S.Res.82 - Authorizing expenditures by the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (119th Congress)
Summary
Senate Resolution 82 authorizes expenditures by the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation from March 1, 2025, through February 28, 2027. It allows the committee to make expenditures from the Senate's contingent fund, employ personnel, and utilize services from other government departments or agencies. The resolution sets specific spending limits for different periods, including allocations for consultants and staff training.
Expected Effects
This resolution will enable the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation to continue its operations, including holding hearings and conducting investigations. The allocated funds will support the committee's work related to its jurisdiction under Senate rules. This includes oversight of various sectors such as communications, transportation, and science and technology.
Potential Benefits
- Facilitates oversight: Enables the committee to effectively oversee commerce, science, and transportation sectors.
- Supports investigations: Provides resources for conducting investigations and holding hearings.
- Enables expert consultation: Allows for the hiring of consultants to provide specialized knowledge.
- Promotes staff development: Allocates funds for training professional staff.
- Ensures operational continuity: Guarantees the committee can continue its work through February 2027.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for overspending: There is a risk that the committee could spend the allocated funds inefficiently.
- Limited transparency: The resolution doesn't provide detailed information on how the funds will be specifically used.
- Reliance on consultants: Over-reliance on external consultants could reduce the development of in-house expertise.
- Administrative overhead: Managing the expenditures and personnel could create administrative burdens.
- Opportunity cost: The funds allocated to this committee could potentially be used for other purposes.
Constitutional Alignment
This resolution aligns with Article I, Section 5 of the U.S. Constitution, which grants each house of Congress the power to determine the rules of its proceedings. The resolution pertains to the internal operations and funding of a Senate committee, falling under the Senate's authority to manage its affairs. The authorization of expenditures is consistent with Congress's power of the purse, as outlined in Article I, Section 9.
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).