[Deschler's Precedents, Volume 4, Chapters 15 - 17]
[Chapter 15. Investigations and Inquiries]
[A. Basis of Authority to Investigate; Creating Committees]
[§ 1. In General; Subjects of Authorizing Resolutions]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]
[Page 2279-2303]
CHAPTER 15
Investigations and Inquiries
A. BASIS OF AUTHORITY TO INVESTIGATE; CREATING COMMITTEES
Sec. 1. In General; Subjects of Authorizing Resolutions
Although the congressional power of investigation is not explicitly
granted by the Constitution, it has been exercised by the House since
1792.(1) It is well established that the power to
investigate is implied from the power to legislate granted in article
I, section 1 of the Constitution. Thus, the Supreme Court has stated
that the power of inquiry, with process to enforce it, is an essential
and appropriate auxiliary to the legislative function.(2)
The Court has further stated:
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1. The House in that year rejected a resolution requesting the
President to investigate the defeat of General St. Clair's army
and instead asserted its own right to investigate by requesting
the President to cause proper executive officers to deliver to
the House documents pertinent to the matter. See 3 Hinds'
Precedents Sec. 1725.
For earlier coverage of the subject matter of this chapter
generally, see, for example, 3 Hinds' Precedents
Sec. Sec. 1666-1724 (punishment of witnesses for contempt);
Sec. Sec. 1725-1826 (powers of investigation and conduct of
investigations); Sec. Sec. 1856-1910 (inquiries of the
executive); 6 Cannon's Precedents Sec. Sec. 335-353 (punishment
of witnesses for contempt); Sec. Sec. 354-393 (power of
investigation and conduct of investigations); and
Sec. Sec. 404-437 (inquiries of the executive).
See also Leading Cases on Congressional Investigatory Power
(Committee Print, Joint Committee on Congressional Operations,
94th Cong. 2d Sess.).
2. McGrain v Daugherty, 273 U.S. 135, 174.
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The power of the Congress to conduct investigations is inherent
in the legislative process. That power is broad. It encompasses
inquiries concerning the administration of existing laws as well as
proposed or possibly needed statutes. It includes surveys of
defects in our social, economic or political system for the purpose
of enabling the Congress to remedy them. It comprehends probes into
departments of the Federal Government to expose corruption,
inefficiency or waste.(3)
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3. Watkins v United States, 354 U.S. 178, 187 (1957).
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The scope of the power of inquiry is as broad as the power to enact
and appropriate under the Constitution.(4) Subjects of inves
[[Page 2280]]
tigation that have specifically been approved by the courts include the
existence of subversive activities in education,(5) labor
and industry,(6) the extent of corruption in labor
unions,(7) and the denial of civil rights by particular
organizations.(8)
Although the power of investigation is broad, it is not unlimited.
It may be exercised only ``in aid of the legislative function.''
(9) Accordingly, it has been stated that, generally, there
is no congressional power ``to expose for the sake of exposure,''
(10) and that, in any event, Congress cannot inquire into
matters which are within the exclusive province of one of the other
branches of government,(11) or which are reserved
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4. Barenblatt v United States, 360 U.S. 109, 111 (1959). See also The
Constitution of the United States of America, Analysis and
Interpretation, S. Doc. No. 92-82, 92d Cong. 2d Sess., p. 80
(1972).
5. Barenblatt v United States, 360 U.S. 109 (1959); Deutch v United
States, 367 U.S. 456 (1961).
6. Watkins v United States, 354 U.S. 178 (1957); Flaxer v United
States, 358 U.S. 147 (1958); Wilkinson v United States, 365
U.S. 399 (1961).
7. Hutcheson v United States, 369 U.S. 599 (1962). See also The
Constitution of the United States of America, Analysis and
Interpretation, S. Doc. No. 92-82, 92d Cong. 2d Sess., pp. 84,
85 (1972).
8. Shelton v United States, 404 F2d 1292 (D.C. Cir. 1968), cert.
denied, 393 U.S. 1024 (1969).
9. Kilbourn v Thompson, 103 U.S. 168 (1881). Beginning with In re
Chapman, 166 U.S. 661 (1897) and McGrain v Daugherty, 273 U.S.
135 (1927) and until prior to United States v Rumely, 345 U.S.
543 (1952), courts presumed existence of a legislative purpose.
After that period, as investigations began to arouse criticism
for infringing individual liberties, however, courts began to
construe narrowly the resolutions describing authority of
committees (see Rumely) and went so far as to impose a specific
burden on the government in contempt prosecutions to show
affirmatively the source of authority for each investigation.
See United States v Lamont, 236 F2d 312 (2d Cir. 1956) and
Moreland, Allen B., Congressional Investigations and Private
Persons, 40 So. Cal. L. Rev. 189, 230-236 (1967) for a
discussion of legislative purpose. See also Sec. 6, infra, for
discussion of a closely related topic, the pertinence of the
inquiry.
10. Watkins v United States, 354 U.S. 178, 200 (1957). In making this
statement, however, Chief Justice Warren pointed out that this
view did not apply to Congress' function to inquire into and
publicize corruption, maladministration or inefficiency in
agencies of government. Id., 211 n. 33.
11. Barenblatt v United States, 360 U.S. 109, 111, 112 (1959). See also
Sec. 3, infra, for a discussion of executive branch refusals to
provide information.
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[[Page 2281]]
to the states.(12) In imposing such limitations upon the
power to investigate, the courts have, as in other areas, traditionally
refused to inquire into the motives of legislators.(13)
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12. See United States v DiCarlo, 102 F Supp 597 (N.D. Ohio 1952) for
rejection of an allegation that the Senate encroached state
powers by creating a special committee to investigate organized
crime in interstate commerce.
13. Tenney v Brandhove, 341 U.S. 367 (1951) and United States v
O'Brien, 391 U.S. 367 (1968).
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A further requirement for the validity of an investigation is that
it must have been expressly or impliedly authorized in accordance with
congressional procedures. As an example, the House, may authorize a
select or standing committee to investigate a particular subject, or a
committee may authorize a subcommittee to investigate a
subject.(14) In the usual practice, resolutions authorizing
the Speaker to appoint Members to select or special committees to
investigate designated subjects are assigned to and reported by the
Committee on Rules,(15) which calls them up as
privileged.(16) In addition, congressional investigations
may be initiated pursuant to statute,(17) motion to
recommit,(18) joint (19) or
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14. See Sec. 1.1, infra, for the full text of an authorizing resolution
and House Rules and Manual Sec. 976 (1973), for the form of an
authorizing resolution. Mr. Justice Frankfurter characterized
such a resolution, one to investigate lobbying activities (see
Sec. 1.5, infra, for a discussion of this resolution), as the
committee's ``controlling charter'' which delimits its ``right
to exact testimony.'' United States v Rumely, 345 U.S. 41, 44
(1953).
Parliamentarian's Note: Recent changes in procedures
relating to authorization of standing committees will be
discussed in supplements to this edition as they appear.
15. House Rules and Manual Sec. 717 (1973).
16. See Rule XI clauses 22, 23, and 24, House Rules and Manual
Sec. Sec. 726, 729, and 732 in the edition published at the
commencement of 1973; at the end of the 93d Congress first
session these clauses were numbered 23, 24, and 25,
respectively.
17. See, for example, 26 USC Sec. Sec. 8001, 8022, which establish the
Joint Committee on Internal Revenue Taxation, and confer
investigatory duties, respectively.
18. See, for example, 112 Cong. Rec. 1762, 1763, 89th Cong. 2d Sess.,
Feb. 2, 1966, for a motion to recommit a resolution directing
the Speaker to certify to a U.S. Attorney a contempt citation
against Robert M. Shelton allegedly of the Ku Klux Klan, to a
select committee of seven members appointed by the Speaker to
examine the sufficiency of these citations in light of relevant
judicial decisions.
19. See, for example, 114 Cong. Rec. 21012-31, 90th Cong. 2d Sess.,
July 12, 1968, for House approval of H.J. Res. 1, establishing
a joint committee to investigate crime. The final action in the
Senate was referral to the Committee on the Judiciary.
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[[Page 2282]]
concurrent resolution,(20) or rule of the
House.(1)
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20. See, for example, 91 Cong. Rec. 346-350, 79th Cong. 1st Sess., Jan.
18, 1945, for House approval of H. Con. Res. 18, establishing
the Joint Committee on the Organization of the Congress. This
measure was amended by the Senate at 91 Cong. Rec. 1010, 79th
Cong. 1st Sess., Feb. 12, 1945; the House concurred in the
Senate amendments at 91 Cong. Rec. 1272-74, 79th Cong. 1st
Sess., Feb. 19, 1945.
1. See Rule XI clauses 2(b), 11(b), and 19 (c), House Rules and Manual
Sec. Sec. 679, 703A, and 720 (1973), authorizing the Committees
on Appropriations, Internal Security, and Standards of Official
Conduct, respectively, to conduct investigations and studies.
Note: Recent changes in Rule XI and in the procedure for
authorizing investigations by rule will be discussed in
supplements to this edition as they appear. Meanwhile, see
Rules X and XI, House Rules and Manual (1975 and 1977) for
discussion of changes in investigating, oversight, and subpena
authorities of standing committees since the 93d Congress.
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The determination of whether a particular investigation is within
the scope of the congressional power, or whether procedural
requirements of the investigation have been met, may be important when
such questions as the alleged contempt of witnesses arise. Thus, courts
have held that persons may not be convicted of contumacy arising out of
an investigation which the House lacked authority to conduct. Subjects
that have, in this context, been held not to be proper matters for
legislative action have included the withdrawal of congressional
consent to establish a bi-state compact, the port of New York
authority.(2) Similarly, courts have refused to convict a
witness for contumacy arising out of a subcommittee investigation of
Communist activities in the field of labor, where such investigation
had not been approved by a majority of the parent Committee on
UnAmerican Activities as was required by the committee
rule.(3) In another instance, the authorizing resolution was
construed not to sanction the investigation of ac
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2. See Tobin v United States, 306 F2d 270 (D.C. cir. 1962); cert.
denied, 371 U.S. 902 (1962) which held that the express
reservation of Congress' right ``to alter, amend or repeal''
its initial consent granted in 1921 could not be implied from
art. I, Sec. 10 clause 3 of the Constitution which provides
that no state shall without the consent of Congress enter into
any agreement or compact with another state.
3. Gojack v United States, 384 U.S. 702 (1966).
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[[Page 2283]]
tivities of a lobbyist that were related to his efforts to influence
public opinion by the distribution of literature, and that were
unrelated to any representations made by him to Congress.(4)
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4. United States v Rumely, 345 U.S. 543 (1952). See Sec. 1.5, infra,
for the resolution establishing a select committee to
investigate lobbying activities.
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Discussed in ensuing sections are particular subjects on which
Congress may legislate and appropriate and which are therefore proper
matters for investigation; (5) inquiries directed to the
executive branch; (6) procedures for investigative hearings;
(7) and things incidental to the authority to investigate,
such as the power to punish witnesses for contempt.(8)
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5. See Sec. Sec. 1.1-1.46, infra.
6. See Sec. Sec. 2-5, infra.
7. See Sec. Sec. 6-16, infra.
8. See Sec. Sec. 17-22, infra.
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Principles affecting the investigation of certain specific subjects
have been treated in other chapters. These subjects include
impeachment; (9) election contests; (10) conduct
of Members; (11) and qualification and disqualification of
Members.(12) In addition, the broad subject of committee
structure and procedures is treated elsewhere.(13)
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9. See Ch. 14, supra.
10. See Ch. 9, supra.
11. See Ch. 12, supra.
12. See Ch. 7, supra.
13. See Ch. 17. infra.
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Collateral References
Barth, Alan, Government by Investigation, Viking Press, New York
(1955).
The Constitution of the United States of America, Analysis and
Interpretation, S. Doc. No. 92-82, 92d Cong. 2d Sess., pp. 79-81,
83-86 (1972).
De Grazia, Alfred, ed., Congress: The First Branch of Government,
American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research,
Washington, D.C. (1966).
Dimock, Marshall Edward, Congressional Investigating Committees, AMS
Press, New York, 1971 (reprint of a 1928 work).
Frantz, Laurent, Wilkinson, Braden, and Deutch: The Legislative
Investigation Case, 21 Law in Transition (continuation of National
Lawyer's Guild Rev.) 219 (1962).
Landis, Constitutional Limitations on the Congressional Power of
Investigation, 40 Harv. L. Rev. 153 (1926).
Levi, Edward H., et al., Congressional Investigations, A Symposium, 18
U. of Chic. L. Rev. 421 (1951).
McGreary, M. Nelson, The Development of Congressional Investigative
Power, Octagon Books, Inc. (1966).
McKay, R. B., Congressional Investigations and the Supreme Court, 51
Cal. L. Rev. 276 (1963).
Moreland, Allen B., Congressional Investigations and Private Persons,
40 So. Cal. L. Rev. 189 (1967).
Newman, Frank C., Supreme Court, Congressional Investigations and
Influence
[[Page 2284]]
Peddling, N. Y. U. L. Rev. 796 June (1958).
Senate Committee on the Judiciary, Congressional Power of
Investigation, S. Doc. No. 99, 82d Cong. 2d Sess. (1954).
Shapiro, M., Judicial Review: Political Reality and Legislative
Purpose: The Supreme Court's Supervision of Congressional
Investigations, 15 Vand. L. Rev. 535 (1962).
Taylor, Telford, Grand Inquest: The Story of Congressional
Investigations, Simon and Schuster, New York (1955).
Warren, W. C., Congressional Investigations: Some Observations, 21
Food, Drug, Cosm. L. Jour. 40
(1966) -------------------
Privacy, Human Values, and Democratic Institutions
Sec. 1.1 Form of resolution establishing select committee. The House
rejected a resolution establishing a select committee to
investigate privacy, human values, and democratic institutions.
On Feb. 8, 1972,(14) the House rejected a resolution
(called up as privileged by direction of the Committee on Rules)
establishing a select committee. The proceedings were as follows:
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14. 118 Cong. Rec. 3181-3200, 92d Cong. 2d Sess. The resolution was
reported on May 19, 1971 (H. Rept. No. 218).
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Mr. [Ray J.] Madden [of Indiana]: Mr. Speaker, by direction of
the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 164 and ask for
its immediate consideration.
The Clerk read the resolution as follows:
H. Res. 164
Whereas the development of technology is advancing at an
unparalleled rate of speed and is rapidly coming to affect
every level of American life; and
Whereas the operations of industry and Government are
coming more and more to rely on highly sophisticated computer
technology to assist them in their operations; and
Whereas the full significance and the effects of technology
on society and on the operations of industry and Government are
largely unknown; and
Whereas computers and other technological innovations aid
in the gathering and centralization of massive information of
all kinds of individuals and, consequently, call into question
the effect of technology on the right of privacy; and
Whereas Congress needs a committee ready and able to
evaluate the effects of technology on the operations of
Government, on the democratic institutions and processes basic
to the United States, and on the basic human and civil rights
of our citizens: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That there is hereby created a select committee
to be known as the Select Committee on Privacy, Human Values,
and Democratic Institutions to be composed of nine Members of
the House of Representatives to be appointed by the Speaker,
one of whom he shall designate as chairman. Any vacancy
occurring in the membership of the committee shall be filled in
the same manner in which the original appointment was made.
The committee is authorized and directed to conduct a full
and com
[[Page 2285]]
plete investigation and study of the development and
proliferation of technology in American society, including the
role and effectiveness of computer technology in the operations
of industry and Government, the consequences of using computers
to solve social questions which traditionally have been
addressed without the assistance of computers and other
machines, and the effects of technology and machines on
democratic institutions and processes. The committee shall also
study the use of computers and other technical instruments in
gathering and centralizing information on individuals and the
effect of such activity on the human and civil rights.
For the purpose of carrying out this resolution the
committee, or any subcommittee thereof authorized by the
committee to hold hearings, is authorized to sit and act during
the present Congress at such times and places and within the
United States, including any Commonwealth or possession
thereof, whether the House is in session, has recessed, or has
adjourned, to hold such hearings, and to require, by subpoena
or otherwise, the attendance and testimony of such witnesses
and the production of such books, records, correspondence,
memorandums, papers, and documents, as it deems necessary;
except that neither the committee nor any subcommittee thereof
may sit while the House is meeting unless special leave to sit
shall have been obtained from the House. Subpoenas may be
issued under the signature of the chairman of the committee or
any member of the committee designated by him, and may be
served by any person designated by such chairman or member.
The committee shall report to the House as soon as
practicable during the present Congress the results of its
investigation and study, together with such recommendations as
it deems advisable. Any such report which is made when the
House is not in session shall be filed with the Clerk of the
House.
With the following committee amendment:
On page 3, line 5: Strike the words ``act during the'' and
insert ``act, subject to clause 31 of Rule XI of the Rules of
the House of Representatives, during the''.
The committee amendment was agreed to. . . .
Mr. Madden: Mr. Speaker, I move the previous question on the
resolution.
The previous question was ordered.
The Speaker: (15) The question is on the resolution.
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15. Carl Albert (Okla.).
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Mr. [Fletcher] Thompson of Georgia: Mr. Speaker, on that I
demand the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered. . . .
The question was taken; and there were--yeas 168, nays 216, not
voting 47 . . . .
So the resolution was rejected.
Congressional Operations and Practices
Sec. 1.2 The House established a select committee to investigate House
Rules X and XI, which relate to the structure, jurisdiction, and
procedure of committees.
On Jan. 31, 1973,(16) the House by a vote of yeas 282
to nays 91
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16. 119 Cong. Rec. 2812-16, 93d Cong. 1st Sess. The resolution was
reported on Jan. 30, 1973 (H. Rept. No. 2).
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[[Page 2286]]
agreed to House Resolution 132, reported from the Committee on Rules,
creating a select committee to study the operation and implementation
of Rules X and XI, focusing on committee structure, number and optimum
size of committees, their jurisdiction, number of subcommittees,
committee rules and procedures, media coverage of meetings, staffing,
space, equipment, and other committee facilities.
Parliamentarian's Note: Consideration of House Resolution 132 was
provided for by the adoption of House Resolution 176 [119 Cong. Rec.
2804, 93d Cong. 1st Sess.], called up by direction of the Committee on
Rules. Since House Resolution 132 would not have been privileged
(because it contained provisions affecting contingent funds), House
Resolution 176 provided for the immediate consideration of House
Resolution 132, debate to be controlled by the Committee on Rules and
the previous question considered as ordered.
Sec. 1.3 The House agreed to a resolution creating a special committee
to investigate and report on campaign expenditures and practices by
candidates for the House.
On Aug. 4, 1970,(17) the House by voice vote approved
House Resolution 1062, authorizing the Speaker to appoint a special
committee to investigate and report to the House on candidate
expenditures and donations of services and funds received as well as
violations of election laws. The resolution was called up by Mr. Thomas
P. O'Neill, Jr., of Massachusetts, who referred to it as authorizing
the biennial special committee to investigate campaign expenditure.''
(18)
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17. 116 Cong. Rec. 27125, 27126, 91st Cong. 2d Sess. The resolution was
reported on June 11, 1970 (H. Rept. No. 1187) from the
Committee on Rules.
18. See also 112 Cong. Rec. 19079-81, 89th Cong. 2d Sess., Aug. 11,
1966; and 90 Cong. Rec. 6392, 6393-98, 78th Cong. 2d Sess.,
June 21, 1944, for other examples of voice vote approvals of H.
Res. 929 and 551, respectively, creating special committees to
investigate campaign expenditures.
Parliamentarian's Note: Since the 93d Congress, the special
committee has not been reconstituted. On Aug. 21, 1974, the
House agreed to H. Res. 737, a privileged resolution reported
from the Committee on Rules, authorizing the Committee on House
Administration to conduct investigations within its
jurisdiction (including elections of Members) and authorizing
that committee to issue subpenas. 120 Cong. Rec. 29653, 29654,
93d Cong. 2d Sess.
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[[Page 2287]]
Sec. 1.4 The House established a select committee to study and
investigate the welfare and education of congressional pages.
On Sept. 30, 1964,(19) the House by voice vote approved
House Resolution 847 (called up as privileged by direction of the
Committee on Rules), to create a select committee to investigate the
welfare and education of congressional pages including dining,
recreational, educational, and physical training facilities and
opportunities as well as rates of pay, hours of work, and other working
conditions.
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19. 110 Cong. Rec. 23187, 23188, 88th Cong. 2d Sess. The resolution was
reported on Sept. 16, 1964 (H. Rept. No. 1887).
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Sec. 1.5 The House established a select committee to investigate
lobbying activities.
On Aug. 12, 1949,(20) , the House by voice vote approved
House Resolution 298 (called up as privileged by direction of the
Committee on Rules), creating a select committee of seven members to
investigate all lobbying activities and all activities of federal
agencies intended to influence, encourage, promote, or retard
legislation.
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20. 95 Cong. Rec. 11385-89, 81st Cong. 1st Sess. The resolution was
reported on Aug. 3, 1949 (H. Rept. No. 1185).
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Structure and Operation of the Executive Branch
Sec. 1.6 The House established a select committee to study executive
agencies.
On Apr. 29, 1936,(1) the House by a roll call vote of
yeas 269 to nays 44 approved House Resolution 460 (called up as
privileged by direction of the Committee on Rules), authorizing the
Speaker to appoint a select committee of five members to study
activities of executive departments, bureaus, boards, commissions, and
agencies to determine whether any of these agencies should be abolished
or coordinated with other agencies in the interest of simplification,
efficiency, and economy.
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1. 80 Cong. Rec. 6375, 6376, 6385, 6386, 74th Cong. 2d Sess. The
resolution was reported on Apr. 28, 1936 (H. Rept. No. 2504).
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This resolution, called up by Mr. John J. O'Connor, of New York,
had been requested by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, in a Mar. 20,
1936, letter to Speaker Joseph W. Byrns, of Tennessee, seeking
cooperation of the House in incorporating agencies created during the
depression into the regular executive organization.(2)
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2. See 80 Cong. Rec. 6376, 74th Cong. 2d Sess., for the text of this
letter.
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[[Page 2288]]
Sec. 1.7 The House established a special committee to investigate acts
of executive agencies.
On Feb. 11, 1943,(3) the House by a roll call vote of
yeas 294 to nays 50, approved House Resolution 102 (called up as
privileged by direction of the Committee on Rules), establishing a
special committee of five members to investigate any action, rule,
procedure, regulation, order, or directive taken or promulgated by any
department or independent agency of the federal government where
complaint is made that any action or rule (1) is beyond the scope of
the department or agency, (2) invades constitutional rights,
privileges, or immunities of citizens, or (3) inflicts penalties for
noncompliance without an opportunity to present a
defense.(4)
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3. 89 Cong Rec. 872, 883, 884, 78th Cong. 1st Sess. The resolution was
reported on Feb. 8, 1943 (H. Rept. No. 104).
4. Authority to continue this subcommittee was granted by a roll call
vote of yeas 254 to nays 55 on H. Res. 88, on Jan. 18, 1945. 91
Cong. Rec. 344-346, 79th Cong. 1st Sess.
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Sec. 1.8 The House rejected a resolution establishing a select
committee to investigate the transfer of certain government
agencies and bureaus from the District of Columbia.
On July 15, 1941,(5) the House by a vote of yeas 72 to
nays 204, rejected House Resolution 257 (called up as privileged by
direction of the Committee on Rules), creating a select committee of
five members to investigate the feasibility and desirability of
transfer-ring any government agencies and bureaus to locations outside
the District of Columbia and to investigate the location, extent, and
cost of office space and other facilities rented by the various federal
departments, bureaus, and agencies within and without the District of
Columbia.
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5. 87 Cong. Rec. 6073, 6082, 6083, 77th Cong. 1st Sess. The resolution
was reported on July 10, 1941 (H. Rept. No. 932).
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Specific Agencies
Sec. 1.9 The House approved a resolution establishing a select
committee to investigate the organization, personnel, and
activities of the Federal Communications Commission.
On Jan. 19, 1943,(6) the House by voice vote approved
House Res
[[Page 2289]]
olution 21 (called up as privileged by direction of the Committee on
Rules), establishing a select committee of five members to determine
whether the Federal Communications Commission acted in accordance with
law and the public interest in its organization, selection of
personnel, and conduct of its activities.
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6. 89 Cong. Rec. 233, 235, 78th Cong. 1st Sess. The resolution was
reported on Jan. 18, 1943 (H. Rept. No. 8).
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Sec. 1.10 The House established a select committee to investigate
activities of the Farm Security Administration.
On Mar. 18, 1943,(7) the House by voice vote approved
House Resolution 119 (called up as privileged by direction of the
Committee on Rules), creating a select committee to investigate
activities of the Farm Security Administration to determine whether
congressional policies were being followed.(8)
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7. 89 Cong. Rec. 2194, 78th Cong. 1st Sess. The resolution was
reported on Mar. 11, 1945 (H. Rept. No. 241).
8. See 89 Cong. Rec. 1859, 78th Cong. 1st Sess., for text of the
resolution.
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Sec. 1.11 The House established a select committee to investigate the
financial position of the White County Bridge Commission.
On May 25, 1955,(9) the House by a roll call vote of
yeas 205 to nays 166, approved House Resolution 244 (called up as
privileged by direction of the Committee on Rules), creating a select
committee of three members to investigate and study the White County
Bridge Commission, established by Public Law 37 of the 77th Congress,
to ascertain whether that bridge, located near New Harmony, Ind.,
should be toll free, and to study receipts and expenditures of the
commission since it was established in 1941.
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9. 101 Cong. Rec. 7036, 7043, 7044, 84th Cong. 1st Sess. The
resolution was reported on May 24, 1955 (H. Rept. No. 614).
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Sec. 1.12 The House approved a resolution establishing a select
committee to investigate the National Labor Relations Board.
On July 20, 1939,(10) the House on a roll call vote of
254 yeas to 134 nays approved House Resolution 258 (called up as
privileged by direction of the Committee on Rules), establishing a
select committee of five members to investigate the fairness of the
National Labor Relations Board in its dealings with labor organizations
and employers; the effect of the National Labor Relations Act on
disputes between employers and em
[[Page 2290]]
ployees, on employment, and on general economic conditions; the
desirability of amendments to the National Labor Relations Act; whether
the Board has attempted to write into the National Labor Relations Act
intents and purposes not justified by the act; and the need for
legislation further to define and clarify the meaning of the term
``interstate commerce'' and the relationship between employers and
employees.
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10. 84 Cong. Rec. 9582, 9592, 9593, 76th Cong. 1st Sess. The resolution
was reported on July 18, 1939 (H. Rept. No. 1215).
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Economics
Sec. 1.13 The House rejected a resolution creating a special committee
to study prices paid for the necessities of life.
On June 27, 1941,(11) the House by a roll call vote of
yeas 100 to nays 200, rejected House Resolution 212 (called up as
privileged by direction of the Committee on Rules), to establish a
select committee of five members to study prices paid for the
necessities of life, and various problems facing purchasers of goods in
the markets of the country.
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11. 87 Cong. Rec. 5624, 5634, 77th Cong. 1st Sess. The resolution was
reported on June 24, 1941 (H. Rept. No. 848).
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Sec. 1.14 The House established a special committee known as the
Committee on Post-War Economic Policy and Planning.
On Jan. 26, 1944,(12) the House by voice vote approved
House Resolution 408 (called up as privileged by direction of the
Committee on Rules), creating a special committee of 18 members to
investigate all matters relating to post-war economic policy and
programs; to gather and study information, plans, and suggestions; and
to report to the House periodically.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
12. 90 Cong. Rec. 753, 762, 763, 78th Cong. 2d Sess. The resolution was
reported on Jan. 25, 1944 (H. Rept. No. 1021).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sec. 1.15 The House established a select committee to investigate
supplies and shortages of food, particularly meat.
On Mar. 27, 1945,(13) the House on a roll call vote of
292 yeas to 7 nays approved House Resolution 195 (called up as
privileged by direction of the Committee on Rules), creating a select
committee to investigate shortages of food, particularly civilian meat
supplies; factors relating to production and distribution of essential
foodstuffs, particularly meat;
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
13. 91 Cong. Rec. 2862, 2863, 79th Cong. 1st Sess. The resolution was
reported on Mar. 21, 1945 (H. Rept. No. 356).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 2291]]
the presence of black markets in all kinds of meat; and the diversion
of meat from normal, legitimate commercial channels of
trade.(14)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
14. See 91 Cong. Rec. 2784, 79th Cong. 1st Sess., Mar. 26, 1945, for
text of this resolution.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sec. 1.16 The House established a select committee to investigate
newsprint supplies.
On Feb. 26, 1947,(15) the House by a roll call vote of
yeas 269 to nays 100, approved House Resolution 58 (called up as
privileged by direction of the Committee on Rules), creating a select
committee to study and investigate the need for adequate American
supplies of newsprint, printing and wrapping paper, paper products,
paper pulp and pulpwood; possible means of increasing these supplies by
domestic production or import; and the assistance that could be
rendered by American agencies or officers to increase supplies.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
15. 93 Cong. Rec. 1457, 1458, 1465, 80th Cong. 1st Sess. The resolution
was reported on Feb. 18, 1947 (H. Rept. No. 41).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sec. 1.17 The House established a select committee to investigate
transactions on commodity exchanges.
On Dec. 18, 1947,(16) the House by voice vote approved
House Resolution 403 (called up as privileged by direction of the
Committee on Rules), creating a select committee to investigate
purchases and sales of commodities, including any activities of federal
departments and agencies which have affected or may affect food prices
as well as private acts and official activities of federal authorities
in connection with the purchase or sale of other commodities.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
16. 93 Cong. Rec. 11640, 11648, 80th Cong. 1st Sess. The resolution was
reported on Dec. 17, 1947 (H. Rept. No. 1221).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sec. 1.18 The House established a select committee to investigate the
disposition of surplus property.
On May 9, 1946,(17) the House by voice vote approved
House Resolution 385 (called up as privileged by direction of the
Committee on Rules),(18) creating a se
[[Page 2292]]
lect committee to study and investigate contracts entered into between
the United States and purchasers and lessees of surplus real and
personal property; methods by which such contracts were awarded and
opportunities to bid on the contracts; the effects of this program of
disposition; the disposition of surplus outside the United States; the
advisability of governmental operation of facilities and the effect of
governmental competition with private business in such operations; the
adequacy or inadequacy of present statutes; and other matters deemed
appropriate by the committee.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
17. 92 Cong. Rec. 4750, 79th Cong. 2d Sess. The resolution was reported
on Apr. 9, 1946 (H. Rept. No. 1889).
18. See 92 Cong. Rec. 4568, 79th Cong. 2d Sess., May 7, 1946, for the
text of this resolution, and for discussion of the division of
time for debate. In this instance, the Chairman of the
Committee on Rules obtained unanimous consent to provide an
additional hour for debate. Since the chairman was opposed to
the resolution and had made the request in the absence of the
Member in charge of the resolution, some discussion ensued as
to the effect of the request in the circumstances.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Small Business
Sec. 1.19 The House established a select committee to investigate and
study war-time problems of small business.
On Jan. 18, 1945,(19) the House by voice vote approved
House Resolution 64 (called up as privileged by direction of the
Committee on Rules), creating a select committee of nine members to
investigate and study the problems of small business arising because of
World War II, with particular reference to (1) whether the
potentialities of small business were being adequately developed and
utilized and, if not, what factors hindered development; (2) whether
adequate consideration was being given to small business needs; (3)
whether small business was being treated fairly; and (4) the need for a
sound program for the solution of post-war problems of small
business.(20)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
19. 91 Cong. Rec. 337, 341, 79th Cong. 1st Sess. The resolution was
reported on Jan. 16, 1945 (H. Rept. No. 21).
20. The nine-member Select Committee on Small Business with the same
jurisdiction was created on Jan. 22, 1943, by voice vote
approval of H. Res. 18. 89 Cong. Rec. 309, 310, 317, 78th Cong.
1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sec. 1.20 The House established a select committee to investigate
problems of small business.
On Feb. 5, 1969,(1) the House by voice vote approved
House Resolution 66 (called up as privileged by direction of the
Committee on Rules), creating a select committee of 15 members to
investigate problems affecting small business, including impediments to
normal operations, growth, and development; administration of federal
laws; and adequacy of gov
[[Page 2293]]
ernment service to the needs of small business.(2)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. 115 Cong. Rec. 2778, 91st Cong. 1st Sess. The resolution was
reported on Jan. 23, 1969 (H. Rept. No. 7).
2. See also, for example, 113 Cong. Rec. 2148-50, 90th Cong. 1st
Sess., Feb. 1, 1967, in which the House by voice vote approved
H. Res. 53, establishing a select committee to investigate
problems of small business and providing the same jurisdiction
as would H. Res. 66, of the 91st Congress. Authority for a
select committee on small business had been granted biennially
since 1941 (H. Res. 294, 77th Congress).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Parliamentarian's Note: After adopting the rules for the 92d
Congress on Jan. 22, 1971,(3) establishing the permanent
Select Committee on Small Business (Rule X clause 3) the House by voice
vote approved House Resolution 19 (called up as privileged by direction
of the Committee on Rules), which dealt with the size of the committee,
conferred subpena power, and authorized domestic travel.(4)
Beginning in the 94th Congress, the Committee on Small Business became
a standing committee of the House (see Rule X clause 1(s), House Rules
and Manual, 1975).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. 117 Cong. Rec. 143, 144, 92d Cong. 1st Sess. See 117 Cong. Rec. 14,
92d Cong. 1st Sess., Jan. 21, 1971, for the text of H. Res. 5,
relating to adoption of the rules.
4. See 117 Cong. Rec. 4593-95, 92d Cong. 1st Sess., Mar. 2, 1971, for
the text of and vote on H. Res. 19.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Taxation
Sec. 1.21 The House established a special committee to investigate tax-
exempt foundations.
On July 27, 1953,(5) the House by a roll call vote of
yeas 209 to nays 163, approved House Resolution 217 (called up as
privileged by direction of the Committee on Rules), creating a special
committee to investigate and study tax-exempt educational and
philanthropic foundations to determine whether their funds were being
used for the purposes for which they were established, or for un-
American and subversive activities, propaganda, attempts to influence
legislation, or other political purposes.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
5. 99 Cong. Rec. 10015, 10030, 83d Cong. 1st Sess. The resolution was
reported on July 13, 1953 (H. Rept. No. 773).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sec. 1.22 The House substituted the Committee on Ways and Means for a
select committee to investigate duplication and overlapping of
taxes.
On Sept. 27, 1951,(6) the House, after voice vote
adoption of a Committee on Rules amendment substituting the Committee
on Ways and Means for a select com
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
6. 97 Cong. Rec. 12263, 12265, 82d Cong. 1st Sess. H. Res. 414 was
reported from the Committee on Rules on Sept. 26, 1951 (H.
Rept. No. 1056), and subsequently called up as privileged.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 2294]]
mittee of five members to investigate means and methods of eliminating
overlapping between and duplication of sources of federal, state, and
local taxes, approved House Resolution 414 authorizing such
investigation by voice vote.
Domestic Military Activities
Sec. 1.23 The House established the select committee to investigate the
seizure of property of Montgomery Ward & Co.
On May 5, 1944,(7) the House by a roll call vote of yeas
300 to nays 60, approved House Resolution 521 (called up as privileged
by direction of the Committee on Rules), creating a select committee of
seven members to investigate the seizure by the Army of property of
Montgomery Ward & Co., on Apr. 26, 1944, pursuant to Executive Order
No. 9438.(8)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
7. 90 Cong. Rec. 4047, 4069, 4070, 78th Cong. 2d Sess. The resolution
was reported on May 2, 1944 (H. Rept. No. 1410).
8. See Public Papers and Addresses of Franklin D. Roosevelt, 1944,
1945, Harper and Brothers Publishers (N.Y.), note p. 453, for a
discussion of this and other executive orders to seize property
of Montgomery Ward & Co.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Military Preparedness
Sec. 1.24 The House established a select committee known as the
Committee on Post-War Military Policy.
On Mar. 28, 1944,(9) the House by voice vote created a
select committee of 23 members to investigate all matters relating to
post-war military requirements of the United States, to gather and
study information, plans, and suggestions, and to report findings and
conclusions to the House.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
9. 90 Cong. Rec. 3199, 3207, 78th Cong. 2d Sess. See H. Res. 465
(called up as privileged by the Committee on Rules. The
resolution was reported on Mar. 24, 1944 (H. Rept. No. 1286).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sec. 1.25 After defeating the motion for the previous question, the
House laid on the table a resolution reported by the Committee on
Rules to create a special committee to investigate national
defense.
On Mar. 11, 1941,(10) after defeating the motion for the
previous question, the House by voice vote laid on the table House
Resolution 120 (called up as privileged by direction of the Committee
on Rules), creating a select committee to investigate all federal
activities relating to the national
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
10. 87 Cong. Rec. 2182, 2189, 2190, 77th Cong. 1st Sess. The resolution
was reported on Mar. 10, 1941 (H. Rept. No. 222).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 2295]]
defense and to prepare, compile, and analyze data pertinent thereto to
enable Congress to determine the need for appropriations or further
legislation facilitating or abolishing any such activities.
Foreign Military Operations and Foreign Affairs
Sec. 1.26 The House agreed to a resolution establishing a select
committee to travel to Southeast Asia, investigate all aspects of
American military involvement there, and report back to the House
within 45 days.
On June 8, 1970,(11) the House by a vote of 224 yeas to
101 nays approved House Resolution 976 (called up as privileged by
direction of the Committee on Rules), directing the Speaker to appoint
a select committee of 12 members, including two from the Committee on
Armed Services, two from the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and eight
from the House at large, to travel to Southeast Asia to investigate all
aspects of American military involvement and report to the House within
45 days.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
11. 116 Cong. Rec. 18656-71, 91st Cong. 2d Sess. The resolution was
reported on June 4, 1970 (H. Rept. No. 1160).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sec. 1.27 The House established a select committee to investigate the
Katyn Forest massacre.
On Sept. 18, 1951,(12) the House by voice vote approved
House Resolution 390 (called up as privileged by direction of the
Committee on Rules), creating a select committee of seven members to
study and investigate the facts, evidence, and extenuating
circumstances relating to the massacre of thousands of Polish officers
buried in a mass grave in the Katyn Forest on the banks of the Dnieper,
near Smolensk, when it was a Nazi-occupied territory formerly
controlled by the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
12. 97 Cong. Rec. 11545, 11554, 82d Cong. 1st Sess. The resolution was
reported on Aug. 16, 1951 (H. Rept. No. 885).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sec. 1.28 The House established a select committee to investigate the
seizure of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia by the Union of Soviet
Socialist Republics.
On July 27, 1953,(13) the House by voice vote approved
House Resolution 346 (called up as privileged by direction of the
Committee on Rules), creating a select committee to study and inves
[[Page 2296]]
tigate the seizure and forced incorporation of Lithuania, Latvia, and
Estonia by the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and the treatment of
the people in such areas during and following the seizure and
incorporation.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
13. 99 Cong. Rec. 10031, 10037, 83d Cong. 1st Sess. The resolution was
reported on July 23, 1953 (H. Rept No. 903).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Veterans' Benefits
Sec. 1.29 The House established a select committee to investigate
alleged abuses in the education and training program for World War
II veterans.
On Aug. 28, 1950,(14) the House by voice vote approved
House Resolution 474 (called up as privileged by direction of the
Committee on Rules), creating a select committee of nine members to
investigate and study alleged abuses in the education and training
program for World War II veterans, and action taken or not taken by the
Veterans' Administration and state authorities to prevent abuses under
the Servicemen's Readjustment Act, as amended.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
14. 96 Cong. Rec. 13629, 13632, 81st Cong. 2d Sess. The resolution was
reported on Aug. 16, 1950 (H. Rept. No. 2927).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sec. 1.30 The House established a select committee to investigate
education, training, and loan guaranty programs for veterans.
On Feb. 2, 1951,(15) the House by voice vote approved
House Resolution 93 (called up as privileged by direction of the
Committee on Rules), creating a select committee of nine members to
investigate, study, and evaluate alleged abuses in education, training,
and loan guaranty programs for World War II veterans, and the action
taken or not taken by the Veterans' Administration and state agencies
to prevent abuses arising under the national service life insurance
program (38 USC Sec. 701).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
15. 97 Cong. Rec. 876, 82d Cong. 1st Sess. The resolution was reported
on Jan. 29, 1951 (H. Rept. No. 19).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sec. 1.31 The House established a select committee to investigate and
study the benefits under federal law for the survivors of deceased
members of the armed forces.
On Feb. 2, 1955,(16) the House by voice vote approved
House Resolution 35 (called up as privileged by direction of the
Committee on Rules), creating a select committee of five members to
investigate federal benefits for sur
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
16. 101 Cong. Rec. 1079-81, 84th Cong. 1st Sess. The resolution was
reported on Jan. 31, 1955 (H. Rept. No. 13).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 2297]]
vivors of members and former members of the armed forces.
Un-American Activities
Sec. 1.32 The House established a special committee to investigate un-
American propaganda activities.
On May 26, 1938,(17) the House by voice vote approved
House Resolution 282 (called up as privileged by direction of the
Committee on Rules), authorizing the Speaker to appoint a special
committee of seven members to investigate un-American propaganda
activities in the United States, domestic diffusion of such propaganda,
and all other questions relating thereto.(18)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
17. 83 Cong. Rec. 7568, 7586, 75th Cong. 3d Sess. The resolution was
reported on May 10, 1938 (H. Rept. No. 2319).
18. Authority for the select committee to investigate un-American
propaganda with the same jurisdiction as the above resolution
was continued, by subsequent privileged resolutions reported
from the Committee on Rules, as follows: by roll call vote of
302 yeas to 94 nays, on H. Res. 65 on Feb. 10, 1943 (89 Cong.
Rec. 795, 809, 810, 78th Cong. 1st Sess.); 331 yeas to 46 nays,
on H. Res. 420 on Mar. 11, 1942 (88 Cong. Rec. 2282, 2297, 77th
Cong. 2d Sess.); 354 yeas to 6 nays, on H. Res. 90 on Feb. 11,
1941 (87 Cong. Rec. 886-899, 77th Cong. 1st Sess.); 344 yeas to
21 nays, on H. Res. 321 on Jan. 23, 1940 (86 Cong. Rec. 572,
604, 605, 76th Cong. 3d Sess.); and 344 yeas to 35 nays, on H.
Res. 26 on Feb. 3, 1939 (84 Cong. Rec. 1098, 1127, 1128, 76th
Cong. 1st Sess.). An amendment to the rules, contained in H.
Res. 5, established the standing Committee on Un-American
Activities on Jan. 3, 1945 (91 Cong. Rec. 10-15, 79th Cong. 1st
Sess.). The Committee on Internal Security, established on Feb.
18, 1969 (115 Cong. Rec. 3723, 3746, 91st Cong. 1st Sess.) by
approval on a vote of 306 yeas to 80 nays, of H. Res. 89,
reported as privileged from the Committee on Rules, assumed the
jurisdiction of the Committee on Un-American Activities.
Commencing with the 94th Congress, the Committee on Internal
Security was abolished and its jurisdiction, files and staff
transferred to the Committee on the Judiciary (see Rule X
clause 1(m), House Rules and Manual, 1975).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sec. 1.33 The House tabled a resolution to create a special committee
to investigate un-American activities.
On Apr. 8, 1937,(19) the House on a division vote of
yeas 184 to nays 38, laid on the table House Resolution 88 (called up
as privileged by direction of the Committee on Rules), creating a
special committee of seven members
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
19. 81 Cong. Rec. 3283, 3290, 75th Cong. 1st Sess. The resolution was
reported on Apr. 1, 1937 (H. Rept. No. 534).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 2298]]
to investigate organizations or groups of individuals operating within
the United States which diffuse slanderous or libelous un-American
propaganda of a religious, racial, or subversive nature tending to
incite to the use of force and violence; and to investigate the extent
and use of United States mail and postal services for the diffusion of
these materials.
Parliamentarian's Note: The House had previously created the
Special Committee to Investigate Communist Activities, chaired by
Hamilton Fish, Jr., of New York, and the Special Committee on Un-
American Activities, chaired by John W. McCormack, of Massachusetts, in
1930 and 1934, respectively. Authority for each of these special
committees had expired at the time House Resolution 88 was
introduced.(20)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
20. See the remarks of Mr. Lindsay C. Warren (N.C.), at 81 Cong. Rec.
3287, 76th Cong. 1st Sess., Apr. 8, 1937.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scientific Activities
Sec. 1.34 The House established the Select Committee on Astronautics
and Space Exploration.
On Mar. 5, 1958,(1) the House by voice vote approved
House Resolution 496, which had been submitted by Majority Leader John
W. McCormack, of Massachusetts, by unanimous consent. The resolution
was for purposes of creating the Select Committee on Astronautics and
Space Exploration of 13 members to investigate all aspects of and
problems relating to the exploration of outer space and the control,
development, and use of astronautical resources, personnel, and
facilities.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. 104 Cong. Rec. 3443, 85th Cong. 2d Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
On July 21, 1958,(2) the standing Committee on Science
and Astronautics was established by voice vote approval of House
Resolution 580 (called up as privileged by direction of the Committee
on Rules), amending Rule X clause 1 by adding subclause
(q).(3)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. 104 Cong. Rec. 14513, 14514, 85th Cong. 2d Sess.
3. The resolution was reported on May 29, 1958 (H. Rept. No. 1837).
See Sec. 1.44, infra, for a discussion of Senate establishment
of the Special Committee on Astronautical and Space Exploration
and a successor standing committee, the Committee on
Astronautical and Space Sciences.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sec. 1.35 The House established a select committee to investigate
research programs.
On Sept. 11, 1963,(4) the House by a roll call vote of
336 yeas to 0
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
4. 109 Cong. Rec. 16744, 16753, 16754, 88th Cong. 1st Sess. The
resolution was reported on Aug. 28, 1963 (H. Rept. No. 718).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 2299]]
nays approved House Resolution 504 (called up as privileged by
direction of the Committee on Rules), creating a select committee of
nine members to investigate expenditures for research programs,
government departments and agencies which conduct research and amounts
expended thereby, and facilities for coordinating research programs,
including grants to colleges and universities.
Chemicals in Food Production
Sec. 1.36 The House established a select committee to investigate the
use of chemicals in the production of food products.
On June 20, 1950,(5) the House by voice vote approved
House Resolution 323 (called up as privileged by direction of the
Committee on Rules), creating a select committee of seven members to
investigate and study the use of chemicals, pesticides, and
insecticides in the production of food products and fertilizers and
their effects on the health and welfare of the nation, stability of the
agricultural economy, soil, health of animals, and vegetation.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
5. 96 Cong. Rec. 8933-36, 81st Cong. 2d Sess. The resolution was
reported on June 12, 1950 (H. Rept. No. 2214).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Airplane Crashes
Sec. 1.37 The House established a select committee to investigate
crashes of commercial airplanes in 1940 and 1941.
On Mar. 6, 1941,(6) the House by voice vote approved
House Resolution 125 (called up as privileged by direction of the
Committee on Rules), creating a select committee of five members to
investigate air crashes and other accidents in the United States in
1940 and 1941 occurring on commercial airlines; to ascertain pertinent
facts relating to the construction of flying and ground equipment and
the management and operation of airlines; to examine laws and
regulations relating to operation and inspection of airplanes and
safety equipment, and the liability of airlines for loss of life or
injury to persons or property; and to investigate other matters as
deemed necessary by the committee.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
6. 87 Cong. Rec. 1930, 1931, 1940, 77th Cong. 1st Sess. The resolution
was reported on Mar. 4, 1941 (H. Rept. No. 183).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Migration of Destitute Citizens
Sec. 1.38 The House established a select committee to inves
[[Page 2300]]
tigate the interstate migration of destitute citizens.
On Apr. 22, 1940,(7) the House by voice vote approved
House Resolution 63 (called up as privileged by direction of the
Committee on Rules), creating a select committee of five members to
investigate the social and economic needs and interstate migration of
destitute persons.(8)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
7. 86 Cong. Rec. 4880, 4884, 76th Cong. 3d Sess. The resolution was
reported on Apr. 19, 1940 (H. Rept. No. 1998).
8. Authority for this select committee was continued by voice vote
approval of H. Res. 113, on Mar. 31, 1941. 87 Cong. Rec. 2730,
2736, 77th Cong. 1st Sess. The resolution which was privileged,
was reported on Mar. 31 from the Committee on Rules (H. Rept.
No. 350). It was called up that same day, by direction of the
Committee on Rules, by Mr. Lawrence Lewis [Colo.], who asked
unanimous consent for its consideration.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pensions
Sec. 1.39 The House established a select committee to investigate old-
age pension plans.
On Mar. 10, 1936,(9) the House by voice vote approved
House Resolution 443, authorizing the Speaker to appoint eight members
to a select committee to inquire into old-age pension plans with
respect to which legislation had been submitted to the House,
particularly the plan embodied in a House bill (H.R. 7154), providing
for retirement annuities; and to examine the conduct, history, and
records of persons or groups promoting such plans. The resolution was,
by unanimous consent, submitted by Mr. C. Jasper Bell, of Missouri, and
was intended as a modification and clarification of House Resolution
418, which had previously been reported from the Committee on Rules (H.
Rept. No. 2005), and adopted.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
9. 80 Cong. Rec. 3506, 3507, 74th Cong. 2d Sess. See Id. at p. 2360
(Feb. 19, 1936), for adoption of the related resolution H. Res.
418.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Offensive Literature
Sec. 1.40 The House established a select committee to investigate
current literature.
On May 12, 1952,(10) the House by voice vote approved
House Resolution 596 (called up as privileged by direction of the
Committee on Rules), creating a select committee of nine members to
investigate and study the extent to which current literature, books,
and magazines containing im
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
10. 98 Cong. Rec. 5061, 5062, 5069, 82d Cong. 2d Sess. The resolution
was reported on Apr. 30, 1952 (H. Rept. No. 1837).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 2301]]
moral, obscene, or otherwise offensive matter, or placing an improper
emphasis on crime, violence, and corruption, were being made available
to Americans through the mail and otherwise, and to determine the
adequacy of existing law to prevent the publication and distribution of
this literature.
Crime
Sec. 1.41 The House established a select committee to study crime in
the United States.
On May 1, 1969,(11) the House by a roll call vote of
yeas 345 to nays 18, approved House Resolution 17, reported as
privileged from the Committee on Rules, establishing a select committee
of seven members to investigate all aspects of crime in the United
States including causes and effects; preparation of statistics;
exchange of information among federal, state, local, and foreign law
enforcement agencies; treatment and rehabilitation of offenders; and
prevention and control.(12)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
11. 115 Cong. Rec. 11087, 11100, 11101, 91st Cong. 1st Sess. The
resolution was reported on Apr. 22, 1969 (H. Rept. No. 150).
12. The House by voice vote approved H. Res. 115, which authorized an
investigation of the same issues on Mar. 9, 1971. 117 Cong.
Rec. 5587, 5588, 5610, 92d Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Energy
Sec. 1.42 The House rejected a resolution establishing a select
committee to investigate energy resources.
On May 26, 1971,(13) the House by a roll call vote of
yeas 128 and nays 218, rejected House Resolution 155 (called up as
privileged by direction of the Committee on Rules), creating a select
committee of seven members to investigate availability and ownership of
oil, gas, coal, and nuclear energy reserves; reasons and possible
solutions for delay in new starts of fossil fueled power plants;
effects of pricing practices; effects of import of low sulfur fuels;
measures to increase transportation of fuel materials and close the gap
between supply and demand of electric energy; and the environmental
effects of the electricity industry
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
13. 117 Cong. Rec. 16984, 17002, 17003, 92d Cong. 1st Sess. The
resolution was reported on May 19, 1971 (H. Rept. No. 217).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sit-down Strikes
Sec. 1.43 The House laid on the table a resolution to create a special
committee to investigate sit-down strikes.
[[Page 2302]]
On Apr. 8, 1937,(14) the House by voice vote agreed to a
motion to table House Resolution 162 (called up as privileged by
direction of the Committee on Rules), to authorize the Speaker to
appoint a special committee to investigate the causes and management of
sit-down strikes and state and local efforts to prevent them, as well
as persons instigating such strikes.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
14. 81 Cong. Rec. 3291, 3301, 75th Cong. 1st Sess. The resolution was
reported on Apr. 2, 1937 (H. Rept. No. 555)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Senate Precedents
Sec. 1.44 The Senate established the Special Committee on Astronautical
and Space Exploration.
On Feb. 6, 1958,(15) the Senate on a roll call vote of
78 yeas to 1 nay approved Senate Resolution 256, establishing a special
committee of 13 Senators to investigate all aspects and problems
relating to the exploration of outer space and control, development,
and use of astronautical resources, personnel, equipment, and
facilities.(16)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
15. 104 Cong. Rec. 1804, 1806, 85th Cong. 2d Sess.
16. The Senate established the standing Committee on Astronautical and
Space Sciences which assumed the functions of the select
committee on July 24, 1958. See 104 Cong. Rec. 14857, 14858,
85th Cong. 2d Sess., for voice vote approval of S. Res. 327.
See also Sec. 1.34, supra, for House establishment of the
Select Committee on Astronautics and Space Exploration and the
successor standing committee, the Committee on Science and
Astronautics.
Sec. 1.45 The Senate established a special committee to investigate
contracts under the national defense program.
On Mar. 1, 1941,(17) the Senate by voice vote approved
Senate Resolution 71, establishing a special committee of seven
Senators to investigate the operation of the program for procurement
and construction of supplies, materials, munitions, vehicles, aircraft,
vessels, plants, camps, and other articles and facilities in connection
with the national defense. Areas of inquiry included (1) types and
terms of contracts awarded on behalf of the United States; (2) methods
by which contracts are awarded and contractors selected; (3)
utilization of small business facilities; (4) geographic distribution
of contracts and location of plants and facilities; (5) effect of the
program with respect to labor and migration of labor; (6) perform
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
17. 87 Cong. Rec. 1615, 77th Cong. 1st Sess.
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[[Page 2303]]
ance of contracts and accountings required of contractors; (7) benefits
accruing to contractors with respect to amortization for taxation and
other purposes; and (8) practices of management or labor, and prices,
fees, and charges which interfere with the defense program or unduly
increase its cost.
Sec. 1.46 The Senate established the Select Committee on Presidential
Campaign Activities to investigate the extent, if any, of illegal,
improper, or unethical activities engaged in by persons involved in
the Presidential election of 1972.
On Feb. 7, 1973,(18) the Senate by a roll call vote of
77 yeas to 0 nays approved Senate Resolution 60, establishing the
Select Committee on Presidential Campaign Activities to investigate the
extent, if any, of involvement in illegal, improper, or unethical
conduct by persons in the Presidential campaign of 1972. Areas of
inquiry included (1) breaking, entering, and bugging of headquarters or
offices of the Democratic National Committee in the Watergate Building;
(2) electronic surveillance of the Democratic National Committee; (3)
surreptitious removal of documents; (4) preparation, transmission, or
receipt of reports on the aforementioned activities; (5) whether any
person alone or with others planned the aforementioned activities; (6)
whether participants in the aforementioned activities were induced by
bribery, coercion, or threats to plead guilty or conceal or fail to
reveal such activities; (7) efforts to disrupt, hinder, impede, or
sabotage campaign activities; (8) whether any person alone or with
others induced activities mentioned in (7) above or paid participants;
(9) fabrication, dissemination, or publication of false charges or
information to discredit Presidential aspirants; (10) planning of
activities mentioned in (7), (8), or (9); (11) financial transactions
and storage; (12) compliance or noncompliance with congressional acts
which require reporting of receipt or disbursement of money; (13)
whether secret funds were kept; (14) whether documents or other
physical evidence were concealed, suppressed, or destroyed; and (15)
any other activities having a tendency to prove or disprove that
persons acting alone or with others engaged in illegal, improper, or
unethical activities in connection with the Presidential election of
1972.
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18. 119 Cong. Rec. 3849-51, 93d Cong. 1st Sess.
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