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manner as the original appointment provided under sub-
section (a). 
(g) COMPENSATION AND TRAVEL EXPENSES.—Mem-
bers of the Commission shall serve without compensation, 
except members shall receive travel expenses, including per 
diem in lieu of subsistence, in accordance with applicable 
provisions under subchapter I of chapter 57, United 
States Code. 
SEC. 6. MEETINGS AND QUORUM. 
(a) MEETINGS.—The Commission shall hold its first 
meeting not later than 60 days after the date on which 
all members have been appointed under section 5, and 
shall hold additional meetings at the call of the Chair-
person or a majority of its members. 
(b) QUORUM.—A majority of the members of the 
Commission shall constitute a quorum for the transaction 
of business. 
SEC. 7. DIRECTOR AND STAFF. 
A Director shall be appointed by the Speaker of the 
House of Representatives and the Majority Leader of the 
Senate, in consultation with the Minority Leader and 
chairmen of the Resources and Transportation and 
Infrustructure Committees of the House of Representa-
tives, and the Minority Leader and chairmen of the En-
ergy and Natural Resources and Environment and Public
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Works Committees of the Senate. The Director and any 
staff reporting to the Director shall be paid a rate of pay 
not to exceed the maximum rate of basic pay for GS–15 
of the General Schedule. 
SEC. 8. POWERS AND PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMISSION. 
(a) HEARINGS.—The Commission shall hold no fewer 
than 10 hearings during the life of the Commission. Hear-
ings may be held in conjunction with meetings of the Com-
mission. The Commission may take such testimony and 
receive such evidence as the Commission considers appro-
priate to carry out this Act. At least 1 hearing shall be 
held in Washington, D.C., for the purpose of taking testi-
mony of representatives of Federal agencies, national or-
ganizations, and Members of Congress. Other hearings 
shall be scheduled in distinct geographical regions of the 
United States and should seek to ensure testimony from 
individuals with a diversity of experiences, including those 
who work on water issues at all levels of government and 
in the private sector. 
(b) INFORMATION AND SUPPORT FROM FEDERAL 
AGENCIES.—Upon request of the Commission, any Fed-
eral agency shall—
(1) provide to the Commission, within 30 days 
of its request, such information as the Commission
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considers necessary to carry out the provisions of 
this Act; and 
(2) detail to temporary duty with the Commis-
sion on a reimbursable basis such personnel as the 
Commission considers necessary to carry out the 
provisions of this Act, in accordance with section 
5(b)(5), Appendix, title 5, United States Code. 
SEC. 9. REPORTS. 
(a) INTERIM REPORTS.—Not later than 6 months 
after the date of the first meeting of the Commission, and 
every 6 months thereafter, the Commission shall transmit 
an interim report containing a detailed summary of its 
progress, including meetings and hearings conducted in 
the interim period, to—
(1) the President; 
(2) the Committee on Resources and the Com-
mittee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the 
House of Representatives; and 
(3) the Committee on Energy and Natural Re-
sources and the Committee on the Environment and 
Public Works of the Senate. 
(b) FINAL REPORT.—As soon as practicable, but not 
later than 3 years after the date of the first meeting of 
the Commission, the Commission shall transmit a final re-
port containing a detailed statement of the findings and
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conclusions of the Commission, and recommendations for 
legislation and other policies to implement such findings 
and conclusions, to—
(1) the President; 
(2) the Committee on Resources and the Com-
mittee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the 
House of Representatives; and 
(3) the Committee on Energy and Natural Re-
sources and the Committee on the Environment and 
Public Works of the Senate. 
SEC. 10. TERMINATION. 
The Commission shall terminate not later than 30 
days after the date on which the Commission transmits 
a final report under section 7(b). 
SEC. 11. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. 
There are authorized to be appropriated $9,000,000 
to carry out this Act.
Passed the House of Representatives November 21, 
2003. 
Attest: 
JEFF TRANDAHL, 
Clerk.