Summary of S. Res. 94 (Original Senate Resolution)
Purpose and scope
- S. Res. 94 is an original Senate resolution authorizing expenditures by Senate committees for specified periods. It provides funding for standing committees, the Special Committee on Aging, the Select Committee on Intelligence, and the Committee on Indian Affairs to carry out their powers, duties, and functions under the Standing Rules and applicable authorizing resolutions.
- The resolution covers three budgeting periods extending from March 1, 2025, through February 28, 2027, with separate aggregate funding amounts for each period.
Financial provisions
- Aggregate funding authorized:
- March 1, 2025 – September 30, 2025: $90,988,230
- October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026: $155,979,823
- October 1, 2026 – February 28, 2027: $64,991,593
- Payment source: Funds are provided from the appropriations account for Expenses of Inquiries and Investigations of the Senate to cover agency contributions related to the compensation of committee employees for the three periods.
Payment mechanics and exceptions
- General rule: Expenses of each standing committee, the Special Committee on Aging, the Select Committee on Intelligence, and the Committee on Indian Affairs are paid from the Senate’s contingent fund, with vouchers approved by the chairperson of the applicable committee.
- Exceptions (no vouchers required) for:
- Salaries of employees paid at an annual rate
- Telecommunications provided by the Office of the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper
- Stationery supplies purchased through the Keeper of the Stationery
- Payments to the Postmaster of the Senate
- Metered charges on copying equipment provided by the Office of the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper
- Senate Recording and Photographic Services
- Franked and mass mail costs paid by the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper
Legislative context and status
- Introduced: February 25, 2025
- Legislative actions:
- Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar (Calendar No. 16) on February 25, 2025
- Reported by the Committee on Rules and Administration (without written report)
- Agreed to in the Senate by Unanimous Consent, without amendment (February 27, 2025)
- Sponsor: Mitch McConnell (primary sponsor)
Impact and implications
- This resolution does not create new statutory authority but authorizes specific, period-limited funding for Senate committee operations, including staff compensation and routine committee expenses.
- It sets clear annualized budget caps for three sequential periods and clarifies which expenditures require vouchers versus those that are exempt from voucher requirements.
- The measure is routine in nature and supports ongoing legislative committee activities, investigations, and related administrative functions.
Background notes
- The bill is classified as a resolution and pertains to Senate internal appropriations for committee operations, consistent with standing rules and authorized resolutions of the Senate. No House action is indicated in the provided record.
