IV
108TH CONGRESS
1ST SESSION
H. CON. RES. 190
To establish a joint committee to review House and Senate rules, joint
rules, and other matters assuring continuing representation and congres-
sional operations for the American people.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
MAY 22, 2003
Mr. DREIER (for himself and Mr. FROST) submitted the following concurrent
resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Rules
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
To establish a joint committee to review House and Senate
rules, joint rules, and other matters assuring continuing
representation and congressional operations for the
American people.
Whereas the Government must be able to function during
emergencies in a manner that gives confidence and secu-
rity to the American people; and
Whereas the Government must ensure the continuation of
congressional operations, including procedures for replac-
ing Members, in the aftermath of a catastrophic attack:
Now, therefore, be it
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Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate
concurring), That (a) there is hereby established a joint
committee composed of 20 members as follows:
(1) 10 Members of the House of Representa-
tives as follows: 5 from the majority party to be ap-
pointed by the Speaker of the House, including the
chairman of the Committee on Rules, who shall
serve as co-chairman, and 5 from the minority party
to be appointed by the Speaker of the House (after
consultation with the Minority Leader); and
(2) 10 Members of the Senate as follows: 5
from the majority party, including the chairman of
the Committee on Rules and Administration, who
shall serve as co-chairman, and 5 from the minority
party, to be appointed by the Majority Leader of the
Senate (after consultation with the Minority Lead-
er).
A vacancy in the joint committee shall not affect the power
of the remaining members to execute the functions of the
joint committee, and shall be filled in the same manner
as the original selection.
(b)(1) The joint committee shall make a full study
and review of the procedures which should be adopted by
the House of Representatives, the Senate, and the Con-
gress for the purpose of (A) ensuring the continuity and
•HCON 190 IH
authority of Congress during times of crisis, (B) improv-
ing congressional procedures necessary for the enactment
of measures affecting homeland security during times of
crisis, and (C) enhancing the ability of each chamber to
cooperate effectively with the other body on major and
consequential issues related to homeland security.
(2) No recommendation shall be made by the joint
committee except upon the majority vote of the members
from each House, respectively.
(3) Notwithstanding any other provision of this reso-
lution, any recommendation with respect to the rules and
procedures of one House that only affects matters related
solely to that House may only be made and voted on by
members of the joint committee from that House and,
upon its adoption by a majority of such members, shall
be considered to have been adopted by the full committee
as a recommendation of the joint committee.
(4) The joint committee shall submit to the Speaker
of the House of Representatives and to the Majority Lead-
er of the Senate an interim report not later than January
31, 2004, and a final report not later than May 31, 2004,
of the results of such study and review.
(c) The joint committee shall cease to exist no later
than May 31, 2004.
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