created. 4 Hinds Sec. Sec. 4403-4405; see Sec. 12, infra. Joint committees take up matters of concern to both Houses. See Sec. 14, infra. Committee of the Whole Distinguished The Committee of the Whole has been described as a committee of the House, although it is not a committee in the customary sense. 4 Hinds Sec. 4706. The Committee of the Whole, unlike regular committees, does not have a fixed membership. All Members of the House may attend and participate in its deliberations under special rules designed to encourage wide-ranging debate and to expedite legislation. The Committee of the Whole itself has no power to authorize or appoint a committee. 4 Hinds Sec. 4710. Because of its unique role in the procedures of the House, the Committee of the Whole is addressed in a separate chapter of this work. See Committees of the Whole.[[Page 238]] Conference Committees Distinguished Conference committees are used primarily to resolve differences between the House and Senate on measures that have passed the two Houses and also are addressed in a separate chapter. See Conferences Between the Houses. Subcommittees Standing committees may establish subcommittees to study legislation, hold hearings, and make reports to the full committee. With certain exceptions, clause 5(d) of rule X precludes a committee from establishing more than five subcommittees. In addition to the exceptions found in the rule itself, the House has occasionally made further exceptions to that stricture. See, e.g., 107-1, H. Res. 5, Jan. 3, 2001, p 26; 108-1, H. Res. 5, Jan. 7, 2003, p 11. Clause 5(d) was adopted in the 104th Congress to replace a requirement that all standing committees having more than 20 members establish at least four subcommittees. Manual Sec. 762; see Sec. 11, infra. Subcommittees have no power to report directly to the House, absent specific authority to do so and are subject to the control of the full committee. Manual Sec. 787. Other subunits of committees, such as ``task forces,'' have no formal recognition or authority under the standing rules of the House unless formally established by the House. See, e.g., 102-2, H. Res. 258, Feb. 5, 1992, p 1621. Commissions Commissions are analogous to select committees in that they are established to study a particular problem; but a commission is distinguishable from a select committee in that its membership may include private citizens, Members of the House and Senate, and representatives from other branches of government. See, e.g., 94-2, H. Res. 1368, July 1, 1976, p 21795 (creating the Commission on Administrative Review); 6 USC Sec. 101 note (creating the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States). Duration of Committees The committees of the House remain in existence only during the two-year term of a Congress which created them. The standing committees of the House are usually reconstituted by a new Congress after the standing rules or resolutions specifically creating new committees are adopted. Deschler Ch 17 Sec. 1.2 (note). Select committees expire with the term of the Congress in which they were created or at such earlier date as may be specified in the resolution[[Page 239]] creating them. Deschler Ch 17 Sec. Sec. 1, 5.5. Unless permanently established, a select committee ceases to exist when it finally reports in full on the subject committed to it but may be revived by action of the House in referring a new matter to it. 4 Hinds Sec. Sec. 4403-4405. A select committee that expires in one Congress may be reconstituted in the next. Deschler Ch 17 Sec. 5.5. In one instance, a select committee was reconstituted (and its existence extended through subsequent resolution) solely for the purpose of completing activities directly associated with the declassification and public release of its report. Manual Sec. 1112a. Joint committees established by statute remain in existence beyond the Congress in which they were created unless otherwise provided, although the members thereof must be chosen anew in each Congress. Deschler Ch 17 Sec. 1. Sec. 2 . Establishing Committees Standing Committees Standing committees are ordinarily established with the adoption of the standing rules on opening day for a Congress. They also may be subsequently established by a simple resolution reported from the Committee on Rules, usually by way of amendment to the House rules. Deschler Ch 17 Sec. Sec. 2.1, 2.3. For a discussion of adoption of rules of a new Congress, see Assembly of Congress. A resolution reported by the Committee on Rules during a Congress establishing a new committee, changing the name or authority of a committee, or abolishing a committee and transferring its jurisdiction and records to another committee is called up as privileged and is debatable under the hour rule in the House. Deschler Ch 17 Sec. Sec. 2.1, 2.4, 2.6. Select Committees Select committees are normally established by a resolution reported from the Committee on Rules. Deschler Ch 17 Sec. Sec. 5.3, 5.5. However, in one instance, a select committee was created pursuant to a floor amendment (offered to the Committee Reform Amendments of 1974). 93-2, H. Res. 988, Oct. 8, 1974, p 34470. In another instance, a select committee was created as a separate order included in a resolution adopting the standing rules of the House. 108-1, H. Res. 5, Jan. 7, 2003, p 11. The House also has adopted a privileged resolution reported from the Committee on Rules establishing a new select subcommittee of a standing committee. 104-2, H. Res. 416, May 8, 1996, p 10484. A select subcommittee of a standing committee has also been created by an unreported resolution considered under a separate[[Page 240]] order included in a resolution adopting the standing rules of the House. 110-1, H. Res. 35, Jan. 9, 2007, p 567. For a list of current select committees, see Manual Sec. Sec. 1112a, 1112b. A resolution creating a select committee may specify the jurisdiction and powers of the select committee and may place it under the authority of a standing committee. Deschler Ch 17 Sec. Sec. 5.2, 5.3; Sec. 12, infra. A resolution creating a select committee is reported and called up as privileged, because the Committee on Rules may report at any time on rules, and the creation of such a committee is the equivalent of a new rule. Manual Sec. 853; Deschler Ch 17 Sec. 5.1. If such a resolution is not reported by the Committee on Rules, it is not privileged, and unanimous consent or a special order of business reported by the Committee on Rules is necessary to permit its consideration. 95-1, Jan. 4, 1977, p 72. The Committee on Rules itself may not report such a resolution as privileged if it contains provisions outside the jurisdiction of the committee. Deschler Ch 17 Sec. 1.1 (note). However, if such a resolution is referred to another committee for consideration of a provision that also is privileged, both committees may report the resolution as privileged. See, e.g., 102-1, H. Res. 258, Nov. 19, 1991, p 32903 (resolution contained a provision funding the select committee from the ``applicable accounts of the House''). Special Ad Hoc Committees Under the earlier practice of the House, special committees to consider a particular matter could be established by way of a motion or other proposition to refer. 4 Hinds Sec. Sec. 4401, 4402; 5 Hinds Sec. Sec. 6633, 6634. Thus, the House could refer a message of the President to a special committee to be appointed by the Speaker. At the same time the House could instruct the committee and specify the number of members to be appointed. 5 Hinds Sec. 6633. It was held in this regard that the House need not refer to a special committee already in existence but could refer to one to be subsequently appointed. 5 Hinds Sec. 6634. An ad hoc select committee may be established by a resolution called up as a question of the privileges of the House. 102-2, H. Res. 431, Apr. 9, 1992, p 9029 (resolution laid on the table); 110-1, H. Res. 611, Aug. 3, 2007, p 22769. Special ad hoc committees may be established pursuant to clause 2(c) of rule XII. Under this rule, the Speaker has authority to refer a matter to a special ad hoc committee appointed by the Speaker to consider that matter and report thereon to the House. The appointment must be made with the approval of the House and include members of the committees having legislative jurisdiction. Pursuant to this authority, the Speaker may, with the approval of the House, appoint a special ad hoc committee to consider a par[[Page 241]] ticular measure, or a particular bill and similar subsequent bills. A resolution authorizing the Speaker to take such action is privileged when offered from the floor at the Speaker's request. Manual Sec. 816b. Joint Committees Joint committees are created by law or by concurrent resolution. Manual Sec. Sec. 1108-1112; Deschler Ch 17 Sec. 7; see Sec. 14, infra. A joint committee may be created and vested with jurisdiction as one part of a comprehensive bill or as the sole purpose of a joint resolution. 6 Cannon Sec. 371; Deschler Ch 17 Sec. Sec. 7.4, 7.5. A joint committee created by concurrent resolution must expire (unless reconstituted) with the Congress in which it was created. 4 Hinds Sec. 4409. A concurrent resolution establishing a joint committee, if reported by the Committee on Rules, is called up as privileged by that committee. Deschler Ch 17 Sec. 7.1. However, such a resolution may not be reported as privileged if it contains an authorization for appropriations. Deschler Ch 17 Sec. 7.5. Debate on the resolution is under the hour rule. Deschler Ch 17 Sec. 7.1. Commissions Commissions are ordinarily created by statute. See, e.g., the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission (36 USC Sec. 101 (note)). They may also be created by House resolution. See, e.g., the Commission on Administrative Review, 94-2, H. Res. 1368, July 1, 1976, p 21795; the House Democracy Partnership, 109-1, H. Res. 135, Mar. 14, 2005, p 4527 (re-established in succeeding Congresses); and the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, 110-2, H. Res. 1451, Sept. 24, 2008, p __ (re- established in succeeding Congresses). Sec. 3 . Committee Expenses; Funding Authorization for the payment of committee expenses for a particular Congress is obtained pursuant to ``one primary expense resolution'' for each committee (the Committee on Appropriations excepted). Clause 6 of rule X. The request for such authorization is made to the Committee on House Administration, which has jurisdiction over such expenditures. Clause 1(k) of rule X. In recent years, the Committee on House Administration has combined the individual committee funding resolutions into a single resolution to expedite consideration in the House. See, e.g., 112-1, H. Res. 147, Mar. 17, 2011, p __. Authorization for the payment of additional committee expenses not covered by the primary expense resolution may be obtained pursuant to one or more ``supplemental expense resolutions.'' Clause 6(b) of rule X.[[Page 242]] The primary and supplemental expense resolutions, are subject to a one-calendar-day layover requirement. A supplemental expense resolution that is not reported by the Committee on House Administration may be considered by unanimous consent (subject to the Speaker's guidelines for recognition of unanimous-consent requests). 107-2, H. Res. 359, Mar. 7, 2002, p 2738. Funds for the Committee on Appropriations are appropriated by the annual appropriation bill for the legislative branch. B. Chairs, Members, and Staff; Elections and Appointments Sec. 4 . In General; Membership and Seniority Standing and Select Committees Distinguished Until 1911, the members and the chairs of the standing and select committees of the House were generally appointed by the Speaker, although in rare instances a committee chose its own chair. See 4 Hinds Sec. 4524. Since 1911, standing committee chairs and members have been elected by the House as part of a three-step procedure. First, with certain exceptions, a selection committee--sometimes called a committee on committees or a steering committee--of each party caucus recommends candidates for committee assignments. Second, the party caucus approves the recommendations of the selection committee. Third, the House approves the recommendations of the caucuses, which are brought before the House as privileged resolutions. Clause 5(a)(1) of rule X; Manual Sec. Sec. 317, 757; 4 Hinds Sec. 4513; 8 Cannon Sec. 2201. The rules of the Democratic Caucus and the Republican Conference may prescribe different nomination procedures for certain committees. Furthermore, the Speaker has retained the authority, under clause 11 of rule I, to appoint Members to select committees. Manual Sec. 637. Electing Chair Pursuant to nominations submitted by the majority party caucus, one member of each standing committee is elected as its chair at the commencement of each Congress. Manual Sec. 761. A Member's service as chair of the same committee (with the exception of the Committee on Rules) is limited to three consecutive Congresses. Clause 5(c)(2) of rule X. Nominations for chairs are submitted to the House for its approval in the election resolution. Deschler Ch 17 Sec. 8.1. Such a resolution is normally called up as privileged by the chair of the majority party caucus, often as part of a resolution electing all majority members to those committees. Deschler Ch 17 Sec. 8.7 (note). For an example of a resolution electing only committee chairs, and one[[Page 243]] electing only ranking minority members, see 111-1, H. Res. 8 and H. Res. 12, Jan. 6, 2009, p __, p __. In the event of a permanent vacancy in the elected chair, the House elects a successor pursuant to a privileged resolution. Manual Sec. 761. This procedure is followed when a vacancy is created on a standing committee by the death of its chair or after a chair has resigned. Deschler Ch 17 Sec. Sec. 8.3, 8.5, 8.6. In the absence of the chair, the member next in rank as named in the resolution electing the committee acts as chair. Manual Sec. 761. Where the chair is unable to carry out the responsibilities of the position, the House may, in the election resolution, provide for a delegation of powers and duties to an acting chair until further ordered by the House. Manual Sec. 761. Similarly, the resolution electing minority members to a committee may devolve the role of ranking minority member to the next-senior minority member of a standing committee (where the ranking minority member remained absent due to physical infirmity). 105-2, H. Res. 369, Feb. 25, 1998, p 1967. Election of Members Resolutions electing Members to standing committees have traditionally been offered from the floor and called up as privileged at the direction of the party organization. 8 Cannon Sec. Sec. 2171, 2179, 2182. Each party's resolution, if adopted, elects en bloc those Members from that particular party to the various standing committees. Deschler Ch 17 Sec. 9.1. Such a resolution is not divisible under clause 5(b)(1) of rule XVI. Manual Sec. 919. However, it is debatable and subject to amendment until such time as the previous question is ordered. 8 Cannon Sec. Sec. 2172, 2174. Under clause 5(b)(1) of rule X, service on a standing committee is contingent upon continuing membership in the nominating party caucus. Such service automatically ceases upon termination of caucus membership. Manual Sec. 760. No Member may serve simultaneously as a member of more than two standing committees or four subcommittees unless approved by the House on recommendation of the caucus. Clause 5(b)(2) of rule X. A Member may be removed from a committee by privileged resolution. See, e.g., 109-2, H. Res. 872, June 16, 2006, p 11618. Seniority Committee seniority is shown by the order in which the Members' names are listed in the election resolution. Deschler Ch 17 Sec. 11.1. A resolution electing a Member to a committee may include the designation of rank on the committee (Deschler Ch 17 Sec. 9.6) and may be made effective retro[[Page 244]] actively (Deschler Ch 17 Sec. 9.16). A resolution may also alter the rank among sitting committee members. See, e.g., 107-1, H. Res. 85, Mar. 8, 2001, p 3295. Sec. 5 . Numerical Composition of Committees; Party Ratios Committee Size Clause 5(a)(3) of rule X limits the size of only one standing committee of the House, the Committee on Ethics, which is set at five majority and five minority members. Manual Sec. 759. The sizes of other committees of the House are negotiated by the Majority and Minority Leaders at the direction of their respective party organizations. Deschler Ch 17 Sec. 9. The size of each committee is ultimately determined by the number of Members elected to each committee pursuant to clause 5(a) of rule X. Manual Sec. 757. Party Ratios The allocation of majority party and minority party representation on committees is normally determined through negotiations between the majority and minority leadership. Historically, the party ratios on most standing committees have tended to reflect the relative membership of the two parties in the House as a whole. Deschler Ch 17 Sec. 9.4. Sometimes, however, the membership of a committee is equally divided between the majority and minority parties where bipartisan deliberations are considered essential. See, e.g., clause 5(a)(3) of rule X, requiring the members of the Committee on Ethics to be five from the majority party and five from the minority party. Disproportionate party ratios on committees may also be traced to the rules of the party caucus. Deschler Ch 3 Sec. 9. Moreover, some House committees, such as the Committee on Rules and the Committee on House Administration, have traditionally reflected disproportionate ratios in favor of the majority party. See, e.g., 8 Cannon Sec. 2184. Sec. 6 . The Chair's Role The powers and duties of the full committee chairs are derived from custom and from the rules of the House. The chair of a committee:  Presides over committee meetings. Manual Sec. 317.  Schedules meetings and hearings subject to rule XI.  Administers oaths to witnesses in hearings in the committee or delegates that authority. Manual Sec. 805; 2 USC Sec. 191. In one instance, the chair of an investigating committee administered the oath to himself and testified. 3 Hinds Sec. 1821.  May punish breaches of order and decorum by censure and exclusion from hearings. Manual Sec. 803.[[Page 245]]  Authorizes and issues subpoenas when the power to do so has been delegated by the committee. Manual Sec. 805.  Fixes, within certain guidelines, the salaries of staff. Manual Sec. 777.  Submits committee reports to the House, even if not concurring therein. Clause 2(b)(1) of rule XIII; 4 Hinds Sec. Sec. 4670, 4671. However, a committee may order its report to be made by some other member or even by a member of the minority party. 4 Hinds Sec. Sec. 4669, 4672, 4673.  Submits privileged reports to the House from the floor. Manual Sec. 418.  Manages bills of the committee in the House under the responsibility to take steps necessary to bring the measure or matter to a vote. Such managerial status entitles the chair at all stages to prior recognition for allowable motions intended to expedite it. Manual Sec. 834; 2 Hinds Sec. Sec. 1452, 1457; 6 Cannon Sec. Sec. 296, 300.  Receives priority in recognition when Senate amendments to the bill are debated. 2 Hinds Sec. 1452. Sec. 7 . Committee Employees and Staff The employment of committee staff is governed by clause 9 of rule X (Manual Sec. Sec. 771-781) and by statute (see, e.g., 5 USC Sec. Sec. 5315, 5316, setting permissible rates of staff pay). The House rules place a limit on the number of professional staff members which may be appointed to a standing committee (the Committee on Appropriations excepted) and on the number of professional staff members which may be selected by the minority. Manual Sec. Sec. 771- 774. The Committee on Appropriations is subject to a separate rule permitting the appointment, in addition to a clerk and assistants for the minority, of such staff as are determined by majority vote to be necessary. Clause 9(d) of rule X. C. Committee Functions; Jurisdiction and Authority Sec. 8 . Legislative Jurisdiction Generally; Referrals and Rereferrals The legislative jurisdiction of each standing committee is specified and defined by rule X. Manual Sec. Sec. 714-41. Areas of legislative interest have been divided under rule X into distinct subject matter classifications, with jurisdiction over each being allocated to a standing or select committee. The Speaker refers bills and other matters to committees pursuant to the jurisdiction of each committee as defined by rule X, taking into account any relevant precedents. Under clause 2 of rule XII, the Speaker is required to refer a measure to more than one committee where it involves subject matter assigned to different committees. Manual Sec. 816. Under clause 2(c)(1) of rule[[Page 246]] XII, the Speaker is required to indicate a primary committee of jurisdiction (except where it is determined that extraordinary circ*mstances justify review by more than one committee as though primary). Additional committees of initial referral are listed after the primary committee. The Speaker imposes time limits on the additional committees once the primary committee reports. Clause 2(c) of rule XII; Manual Sec. 816. Under clause 2 of rule XII, the Speaker also may refer a measure sequentially to a committee upon reporting by the committees of initial referral. The Speaker imposes time limits on sequential referrals. For a discussion of referrals generally, see Bills and Resolutions. Rule X requires the Speaker to refer public measures in accordance with its terms and gives some discretion to Members in referring private bills. Manual Sec. Sec. 714, 818. However, the House itself may refer bills to any committee without regard to the rules of jurisdiction, and jurisdiction is thereby conferred. 4 Hinds Sec. Sec. 4362-4364, 4375; 5 Hinds Sec. 5527; 7 Cannon Sec. Sec. 2105, 2131. The committees, because they are created by the House, exercise no authority or jurisdiction beyond that specifically conferred by the rules or by special authorization of the House itself. 7 Cannon Sec. 780. However, the House may confer jurisdiction on a committee by the adoption of a special order of business from the Committee on Rules. 7 Cannon Sec. 780. A bill may be originated by a committee which has been given jurisdiction to do so by order or rule of the House. 4 Hinds Sec. 3365. Jurisdictional authority, in addition to that specified in rule X, may be vested in a committee pursuant to:  A resolution enlarging the jurisdiction of a committee or authorizing it to study and report on a particular matter. 3 Hinds Sec. 1753.  A change in the rules of the House by adoption of a resolution from the Committee on Rules. 91-2, July 8, 1970, p 32136.  A motion to rerefer or recommit. The erroneous reference of a public bill, if it remains uncorrected, gives the committee authority to report that measure. 4 Hinds Sec. Sec. 4365-4371; 7 Cannon Sec. 2108. However, such is not the case with respect to a private bill unless the reference is made by action of the House itself. 4 Hinds Sec. Sec. 3364, 4382-4391; 7 Cannon Sec. 2131. Informal Agreements Questions relating to the jurisdiction over a subject by two or more committees are sometimes resolved pursuant to an informal agreement or memorandum of understanding between the committees involved. See, e.g., 96-2, Mar. 25, 1980, pp 6405, 6406, 6408-10 (memorandum of under[[Page 247]] standing among six different committees on energy measures); 104-1, Jan. 4, 1995 (memorandum of understanding between two committees concerning the budget process); 104-1, Jan. 30, 1995, p 2888 (memorandum of understanding between two committees concerning jurisdiction over the merchant marine resulting from the dissolution of the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries); 110-1, Jan. 4, 2007, p 16 (memorandum of understanding between two committees concerning jurisdiction over departments, agencies, and programs relating to homeland security). Although these memoranda may explain understandings, they may not alter explicit jurisdictional statements in the rules. Committee reports often contain an exchange of letters between committee chairs waiving a committee's claim to review a particular bill, with the understanding that this surrender of jurisdiction over the matter is not permanent. See, e.g., 106-2, H. Rept. 106-616. Points of Order; Erroneous Referrals The Speaker's referral of a bill is not subject to a point of order. Manual Sec. 825; 4 Hinds Sec. 4372; Deschler Ch 17 Sec. Sec. 26, 27.9. Under clause 7(a) of rule XII, a motion to correct an erroneous reference is privileged if authorized either by the committee to which the bill had been erroneously referred or by the committee claiming jurisdiction. The motion is not debatable. Under the modern practice, however, erroneous referrals are corrected by unanimous consent. The Speaker may also sequentially refer a measure (upon reporting by the committee of initial referral) to a committee that was erroneously excluded from the initial referral. The Speaker's standard phrasing for multiple referral of measures is as follows: ``in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.'' As a result, a committee may not mark up portions of a bill that fall entirely outside the jurisdiction of the committee (though they may mark up portions with shared jurisdiction). In a committee of referral, a point of order lies against an amendment that falls entirely outside the jurisdiction of the committee. Sec. 9 . Oversight Jurisdiction Generally The oversight function of the House arises from its duty to exercise continuous vigilance over the administration and execution of the laws by the departments and agencies of the Federal government. Legislative oversight as a continuing function was given to all standing committees by the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946, which provided that each standing committee ``shall exercise continuous watchfulness'' over administrative[[Page 248]] agencies, and by the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1970, which required periodic reports by committees on their oversight activities. Clause 2 of rule X requires the standing committees to exercise general oversight. Manual Sec. Sec. 742, 743. In the 111th Congress, clauses 2(n), (o), and (p) were added to rule XI, requiring committees to hold hearings on ``waste, fraud, abuse, or mismanagement in Government programs,''and related financial statement disclaimers by agency auditors or Comptroller General reports. General and Special Oversight Distinguished The House rules impose both general and special oversight responsibilities on standing committees. General legislative oversight is performed by all standing committees, although special oversight functions, under clause 3 of rule X, are given to certain standing committees. Manual Sec. Sec. 742, 744. Additional budget and other oversight-related functions are delineated in clause 4 of rule X. Manual Sec. Sec. 745-756. Sec. 10 . Investigative Jurisdiction and Authority Standing Committees Under clause 1(b) of rule XI, each standing committee is authorized to conduct such investigations as it considers necessary or appropriate in carrying out the jurisdictional responsibilities given to it under rule X. Manual Sec. 788. To carry out its duties, each committee and each subcommittee is authorized by clause 2(m) of rule XI to hold hearings and to subpoena witnesses or compel the production of documents. Manual Sec. 805. As to the issuance and enforcement of subpoenas, see Sec. 24, infra. Select or Joint Committees Lacking general investigative authority, a select or joint committee must be given specific authority to undertake an investigation. Such authority may be given pursuant to:  A statute conferring investigative powers. See, e.g., 26 USC Sec. 8022 (conferring investigative duties on the Joint Committee on Internal Revenue Taxation).  A concurrent resolution. See, e.g., 102-2, H. Con. Res. 192, Aug. 6, 1992, p 21961 (establishing the Joint Committee on the Organization of Congress).  A standing rule of the House. See, e.g., clause 11 of rule X (establishing the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence).[[Page 249]]  A simple resolution. See, e.g., 105-2, H. Res. 463, June 18, 1998, pp 12876-80, (establishing the Select Committee on U.S. National Security and Military/Commercial Concerns with China); 110-1, H. Res. 202, Mar. 8, 2007, p 5797 (establishing the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming). Scope; Limitations The investigative power that is exercised by the House through its committees is inherent in the power to make laws. Watkins v. United States, 354 U.S. 178 (1957). In so ruling, courts have reasoned, ``A legislative body cannot legislate wisely or effectively in the absence of information respecting the conditions which the legislation is intended to affect or change.'' McGrain v. Daugherty, 273 U.S. 135 (1927); Eastland v. United States Servicemen's Fund, 421 U.S. 491 (1975). This investigative power encompasses inquiries concerning the administration of existing laws and the need for proposed legislation. It extends to studies of social, economic, or political problems, and probes departmental corruption, inefficiency, or waste at the Federal level. Watkins, 354 U.S. 178. Although broad, this power of investigation is not unlimited. It may be exercised only in aid of the ``legislative function.'' Kilbourn v. Thompson, 103 U.S. 168 (1881). It is said that Congress has no general power to inquire into private affairs and that the subject of inquiry must be one ``on which legislation could be had.'' McGrain, 273 U.S. 135. Since 1952, the courts have declined to presume the existence of a legislative purpose and have narrowly construed resolutions granting authority to committees to conduct investigations. United States v. Rumely, 345 U.S. 41 (1952). The investigative power cannot be used to expose merely for the sake of exposure or to inquire into matters which are within the exclusive province of one of the other branches of government or which are reserved to the States. Deschler Ch 15 Sec. 1. A further requirement for the validity of a committee investigation is that it must have been expressly or implicitly authorized in accordance with congressional procedures. Deschler Ch 15 Sec. 1. Thus, the courts have refused to convict a witness for contempt arising out of a subcommittee investigation where that investigation had not been approved by a majority of the parent committee, as was required by the committee rule. Gojack v. United States, 384 U.S. 702 (1966). The courts will not look to the motives which may have prompted a congressional investigation. Watkins, 354 U.S. 178. The courts also will not question the wisdom of the investigation or its methodology. Doe v. McMillan, 412 U.S. 306 (1973). The very nature of the investigative function is[[Page 250]] such that it may take the searchers up some ``blind alleys'' and into nonproductive enterprises. The validity of a legislative inquiry is not contingent on a predictable end result. Eastland, 421 U.S. 491. Obstructing Committee Investigation A Federal statute provides criminal penalties for those who corruptly influence, obstruct, or impede ``due and proper'' congressional inquiry. 18 USC Sec. 1505. Indictments under Sec. 1505 have been upheld despite contentions that the committee violated its own rules and those of the House. United States v. Poindexter, 725 F. Supp. 13 (D.D.C. 1989); United States v. Mitchell, 877 F.2d 204 (4th Cir. 1989). Sec. 11 . Standing Committees Standing committees were not used extensively during the earliest Congresses. It was the general practice of the House to refer matters to a Committee of the Whole to develop the primary objectives of a proposal, and then to commit such matters to select committees to draft specific bills. At the start of the 19th century, standing committees began to proliferate. By mid-century the House had 34 standing committees, and by 1900 it had 58. Subsequent additions raised the number of standing committees to 61 by 1905. However, in the 1920's the House consolidated numerous committees and again vested in the Committee on Appropriations jurisdiction over all general appropriation bills. 7 Cannon Sec. 1741. Further reductions in the number of committees in the House were made by the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 (60 Stat. 812). By dropping relatively inactive committees and by merging those with similar functions and jurisdiction, the Act reduced the total number of standing committees in the House from 44 to 19. Between 1946 and 1995, this number fluctuated only slightly with minor additions and consolidation. In 1995 the House again reorganized its committee system, reestablishing the number at 19 by abolishing three committees and altering the jurisdiction of several others. 104-1, H. Res. 6, Jan. 4, 1995, p 462. Under clause 5(d) of rule X, a standing committee may have no more than five subcommittees. However, clause 5(d) excepts from that stricture (1) a committee that maintains a subcommittee on oversight, which may have six subcommittees; (2) the Committee on Appropriations, which may have 13 subcommittees; and (3) the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, which may have seven subcommittees. Manual Sec. 762. The House has occasionally excepted other committees from that stricture. See, e.g., 107-1, H. Res. 5, Jan. 3, 2001, p 26; 108-1, H. Res. 5, Jan. 7, 2003, p 11.[[Page 251]] In the 109th Congress, the House established a Committee on Homeland Security as a standing committee, replacing a prior select committee. Corresponding changes were made to the jurisdictions of the Committees on the Judiciary, Transportation and Infrastructure, and Ways and Means. The Speaker announced that referrals to the prior select committee would not constitute precedent for referrals to the standing committee. 109-1, Jan. 4, 2005, p 71. The standing committees of the House, with their antecedent committees, are shown in the following table. This table provides citations to relevant statutes or precedents and to the authority for legislative jurisdiction and/or oversight functions, where applicable. Standing Committees (112th Cong.) Jurisdiction, Oversight Function, and Antecedents------------------------------------------------------------------------Standing Committees (112th Cong.) Antecedent Committees------------------------------------------------------------------------Agriculture Established 1820; 4 Hinds Sec. 4149 Legislative jurisdiction, Manual Sec. 715 Oversight functions, Manual Sec. Sec. 742, 755, 756 Appropriations Established 1865; 4 Hinds Sec. Ways and Means (in part), 1802 4032 Legislative jurisdiction, Manual Sec. 716 Oversight and additional functions, Manual Sec. Sec. 744-747, 755, 756 Armed Services Established 1947; 60 Stat. 812 Military Affairs, 1822 Legislative jurisdiction, Naval Affairs, 1822 Manual Sec. 718 Militia, 1835 Oversight and additional Atomic Energy (Joint Committee), 1946 functions, Manual Sec. Sec. 742-744, 755, 756 Formerly known as ``National Security'' 1995, Manual Sec. 718 Budget Established 1974; 88 Stat. 299 Legislative jurisdiction, Manual Sec. 719 Oversight functions, Manual Sec. Sec. 742-744, 748, 756 [[Page 252]] Education and the Workforce Established 1947; 60 Stat. 812 Education, 1867 Legislative jurisdiction, Labor, 1883 Manual Sec. 720 Oversight functions, Manual Sec. Sec. 742-744, 755, 756 Formerly known as ``Education and Labor'' 1947, ``Economic and Educational Opportunities'' 1995, ``Education and the Workforce'' 1997, ``Education and Labor'' 2007, Manual Sec. 720 Energy and Commerce Established 1795; 4 Hinds Sec. Commerce and Manufacturers, 1795 4096 Legislative jurisdiction, Coinage, Weights and Measures, 1867 Manual Sec. 721 Oversight functions, Manual Atomic Energy (Joint Committee), 1946 Sec. Sec. 742-744, 755, 756 Formerly known as ``Interstate and Foreign Commerce'' 1892, ``Commerce and Health'' 1975, ``Interstate and Foreign Commerce'' 1975, ``Energy and Commerce'' 1980, ``Commerce'' 1995, Manual Sec. 721 Ethics Established 1967; 90-2, H. Res. Standards and Conduct (Select 418 Committee), 1966 Legislative jurisdiction, Ethics (Select Committee), 1977 Manual Sec. Sec. 721b, 721c Oversight functions, Manual Sec. 742 Formerly known as ``Standards of Official Conduct'' 1967, Manual Sec. 721b Financial Services Established 1865; 4 Hinds Sec. 4082 Legislative jurisdiction, Manual Sec. 722 Oversight and additional functions, Manual Sec. Sec. 742, 743, 755, 756[[Page 253]] Formerly known as ``Banking and ..................................... Currency'' 1865, ``Coinage, Weights and Measures'' 1867, ``Banking, Currency and Housing'' 1974, ``Banking, Finance and Urban Affairs'' 1977, ``Banking and Financial Services'' 1995, Manual Sec. 722 Foreign Affairs Established 1822; 4 Hinds Sec. Atomic Energy (Joint Committee), 1946 4162 Legislative jurisdiction, Manual Sec. 723 Oversight functions, Manual Sec. Sec. 742-744, 755, 756 Formerly known as ``Foreign Affairs'' 1822, ``International Relations'' 1975, ``Foreign Affairs'' 1979, ``International Relations'' 1995, Manual Sec. 723 Homeland Security Established 2005 Homeland Security (Select Committee), Legislative jurisdiction, 2002 Manual Sec. Sec. 723a, 723b Homeland Security (Select Committee), Oversight and additional 2003 functions, Manual Sec. Sec. 742-744, 755, 756 House Administration Established 1947; 60 Stat. 812 Enrolled Bills, 1789 Legislative jurisdiction, Elections, 1794, 1895 Manual Sec. Sec. 724-728 Accounts, 1805 Oversight and additional Mileage, 1837 functions, Manual Sec. Sec. Printing, 1846 742, 743, 750-756 Disposition of Executive Papers, 1889 Formerly known as ``House Ventilation and Acoustics, 1893 Oversight'' 1995, Manual Sec. Memorials, 1929 724 Judiciary Established 1813; 4 Hinds Sec. Claims, 1794 4054 Continued, 1947, 60 Stat. 812 Patents, 1837[[Page 254]] Legislative jurisdiction, Revision of the Laws, 1868 Manual Sec. Sec. 729, 730 War Claims, 1883 Oversight functions, Manual Immigration and Naturalization, 1893 Sec. Sec. 742, 743, 755, 756 Internal Security, 1969 Natural Resources Established 1805; 4 Hinds Sec. Private Land Claims, 1816 4194 Legislative jurisdiction, Indian Affairs, 1821 Manual Sec. 731 Oversight functions, Manual Territories, 1825 Sec. Sec. 742-744, 755, 756 Mines and Mining, 1865 Formerly known as ``Public Merchant Marine and Fisheries (in Lands'' 1805, ``Insular part), 1887 Affairs'' 1899, ``Interior and Irrigation of Arid Lands, 1893 Insular Affairs'' 1951, Atomic Energy (Joint Committee), 1946 ``Natural Resources'' 1993, ``Resources'' 1995, Manual Sec. 731 Oversight and Government Reform Established 1927; 7 Cannon Sec. District of Columbia, 1808 2041 Legislative jurisdiction, Public Expenditures, 1814 Manual Sec. 732 Oversight and additional State, Treasury, War, Navy, and Post functions, Manual Sec. Sec. Office, 1816 742-744, 749, 755, 756 Formerly known as Justice, 1874 ``Expenditures in the Agriculture, 1889 Executive Departments'' 1927, Commerce and Labor, 1905 ``Government Operations'' Post Office and Civil Service, 1947 1952, ``Government Reform and Oversight'' 1995, ``Government Reform'' 1999, Manual Sec. 732 Rules Established 1880; 4 Hinds Sec. Rules (Select Committee), 1789 4321 Mandated by law, 1947, 60 Stat. 812 Legislative jurisdiction, Manual Sec. Sec. 733, 734 Oversight functions, Manual Sec. Sec. 742-744, 756 [[Page 255]] Science, Space, and Technology Established 1958; 85-2, H. Res. Merchant Marine and Fisheries (in 496 part), 1887 Legislative jurisdiction, Atomic Energy (Joint Committee), 1946 Manual Sec. 735 Astronautics and Space Exploration Oversight functions, Manual (Select Committee), 1958 Sec. Sec. 742-744, 755, 756 Formerly known as ``Science and Astronautics'' 1958, ``Science and Technology'' 1975, ``Science, Space, and Technology'' 1987, ``Science'' 1995, ``Science and Technology'' 2007, Manual Sec. 735 Small Business Established 1975; 93-2, H. Res. Small Business (Select Committee), 988 1941 Legislative jurisdiction, Manual Sec. 736 Oversight functions, Manual Small Business (Permanent Select Sec. Sec. 742-744, 755, 756 Committee), 1971 Transportation and Infrastructure Established 1947; 60 Stat. 812 Public Buildings and Grounds, 1837 Legislative jurisdiction, Mississippi Levies, 1875 Manual Sec. 739 Oversight functions, Manual Rivers and Harbors, 1883 Sec. Sec. 742, 743, 755, 756 Merchant Marine and Fisheries (in Formerly known as ``Public part), 1887 Works and Transportation'' Roads, 1913 1975, Manual Sec. 739 Flood Control, 1916 Veterans' Affairs Established 1947; 60 Stat. 812 Pensions and Revolutionary Claims, Legislative jurisdiction, 1813 Manual Sec. 740 Oversight functions, Manual Revolutionary Pensions, 1825 Sec. Sec. 742, 743, 755, 756 Invalid Pensions, 1831 World War Veterans' Legislation, 1924 Ways and Means Established 1802; 4 Hinds Sec. Ways and Means (Select Committee), 4020 1789 Legislative jurisdiction, Manual Sec. 741 Oversight functions, Manual Sec. Sec. 742, 743, 755, 756------------------------------------------------------------------------[[Page 256]] Sec. 12 . Select Committees Select (or special) committees were used extensively by the House during the early Congresses. In the Jeffersonian era, it was common practice to refer each proposal to a select committee created to draft the appropriate legislative language for the measure. Manual Sec. 401. By the Third Congress, 350 select committees had been named. However, as standing committees came to be recognized as the most appropriate forum for the development of legislation, the use of select committees declined steadily. By the 23d Congress, the number of select committees had been reduced to 35. By the 106th Congress, only the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence remained. Clause 11 of rule X; Manual Sec. 1112a. A select committee identified as permanent is reconstituted in each Congress upon adoption of the rules of the House. Select committees have been established with oversight jurisdiction only (for example, the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming. Manual Sec. 1112c). In the modern era, select committees are created primarily to investigate conditions or events. As pointed out elsewhere, all committee investigations must be undertaken in furtherance of a constitutionally assigned function of Congress. Deschler Ch 15 Sec. 1; see Sec. 10, supra. Select committees have also been created to study and report on matters with a view toward legislative action. Most select committees of this type lacked authority to report legislation. Instead, they were directed to assess the adequacy of existing laws and, if necessary, to make legislative recommendations. However, several select committees have been empowered to report legislation directly to the House. Deschler Ch 17 Sec. 6. For example, the Select Committee on Homeland Security was required to report to the House its recommendations on a bill establishing a Department of Homeland Security. In making its recommendation, the select committee was required to take into consideration recommendations by each committee to which such bill was initially referred. 107-2, H. Res. 449, June 19, 2002, p 10722. In the 108th Congress, the House established a successor to the Select Committee on Homeland Security, granting it jurisdiction over matters relating to the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (the law enacted on the recommendation of the predecessor select committee). In the 109th Congress, the Committee on Homeland Security became a standing committee of the House. For further discussion on the establishment of select committees, see Guidelines for the Establishment of Select Committees, Committee on Rules, 98-1, February, 1983. Finally, select committees have been created to supervise certain routine housekeeping functions; for example, the Select Committee on the House[[Page 257]] Beauty Shop (95-1, H. Res. 1000), the Select Committee on the House Recording Studio (Pub. L. 84-624), the Select Committee on the House Restaurant (95-1, H. Res. 472), and the Select Committee to Regulate Parking on the House Side of the Capitol (95-1, H. Res. 282). Sec. 13 . -- Particular Uses of Select Committees The House has established more than 20 select committees since passage of the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946. The table below identifies some of these committees for purposes of illustration. The table shows these committees by name (or paraphrase thereof), dates of creation and termination, and authority, including legislative authority. With the two exceptions noted--Campaign Expenditures and Small Business--the table excludes those committees existing before 1947 which were subsequently reconstituted. Select Committees------------------------------------------------------------------------ Jurisdiction--Investigative Reporting Committee Authority Authority------------------------------------------------------------------------Aging Established Problems of the older American; To report Jan. 3, 1975; income maintenance, housing, and annually to the 93-2, H. Res. health; welfare programs House; no 988 legislative Terminated Jan. authority 5, 1993, Manual Sec. 784 Astronautics and Space Exploration Established All aspects and problems relating To report to the Mar. 25, 1958; to the exploration of outer space; House, by bill 85-2, H. Res. resources, personnel, equipment, or otherwise 496 and facilities; legislation Terminated July 21, 1958; became standing Committee on Science and Astronautics Assassinations Established Circ*mstances surrounding the death To report to the Sept. 17, of John F. Kennedy and the death House on the 1976; 94-2, H. of Martin Luther King, Jr. result of its Res. 1540 investigation Terminated Jan. (see H. Rept. 3, 1979 95-1828); no legislative authority [[Page 258]] Campaign Expenditures Established May Election disputes; electoral fraud; Reporting 29, 1928; 70- excessive campaign expenditures of authority 1, H. Res. 232 Presidential or congressional varied from Reestablished candidates Congress to by each Congress Congress through 92-2 Chemicals, Pesticides, and Insecticides Affecting Foods Established Chemicals, compounds, and To report to the June 20, 1950; synthetics in the production of House on its 81-2, H. Res. food products; health factors; the investigation 323 agricultural economy; toxic with Terminated Jan. residues; effect on soil and recommendations 3, 1953 vegetation for legislation (see H. Rept. 82-2182); no legislative authority Children, Youth and Families Established Income maintenance; health; To report to the Sept. 29, nutrition; education; welfare; House on the 1982, 97-2, H. employment results of its Res. 421 investigations; Reestablished no legislative by each authority Congress through 102-2. Committees Established Rules X and XI of the rules of the To report to the Jan. 31, 1973; House; committee structure; number House by bill, 93-1, H. Res. and size of committees; resolution, or 132 jurisdiction; committee procedure; otherwise (see Terminated Dec. meetings, staffing, and facilities H. Rept. 96- 20, 1974; 866) reestablished 1979; 96-1, H. Res. 118; records transferred to Committee on Rules, Apr. 1, 1980 [[Page 259]] Communist Aggression Established Seizure of Latvia and Estonia by To report to the July 27, 1953; the U.S.S.R.; treatment of the House on its 83-1, H. Res. Baltic peoples during this period study together 346 with Terminated Dec. recommendations 31, 1954 (see H. Rept. 83-2650); no legislative authority Congressional Operations Established Organization and operation of the To report Mar. 28, 1977; U.S. Congress; cooperation between recommendations 95-1, H. Res. the Houses; relationship with on subjects 420 other branches of government specified (see Terminated Jan. H. Rept. 95- 3, 1979 1843); no legislative authority Congressional Pages Established General welfare and education of To report on the Sept. 30, congressional pages results of its 1964; 88-2, H. investigations Res. 847 (see H. Rept. Terminated Jan. 88-1945); to 4, 1965 make recommendations Covert Arms Transactions with Iran Established Investigation of the ``Iran-Contra To report on the Jan. 7, 1984; affair''; met jointly with Senate results of its 100-1, H. Res. Select Committee investigations 12 (see H. Rept. Terminated Nov. 100-433) 13, 1987 Crime Established May All aspects of crime in the United To report on its 1, 1969; 91-1, States; its elements, causes, and investigation H. Res. 17 extent; reciprocity of with Terminated June information; urban crime recommendations 30, 1973 (see H. Rept. 93-358); no legislative authority [[Page 260]] Energy Established Message of the President dated Apr. To report to the Apr. 21, 1977; 20, 1977, and other communications House by bill 95-1, H. Res. relating thereto; bills or or otherwise 508 resolutions sequentially referred (see H. Rept. Terminated Jan. thereto 95-543) 3, 1979; jurisdiction transferred to Energy and Commerce, 97th Cong. Energy Independence and Global Warming Established To investigate reducing U.S. To report on Mar. 8, 2007; dependence on foreign sources of policies, 110-1, H. Res. energy and reducing activities strategies, and 202 that contribute to climate change new Terminated Jan. and global warming. technologies 3, 2011 related to its investigations Ethics - Standards and Conduct of Members Established Rules or regulations necessary or To make Oct. 19, 1966; desirable to ensure proper recommendations 89-2, H. Res. standards of conduct by Members to the House by 1013 and by officers or employees of report or Terminated Dec. the House; reporting of statutory resolution 27, 1966; violations standing Committee on Standards of Official Conduct (now Ethics) created Apr. 13, 1967 Ethics Established Certain bills and resolutions To report to the Mar. 9, 1977; relating to ethical standards of House on the 95-1, H. Res. Members contained in standing measure 383 rules; regulations relating specified (see Terminated Jan. thereto; advisory opinions H. Rept. 95- 3, 1979 1837); to report regulations; to recommend legislation [[Page 261]] Ethics Established Continue investigation of a Member To resolve the Jan. 7, 1997; by the Committee on Standards of inquiry and 105-1, H. Res. Official Conduct (now Ethics), report to the 5 begun in the prior Congress House (see H. Terminated Jan. Rept. 105-1; H. 21, 1997 Res. 31) Export Controls Established The Export Control Act of 1949; To report on its Sept. 7, 1961; assessment of accomplishments investigation 87-1, H. Res. under that Act; improvements in together with 403 administration and enforcement; any Terminated May congressional oversight recommendations 31, 1962 (see H. Rept. 87-1753); no legislative authority Foreign Aid Established Basic needs of foreign nations and To report to the July 22, 1947; peoples; relief in terms of food House as deemed 80-1, H. Res. and clothing; resources and appropriate; no 296 facilities; agencies legislative Terminated May authority 3, 1948 Government Research Established Research programs of Federal To report its Sept. 11, agencies; expenditures for findings to the 1963; 88-1, H. research programs; costs of House with Res. 504 government research recommended Terminated Jan. legislation 3, 1965 (see H. Rept. 88-1143) Homeland Security Established Develop recommendations on such To report its June 19, 2002; matters that relate to the recommendation 107-2, H. Res. establishment of a department of to the House on 449 homeland security as may be a bill Terminated referred to it by the Speaker and establishing a after final on recommendations submitted to it department of disposition of by standing committees to which homeland specified bill the Speaker referred a bill security (see (Nov. 25, establishing such department H. Rept. 107- 2002) 609) [[Page 262]] Homeland Security Established Develop recommendations on such To report its Jan. 7, 2003; matters that relate to the recommendations 108-1, H. Res. Homeland Security Act of 2002 as to the House by 5 may be referred to it by the bill or Terminated Jan. Speaker; to conduct oversight of otherwise on 3, 2005 laws, programs, and Government matters activities relating to homeland referred to it security; to conduct a study of by the Speaker; the operation and implementation to report its of the rules of the House, recommendations including rule X, with respect to on changes to homeland security House rules to the Committee on Rules Hunger Established International programs; world food To conduct Feb. 22, 1984; security; malnutrition; food studies and 98-2, H. Res. production and distribution; make 15 agribusiness role recommendations Reestablished about possible each Congress legislation through 102-2; Reestablishmen t rejected Feb. 4, 1993; 103-1, H. Res. 18 Hurricane Katrina Established The local, State, and Federal To conduct an Sept. 15, preparation for, and response to, investigation 2005; 109-1, Hurricane Katrina and report its H. Res. 437 findings to the Terminated Mar. House by Feb. 16, 2006 15, 2006 Intelligence Established Proposals concerning the To report to the Feb. 19, 1975; intelligence and intelligence- House on the 94-1, H. Res. related programs and activities of nature and 138 the U.S. Government; oversight; extent of Terminated Feb. proposed legislation and other intelligence 11, 1976; matters relating to the CIA activities of became U.S. permanent departments and select agencies by committee, legislation or July 14, 1977, otherwise (see H. Res. 658 H. Rept. 94- (clause 11 of 833) rule X; Manual Sec. 785) [[Page 263]] Katyn Forest Massacre Established The massacre of thousands of Polish To report to the Sept. 18, officers in the Katyn Forest in House on 1951; 82-1, H. territory then under the control completion of Res. 390 of the U.S.S.R. its hearings Terminated Dec. (see H. Rept. 22, 1952 82-2505); no legislative authority Lobbying Activities Established Lobbying activities intended to To submit Aug. 12, 1949; influence legislation; activities reports on the 81-1, H. Res. of Federal agencies intended to results of its 298 influence legislation study (see H. Terminated end Rept. 81-3239); of the 81st no legislative Cong. authority Narcotics Abuse and Control Established International traffic in narcotics; To report to the July 29, 1976; prevention; enforcement; organized House on its 94-2, H. Res. crime; drug abuse; treatment; investigations; 1350 rehabilitation no legislative Reestablished authority each Congress through 102-2 Newsprint Established Need for adequate supplies of To submit Feb. 26, 1947; newsprint and related products; reports with 80-1, H. Res. production possibilities and recommendations 58 prospects (see H. Rept. Terminated Dec. 80-2471); no 31, 1948 legislative authority Offensive and Undesirable Literature Established May The extent to which books, To report to the 12, 1952; 82- magazines, and comic books contain House with 2, H. Res. 596 immoral, obscene, or otherwise recommendations Terminated Dec. offensive matter; availability , including 31, 1952 through the U.S. mails; adequacy recommendations of existing laws for legislation (see H. Rept. 82-2510); no legislative authority [[Page 264]] Outer Continental Shelf Established A bill relating to the management To report the Apr. 12, 1975; of oil and natural gas in the bill and other 94-1, H. Res. Outer Continental Shelf; marine legislation 412 and coastal environments; certain referred to it; Terminated Jan. related matters on this subject on transmit its 3, 1979; referral to it by the Speaker findings and succeeded by make a full another select report to the committee on House (see H. the same Rept. 96-1214) subject (96-1, H. Res. 53), which terminated July 31, 1980 Population Established Causes of changing population To report on the Sept. 28, conditions; population results of its 1977; 95-1, H. characteristics relative to investigation Res. 70 limited resources; population (see H. Rept. Terminated end planning; global population- 95-1842); no of the 95th related issues legislative Cong. authority Professional Sports Established May Need for legislation with respect To report to the 18, 1976; 94- to professional sports House on the 2, H. Res. results of its 1186 inquiry (see H. Terminated Jan. Rept. 94-1786); 3, 1977 no legislative authority Right of Member To Be Sworn In Established The right of Adam Clayton Powell To report to the Jan. 10, 1967; (N.Y.) to be sworn in in the 90th House within 90-1, H. Res. Congress and to a seat therein five weeks (see 1 H. Rept. 90- Terminated Feb. 27); no 23, 1967 legislative authority [[Page 265]] Small Business Established Assistance to small business; small Reported to the Dec. 4, 1941; business protection; financial House on 77-1, H. Res. aid; small business participation results of its 294 in Federal procurement investigations; Reestablished no legislative each Congress authority until 1970; before becoming became a a standing standing committee committee 1975; 94-1, H. Res. 988; clause 1 of rule X; Manual Sec. 736 Survivors' Benefits Established Benefits provided under Federal law To prepare such Aug. 4, 1954; for dependents of deceased members legislation; to 83-2, H. Res. and former members of the armed report on the 549 forces results of its Terminated Jan. investigation 15, 1956 (see H. Rept. 83-9282) Tax-exempt Foundations and Organizations Established Educational and philanthropic To report to the Apr. 4, 1952; foundations and related House on the 82-2, H. Res. organizations exempt from Federal results of its 561 income taxation; use of investigation Terminated Dec. foundations (see H. Rept. 16, 1954 82-2681); no legislative authority Transactions on Commodity Exchanges Established Purchases and sales of commodities; To report to the Dec. 18, 1947; commodities for future delivery; House on 80-1, H. Res. activities of Federal agencies and completion of 404 individuals therein as affecting its Terminated Dec. the price of commodities investigation 31, 1948 (see H. Rept. 80-2472); no legislative authority U.S. Military Involvement in Southeast Asia Established All aspects of U.S. military To report on its June 8, 1970; involvement in Southeast Asia investigation 91-2, H. Res. (see H. Rept. 976 91-1276); no Terminated July legislative 6, 1970 authority [[Page 266]] U.S. National Security and Military/ Commercial Concerns with China Established Investigate technology transfers to To report on its June 18, 1998; China; successor select committee investigation 105-2, H. Res. assigned to produce unclassified (see H. Rept. 463; version of report filed by 105-851) reestablished predecessor committee (declassified, Jan. 6, 1999, in part, 106-1, H. Res. pursuant to H. 5; extended Res. 5 (106- Mar. 24, Apr. 1)); no 29, May 13, legislative 1999, 106-1, authority H. Res. 129, H. Res. 153, H. Res. 170 (respectively) Terminated May 31, 1999 U.S. Servicemen Missing in Action in Southeast Asia Established U.S. servicemen identified as To report to the Sept. 11, missing in action; recovery of House on its 1975; 94-1, H. bodies of known dead; investigation Res. 335 international inspection teams (see H. Rept. Terminated Mar. 94-1764); no 13, 1977 legislative authority Voting Irregularities of Aug. 2, 2007 Established The circ*mstances surrounding a To conduct an Aug. 3, 2007; vote on Aug. 2, 2007 investigation 110-1, H. Res. and produce an 611 interim report Terminated Jan. by Sept. 30, 3, 2009 2007, and a final report by Sept. 15, 2008 White County Bridge Commission Established May Financial position of the White To report to the 25, 1955; 84- County Bridge Commission; monies House with 1, H. Res. 244 received and expenditures made; recommendations Terminated Apr. anticipated toll-free use (see H. Rept. 25, 1956 84-2052); no legislative authority [[Page 267]] World War II Veterans Established Abuses in education, training and To report on the Aug. 28, 1950; loan guarantee programs of World results of its 81-2, H. Res. War II veterans investigation 474 (see H. Rept. Terminated Feb. 2501); no 2, 1951 legislative authority------------------------------------------------------------------------ Sec. 14 . Joint Committees Generally Joint committees are composed of Members from both Houses. Jefferson noted that joint committees were used by the two Houses of the English Parliament. Manual Sec. 325. Since the First Congress, a joint committee has been used to make arrangements for the inauguration of the President and Vice President. Manual Sec. 1112; 3 Hinds Sec. 1986. The early congresses formed joint standing committees on the Library and Printing, which exist to this day. Manual Sec. Sec. 1110, 1111; 4 Hinds Sec. Sec. 4337, 4347. For a current list of joint committees, see Manual Sec. Sec. 1108-1112. Joint committees, or committees of the House and Senate acting jointly, have been used to investigate problems relating to immigration (4 Hinds Sec. 4415), to resolve a dispute relating to the electoral count (3 Hinds Sec. 1953), and to investigate the revision and codification of the laws (4 Hinds Sec. 4410). Jurisdiction, Functions, and Duties Joint committees are used for study and investigation, supervision and oversight, and sometimes for purely ceremonial activities. Joint committees generally function in areas beyond the jurisdiction of any particular committee of either House. Deschler Ch 17 Sec. 7. Joint committees may report to both Houses if so directed (4 Hinds Sec. Sec. 4421, 4422), or to either House (4 Hinds Sec. 4432; 7 Cannon Sec. 2167). A joint committee created by concurrent resolution may be instructed by the two Houses acting concurrently or, if so authorized, by either House acting independently. 4 Hinds Sec. 4421. However, a joint committee created by statute is not susceptible to control by one House; and its duties may not be enlarged or diminished by either House acting independently. 7 Cannon Sec. 2164. A joint committee created by concurrent resolution must be reestablished by a subsequent Congress.[[Page 268]] Composition; Voting Recent joint committees have featured an equal number of Members from both Houses, with the chair alternating between the House and Senate, and with each member having one vote. Deschler Ch 17 Sec. 7. The table below shows the major joint committees that were established during the post-1946 era, their composition, and their jurisdiction and functions: Joint Committees------------------------------------------------------------------------ Committees Jurisdiction and Functions------------------------------------------------------------------------Atomic Energy Development, use, and control of Established 1946; 42 USC Sec. atomic energy; to report legislation 2251 and make recommendations within its House members: 9 jurisdiction; legislative Senate members: 9 jurisdiction abolished 1977; 95-1, Terminated Jan. 4, 1977 H. Res. 5 Congressional Operations Identification of court proceedings Established 1970; 2 USC Sec. affecting Congress; organization and Sec. 411-417 operation of the Congress; House members: 5 supervision of the Office of Senate members: 5 Placement and Management; no Inactive since 94th Cong.; legislative jurisdiction Select Committee on Congressional Operations created, 95-1, H. Res. 420 Defense Production Review of programs established by the Established 1950; 50 USC App Defense Production Act of 1950; Sec. 2161 Federal emergency preparedness and House members: 5 mobilization policy; integrity of Senate members: 5 defense contracts and the Terminated Mar. 1, 1992; no procurement process; to report to appointments after Sept. 30, the House and Senate on its studies, 1978 with recommendations Deficit Reduction Report recommendations to Congress to Established 2011; Pub. L. 112- reduce the deficit by at least $1.5 25 trillion over the period of fiscal House members: 6 years 2012 to 2021 Senate members: 6 Terminated Jan. 31, 2012 [[Page 269]] Economic Economic Report by the President; Established 1946; 15 USC Sec. means of promoting national policy 1021 on employment; short-term and medium- House members: 10 term economic goals; to report to Senate members: 10 the House and Senate (by March 1) (Manual Sec. 1108) and to each Budget Committee (by March 15) Housing Housing needs in U.S.; building Established 1947; H. Con. Res. material shortages; building costs; 104 building codes and zoning laws; House members: 7 housing loans and insurance; Senate members: 7 veterans' preferences; findings to Terminated 80th Cong. be reported to the House and Senate Inaugural Ceremonies The necessary arrangements for the Established 1789; reestablished inauguration of the President-elect every other Congress by and the Vice President-elect concurrent resolution House members: 3 Senate members: 3 Internal Revenue Taxation Operation and effects of Federal Established 1926; 26 USC Sec. system of internal revenue taxation; 8002 to report to the Committee on Ways House members: 5 and Means, and, in its discretion, Senate members: 5 directly to the House (Manual Sec. 1109) Library Management and expansion of the Established 1806; 2 USC Sec. Library of Congress; rules and 132b regulations for the government of House members: 5 the Library; development of Botanic Senate members: 5 Garden; gifts for the benefit of the (Manual Sec. 1110) Library; statues and other works of art in the Capitol Organization of Congress Organization and operation of Two separate joint committees Congress; relationship between the Established 1965; S. Con. Res. two Houses and between the Congress 2 and other branches of government; Established 1992; H. Con. Res. committees; to report to the House 192; (Reestablished Pub. L. 102- and Senate 392) House members: 12 Senate members: 12 Terminated Dec. 31, 1967 Terminated Dec. 31, 1993 [[Page 270]] Printing Inefficiencies or waste in the Established 1846; 44 USC Sec. printing, binding, and distribution 901 of government publications; House members: 5 arrangement and style of the Senate members: 5 Congressional Record; printing of (Manual Sec. 1111) the legislative program for each day; listing of committee meetings and hearings Washington Metropolitan Problems Growth and expansion of the District Established 1957; H. Con. Res. of Columbia and its metropolitan 172 area; effectiveness of agencies and House members: 3 instrumentalities concerned Senate members: 3 therewith; to report to the House Terminated 86th Cong. and Senate------------------------------------------------------------------------ D. Procedure in Committees Sec. 15 . Committee Rules; Applicable House Rules Generally House committees are required to follow the procedures prescribed by the rules of the House ``so far as applicable.'' Clause 1(a) of rule XI; Manual Sec. 787. They are also bound by those provisions of Jefferson's Manual that are consistent with the rules of the House. Manual Sec. Sec. 792, 1105. Finally, they are bound by their written rules which are adopted by each standing committee under clause 2(a) of rule XI. Manual Sec. 791. Committee rules must be published in the Congressional Record and made publicly available in electronic form within 30 days after the chair of the committee is elected and are compiled by the Committee on Rules each Congress as a committee print. Manual Sec. 791. If a committee meets pursuant to a rule which has not been published, the proceedings may be held insufficient to support a perjury conviction for alleged false testimony given to that committee. United States v. Reinecke, 524 F.2d 435 (D.C. Cir. 1975). Clause 1(a)(2) of rule XI states that each subcommittee of a committee is a part of that committee and subject to its authority, direction, and rules. However, clause 2 of rule XI grants certain authorities specifically to subcommittees, such as authorizing and issuing subpoenas. See, e.g., clause 2(m) of rule XI.[[Page 271]] Points of Order A point of order does not ordinarily lie in the House against consideration of a bill by reason of defective committee procedures occurring before the time the bill is ordered reported to the House. Manual Sec. 792. Thus, a point of order that a measure was ordered reported in violation of a committee rule requiring advance notice of the committee meeting will not lie in the House--the interpretation of committee rules being within the cognizance of the committee and not the House. Manual Sec. 791. On the other hand, if a committee procedure directly violates a rule of the House, or if a rule specifically permits, a point of order may be raised in the House, which may result in the recommittal of the bill. Manual Sec. Sec. 792, 799. For example, a point of order against a measure on the ground that the hearings on such measure were not properly conducted as required by the rules may be raised in the House by a committee member if the point of order was timely made and improperly overruled or not properly considered in committee. Clause 2(g)(6) of rule XI. A deficiency in a committee report may be the subject of a point of order in the House. Manual Sec. Sec. 837-849. A committee report that erroneously reflects the information required under clause 3 of rule XIII--for example, that committee reports reflect the total number of votes cast for and against any public measure or matter and any amendment thereto and the names of those voting for and against-- may be subject to a point of order. Manual Sec. 839. This error may be corrected by a supplemental report that need not be separately available for three days. Manual Sec. 838. Sec. 16 . Records, Files, and Transcripts; Disclosure and Disposition; Member Access Generally; Voting Records Each committee must keep a complete record of all committee action. Manual Sec. 794. A meeting or hearing transcript (if made) must include, under clause 2(e)(1) of rule XI, a substantially verbatim account of remarks actually made. All committee records and files must be kept separate from the office records of the member serving as chair. Manual Sec. 796. The text of any amendment adopted in committee must be made publicly available in electronic form no later than 24 hours after adoption. Manual Sec. 796. The record of committee action must include the votes on any question on which a roll call vote is demanded, and the result of each such vote must be made available by the committee for inspection by the public and made publicly available in electronic form. Manual Sec. 795. In addition, committee[[Page 272]] reports must include all record votes on motions to report and on any amendments. Manual Sec. 839. Members' Right of Access; Disclosure Under clause 2(e) of rule XI, the records and files of a committee are considered the property of the House and accessible to all Members of the House. However, clause 2(e) of rule XI includes an exception to that rule for certain records of the Committee on Ethics and clauses 11(c) and 11(g) of rule X include exceptions for the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. On one occasion the House restricted access to executive session material of a committee, notwithstanding clause 2(e) of rule XI, to members of the committee and to such employees of the committee as were designated by the chair after consultation with the ranking minority member. 105-2, H. Res. 525, Sept. 11, 1998, pp 20020, 20021. Clause 2(e) does not entitle a Member to bring committee materials into the well of the House and does not necessarily apply to records within the possession of the executive branch that members of the committee have been allowed to examine under limited conditions at the discretion of the agency. 96-2, July 31, 1980, p 20765. Furthermore, committees may prescribe regulations to govern the manner of access, such as limiting examination of files to committee rooms or prohibiting the making of photocopies. Manual Sec. 796; 85-1, Aug. 14, 1957, p 14737. Use of Information Obtained in Executive Session Testimony or evidence taken in an executive session of a committee is under the control of and subject to the regulation of the committee and, under clause 2(k) of rule XI, cannot be released or made public without the consent of the committee. Thus, although a Member's right of access under clause 2(e) of rule XI may allow examination of executive session materials in committee rooms, it does not permit copying or taking of personal notes from such materials, keeping such notes in personal office files, or releasing such materials to the public without the consent of the committee or subcommittee. Manual Sec. 796. Evidence or testimony taken in executive session of a committee may later be made public by vote of the committee. Deschler Ch 17 Sec. 22.2. A committee may take such action even with respect to evidence or testimony taken in executive session under clause 2(k)(5) of rule XI that tends to degrade, defame, or incriminate. Deschler Ch 17 Sec. 22.3. A committee may also take such action with respect to threshold discussions held in executive session under clause 2(g)(2)(B) of rule XI to explore whether evidence or testimony should be received in executive session.[[Page 273]] Clause 2(k)(7) of rule XI, which requires a majority of the committee to constitute a quorum for closing a meeting or hearing, also requires a full quorum to release or make public evidence or testimony received in executive session. The chair has no unilateral authority to release such material. Under clause 2(k)(7), executive session material may be released only when authorized by the committee, a majority being present. Manual Sec. 803. Clauses 11(c) and 11(g) of rule XI provide that classified material transmitted by the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence to another committee of the House becomes the executive session material of the recipient committee by virtue of the nature of the material and the injunction of clause 11(g) of rule X, which prohibits disclosure of such information to Members of the House except in a secret session. Clause 3(b)(6) of rule XI prohibits the public disclosure of complaints or information received by the Committee on Ethics except as specifically authorized by that committee in each instance. Under clause 6(b) of rule VIII, minutes or transcripts of executive sessions, or evidence received during such sessions, may not be disclosed or copied in response to a subpoena. A subpoena duces tecum requesting production of executive session records of a committee from a prior Congress may be laid before the House pending a determination as to its propriety. 97-1, Apr. 28, 1981, p 7603. Disposition of Committee Records The House may adopt a resolution providing for the disposition of the records and files of a select or other committee. On one occasion, the House required that the files of a select committee be held intact and turned over to a newly created committee with similar jurisdiction. Deschler Ch 17 Sec. 19.3. On another occasion, the House gave a select committee the authority to dispose of its records consistent with the rules and laws concerning classified information. 106-1, sec. 2(f)(3), H. Res. 5, Jan. 6, 1999, p 76. Pursuant to that authority the select committee transferred its records to the Clerk and instructed the Clerk to grant access to those records only with the approval of the chair and ranking minority member of the former select committee (so long as each remains a Member) and, thereafter, with the approval of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. Manual Sec. 1112a. In the absence of specific disposition by the House, clause 1 of rule VII requires the chair of each committee to deliver to the Clerk all noncurrent records of the committee. Manual Sec. 695. Clause 3 of rule VII outlines the procedures for the public release of noncurrent records.[[Page 274]] Reference in Debate to Transcripts or Minutes Under early decisions of the House, it was not in order in debate to refer to the proceedings of a committee except as had been formally reported to the House. 5 Hinds Sec. Sec. 5080-5083; 8 Cannon Sec. Sec. 2485-2493; Deschler Ch 17 Sec. Sec. 20.1, 20.2. The rationale for the early decisions was to protect the confidentiality and independence of committee proceedings and to permit flexibility and compromise in committee deliberations. 8 Cannon Sec. 2491. Today, however, the rules require that committee meetings be open to the public unless properly closed by vote of the committee. Committee proceedings are widely available on television and by other means. These considerations mitigate against the application of the rule of nondisclosure to meetings and hearings which are open to the public. Manual Sec. 360; Deschler Ch 17 Sec. 20.1. On the other hand, it is clear that the rule protecting committee proceedings from disclosure in House debate is applicable to executive session proceedings. 8 Cannon Sec. 2493; Deschler Ch 17 Sec. 20. Thus, it has been held not in order in debate in the House to refer to or quote from the minutes of an executive session of a committee, unless the committee has voted to make such proceedings public. Manual Sec. 319. The precedents clearly prevent reference in debate to committee actions which impugn the motives of committee members, whether or not by name. Deschler- Brown Ch 29 Sec. 54.3. Sec. 17 . Meetings Regular Meetings; Calling Additional Meetings Standing committees must fix regular meeting days. Manual Sec. 793. These meeting days may be on a weekly, biweekly, or monthly basis but must be at least once a month. Clause 2(b) of rule XI; Manual Sec. 407. Additional meetings may be called by the chair as deemed necessary, and a mechanism exists that allows a majority of the committee to require that a special meeting be held to consider a particular measure or matter. Manual Sec. 793. Pursuant to clause 3(g) of rule XI, a committee meeting may not commence until the third day on which members have notice thereof, and text of the legislation to be marked up must be available to members in electronic form 24 hours prior to the commencement of the meeting. Where a committee has a fixed date to meet, a quorum of the committee may convene on that date without call of the chair and transact business regardless of the chair's absence. Clause 2(d) of rule XI; 8 Cannon Sec. 2214. In the absence of the chair or vice chair designated by the chair, the ranking majority member who is present presides at the meeting. Clause 2(d) of rule XI.[[Page 275]] Sec. 18 . -- Consideration and Debate; Voting Generally; Motion Practice Committees generally conduct their business under the five-minute rule and may employ the ordinary motions and procedures which are in order in the House under clause 4 of rule XVI, as well as those procedures which are in order in the House as in the Committee of the Whole. Manual Sec. Sec. 424, 427, 792, 911. These include:  The reading for amendment by section as in the Committee of the Whole and the reading of the measure and amendments thereto in full. Manual Sec. 792.  Dispensing with the first reading (in full) of a bill or resolution if printed copies are available. Clause 1(a)(2)(A)(ii) of rule XI.  Limiting the time for debate and the motion to limit debate under the five-minute rule. Manual Sec. 792; 4 Hinds Sec. 4573.  The motion for the previous question. Manual Sec. 994.  Voting by the yeas and nays. 4 Hinds Sec. 4572.  The motion to refer. Manual Sec. 916.  The motion to lay on the table, but tabling an amendment also carries the bill to the table. 3 Hinds Sec. 1737; 4 Hinds Sec. 4568.  The motion to reconsider. 4 Hinds Sec. Sec. 4570, 4571.  The taking of an appeal from a decision of the Chair. 4 Hinds Sec. 4569.  The motion to recess from day to day or subject to the call of the Chair (within 24 hours). Manual Sec. 787. A proposed investigative or oversight report shall be considered as read in committee if it has been available to the members for at least 24 hours (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, or legal holidays except when the House is in session on such a day). Clause 1(b)(2) of rule XI. Proxy Voting Proxy voting in committees, once permitted under certain conditions, was banned beginning in the 104th Congress under clause 2(f) of rule XI. Manual Sec. 797. Postponed Votes In the 108th Congress, clause 2(h) of rule XI was amended to permit each committee to adopt a rule authorizing the chair of a committee or subcommittee to postpone a record vote on the question of approving a measure or matter or on adopting an amendment. Proceedings may be resumed on a postponed question at any time after reasonable notice. A committee rule permitting such postponed votes must provide that when proceedings resume on a postponed question, notwithstanding any intervening order for the pre[[Page 276]] vious question, the underlying proposition must remain subject to further debate or amendment to the same extent as when the question was postponed. Sec. 19 . Hearings Generally; Uses of Hearings The three most common uses of hearings held by the committees of the House are: (1) to consider the enactment of a measure into law and to provide a forum where information and opinions on the measure can be presented; (2) to inform the House as to activities that may call for legislation; and (3) to invoke the investigative powers of the House as overseer of Federal programs and operations. Hearings have included such publicized investigations as the Credit Mobilier Corporation bribery charge investigation of 1872 (2 Hinds Sec. 1286), the Un-American activities investigations beginning in the 1930's (Deschler Ch 15 Sec. 1.32), the investigation of covert arms transactions with Iran in 1988 (100-1, H. Res. 12, Jan. 7, 1987, p 821), the investigation of political fundraising improprieties (105- 1, H. Res. 167, June 20, 1997, p 11677), and the investigation of whether the impeachment of President Clinton was warranted (105-2, H. Res. 581, Oct. 8, 1998, p 24679). Announcement of Hearings A chair must announce a hearing at least one week in advance, although the chair and ranking minority member acting jointly, or the committee by majority vote with a business quorum present, may determine that there is good cause to begin the hearing sooner. In such a case the chair must make the announcement at the earliest possible date. The announcement must be published in the Daily Digest and made publicly available in electronic form. Manual Sec. 798. The Committee on Rules is exempted from this requirement. Sec. 20 . Hearings and Meetings as Open or Closed Generally All committee or subcommittee meetings and hearings must be open to the public, including the media, unless the committee, in open session with a majority present, votes to close all or part of the remainder of the meeting or hearing on that day for one of the permissible reasons stated in the rule. Clause 2(g) of rule XI; see also clause 2(k)(5) of rule XI. Permissible reasons include national security, the compromise of sensitive law enforcement information, violation of a law or rule of the House, or a situation where testimony might incriminate, defame, or degrade a person.[[Page 277]] Only members of the committee and such noncommittee Members, staff, and departmental representatives as the committee may authorize may be present at a meeting held in executive session. Clause 2(g)(1) of rule XI. A committee or subcommittee may not exclude noncommittee Members from nonparticipatory attendance at a hearing unless so authorized by the House. Clause 2(g)(2) of rule XI. A motion to close a committee meeting or hearing, like the motion for a secret session in the House, is not debatable. Manual Sec. 969. Under rule XI clause 2(g)(2)(D), all committees may vote to close a hearing for one additional day. The Committees on Appropriations and Armed Services and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence may close a hearing for up to five additional, consecutive days. Manual Sec. 798. Evidence or Testimony Tending to Defame, Degrade, or Incriminate Clause 2(k)(5) of rule XI requires certain procedural steps whenever a member of the committee asserts that evidence or testimony before a committee hearing may tend to defame, degrade, or incriminate any person. Witnesses also may make such assertions with respect to themselves. Manual Sec. Sec. 798, 803. A majority of those present may vote to (1) receive the evidence or testimony in executive session under clause 2(k)(5) or (2) go into executive session under clause 2(g)(2)(B) of rule XI to hold threshold discussions to explore whether the evidence or testimony may tend to defame, degrade, or incriminate. To continue the hearing in open session, a majority quorum of the committee or subcommittee must be present to entertain a motion that the evidence or testimony is in fact not defamatory, incriminating, or degrading and the committee should proceed in open session. Such a motion requires a majority for adoption. An opportunity to appear voluntarily must be afforded to the witness in either case. Manual Sec. 803. A point of order may be raised against a privileged report of a committee relating to the contemptuous refusal of a witness to testify on the ground that the committee had violated clause 2(k)(5) of rule XI. Deschler Ch 15 Sec. 15. If a witness appears in response to a subpoena and, when called, properly asserts grounds for an executive session, the committee must determine whether the testimony will tend to defame, degrade, or incriminate, even though the witness may have ignored a previous opportunity to appear voluntarily to testify. However, the proper assertion must be made by the witness to the committee. If the witness leaves the hearing room without making any statement other than a refusal to testify, the committee is not obligated to go into executive session, because the proceedings have not reached the point where the witness has demanded that the committee determine whether the testimony would tend to degrade, defame, or incriminate.[[Page 278]] The determination that evidence or testimony may tend to degrade, defame, or incriminate lies with the committee and not with the witness. Deschler Ch 15 Sec. 15. Sec. 21 . Quorum Requirements Generally Historically, a majority of a committee constituted a quorum for the transaction of business. Manual Sec. 409; 4 Hinds Sec. Sec. 4540, 4552. Under current clause 2(h) of rule XI, committees may fix the quorum required for the taking of testimony at a hearing to not less than two and (except for Appropriations, Budget, and Ways and Means) may fix the quorum for the conduct of business, other than actions for which a majority of the committee is required, at not less than one- third. Minimum quorum requirements for committees and subcommittees of the House are as follows: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Minimum Quorum Clause 2 of Rule XI------------------------------------------------------------------------ To report a measure A majority of the (h)(1) or recommendation committee, ``actually Manual Sec. 799 present'' To report contempt A majority of the (h)(1) committee Manual Sec. 799 To authorize and A majority of the (m)(2) issue a subpoena committee Manual Sec. 805 To close a meeting or A majority of the (g)(1), (2) hearing committee Manual Sec. 798 To make public A majority of the (k)(7) evidence taken in committee Manual Sec. 803 executive session To immunize a witness A majority of the 18 USC Sec. committee 6005 To take evidence or A majority of the (k)(5) testimony in open committee Manual Sec. 803 session after assertion that it defames, degrades or incriminates [[Page 279]] To take testimony or Two members (h)(2) receive evidence at Manual Sec. 800 hearing To close a hearing Two members (k)(5) where assertion of Manual Sec. 803 defamatory testimony or evidence is made To take any other One-third of membership (h)(3) action Manual Sec. 800------------------------------------------------------------------------ Sec. 22 . -- In Ordering a Report to the House Generally A standing committee cannot validly report a measure unless the report has been authorized at a formal meeting of the committee with a quorum present. Clause 2(h) of rule XI; Manual Sec. 799; 8 Cannon Sec. Sec. 2220-2222; Deschler Ch 17 Sec. 23.2. A point of order of no quorum may provoke a quorum call to obtain the presence of a majority of the committee in the committee room. Manual Sec. 799. Contemporaneous Meeting The report is not valid unless authorized with a quorum of the committee actually present at the time the vote is taken. Manual Sec. 799. This rule is derived from Jefferson's Manual, which states that a committee may act only when together--``nothing being the report of the committee but what has been agreed to in committee actually assembled.'' Manual Sec. 407. This requirement means that a majority must be contemporaneously assembled when the question is put or at some point while the vote is taken. Although Speakers have indicated that committee members may come and go during the course of the vote if the roll call indicates that a quorum was present, where it is admitted that a quorum was not in the room at any time during the vote and the committee transcript does not show a quorum acting as a quorum, the Chair will sustain the point of order against the measure when called up in the House. 8 Cannon Sec. Sec. 2212, 2222. A poll of committee members by telephone will not suffice. Deschler Ch 17 Sec. 23.2.[[Page 280]] Obsolete ``Rolling Quorum'' In the 103d Congress the rules were amended to permit a ``rolling quorum'' by allowing a majority to be deemed present if the committee records showed that a majority responded on a roll call vote on the motion to report in question. 103-1, H. Res. 5, Jan. 5, 1993, p 49. This language was deleted in the 104th Congress, thus restoring the previous requirement that a ``majority of the committee be actually present'' at the time a measure is ordered reported. Unlike a House floor vote, during which Members may come and go during the course of a vote, the committee quorum rule, absent the old ``rolling quorum'' latitude, means a committee cannot simply leave a vote open until a sufficient number of Members have responded to their names. Sec. 23 . -- Points of Order Based on Reporting Requirements Generally Unless a point of order is raised, the House assumes that reports from committees are authorized with a quorum present. Deschler Ch 17 Sec. 23. Quorum issues raised by a point of order are often determined on the basis of information in the report or supplied by the chair of the committee in question, and the Speaker may question the chair as to the circ*mstances of the meeting and the number of committee members present at that meeting. Manual Sec. 799; Deschler Ch 17 Sec. 23.5. Where the chair admits that the bill was reported when a quorum was not present, the point of order against the bill on that ground will be sustained. Deschler Ch 17 Sec. 25.2. If the point of order is sustained, the bill is automatically recommitted. Deschler Ch 17 Sec. Sec. 23.2, 25.2. Where a bill is being considered under suspension of the rules, a point of order will not lie against the bill on the ground that a quorum was not present when the bill was reported from committee. Deschler Ch 17 Sec. 24.8. The absence of a quorum at the time a ``clean'' bill is ordered reported gives rise to a point of order on the House floor, even though the chair had been previously instructed by the committee to report the bill. Cf. Deschler Ch 17 Sec. 23.6. Timeliness A point of order that a bill was reported from a committee in the absence of a quorum is properly raised in the House when the bill is called up for consideration or pending the Speaker's declaration, or a vote on a motion, that the House resolve itself into the Committee of the Whole for the consideration of the bill. Deschler Ch 17 Sec. Sec. 24.2, 24.4; 101-1, May 16,[[Page 281]] 1989, p 9356. It has been ruled that such a point of order comes too late if raised:  After consideration of the bill has begun in the House. 8 Cannon Sec. 2223.  After the House has resolved into the Committee of the Whole for the consideration of the measure. Deschler Ch 17 Sec. 24.5.  After debate on the measure has started in the House. Deschler Ch 17 Sec. 24.6.  After adoption of the measure. Deschler Ch 17 Sec. 24.7. The point of order is premature and will not be entertained:  Where a resolution providing for the consideration of the bill is before the House. Deschler Ch 17 Sec. 24.2.  Pending a unanimous-consent request to consider the measure otherwise not privileged for consideration. 90-2, Oct. 11, 1968, p 30751. Clause 2(g)(6)(B) of rule XI precludes a point of order against consideration of a reported measure, on the ground that hearings on such measure were conducted without a proper quorum, unless that point was timely made and improperly disposed of in committee. Sec. 24 . Witnesses Summoning Witnesses; Subpoenas Witnesses are summoned before a committee pursuant to authority conferred on it by the House to send for persons or papers. 3 Hinds Sec. 1750. Clause 2(m) of rule XI permits committees and subcommittees to issue a subpoena when authorized by a majority of the members voting, a majority being present. This authority does not extend to other subunits of a committee such as ``task forces.'' Full-committee chairs may authorize and issue subpoenas when that authority is delegated by the full committee, either on an ad hoc basis or by committee rule. Such subpoenas must be signed by the chair of the committee or by a member designated by the committee. Subpoenas issued to persons are returnable at the committee or subcommittee. A subpoena duces tecum, one that commands the production of documents, may specify terms of return other than at a meeting or a hearing. Clause 2(m)(3)(C) of rule XI. Clause 2(k)(5) of rule XI requires committees and subcommittees to afford any person who may be defamed, degraded, or incriminated by testimony or evidence the opportunity to voluntarily appear as a witness. That clause and clause 2(k)(6) also require committees and subcommittees to dispose of requests from such person, or requests made by committee members during hearings, to subpoena additional witnesses. Such interlocutory re[[Page 282]] quests can cover the full range of persons and papers for which subpoenas may be authorized under clause 2(m). Under clause 2(m) of rule XI, compliance with a committee subpoena may be enforced only as authorized by the House. This clause has been interpreted to require authorization by the full House before a subcommittee chair may intervene in a lawsuit in order to gain access to documents subpoenaed by the subcommittee. In re Beef Industry Antitrust Litigation, 589 F.2d 786 (5th Cir. 1979); see also Contempt. Clause 2(m) does not authorize a committee to conduct a deposition or interrogatory before one member or before staff of the committee. Except in the case of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform under clause 4(c) of rule X, such authority must be conferred by separate action of the House. Manual Sec. Sec. 800, 805. Interrogation of Witnesses Under clause 2(j)(2)(A) of rule XI, questioning of a witness appearing before a committee proceeds under the five-minute rule. Each member must be given an opportunity to question a witness for five minutes. Where more than one witness testifies in a ``panel,'' each member is permitted to question each witness in the panel for five minutes. Clauses 2(j)(2)(B) and 2(j)(2)(C) enable committees to permit extended examinations of witnesses for 30 additional minutes by designated members, or by staff, of each party. Witnesses Called by the Minority Under clause 2(j)(1) of rule XI, whenever a hearing is conducted by a committee on a measure or matter, the minority members on the committee have the right to call witnesses of their own choosing to testify on that measure or matter of a hearing for one day. Such a request must be supported by a majority of the minority members and submitted to the chair before completion of the hearing. The chair may set the day under a reasonable schedule. Manual Sec. 802. Perjury It is a felony to give perjurious testimony before a congressional committee. 18 USC Sec. 1621. It is a felony to make false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements before any department or agency of the United States, including congressional committees. 18 USC Sec. 1001. However, the courts have ruled that the facts sought must be in aid of the committee's legislative purpose. The committee may recall a witness for additional testimony on a point already testified to, or question such witness about a prior denial, or address questions which are not clearly in aid of legislation, but a perjury indictment may not be found on false testimony in response to questions which are not[[Page 283]] asked for the purpose of eliciting facts material to the committee's investigation. United States v. Cross, 170 F. Supp. 303 (D.D.C. 1959). A quorum of a committee must be present when testimony is given to support a charge of perjury. Manual Sec. Sec. 343, 409, 803; Christoffel v. United States, 338 U.S. 84 (1949). The absence of a quorum of a committee at the time a witness willfully fails to produce subpoenaed documents is not a valid defense in a prosecution for contempt where the witness failed to raise that objection before the committee. United States v. Bryan, 339 U.S. 323 (1950); United States v. Fleischman, 339 U.S. 349 (1950). Use of Written Statements Under clause 2(g)(5) of rule XI, committees are encouraged to require each prospective witness to file a written statement of proposed testimony in advance and limit oral presentation to a summary thereof. The committees also must require, to the greatest extent practicable, nongovernmental witnesses who submit written statements to submit with such statement curriculum vitae and disclosures of Federal grants or contracts received over the previous three years. Under clause 2(k)(8) of rule XI witnesses are permitted, at the discretion of the committee, to submit brief, sworn statements in writing for inclusion in the committee record. Subpoena Duces Tecum Under clause 2(m)(3)(B) of rule XI, a subpoena for documents may specify terms of return other than at a meeting or hearing of the committee or subcommittee authorizing the subpoena, such as at committee offices. Witness Fees Clause 5 of rule XI authorizes the Committee on House Administration to establish the per diem and travel rates of reimbursem*nt of witnesses. Some committees, in their rules, prescribe procedures for disbursing such fees, such as the signing of appropriate vouchers. Sec. 25 . -- Rights or Privileges of Witnesses Generally; Under the Constitution Committee investigations must be conducted in accordance with the Constitution, particularly the first, fourth, and fifth amendments. Witnesses appearing at hearings cannot be compelled to give evidence or testimony against themselves, cannot be subjected to unreasonable search and seizure, and cannot have their first amendment freedoms of speech, press, religion, or political belief and association abridged. Watkins v. United States, 354 U.S. 178 (1957).[[Page 284]] The Privilege Against Self-incrimination The privilege against self-incrimination may be invoked by a person subpoenaed to testify or produce materials before a House committee notwithstanding the fact that a congressional investigation is not a ``criminal case'' in the conventional sense. 3 Hinds Sec. Sec. 1699, 2514. The assertion of the privilege against self- incrimination need take no particular form, provided the committee can reasonably be expected to understand it as an attempt to invoke the privilege. Quinn v. United States, 349 U.S. 155 (1955). At the same time, a witness may waive the privilege by failing to assert it, expressly disclaiming it, or testifying on the same matters concerning which the privilege is later claimed. Deschler Ch 15 Sec. 9. Thus, after testifying to an incriminating fact, a witness may not refuse to answer more questions on the same subject on the ground that such answers would further incriminate. Rogers v. United States, 340 U.S. 367 (1951). Immunity Procedures A witness who refuses to testify before a congressional committee on the basis of the privilege against self-incrimination may be granted immunity by court order and, under certain conditions, compelled to testify or provide information to the committee. 18 USC Sec. Sec. 6002, 6005. Under the statute, the request for the court order must have been approved by two-thirds of the entire membership of the committee. The statute has been upheld as constitutional. Application of U.S. Senate Select Committee on Presidential Campaign Activities, 361 F. Supp. 1270 (D.D.C. 1973); see also 6 Cannon Sec. 354. Under the Rules of the House A witness appearing at a hearing before a committee of the House is entitled to certain rights or privileges under the rules of the House. Clause 2(k) of rule XI; Manual Sec. 803. Under these rules, a witness is entitled:  To a copy of the committee rules (upon request).  To be accompanied by counsel to advise on constitutional rights.  To seek a closed hearing if the evidence or testimony tends to defame, degrade, or incriminate.  To submit requests for committees to subpoena additional witnesses.  To submit brief and pertinent sworn statements in writing for inclusion in the committee record (at discretion of committee).  To a transcript of such witness's testimony if given in an open hearing. Although the applicable rule permits witnesses to have counsel at hearings to advise on constitutional rights, it is the witness, not counsel, who has ultimate responsibility for protecting the witness's rights and invoking[[Page 285]] the procedural safeguards guaranteed under the rules of the House. The attorney for the witness may not, as a matter of right, present argument or make demands on the committee. Deschler Ch 15 Sec. 14.3. Sec. 26 . -- Proceedings Against Recalcitrant Witnesses An individual who fails or refuses to comply with a House subpoena may be cited for contempt of Congress. The Supreme Court has found the subpoena power to be an ``indispensable ingredient'' of the legislative powers granted to Congress by the Constitution. Eastland v. United States Servicemen's Fund, 421 U.S. 491 (1975). Although the Constitution does not expressly grant Congress the power to punish witnesses for contempt, that power has been deemed an inherent attribute of the legislative authority of Congress. See Anderson v. Dunn, 19 U.S. 204 (1821). To supplement this inherent power, the Congress in 1857 adopted an alternative statutory contempt procedure. Under this statute, the House may certify to the appropriate U.S. Attorney the witness's refusal to comply with a congressional subpoena. House certification is effected by its adoption of a report from the committee where the refusal took place. The contempt is punishable by fine and imprisonment. 2 USC Sec. Sec. 192, 194. For comprehensive discussion, see Contempt; Manual Sec. Sec. 293-299. Sec. 27 . Media Coverage of Hearings and Meetings Clause 4 of rule XI requires that open committee hearings and meetings be open to audio, video, and photographic coverage by accredited press representatives. Manual Sec. Sec. 807-812. The rule also requires committees to adopt written rules to govern such coverage within certain parameters set forth in the rule. Clause 2(e)(5) of rule XI provides that, to the maximum extent practicable, committees shall provide audio and video coverage of each meeting or hearing and make such coverage (and recordings thereof) easily accessible to the public. E. Committee Reports Sec. 28 . In General Necessity of Report; Chair's Duty to Report Under clause 2 of rule XIII (first adopted in 1880), a bill reported from a committee must be accompanied by a written report. Manual Sec. 833. Reported bills that are not accompanied by a written report are not placed on a calendar. 8 Cannon Sec. 2783.[[Page 286]] The report of a committee is in the nature of argument or explanation. The report on a legislative measure does not itself come before the House for amendment or other specific action. 4 Hinds Sec. 4674; Deschler Ch 17 Sec. 58. The Speaker makes no determinations as to the sufficiency of a report beyond specific requirements of House rules. 2 Hinds Sec. 1339. It is the duty of each committee chair to ``promptly'' report measures approved by the committee to the House. Clause 2(b)(1) of rule XIII; Manual Sec. 834. Under this rule, if the report on such a measure is not filed by the chair of the committee, a majority of its members may file a written request for the filing of the report. Within seven calendar days (exclusive of the days on which the House is not in session) after the filing of the request, the committee report is to be filed. Excepted from this rule are certain reports of the Committee on Rules and reports on resolutions of inquiry. Manual Sec. 835. Committee Authorization or Approval When a committee concludes consideration of a bill, a motion to order the measure reported is in order. 4 Hinds Sec. 4667. In this respect, the House has adhered to the principle that the reporting of a measure must be authorized by the committee acting together at a formal meeting of the committee with a quorum present. Clause 2(h)(1) of rule XI; Manual Sec. 407; 4 Hinds Sec. 4585; 8 Cannon Sec. Sec. 2221, 2222, 2249. Objection being made that the text of a report does not reflect the actions of a committee, the question as to the reception of the report may be submitted to the House. 4 Hinds Sec. 4591. If a bill is held to be improperly reported, the bill is not entitled to a place on the calendar. 4 Hinds Sec. 3117. After the House has voted to consider a bill or after consideration has begun in the House, it is too late to raise the question of authorization or to question the validity of the committee's action in reporting the bill. 4 Hinds Sec. Sec. 4598, 4599; 8 Cannon Sec. Sec. 2223, 2225. The rules of the House do not require that committees separately approve legislative reports. A point of order that a committee did not vote to approve a report as required by the rules of the committee is properly made in committee and not in the House. Deschler Ch 17 Sec. 58.5. Recommittal The failure of a committee report to comply with the rules of the House, such as the reporting requirements contained in rule XIII, may result in automatic recommittal of the bill if a point of order is sustained. See, e.g., 8 Cannon Sec. 2237. Under clause 3(a)(2) of rule XIII, a committee may file a supplemental report to correct technical errors in its initial report. Such[[Page 287]] supplemental report is subject to a new three-day availability under clause 4(a) of rule XIII, except that a supplemental report only correcting errors in the depiction of record votes under clause 3(b) of rule XIII is not subject to such availability requirement. If the bill is recommitted because of a defective report, further proceedings are de novo and all committee formalities necessary to the first report are likewise necessary to authorize a second report. 8 Cannon Sec. 2221. Adverse or Unfavorable Reports A committee may report a bill adversely, even though the committee originated the bill. Manual Sec. 832; 4 Hinds Sec. 4659. A committee may also report a bill to the House with no recommendation for action. 4 Hinds Sec. Sec. 4661, 4662. If the committee is unable to agree on a recommendation for action, it may submit a statement of this fact in the report (4 Hinds Sec. 4665), in which case the report may include minority views alone (2 Hinds Sec. 945) or simply set forth the propositions representing the opposing contentions (3 Hinds Sec. 2497; 4 Hinds Sec. 4664). Motions to report favorably, unfavorably, or with no recommendation have no priority over each other in committee and are not in order as amendments to each other. Multiple Reports; Supplemental Reports The report of a committee must be confined to a single volume, and ordinarily only one report is filed on each bill. Sec. 29, infra. Indeed, it has been held that two reports may not be filed from the Committee on Rules to accompany the same rule or order of business. Deschler Ch 17 Sec. 58.2. However, clause 3(a)(2) of rule XIII permits the filing of a supplemental report to correct a technical error in a previous report, and unanimous consent is not required. Deschler Ch 17 Sec. 64.1. The authority to file a supplemental report to correct a technical error in a previous report does not include the authority to file a supplemental report (1) to correct the failure of a committee to comply at all with the reporting requirements set forth in rule XIII (such as the requirement to include a committee cost estimate); (2) to change a statement of legislative intent contained in the initial report (Deschler Ch 17 Sec. 64.1 (note)); (3) to include additional views not timely submitted for inclusion with the report; or (4) to outline substantive interpretations of a previously reported bill. In those cases, unanimous consent is required for a committee to file a supplemental report. In any case, a supplemental report is subject to the three-day layover requirement under clause 4(a) of rule XIII unless it only corrects errors in the depiction of record votes. Clause 3(a)(2) of rule XIII.[[Page 288]] Reporting Bills with Amendments; ``Clean'' Bills A committee may report a bill with sundry amendments for the consideration of the House. Where a bill has been extensively amended in the committee, its members may instruct the chair to incorporate the changes into an amendment in the nature of a substitute or to introduce a ``clean'' bill, which reflects the committee's action. If the latter course is chosen, the new bill must be introduced through the hopper. In either case, the committee cannot vote to report until it has the perfected text before it. Deschler Ch 17 Sec. 23.6. Sec. 29 . Form and Contents of Report Rule XIII governs the form and content of committee reports. Clauses 2(a) and 3(a) of rule XIII, respectively, require that committee reports be printed and confined to a single volume. Verbal statements will not be received in the House as the report of a committee. 4 Hinds Sec. Sec. 4654, 4655. Under rule XIII, a report on any measure or matter shall include:  Minority, supplemental, or additional views if properly submitted. Clause 3(a).  The total number of record votes cast in committee for or against the reporting of the measure or matter and on any amendment thereto, and the names of those voting for or against. Clause 3(b).  Oversight findings and recommendations required pursuant to clause 2(b)(1) of rule X. Clause 3(c)(1).  A statement of performance goals and objectives. Clause 3(c)(4). Under rule XIII, a report on any public bill or joint resolution shall include:  A statement describing fiscal ramifications of the measure as required by section 308 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, if the measure provides new budget authority or new or increased tax expenditures. Clause 3(c)(2).  An estimate and comparison required under section 402 of the Congressional Budget Act as to the costs anticipated in carrying out the bill or joint resolution over specified periods of time, if timely submitted. Clause 3(c)(3).  An estimate by the committee of the costs incurred in carrying out the bill or joint resolution in the fiscal year it is reported and in each of five following fiscal years (which may be satisfied by including a section 402 estimate). Clause 3(d)(1).  A comparative print indicating changes in existing law (the Ramseyer Rule). Clause 3(e); Sec. 30, infra.[[Page 289]] Clause 3(f) of rule XIII requires a report of the Committee on Appropriations on a general appropriation bill to include:  A description of the effect of any provision of the accompanying bill that changes the existing law.  A list of unauthorized appropriations contained in the bill.  A list of rescissions and transfers. In addition, clause 3(f)(2)(A) requires an appropriation bill or joint resolution to include separate headings for ``Rescissions'' and ``Transfers of Unexpended Balances'' contained in the bill or joint resolution. Clause 3(g) of rule XIII requires a report of the Committee on Rules on a resolution proposing to repeal or amend a standing rule of the House to include a ``Ramseyer'' comparison of the proposed text with the existing rule. Sec. 30, infra. Clause 3(h) of rule XIII requires a report of the Committee on Ways and Means on a measure proposing to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to include (or to be printed in the Congressional Record by the chair of the Committee on Ways and Means before consideration) a ``tax complexity analysis'' and a ``macroeconomic impact analysis'' prepared by the Joint Committee on Internal Revenue Taxation. Reports are also required to contain identification and cost- estimates of Federal mandates under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (Manual Sec. Sec. 843, 1127) and a description of the applicability of the measure to the Legislative Branch under the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 (Manual Sec. 842). Under clause 9 of rule XXI, a point of order lies against consideration of a bill or joint resolution reported by a committee where the committee report fails to include a list of congressional earmarks, limited tax benefits, and limited tariff benefits contained in the measure (or a statement that the measure contains no such provisions). For a more detailed discussion of earmarks, see Budget Process. Sec. 30 . Comparative Prints; The Ramseyer Rule Generally Clause 3(e) of rule XIII, the Ramseyer rule, was first incorporated into the House rules in 1929. It was named for its author, C. William Ramseyer. 8 Cannon Sec. 2234. This rule provides that whenever a committee reports a measure repealing or amending a statute, the committee report must include the text of the statute and a comparative print showing the proposed omissions and insertions by stricken-through type and italics, parallel columns, or other appropriate typographical devices. The purpose of the rule is to in[[Page 290]] form Members of any changes in existing law by the proposed legislation. Deschler Ch 17 Sec. 60. The Ramseyer rule requires that the statute proposed to be amended be quoted in the report; it is not sufficient that it is incorporated in the bill. 8 Cannon Sec. 2238. However, a comparative print need only be prepared for the affected part of the law. Deschler Ch 17 Sec. 60.6. If the bill amends existing law by the addition of a proviso, the report should quote in full the section immediately preceding the proposed amendment. 8 Cannon Sec. 2237. Where a committee reports a bill with amendments, the comparative print required by the rule must show the changes in existing law proposed by the bill as amended, rather than by the bill as introduced. Deschler Ch 17 Sec. 60.4. Where there has been a multiple referral of a measure to two or more committees, each committee need only depict the changes it recommends and not the changes recommended by the other committees. Manual Sec. 816. Application of Rule To fall within the purview of the Ramseyer rule, a bill must repeal or amend a statute directly, and a general reference to the subject treated in a statute without the proposition of a specific amendment is not sufficient. 8 Cannon Sec. 2235. Provisions in a bill which merely waive certain statutory requirements or grant an exemption therefrom are not specifically amendatory of existing law and therefore are not subject to the Ramseyer rule requirements. Deschler Ch 17 Sec. 60.7. Thus, the Ramseyer rule has been held inapplicable to a joint resolution extending the period for State ratification of a constitutional amendment submitted to the States, where the resolution did not specifically change the deadline for ratification, but merely extended the period ``notwithstanding'' any provision in the prior law. 95-2, Aug. 15, 1978, p 26204. A point of order will not lie against a committee report merely because the comparative print required by the Ramseyer rule includes laws which are not affected by the reported bill but which are included to give full information to the Members. Deschler Ch 17 Sec. 60.3. The Ramseyer rule is applicable whenever a committee reports a bill repealing or amending ``a statute or part thereof.'' Manual Sec. 846. Thus, the rule is not applicable to:  A bill changing the rules of evidence for the District of Columbia courts. Deschler Ch 17 Sec. 6.8.  Bills discharged from a committee (as distinguished from bills reported by a committee). Deschler Ch 17 Sec. 60.10.  Bills amending simple resolutions. 8 Cannon Sec. 2239.[[Page 291]] The Ramseyer rule is not applicable to reports accompanying simple resolutions. 93-2, Sept. 30, 1974, p 32956. However, a Ramseyer-type comparative print is required under clause 3(g) of rule XIII whenever the Committee on Rules reports a resolution proposing to repeal or amend a standing rule of the House or part thereof. This clause does not apply to resolutions that merely provide temporary waivers of rules during the consideration of particular legislative business and does not apply to a resolution providing for the consideration of a bill with textual modifications that would effect certain changes in House rules on enactment of the bill into law but not itself repealing or amending any rule. Manual Sec. 848. The Ramseyer rule applies to general appropriation bills where such bills include legislative provisions. 8 Cannon Sec. 2241. General appropriation bills are also subject to a separate rule requiring that the report contain a statement of the effect of any changes in existing law. Clause 3(f) of rule XIII. Substantial Compliance A Ramseyer rule violation may occur even though the bill in question proposes but one minor and obvious change in existing law. 8 Cannon Sec. 2236. Under the doctrine of substantial compliance, however, the Speaker has overruled Ramseyer points of order on the rationale that the committee had substantially complied with the requirements of the rule and that deviations were minor and inconsequential. Deschler Ch 17 Sec. Sec. 60.11-60.14. Thus, the Speaker has upheld a report, even though it contained errors in typography and punctuation and failed to indicate a relatively insignificant date change. Deschler Ch 17 Sec. 60.14. Points of Order The point of order that a report fails to comply with the Ramseyer rule is properly made when the bill is called up in the House and before the House has resolved into the Committee of the Whole for its consideration. 8 Cannon Sec. Sec. 2243, 2245; Deschler Ch 17 Sec. Sec. 60.15-60.18. The point of order does not lie in the Committee of the Whole. Deschler Ch 17 Sec. 60.16. Thus, the proper time to raise the point of order is when the motion is made to go into, or the Speaker declares the House resolved into, the Committee of the Whole to consider the bill. If that motion is withdrawn, the Chair is not obliged to rule on the point of order. Manual Sec. 905. When a point of order is raised that a report is in violation of the Ramseyer rule, it is incumbent on the proponent of the point of order to cite the specific statute which will be amended by the pending bill. 8 Cannon Sec. 2246.[[Page 292]] Compliance with the Ramseyer rule may be waived by unanimous consent or by a special order of business. Deschler Ch 17 Sec. Sec. 60.19, 60.20. However, a special order of business providing for the consideration of a bill, unless specifically waiving points of order, does not preclude the point of order that the report on such a bill fails to comply with the Ramseyer rule. 8 Cannon Sec. 2245. Recommittal; Supplemental Report Technical defects in a Ramseyer may be remedied by a supplemental report, which may be filed with the Clerk under clause 3(a)(2) of rule XIII without unanimous consent. 8 Cannon Sec. 2247. Two remedies are available to the Chair when a point of order for failure to comply with the Ramseyer rule is sustained. The Chair may recommit the bill to the respective committees reporting it. 8 Cannon Sec. 2237; Deschler Ch 17 Sec. 60.2. This was the automatic remedy before the adoption of clause 3(a)(2) of rule XIII. When a bill was recommitted for failure to conform to the rule, further proceedings were de novo and the bill was considered again and reported by the committee as if no previous report had been made. 8 Cannon Sec. 2249. In the alternative, the Chair may announce that consideration of the bill must await the filing of a supplemental report under clause 3(a)(2) to cure the defect. The latter remedy is most suitable where the violation is merely technical. Sec. 31 . Printing; Referral to Calendars Generally Unless a report is privileged for immediate consideration, it is delivered to the Clerk for printing and reference to the proper calendar under the direction of the Speaker. Manual Sec. 831; Sec. 33, infra. Privileged reports are filed from the floor while the House is in session and referred to the appropriate calendar and ordered printed by the Speaker. Deschler Ch 17 Sec. 58. For more discussion of referrals, including sequential referrals, see Bills and Resolutions. Adverse Reports Under clause 2(a)(2) of rule XIII, a bill reported adversely is laid on the table unless the reporting committee or a Member requests the Clerk to refer the bill to a calendar. Nonprivileged reports on resolutions adversely reported are not printed unless a request is made that they be referred to a calendar. Deschler Ch 17 Sec. 59.1. However, reports on resolutions of inquiry are privileged, are reported as such (whether favorable or adverse) and are printed and referred. Manual Sec. 864; see also Calendars.[[Page 293]] Correcting an Error A ``star print'' is a reprint of a committee report or reported bill to correct errors in the first printing of the report. A ``star print'' may be authorized by the Speaker to correct an error made by the Government Printing Office. 95-2, June 23, 1978, p 18806. A committee may correct a technical error in its report by filing a supplemental report under clause 3(a)(2) of rule XIII. Sec. 28, supra. Sec. 32 . Supplemental, Minority, and Additional Views The members of a committee who are in the minority may not present a proposition of legislation but have the right to file views to accompany the report. 4 Hinds Sec. Sec. 4601-4605. Unless filed with the report, minority views may be presented only by consent of the House. 4 Hinds Sec. 4600; 8 Cannon Sec. 2231. Clause 2(l) of rule XI entitles a member of the committee who gives notice to two additional calendar days to file with the clerk of the committee supplemental, additional, or minority views. The member must give notice at the time of the approval of the report. The right to submit additional views inures to all members of the committee and not simply the member who gives notice. The two calendar days begin the day after the measure is ordered reported and do not count Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays except when the House is in session. Such views must be in writing and signed by the submitting member. Manual Sec. 804. If one member makes a timely request for filing views, all other members of the committee may submit views for inclusion in the report within the two-day window. Deschler Ch 17 Sec. 64. Views may also be called ``separate,'' ``concurrent,'' or ``dissenting.'' Under clause 2(c) of rule XIII, views submitted under clause 2(l) of rule XI must be included in, and must be part of, the report. Under clause 3(a) of rule XIII, the cover of the report must recite the inclusion of such views. When the two additional days guaranteed by clause 2(l) of rule XI expire, the committee may arrange to file its report with the Clerk not later than one hour after the expiration of such time, even if the House is not in session. Clause 2(c) of rule XIII. Sec. 33 . Filing Reports Nonprivileged reports are filed by delivering them to the Clerk for reference to the calendars under the direction of the Speaker. Manual Sec. 831. Privileged reports are filed from the floor and referred to the appropriate calendar by the Speaker. Manual Sec. 853; Deschler Ch 17 Sec. 58.[[Page 294]] Ordinarily, a committee report on a bill or other measure reported to the House must accompany the reported measure. Manual Sec. Sec. 831, 853. Except as provided in clause 2(c) of rule XIII, or in the case of an expiring referral, unanimous consent is required to file a committee report when the House is not in session, and such permission may not be obtained by motion. Manual Sec. 418; Deschler Ch 17 Sec. 62; Sec. 32, supra. A special order of business may provide committees with authority to file supplemental reports. 110-2, Apr. 23, 2008, p 6706. The House may extend the time for a select committee to file a report pursuant to a simple resolution (105-1, H. Res. 170, May 13, 1999, p 9499) or by agreement to a unanimous-consent request (94-2, Aug. 2, 1976, p 25086). An extension of time to file has been given to a joint committee pursuant to a joint resolution and to a unanimous- consent request agreed to in each House. Deschler Ch 17 Sec. Sec. 62.10, 62.11. Sec. 34 . Calling Up; Time to Report Privileged and Nonprivileged Reports Distinguished Certain committee reports may be called up as privileged under the rules and precedents of the House. If privileged, a report may be filed from the floor at any time; its consideration is preferential and does not require a special order of business from the Committee on Rules. Deschler Ch 17 Sec. 63. The report may be privileged even though the measure in question is reported adversely. 6 Hinds Sec. 413; 8 Cannon Sec. 2310; Deschler Ch 17 Sec. 63.3. Privileged status is accorded to:  Reports on Presidential vetoes. Deschler Ch 17 Sec. Sec. 63.1, 63.2.  Reports on impeachments and matter incidental thereto. Deschler Ch 17 Sec. 63.3.  Reports on questions involving the privileges of the House, such as reports relating to the refusal of a witness to testify or produce documents. Deschler Ch 17 Sec. Sec. 63.4-63.7.  Reports on resolutions of inquiry. 6 Cannon Sec. 404.  Reports by those committees specified by clause 5 of rule XIII to report at any time on particular matters, subject to applicable layover requirements. Manual Sec. 855.  Reports which may be reported at any time by specific authorization of a House resolution. Deschler Ch 17 Sec. 63.10.  Reports on measures which may be reported at any time pursuant to statute, as in the case of certain resolutions of disapproval. Manual Sec. 1130; Deschler Ch 17 Sec. 63.11 (note). As noted above, certain committees are, under clause 5 of rule XIII, given leave to report at any time on matters particularized in the rule. Man[[Page 295]] ual Sec. Sec. 853, 855. This privilege to report at any time does not extend to matters not specified by the rule. 4 Hinds Sec. 4622; 8 Cannon Sec. 2286. The committees with leave to report at any time on specified matters under this rule are shown in the table below: Eligible Matters Committee and Measures Rules Rules, joint rules, and the order of busines s. Appropriations General appropr iation bills, certain joint resolut ions continu ing appropr iations , but not appropr iations for specifi c purpose s (8 Cannon Sec. 2 285) Budget Matters under titles III and IV of the Congres sional Budget Act of 1974 House Administration Enrolled bills; electio n contest s; printin g; noncurr ent House records ; expendi tures of applica ble account s of the House Ethics Certain resolut ions recomme nding action with respect to a Member, officer , or employe e The right to report at any time is said to carry with it the right to consideration at any time (4 Hinds Sec. 3131), subject to applicable layover requirements (see Sec. 35, infra). However, such right does not exist when in conflict with other rules of the House. 8 Cannon Sec. 2291. Measures reported under a leave to report at any time yield to matter enjoying a higher privilege in the order of business, to questions of privilege (Manual Sec. 854; 6 Cannon Sec. 557), and to measures already given a priority by a special order of business (4 Hinds Sec. Sec. 3175, 3176). Where a committee has been given the privilege of reporting at any time with respect to a certain matter, it may report Senate bills as well as House bills under the privileged status given. Deschler Ch 17 Sec. 63.10. Generally, nonprivileged reports are made by delivering them to the Clerk. Manual Sec. 831. Reports privileged under the rules must be made from the floor. Manual Sec. 853; 4 Hinds Sec. 3146; 8 Cannon Sec. Sec. 2230, 2233.[[Page 296]] Who May Call Up; Reading A committee ordinarily authorizes its chair to submit and call up its report. Manual Sec. 834; 4 Hinds Sec. 4669. The chair may do so even though not concurring therein. 4 Hinds Sec. 4670. However, the committee may authorize other members of the committee to present reports, and under some circ*mstances minority members of the committee have been ordered to present the report of the committee. 4 Hinds Sec. Sec. 4669, 4672, 4673; 8 Cannon Sec. Sec. 2314, 2315. Reports are not normally read by the Clerk. However, in a few cases, where a report does not accompany a bill or other proposition of action, but presents facts and conclusions under consideration by the House, it is read by the Clerk (such as the predicate for a contempt resolution). Manual Sec. 422. Withdrawal The chair of a committee, having made a report to the House in accordance with instructions from the committee, may not withdraw it except by consent of the House. 4 Hinds Sec. 4690; 8 Cannon Sec. 2312. When placed on the calendar, a bill is not subject to further consideration by the committee reporting it. 8 Cannon Sec. Sec. 2218, 2307. Sec. 35 . Availability (``Layover'') Requirements With certain exceptions, clause 4(a) of rule XIII requires that a committee report on a measure or matter be available to Members for three calendar days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays, unless in session) before the measure may be considered in the House. The rule permits consideration of a measure on the third day a report is available rather than on the fourth day following its availability. Manual Sec. 850. The three-day rule runs anew from the time of availability of a supplemental report to correct a technical error in a previous report, except to correct errors in the depiction of record votes. Clause 3(a) of rule XIII; Deschler Ch 17 Sec. 64.1. A measure or matter made publicly available in electronic form at a location designated by the Committee on House Administration is considered as having been made available to Members. Clause 3 of rule XXIX.[[Page 297]] Clause 4 of rule XIII exempts the following from the three-day layover requirement:  A resolution from the Committee on Rules providing a rule, joint rule, or order of business (clause 4(a)(2)(A)), such reports being subject to a separate one-day layover requirement unless the House determines by a vote of two-thirds to consider the resolution on the same day (clause 6(a)(1)).  A resolution from the Committee on House Administration providing committee expenses (clause 4(a)(2)(B)), such reports being subject to a separate one-day layover requirement (clause 6(a) of rule X).  A resolution presenting a question of the privileges of the House. Clause 4(a)(2)(C).  A measure for the declaration of war or national emergency. Clause 4(a)(2)(D).  A measure providing approval or disapproval of impending actions or determinations by a government agency. Clause 4(a)(2)(E). Points of order against consideration of a bill for failure of the report thereon to be available for three days may be waived pursuant to a resolution from the Committee on Rules (see, e.g., 106-1, H. Res. 136, Apr. 13, 1999, p 6284), which waiver may be called up the same day reported from Committee on Rules without a two-thirds vote (clause 6(a)(2) of rule XIII). Sec. 36 . Points of Order Relating to Reports Generally A point of order will lie in the House against consideration of a measure for failure of the committee report on the measure to include any of the reporting requirements outlined in Sec. 29, supra. A point of order will also lie in the House against consideration of a measure for failure of the committee report to meet the availability requirements (Sec. 35, supra) and to report a measure without a sufficient quorum (Sec. 21, supra). Points of order against consideration for noncompliance with the rules in the preparation of the report should be made in the House. A point of order that a committee report is not in proper form does not lie in the Committee of the Whole. Deschler-Brown Ch 29 Sec. 20.28. The Chair does not rule on points of order relating to the sufficiency, insufficiency, or legal effect of committee reports, those being matters for the House to decide. 4 Hinds Sec. 1339; Deschler Ch 17 Sec. Sec. 58.3, 58.4. Similarly, a point of order will not lie against a committee report that included an executive communication on the ground that the communication failed to comply with the statute that required the communication. Deschler Ch 17 Sec. 58.1.[[Page 298]] Points of order as to reports on appropriation bills, see Appropriations. Waiving Points of Order Points of order against a measure for defects in a committee report may be waived by adoption of a special order of business from the Committee on Rules, an order of the House granted by unanimous consent, and by consideration of the bill under suspension of the rules. Deschler Ch 17 Sec. 58.