This bill allocates \$32,293,696 for the Committee on Energy and Commerce's expenses during the 119th Congress, with spending limits for each session and voucher requirements for payments.
Brett Guthrie
Representative
KY-2
This bill allocates $32,293,696 for the Committee on Energy and Commerce's expenses in the 119th Congress, covering staff salaries and other necessary costs. It divides the funds into two yearly limits and mandates that all payments be made through vouchers approved by the House Administration Committee. Funds provided by this resolution must be spent following the rules set by the House Administration Committee.
House Committee on Energy and Commerce Gets $32.3 Million Budget Authorization for 119th Congress
This bill greenlights the budget for the House Committee on Energy and Commerce for the 119th Congress, totaling $32,293,696. This funding covers everything from staff salaries to other operational expenses, ensuring the committee can keep functioning.
Cash Flow Breakdown
The bill breaks down the funding into two parts, tied to specific dates:
- First Chunk: Up to $15,774,974 is available from noon on January 3, 2025, to just before noon on January 3, 2026.
- Second Chunk: Up to $16,518,722 can be tapped from noon on January 3, 2026, to just before noon on January 3, 2027 (SEC. 2).
This staggered approach is pretty standard for budgeting, allowing for adjustments and oversight as the Congress progresses.
Spending Rules
So, how does the committee actually spend this money? It's all about vouchers. Every payment needs a voucher signed off by the Committee Chairman and approved by the House Administration Committee (SEC. 3). Think of it like needing two signatures on a check – a basic control to keep things legit. All spending has to stick to the regulations set by the House Administration Committee (SEC. 4). This keeps the Energy and Commerce Committee accountable for how it uses taxpayer dollars.
Keeping it Real
While this bill is mainly about internal House finances, it's a reminder of the machinery that keeps Congress running. The Energy and Commerce Committee tackles some major issues – like healthcare, energy policy, and consumer protection – that affect everyone from small business owners to families managing their budgets. This funding, while procedural, is what allows them to do that work. The voucher system and adherence to House Administration rules are meant to safeguard against misuse, but those systems need to be tight. If oversight slips, there's always the potential for funds to get redirected in ways they shouldn't. The bill sets up the framework for accountability, but real-world accountability depends on how strictly those rules are followed.