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SRES 70

An original resolution authorizing expenditures by the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

119th Congress Introduced by Mike Lee

Authorizes the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee to spend from the contingent fund and hire staff for two years to conduct hearings, reporting, and investigations.

Introduced in Senate
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Bill Summary · SRES 70

Summary of SRES 70 (Original Resolution)

Overview

SRES 70 is an original Senate resolution authorizing expenditures by the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Introduced February 11, 2025, the measure seeks to empower the committee to conduct its work—such as hearings, reporting, and investigations—by providing fiscal and staffing flexibility for a defined two-year period (March 1, 2025, through February 28, 2027). The resolution is sponsored by Senator Mike Lee (primary).

Key Provisions

  • Expenditure Authority: The committee is authorized to make expenditures from the contingent fund of the Senate to carry out its powers, duties, and functions under the Standing Rules.
  • Staffing: The committee may employ personnel as needed to fulfill its duties.
  • Use of Other Agencies’ Personnel: With the prior consent of the relevant government department or agency and the Committee on Rules and Administration, the committee may use the services of personnel from those departments/agencies on a reimbursable or nonreimbursable basis.

Scope and Conditions

  • Authority Applies to Core Functions: The authorization covers activities under the Senate Standing Rules, including hearings, reporting on hearings, and investigations authorized by Rule XXVI (paragraphs 1 and 8).
  • Consent for External Personnel: Use of personnel from other government departments or agencies requires prior consent from both the involved department/agency and the Committee on Rules and Administration.
  • Reimbursable vs. Nonreimbursable: The resolution allows either reimbursable or nonreimbursable arrangements for external personnel services.

Affected Parties

  • Primary: The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
  • Secondary: Federal department or agency personnel whose services may be utilized, subject to consent; the broader Senate budgeting framework via the contingent fund.

Procedural History and Timeline

  • Introduced: February 11, 2025.
  • Legislative Action: Referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration (CR S862-863) and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. The Energy and Natural Resources Committee reported the measure to the Senate (without a written report) with Senator Lee listed as the reporting member.
  • Status: Introduced in the Senate; awaiting further action.

Sponsor

  • Primary Sponsor: Senator Mike Lee.

Practical Implications

  • Purpose: Provides formal funding flexibility to enable the Energy and Natural Resources Committee to carry out its oversight, investigative, and legislative duties without awaiting separate annual appropriations for these activities.
  • Limitations: Expenditure and staffing authority are bounded by the two-year window and require adherence to Senate rules, including consent for using outside personnel and the established reimbursement arrangements.

Next Steps

  • The measure would proceed through additional Senate consideration, potential revisions, and, if advanced, could be sent to the House or adopted as part of Senate proceedings depending on legislative strategy.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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