I
105TH CONGRESS
1ST SESSION
H. R. 141
To establish the Select Commission to Advise on Reforming Elections to
issue recommendations for the reform of the laws governing the financing
of campaigns for election for Federal office, to establish expedited proce-
dures for the consideration of legislation implementing the recommenda-
tions, and for other purposes.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
JANUARY 7, 1997
Mr. DINGELL introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Commit-
tee on House Oversight, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, for
a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for
consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the com-
mittee concerned
A BILL
To establish the Select Commission to Advise on Reforming
Elections to issue recommendations for the reform of
the laws governing the financing of campaigns for elec-
tion for Federal office, to establish expedited procedures
for the consideration of legislation implementing the rec-
ommendations, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa-
tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Section Commission
to Advise on Reforming Elections Act’’.
SEC. 2. ESTABLISHMENT OF SELECT COMMISSION TO AD-
VISE ON REFORMING ELECTIONS.
There is established a commission to be known as the
‘‘Select Commission to Advise on Reforming Elections’’
(referred to in this Act as the ‘‘Commission’’). The pur-
poses of the Commission are to study the laws relating
to the financing of campaigns for elections for Federal of-
fice and to report and recommend legislation to reform
those laws.
SEC. 3. MEMBERSHIP OF COMMISSION.
(a) APPOINTMENT.—The Commission shall be com-
posed of 12 members appointed not later than 60 days
after the date of the enactment of this Act by the Presi-
dent, of whom—
(1) Three members shall be appointed from
among a list of nominees submitted by the majority
leader of the House of Representatives;
(2) Three members shall be appointed from
among a list of nominees submitted by the majority
leader of the Senate;
(3) Two members shall be appointed from
among a list of nominees submitted by the minority
leader of the House of Representatives;
(4) Two members shall be appointed from
among a list of nominees submitted by the minority
leader of the Senate; and
(5) Two members shall be appointed from indi-
viduals meeting such criteria as the President may
apply.
(b) CHAIR.—The members of the Commission shall
select two members to serve as co-chairs of the Commis-
sion.
(c) TERMS.—The members of the Commission shall
serve for the life of the Commission.
(d) VACANCIES.—A vacancy in the Commission shall
be filled in the manner in which the original appointment
was made.
SEC. 4. POWERS OF COMMISSION.
(a) HEARINGS.—The Commission may, for the pur-
pose of carrying out this Act, hold hearings, sit and act
at times and places, take testimony, and receive evidence
as the Commission considers appropriate.
(b) QUORUM.—Five members of the Commission
shall constitute a quorum, but a lesser number may hold
hearings.
SEC. 5. ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS.
(a) PAY AND TRAVEL EXPENSES OF MEMBERS.—(1)
Each member of the Commission, other than the co-chairs,
shall be paid at a rate equal to the daily equivalent of
the annual rate of basic pay payable for level IV of the
Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United
States Code, for each day (including travel time) during
which the member is engaged in the actual performance
of duties vested in the Commission. Each co-chair shall
be paid for each day referred to in the preceding sentence
at a rate equal to the daily equivalent of the annual rate
of basic pay payable for level III of the Executive Schedule
under section 5314 of title 5, United States Code.
(2) Members of the Commission shall receive travel
expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in ac-
cordance with sections 5702 and 5703 of title 5, United
States Code.
(b) STAFF DIRECTOR.—The Commission shall, with-
out regard to section 5311(b) of title 5, United States
Code, appoint a staff director, who shall be paid at the
rate of basic pay payable for level IV of the Executive
Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United States
Code.
(c) STAFF OF COMMISSION; SERVICES.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—Subject to such rules as may
be adopted by the Commission, the staff director of
the Commission, without regard to the provisions of
title 5, United States Code, governing appointments