Commerce Committee Spending Authorization

Full Title:
An original resolution authorizing expenditures by the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Summary#

This resolution authorizes the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation to spend money, hire staff, and use personnel from federal departments or agencies (with prior consent) from March 1, 2025, through February 28, 2027. It allows the committee to make expenditures from the Senate contingent fund, employ personnel, and—if a department or agency agrees—use that department's or agency's staff on a reimbursable or nonreimbursable basis. The resolution was introduced by Senator Ted Cruz and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.

What it means for you#

For most members of the public, this resolution is about internal committee operations and has no direct, immediate effect on benefits or services. If you are looking for work or consulting opportunities, the committee is allowed to hire staff and contract consultants within the limits below. No publicly available information on exact staffing levels, specific hires, or contract awards is included in the resolution.

Expenses#

The resolution sets dollar limits for three periods:

  • March 1, 2025 through September 30, 2025: up to $6,259,693 total. Within this amount, up to $100,000 may be used for individual consultants or organizations, and up to $100,000 may be used for professional staff training.
  • October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026: up to $10,730,903 total. Within this amount, up to $100,000 may be used for consultants and up to $100,000 for staff training.
  • October 1, 2026 through February 28, 2027: up to $4,471,210 total. Within this amount, up to $100,000 may be used for consultants and up to $100,000 for staff training.

Payments for committee expenses are to come from the contingent fund of the Senate and generally require vouchers approved by the committee chair. The resolution lists types of payments that do not require vouchers, including annual salaries, certain telecommunications and stationery purchases, payments to the Senate Postmaster, metered copying charges from the Sergeant at Arms, Senate Recording and Photographic Services, and franked and mass mail costs handled by the Sergeant at Arms. It also authorizes necessary agency contribution payments from the Senate account "Expenses of Inquiries and Investigations" for the three periods covered.

Proponents' View#

No publicly available information.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.