Bill · S.Res. 77· Senate(119-SRES-77)
An original resolution authorizing expenditures by the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- Introduced
- 2/13/2025
- Last activity
- 2/13/2025 — Referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration. (text: CR S979-980)
- Sponsored by
- Rand Paul
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
A Senate resolution is the Senate speaking for itself: stating a position, honouring someone, or setting its own rules. Adopting it is the whole process. Once the Senate agrees to it, it is officially the Senate's word; it is not a law, so the House and the President have no part in it.
What this bill would do
This resolution authorizes the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs to manage its expenditures, personnel, and investigations from March 1, 2025, through February 28, 2027. It provides specific funding limits for various time periods, including limits for consultant services and staff training. The committee is empowered to employ personnel and potentially use the services of agency employees. Furthermore, the resolution outlines broad investigative powers to study government efficiency, criminal activity, and national security. It also grants the authority to issue subpoenas and hold hearings to fulfill these duties.
Yes· 3 of 9
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+3
The committee's mandate to investigate corruption, fraud, and mismanagement across all branches aims to increase governmental accountability.
Would union members be better off under this?+2
The committee is tasked with studying labor-management relations to protect the interests of employees.
Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices?+2
The committee's investigation into organized crime and fraud schemes aims to protect public interests and market integrity.
The opposite
Does this protect people from being watched or searched?-2
The committee's broad subpoena power allows for the investigation of the records and activities of any person or corporation.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Government Accountability: The committee is authorized to investigate the efficiency and economy of all branches of government, specifically looking for fraud, mismanagement, corruption, or unethical practices (Section 4(a)(1)).
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Protection of Public Interests: The committee can study labor-management relations to determine if changes in law are needed to protect the interests of the public, employers, or employees (Section 4(a)(2)).
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Combating Organized Crime: There is authorization to investigate organized criminal activity in interstate or international commerce to determine if laws need to change to protect the public (Section 4(a)(3)).
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Public Safety and Security: The committee is authorized to investigate crimes and lawlessness that impact national health, welfare, and safety, such as fraud schemes (Section 4(a)(4)).
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National Security Oversight: The resolution allows for the study of national security methods, staffing, and processes to ensure they meet the requirements of increasingly complex problems (Section 4(a)(5)).
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Energy Supply Management: The committee can investigate the management of energy shortages, including fuel demand, supply, and pricing, to ensure efficiency and effectiveness (Section 4(a)(6)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Governmental Spending: The resolution authorizes significant expenditures from the contingent fund of the Senate, totaling several million dollars across various periods (Section 2).
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Broad Investigative Reach: The committee’s inquiries are not limited to government records and can extend to the records and activities of any person, corporation, or other entity (Section 4(b)).
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Compelled Participation: The committee has the authority to require the attendance of witnesses and the production of documents through subpoenas (Section 4(c)(1)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Union Workers+2Good For Business Owners+1Good For Low Income Households+1
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Consumer Protection+2
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves International Alliances+1Improves Veterans Benefits+1
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Reduces Fossil Fuel Production+1
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+3Improves Privacy Rights-2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Policing Reform+1
- 2/13/2025
- Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Paul. Without written report.
- Referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration. (text: CR S979-980)
- Introduced in Senate