Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

S.Res.38 - To constitute the majority party's membership on certain committees for the One Hundred Nineteenth Congress, or until their successors are chosen. (119th Congress)

Summary

Senate Resolution 38 pertains to the composition of the majority party's membership on specific Senate committees for the 119th Congress. It lists the senators who will serve on various committees, including Environment and Public Works, Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, the Judiciary, Intelligence, Aging, the Joint Economic Committee, and Small Business and Entrepreneurship. The resolution was submitted by Mr. Thune and agreed to by the Senate on January 24, 2025.

Expected Effects

The resolution formally establishes the Republican members of the listed committees, enabling these committees to begin their work for the 119th Congress. This allows the Senate to address legislative matters within each committee's jurisdiction. The committees can then hold hearings, conduct investigations, and draft legislation.

Potential Benefits

  • Establishes committee membership, allowing the Senate to conduct its legislative work.
  • Provides clarity and structure for committee operations.
  • Enables committees to address specific policy areas, such as environmental issues, healthcare, and national security.
  • Allows for the consideration of diverse perspectives within the majority party on each committee.
  • Facilitates the efficient functioning of the Senate by assigning members to key roles.

Potential Disadvantages

  • The resolution only addresses the majority party's membership, potentially leading to partisan imbalances in committee decisions.
  • The specific policy implications depend on the actions of these committees, which are not detailed in the resolution itself.
  • There is no guarantee that the assigned members will effectively address the needs of the American people.
  • The resolution does not address the minority party's representation on these committees, which could lead to concerns about fairness and inclusivity.
  • The resolution itself does not directly create jobs, stimulate economic growth, or address other pressing issues.

Constitutional Alignment

The resolution aligns with Article I, Section 5, Clause 1 of the US Constitution, which states that "Each House shall be the Judge of the Elections, Returns and Qualifications of its own Members, and a Majority of each shall constitute a Quorum to do Business." This resolution is an internal matter for the Senate to organize its committees, which is within its constitutional authority. The act of organizing committees is essential for the Senate to fulfill its legislative duties as outlined in Article I.

Impact Assessment: Things You Care About

This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).