Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-2017

Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-20092011 Christopher M. Davis Analyst on Congress and the Legislative Process October 29, 2009March 16, 2011 Congressional Research Service 7-5700 www.crs.gov R40879 CRS Report for Congress Prepared for Members and Committees of Congress Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-20092011 Summary A resolution of inquiry is a simple resolution making a direct request or demand of the President or the head of an executive department to furnish the House with specific factual information in the Administration’s possession. Under the rules and precedents of the U.S. House of Representatives, such resolutions, if properly drafted, are given a privileged parliamentary status. This means that, under certain circumstances, a resolution of inquiry can be brought up on the House floor even if the committee to which it was referred has not reported it and the majority party leadership has not scheduled it for consideration. Between 1947 and 2009, 2732011, 290 resolutions of inquiry were introduced in the House of Representatives. Two periods in particular, 1971-1975 and 2003-2006, saw the highest levels of activity on resolutions of inquiry during the 62 years studied. In the 111th Congress (2009-2010), the introduction of House resolutions of inquiry is already higher than the historic average for a Congress.64 years studied. Although nearly every standing House committee has been referred at least one resolution of inquiry during the post-World War II period, the Committees on Armed Services, Foreign Affairs, and the Judiciary have received the largest share of references because the most commonly sought information has related to defense, foreign relations, and intelligence. Most resolutions of inquiry are directed to the President himself, but other executive branch officials have been the subject of such information requests as well. Just under half of the resolutions of inquiry introduced between 1947 and 20092011 were reported by the committee to which they were referred, in most cases, adversely, indicating that the committee opposed the resolution. This opposition might be because the resolution had been made moot by the executive branch complying in whole or in part with the request, or because such a request would, in the view of the committee, compromise an ongoing investigation, endanger sensitive information, or seek already-available information. Less than a quarter of the resolutions of inquiry introduced during the period studied reached the House floor, the last one in 1995. Although Representatives of both political parties have utilized resolutions of inquiry, in recent Congresses, such resolutions have overwhelmingly become a tool of the minority party in the House. This development has led some to question whether resolutions of inquiry are being “misused” for partisan gain or are unduly increasing the workload of certain House committees. Others have attributed the increase to a frustration among minority party Members with their inability to readily obtain information from the executive branch. Available data suggest that approximately 30% of the time, a resolution of inquiry has resulted in the production of information to the House. In the majority of cases, however, it is simply unknown, unclear, or in dispute whether the resolution of inquiry produced any of the requested information, a fact which might suggest the need for additional investigation of the efficacy of this parliamentary oversight tool by policymakers. This report will be updated as events warrant. Congressional Research Service Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-20092011 Contents Resolutions of Inquiry Generally.................................................................................................1 Use of Resolutions of Inquiry: 1947-20092011 ...................................................................................2 RecentSome Congresses Show High Levels of Activity ...................................................................2 Most Resolutions Relate to Defense or Foreign Affairs..........................................................4 Most Resolutions of Inquiry Are Directed to the President.....................................................5 House Action on Resolutions of Inquiry ......................................................................................7 Committees Are Acting on More Resolutions of Inquiry........................................................7 Few Resolutions of Inquiry Reach the House Floor ...............................................................8 Resolutions of Inquiry Are Increasingly A Minority Party Tool..............................................89 Effectiveness of Resolutions of Inquiry is Unclear.................................................................9 Conclusion and Questions for Consideration ............................................................................. 11 Figures Figure 1. Resolutions of Inquiry Introduced in the House of Representatives ...............................3 Figure 2. Committees of Primary Referral for Resolutions of Inquiry ..........................................5 Figure 3. Primary Official to Whom House Resolutions of Inquiry Were Directed .......................6 Figure 4. Have House Resolutions of Inquiry Produced Information? ........................................ 10 Tables Table 1. House Resolutions of Inquiry and Associated Action, 1947-20092011 ................................. 13 Table 2. Form of House Committee Report on Resolutions of Inquiry, 1947-20092011 ..................... 14 Table 3. House Floor Action on Resolutions of Inquiry, 1947-2009 2011............................................ 15 Table 4. Party Affiliation of Resolution of Inquiry Sponsors vs. Congress, 1947-20092011 ............... 16 Table 5. Party Affiliation of Resolution of Inquiry Sponsors vs. President, 1947-20092011 ............... 17 Table 6. Have House Resolutions of Inquiry Produced Requested Information?......................... 18 Table 7. Identified Resolutions of Inquiry Introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives, 1947-2009 2011.................................................................................................... 19 Contacts Author Contact Information ...................................................................................................... 7073 Congressional Research Service Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-20092011 Resolutions of Inquiry Generally A resolution of inquiry is a measure that formally calls on the executive branch to provide specified factual information to Congress. The use of resolutions of this type as a tool of executive oversight stems from the earliest days of Congress.1 Although resolutions of inquiry have occasionally been used in the Senate, they are far more common in the House of Representatives, and this report examines their use only in that chamber between 1947 and the present.2 House resolutions of inquiry are simple resolutions (designated “H.Res.”), which are introduced in the same manner as other legislation. 3 Under chamber rules and precedents, however, resolutions of inquiry, if properly drafted and under specified circumstances, are afforded a privileged parliamentary status.4 Clause 7 of House Rule XIII makes a resolution of inquiry privileged for consideration at any time after it is reported or discharged from committee, consistent with the normal three-day layover period required of committee reports.5 If a resolution of inquiry is not reported to the House within 14 legislative days after its introduction (not counting the days of introduction and discharge), a motion to discharge a committee from its further consideration can be made on the House floor. Should the committee or committees of referral report (or be discharged under a time limit imposed by the Speaker) within the 14-day period, however, only a Member acting at the direction of the committee may move to proceed to its consideration on the floor.6 Thus, even when a House committee opposes a resolution of inquiry, the committee will frequently mark it up and report it, perhaps adversely, to retain control over the measure and prevent a supporter from making the privileged motions on the House floor to discharge or call up the legislation. To retain the privileged parliamentary status described above, resolutions of inquiry may not contain a preamble and must call only for facts within the executive branch’s control. Such resolutions may not seek opinions or investigations and are traditionally framed as “requesting” the President or “directing” the head of a cabinet-level agency to respond. As is the case with 1 1 For more information on the history of resolutions of inquiry, see CRS Report RL31909, House Resolutions of Inquiry, by Christopher M. Davis. Also: U.S. Congress, House, Constitution, Jefferson’s Manual, and Rules of the House of Representatives One-Hundred-Tenth Congress, H.Doc. 109-157, 109th House of Representatives, H.Doc. 110-162, 110th Cong., 2nd sess. (Washington: GPO, 2007 2009), §864, pp. 646-648649-651. 2 1947 was chosen as year to begin this examination because it is the first year in which most provisions of the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 (P.L. 79-753, 60 stat. 812) became effective, a milestone which is widely viewed as the beginning of the “modern” U.S. Congress. 3 Members have occasionally called on the Executive Branch to provide information to the House and Senate in an inquiry framed as a concurrent, rather than simple, resolution. In modern practice, however, resolutions of inquiry are simple resolutions introduced, and acted upon, in one chamber. See Asher C. Hinds, Hinds’ Precedents of the House of Representatives of the United States (Washington: GPO, 1907), vol. 3, §1875. 4 House rules and precedents place certain types of legislation in a special “privileged” category which gives measures of this kind the ability to be called up for consideration when the House is not considering another matter. 5 House Rule XIII, clause 4. For more information on House layover requirements, see CRS Report RS22015, Availability of Legislative Measures in the House of Representatives (The “Three-Day Rule”), by Elizabeth Rybicki. 6 In cases of multiple referral, all committees must report or be discharged before a resolution of inquiry may be considered on the floor. For a discussion of who may call up a multiply referred resolution of inquiry, see William Holmes Brown and Charles W. Johnson, House Practice, A Guide to the Rules, Precedents and Procedures of the House (Washington: GPO, 2003), ch. 49, §5, p. 820. Congressional Research Service 1 Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-20092011 other types of privileged business, committee reports accompanying resolutions of inquiry are presented from the floor, rather than through the hopper. If the House chooses to consider a resolution of inquiry, it is considered under the Hour Rule. When raised, such resolutions may be agreed to, rejected, or tabled by majority vote. In fact, it has been common historically for the majority party Member managing a resolution of inquiry on the House floor to quickly move to table it, either because he or she opposes its provisions, or because the request has been rendered moot by the executive branch having provided some or all of the requested information. Finally, as simple resolutions, resolutions of inquiry have no legal force. Thus, compliance by the executive branch with the House’s request for factual information in such a resolution is voluntary, resting largely on a sense of comity between co-equal branches of government and a recognition of the necessity for Congress to be well-informed as it legislates. Executive branch compliance with resolutions of inquiry might also be indirectly influenced by a general respect for congressional legislative and oversight power, including Congress’s power to appropriate or withhold money for an agency’s budget. Use of Resolutions of Inquiry: 1947-2009 Recent2011 Some Congresses Show High Levels of Activity The Congressional Research Service has identified 273290 resolutions of inquiry introduced in the House between 1947 and 20092011—an average of 8.5nine per Congress. These statistics are represented in Table 1 and the resolutions are described in detail in Table 7 of this report. The number of resolutions of inquiry introduced in individual Congresses over this 6264-year period varies widely. Two distinct periods, however (as shown in Figure 1), saw a number of resolutions of inquiry introduced in the House that far exceeded the overall average: the 92nd-94th Congresses (1971-1976), during which a total of 87 resolutions of inquiry were introduced, and the 108th and 109th Congresses (2003-2006), during which 53 resolutions were authored. The number of resolutions of inquiry introduced in these five Congresses alone account for more than half nearly half of all such measures introduced during the entire 6264-year period examined. Congressional Research Service 2 Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-20092011 Figure 1. Resolutions of Inquiry Introduced in the House of Representatives Resolutions Introduced 1947-2009 2011 50 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 80 83 86 89 92 95 98 10 1 1 10 4 10 7 10 0 11 Congresses Source: CRS analysis of data from the Legislative Information System of the U.S. Congress (LIS) and relevant issues of the Journal of the House of Representatives. Notes: As of October 1, 2009March 16, 2011. As both Table 1 and Figure 1 indicate, recent activity on resolutions of inquiry in the House is high from a historic perspective. The number of House resolutions of inquiry introduced in the 108th (2003-2004) and 109th (2005-2006) Congresses reflected a sharp increase in the number introduced over the decade preceding it. In each Congress between the 102nd (1991-1992) and 107th (2001-2002) Congresses, an average of one resolution of inquiry was introduced. In the 108th Congress, 14 such resolutions were introduced, and 39 resolutions of inquiry were introduced in the 109th Congress. The 53 resolutions of inquiry introduced in these two Congresses exceeded the total number of such resolutions introduced in the previous two decades combined. During the period studied (1947-20092011), the 39 resolutions of inquiry introduced in the 109th Congress are exceeded only by the 44 resolutions introduced in the 93rd Congress (1973-1974). But this latter total may be misleadingly high due solely to rules in effect at that time. In the 93rd Congress, House rules limited the co-sponsorship of measures to a maximum of 25 Representatives. 7 Several of the 44 resolutions of inquiry introduced in the 93rd Congress were identical resolutions introduced separately in an apparent effort to enable more than 25 Members to cosponsor them. When these “doubles” are taken into account, more resolutions of inquiry were introduced in the 109th Congress than in any single Congress since World War II. In the 111th Congress (2009-2010), 29 resolutions of inquiry were introduced. As of this writing, no resolutions of inquiry have been introduced in the 112th Congress (2011-2012). The reason for the sharp increase in the number of such resolutions introduced during recent Congresses is open to interpretation. Some have charged that instead of using resolutions of 7 U.S. Congress, House, Constitution, Jefferson’s Manual, and Rules of the House of Representatives, §25, p. 612. Congressional Research Service 3 Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-2011 As of this writing, the 111th Congress (2009-2010) already exceeds the overall average of introduced resolutions of inquiry (12 introduced vs. an average of 8.5 per Congress). 7 U.S. Congress, House, Constitution, Jefferson’s Manual, and Rules of the House of Representatives One-HundredTenth Congress, H.Doc. 109-157, 109th Cong., 2nd sess. (Washington: GPO, 2007), §25, p. 612. Congressional Research Service 3 Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-2009 The reason for the sharp increase in the number of such resolutions introduced during recent Congresses is open to interpretation. Some have charged that instead of using resolutions of inquiry as an oversight tool to obtain information from the executive branch, in at least some instances, minority party members have purposely used the privileged status such resolutions enjoy as a way to “force” committees to act on a given subject or get Members to record votes on politically controversial policy questions, in essence, enabling the minority party to “schedule” a committee markup meeting on a subject of its choosing. Those holding this view point to the high number of resolutions introduced during periods when the House and the President are of the same political party as evidence of the political use of resolutions of inquiry. One committee report stated this view of several resolutions of inquiry referred to the committee seeking information on pre-Iraq war intelligence, saying, “[these] resolutions are politicallycalculated attacks on the ... administration.”8 Still another report argued, “the Minority [party] is attempting to use this parliamentary tool for political means. Perhaps most importantly, as a matter of procedure, [the resolution of inquiry] challenges the Majority’s prerogatives and its right to set the legislative agenda, and for that reason alone should be rejected.”9 Members holding this viewpoint argue that recent activity on resolutions of inquiry are more about “message politics” than obtaining information. Other Members have taken an opposite view, arguing that resolutions of inquiry have increased in number recently because the executive branch has frequently responded to information requests from Congress, particularly those made by minority party Members relating to politically sensitive issues, “grudgingly.” Such Members argue that the White House has treated letters from lawmakers requesting information “as if they are junk mail, routinely tossing them aside without responding.”10 This executive branch behavior, these Members argue, coupled with what they characterize as an ambivalence by majority parties to the rights of the minority in the House, have led to the increased use of such resolutions. Members holding this view argue that resolutions of inquiry, because they are privileged, are one of the few parliamentary tools to hold the executive branch to account available to individual Members, including the minority party. Most Resolutions Relate to Defense or Foreign Affairs The most commonly identified subjects of House resolutions of inquiry over the past six decades have been defense, foreign affairs, and intelligence. This may help to explain in part the sharp increases noted above during the 92nd-94th (1971-1976) and 108th-109th (2003-2006) Congresses, periods where Members were focused on military conflicts in Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan and on intelligence issues stemming from the so-called global war on terrorism. As with other legislation introduced in the House, the Speaker, acting through the Parliamentarian, refers resolutions of inquiry to committee based on the subject matter of the measure and the jurisdiction of House committees as codified in clause 1 of Rule X. With the exception of the Committees on Budget, Rules, and Standards of Official Conduct, every standing committee of the House has, at some time over the 6264 years examined, had at least 8 U.S. Congress, House Committee on International Relations, Report to Accompany H.Res. 549, 109th Cong., 1st sess., H.Rept. 109-351 (Washington: GPO, 2005), p. 2. 9 U.S. Congress, House Committee on Education and the Workforce, Adverse Report to Accompany H.Res. 467, 109th Cong., 1st sess., H.Rept. 109-258 (Washington: GPO, 2005), p. 6. 10 U.S. Congress, House Committee on the Judiciary, Adverse Report to Accompany H.Res. 643, 109th Cong., 2nd sess., H.Rept. 109-382 (Washington: GPO, 2006), p. 185. Congressional Research Service 4 Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-20092011 one resolution of inquiry referred to it. However, as is reflected in Figure 2, and as may be inferred from the most common subjects of such resolutions mentioned above, three House committees have received the greatest share of referrals: Armed Services, which was referred 7172 resolutions of inquiry over this period; Foreign Affairs, with 69; and Judiciary, which received 3236. These three panels were the committees of primary referral for 6361% of all resolutions of inquiry introduced between 1947 and 20092011. Figure 2. Committees of Primary Referral for Resolutions of Inquiry 1947-20092011 Number of Primary Referrals 80 7172 70 69 60 52 56 60 50 40 3236 30 20 15 14 13 718 16 13 10 Armed Svs. For. Affs. Judiciary En. & Comm. Intell. Ways Mns. Nat. Res. All others 10 0 House Committees Source: Legislative Information System of the U.S. Congress (LIS) and relevant issues of the Journal of the United States House of Representatives. Notes: As of October 1, 2009March 16, 2011. For purposes of consistency and clarity, committees are identified by their designation in clause 1 of House Rule X as adopted by the 111th112th Congress. The multiple referral of legislation has been permitted in the House since 1975, and over the period examined, several resolutions of inquiry were referred to more than one House committee. Note, however, that since 2004, only one resolutiontwo resolutions of inquiry hashave been multiply referred. It is not not clear if this is the case because the subject of recent resolutions fell exclusively into the jurisdiction of one committee, because resolution sponsors have introduced separate resolutions directed to different officials (as opposed to one multiply -referred resolution directed to all of them), or because House Speakers, acting through the Parliamentarian, have chosen to avoid the multiple referral of resolutions of inquiry wherever possible. Most Resolutions of Inquiry Are Directed to the President As has been noted, privileged resolutions of inquiry are traditionally directed to the President of the United States, or, under House Rule XIII, to the “head of an executive department.” Under long-standing chamber precedents, the “head of an executive department” has been interpreted to Congressional Research Service 5 Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-20092011 mean the secretary of a cabinet-level executive agency, not subordinate government officials.11 As such, although a resolution of inquiry directed to an officer below the cabinet level could be introduced, it would not enjoy its specialprivileged status under House rules. The inclusion of lesser officials is viewed as destroying the privilege of an entire resolution, even in cases where a request is also directed to the President or a cabinet secretary. Since 1947, 101106 of the 273290 resolutions of inquiry introduced in the House (37%) have been directed to the President of the United States; 56 (2157 (20%) have been directed to the Secretary of Defense or his predecessor; 36 resolutions (1312%) sought information from the Secretary of State; and 19 (723 (8%) from the Attorney General. Various other executive branch officials, including the Secretaries of Commerce, Energy, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, Labor, and the Treasury have been the target of House resolutions of inquiry. These statistics are represented in Figure 3. A small number of resolutions of inquiry introduced during the period examined were directed solely or in part to sub-cabinet officials, including the Directors of Central Intelligence and National Intelligence, the Chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and the Internal Revenue Service Commissioner. As noted, such resolutions were arguably not privileged for consideration in the House, and, in at least once instance, the Speaker sustained a point of order to that effect when an effort was made to raise the measure on the chamber floor.12 in Figure 3. Figure 3. Primary Official to Whom House Resolutions of Inquiry Were Directed 1947-2009 120 2011 Number of Resolutions 101 100 80 60 40 20 56 36 36 39 19 8 7 120 106 100 80 60 57 45 40 36 23 20 8 7 8 President Defense State Atty. Gen. Treasury Comm. HHS Other 7 0 Executive Branch Official Source: CRS analysis of data from the Legislative Information System of the U.S. Congress (LIS) and relevant issues of the Journal of the United States House of Representatives. Notes: As of October 1, 2009. 11 Asher C. Hinds, Hinds’ Precedents of the House of Representatives of the United States (Washington: GPO, 1907), vol. 3, §1861, p. 169. 12 Deschler’s Precedents of the United States House of Representatives, H. Doc. 94-661, 94th Cong., 2nd sess., vol. 4, ch. 15, §2.1. Congressional Research Service 6 Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-2009March 16, 2011. In cases in which a resolution was addressed to more than one executive branch official, the first listed official was counted. A small number of resolutions of inquiry introduced during the period examined were directed solely or in part to sub-cabinet officials, including the Directors of Central Intelligence and National Intelligence, the Chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and the Internal Revenue Service Commissioner. As noted, such resolutions were arguably not privileged for 11 Asher C. Hinds, Hinds’ Precedents of the House of Representatives of the United States (Washington: GPO, 1907), vol. 3, §1861, p. 169. The Executive departments are listed in 5 U.S.C. 101. Congressional Research Service 6 Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-2011 consideration in the House, and, in at least once instance, the Speaker sustained a point of order to that effect when an effort was made to raise the measure on the chamber floor.12 House Action on Resolutions of Inquiry Committees Are Acting on More Resolutions of Inquiry A committee has a number of choices after a resolution of inquiry is referred to it. It may mark up and report the resolution without amendment, or it may amend it. It may report the resolution to the House favorably, adversely, or without recommendation. It may also take no action, however, as has been noted, in failing to act, it risks a Member making a privileged motion on the House floor to discharge the committee of the legislation. Fewer than half of the resolutions of inquiry introduced between 1947 and 20092011 were acted on by the primary House committee of referral. Approximately 47% (127 of 27349% (142 of 290) of the resolutions of inquiry introduced were actively considered at the committee level. As is discussed below in more detail, the fact that a resolution was not acted on does not necessarily mean, however, that its sponsor did not receive some of the requested information from the executive branch or achieve some other goal. As is reflected in Table 2, during the period examined, committees which chose to mark-up a resolution of inquiry and report it to the House chose frequently (7773%), to report the resolution “adversely,” a parliamentary designation which means that the committee did not recommend that the House agree to the resolution. In a smaller percentage of cases during the time period examined, House committees have chosen to report resolutions of inquiry favorably (1113%) or without recommendation (1215%). On occasion, such resolutions have been amended by the committee before being reported, sometimes adopting a full substitute. No generalizations can be made about adverse reports on a resolution of inquiry. A House committee may choose to report a resolution adversely because they oppose it, and, as has been noted, because by doing so they ensure that no Member except a designee of the committee may call the resolution up on the floor. In several instances over the period examined, however, an adverse report was clearly made because the executive branch had produced some or all of the requested information, and the committee did not want the House to waste its time on a moot question. It has also been common for committees to report adversely with the rationale that production of the information would compromise an ongoing investigation or because, in the view of the committee, the requested information was too sensitive to be provided or, conversely, was already widely available, and thus, not the proper subject of a privileged resolution. The data examined show that since the 108th Congress (2003-2004), committees have almost universally marked up every properly drafted resolution of inquiry referred to them regardless of its subject, sponsor, or how the committee felt about the resolution. This was not the case in earlier Congresses during the 6264-year period studied. This may suggest that committees are acting on resolutions of inquiry at least in part to retain control of the resolution. 12 Deschler’s Precedents of the United States House of Representatives, H. Doc. 94-661, 94th Cong., 2nd sess., vol. 4, ch. 15, §2.1. Congressional Research Service 7 Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-2011 The fact that more resolutions of inquiry are being introduced, and House committees are marking up virtually every such resolution referred to them, has led some to question whether resolutions of inquiry are creating an undue workload burden for House committees. Those holding such a view argue that if committees feel they “have to” mark up a resolution of inquiry because it is privileged, the potential exists for minority party Members to “flood” a committee with such resolutions and seize control over a committee’s markup agenda from the majority. Congressional Research Service 7 Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-2009 Those holding this view note that certain House committees are disproportionately affected by such resolutions, and they argue that using resolutions of inquiry in this way is not the purpose such measures were created or given privileged status under chamber rules. They note, for example, that in the 109th Congress (2005-2006), 45% (10 out of 22) of the reports made to the House by the Committee on International Relations (now designated Foreign Affairs) were on minority-party sponsored resolutions of inquiry.13 During the same period, 21% (3 out of 14) of the reports made to the House by the Committee on Armed Services were on minority-party sponsored resolutions of inquiry.14 Members holding the opposite view argue that although resolutions of inquiry may have increased in number in recent years, they still represent a small fraction of the overall legislative workload and are easily managed by the chamber’s committee system. They further argue that such resolutions actually aid the House, by compelling its committees to seek information from the executive branch that Members need to legislate effectively. Those holding this view might argue that resolutions of inquiry motivate committees to focus on their central role in the oversight process. Few Resolutions of Inquiry Reach the House Floor As is reflected in Table 3, House floor consideration of resolutions of inquiry during the 6264-year period examined was generally rare, and in recent Congresses, non-existent. In the last 2526 years, only two resolutions of inquiry have received action on the House floor. Between 1947 and 20092011, 64 resolutions of inquiry have been considered on the House floor, under a quarter (2322%) of those introduced, and approximately half of those reported by the chamber’s committees. Of the resolutions receiving floor action, 52 (81%) were laid on the table by majority vote, effectively killing them. Just 11 resolutions of inquiry have been agreed to by the House since 1947, the most recent occurring in the 104th Congress (1995-1996). It is worth reiterating that the tabling of a resolution on the House floor may have been undertaken because the question had been made moot by the executive branch being in substantial compliance with the resolution. For example, in a handful of instances during the period examined, it was the sponsor of the resolution of inquiry who moved to lay the resolution on the table, apparently satisfied it had produced the desired result. 13 See U.S. Congress, House Committee on International Relations, Legislative Review Activities, 109th Cong., 2nd sess., H.Rept. 109-747 (Washington: GPO, 2007), pp. 27-28. 14 Legislative Information System of the U.S. Congress (LIS). Congressional Research Service 8 Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-2011 Resolutions of Inquiry Are Increasingly A Minority Party Tool Resolutions of inquiry are sometimes assumed to be an oversight tool that is used disproportionately, or even exclusively, by congressional minorities. This view is, in a sense, understandable. The majority party in the House arguably has far more effective oversight tools at its disposal: committee hearings, subpoenas and the ability to enact law, to name but a few. An examination of resolutions of inquiry introduced between 1947 and 20092011, however, reveals a far more bipartisan overall picture than this view might suggest. Over the 6264 years examined, the party affiliation of resolution of inquiry sponsors is fairly evenly divided. Of the 273 resolutions 13 See U.S. Congress, House Committee on International Relations, Legislative Review Activities, 109th Cong., 2nd sess., H.Rept. 109-747 (Washington: GPO, 2007), pp. 27-28. 14 Legislative Information System of the U.S. Congress (LIS). Congressional Research Service 8 Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-2009 of inquiry introduced between 1947 and 2009, 124 were introduced by Members of the congressional majority party and 148 by minority party members.15290 resolutions of inquiry introduced between 1947 and 2011, 124 were introduced by Members of the congressional majority party and 166 by minority party members.15 The political affiliation of resolution of inquiry sponsors versus that of the President is more divided. Of the 290 resolutions of inquiry introduced in the House between 1947 and 2011, 217 (75%) were introduced by Members of Congress belonging to the opposite political party of the President. If, on the other hand, one examines only recent Congresses, the statistical picture is quite differentmuch starker and supports the view that resolutions of inquiry have become almost exclusively a minority party tool. In recent years, the sponsorship of resolutions of inquiry has become far more partisan, and more lopsided in party division than at any time during the six decades studied. Since the 108th Congress, only 1 of the 65In the last 10 years, only one of the 82 resolutions of inquiry introduced was authored by a congressional majority party member. This is in contrast to the other period of heavy resolution of activity discussed above, the 92nd-94th Congresses (1971-1976), where more majority party members than minority party members introduced resolutions of inquiry. The party distribution of House resolution of inquiry sponsors vs. the party controlling the executive branch is more consistently partisan. 200 of the 273 resolutions of inquiry introduced in the House between 1947 and 2009 (73%) were introduced by Members of Congress belonging to the opposite political party of the Presidentmajority party Member of Congress having the same political party as the President. The balance have been introduced by minority party Members and directed at Presidents of the opposite party. Effectiveness of Resolutions of Inquiry is Unclear Because resolutions of inquiry are primarily intended to be an information-gathering tool, one question is whether available evidence suggests such resolutions have been successful in producing information from the executive branch. The data in Table 6 and in Figure 3 are gleaned from an examination of legislative history documents, such as committee reports and floor debate, accompanying resolutions of inquiry introduced between 1947 and 20092011. Based on these documents and the measures themselves, resolutions of inquiry were divided into three categories: (1) Yes, evidence suggests the resolution did produce full or partial information from the executive branch; (2) No, the evidence suggests that no information was received from the executive branch in response to the resolution; or (3) Whether information was produced is unknown, unclear, or in dispute. In the case of 52% of the resolutions of inquiry introduced between 1947 and 20092011, whether the resolution resulted in the production of information was unknown, unclear, or in dispute based on an examination of the legislative history. Thirty percent of the resolutions of inquiry introduced over the period studied appear to have resulted in the production of some or all of the information requested of the executive branch. Seventeen percent of the resolutions authored during the period appear to have failed to produce any requested information. When a similar examination is limited to the most recent period of high resolution of inquiry activity noted above, 2003-2006, 15 Two resolutions of inquiry introduced over the period were sponsored by Members with a political affiliation other than Democratic or Republican. For purposes of this analysis, both sponsors were grouped with the Democratic Party, which is the party they voluntarily affiliated with for purposes of House committee assignment. Congressional Research Service 9 Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-2011 the effectiveness of such resolutions in producing information from the executive branch is far less. During these years, such resolutions failed to produce information 64% of the time and succeeded in only 19% of cases. As these statistics suggest, making determinations about the “success” of resolutions of inquiry can be difficult. As has been noted, more than half of the resolutions of inquiry introduced between 1947 and 20092011 were never marked up by House committee or considered on the 15 Two resolutions of inquiry introduced over the period were sponsored by Members with a political affiliation other than Democratic or Republican. For purposes of this analysis, both sponsors were grouped with the Democratic Party, which is the party they voluntarily affiliated with for purposes of House committee assignment. Congressional Research Service 9 Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-2009 chamber chamber floor. In such cases there are no legislative history documents to examine to find clues as to to whether the Member’s information request was answered or ignored. It is easy to imagine that, in in at least some of these instances, information must have been obtained. This supposition seems particularly likely in cases of resolutions introduced in the early years studied, where requests were commonly made for routine, non-controversial data, such as labor statistics or documents about the government’s use of railroad cars. It seems reasonable to suppose that such resolution’s sponsors never tried to call the measures up on the floor precisely because their request had been satisfied; in such a scenario, inaction on a resolution would be an indication of its success. But that is only a supposition. Likewise, the very introduction of a resolution of inquiry might encourage an executive department to hand over information, but it may not be immediately apparent that the resolution was the motivating factor. Although the established purpose of resolutions of inquiry is to be a tool for producing factual information, that may not be the only goal a Member has when authoring such legislation. Calling attention to an issue, seizing a committee’s agenda from the majority party, forcing other legislative action, such as a hearing, getting Members on the record with difficult policy votes, or simply demonstrating interest in a particular subject area, may all be possible goals for introducing a resolution of inquiry. As has been noted above, in recent Congresses, some have argued that the increase in resolutions of inquiry introduced is precisely because the resolutions are being used for goals such as these, rather than as a purely information-gathering mechanism. Figure 4. Have House Resolutions of Inquiry Produced Information? 1947-2009 1432011 152 Unclear Yes No 83 4788 50 0 50 100 150 200 Number of Resolutions Source: CRS analysis of data from the Legislative Information System of the U.S. Congress (LIS) and relevant issues of the Journal of the United States House of Representatives. Congressional Research Service 10 Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-2011 Notes: Reflects activity as of October 1, 2009March 16, 2011. Categories based solely on examination of legislation and related legislative history documents. Congressional Research Service 10 Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-2009 Conclusion and Questions for Consideration An examination of resolutions of inquiry introduced in the House between 1947 and 20092011 raises several questions for the potential consideration of policymakers. Overall, the data suggest that resolutions of inquiry have become more common in recent years, have resulted in more work at the committee level, and have increasingly been used by minority party Members in the House. As noted, the data examined raise the question of whether recent increases in the number of House resolutions of inquiry are affecting the workload of certain chamber committees. If policy makers were to determine that this is the case, and that it merits action, they might examine whether changes in the treatment of such resolutions under House rules and precedents were warranted. The House might respond, for example, by making such resolutions privileged only if a House committee chose to report them favorably. Or they might choose instead to simply extend the time period that committees have to report a privileged resolution of inquiry from the present 14 legislative days, to a longer period of time. A change of this latter type might preserve the traditional use of resolutions of inquiry for all Members and give committees more freedom to choose when they will act on them. It might also discourage resolutions of inquiry from being introduced in an attempt to gain political advantage by highlighting important, but transient, “hot button” political issues. Perhaps the clearest picture emerging from a systematic examination of resolution of inquiry activity in the post-WWII period, however, relates to the efficacy of such resolutions. Although the data show that in some cases, particularly historically, such resolutions have produced information, over half the time it is simply unclear if resolutions of inquiry result in the production of any information to the House, and if so, to what degree. The possibility that the standing committees of the House are spending an increased amount of their finite time acting on resolutions whose true efficacy is largely unknown, may lead policymakers to try to institute a more rigorous accounting of future resolutions of this type. Lawmakers might do so in a number of ways. Committees, for example, might direct the agencies they oversee to formally catalogue and submit to them, what response, if any, they have made to recently introduced resolutions. Committees might be encouraged to report this information to the House in the activities report they are already required to submit to the House each Congress under clause 1(d)(1) of Rule XI or by some other mechanism. Executive branch communications to the House in response to a resolution of inquiry might be designated as such in the Congressional Record, or noted in a special category when received by the Clerk of the House, so that the “cause and effect” (or lack thereof) of such resolutions might become clearer. Policymakers might also consider standardizing the procedures House committees use to handle resolutions of inquiry, for example, requiring them to transmit the resolution to the executive branch within a stated timeframe with a letter from the chairman formally requesting executive comment on the resolution.16 16 16 In the early years of the period studied, it appeared to be universal practice for a House committee receiving referral of a resolution of inquiry to immediately request executive comment on the resolution. The executive’s response to this request was commonly printed in the committee’s report to the House on the resolution. In recent Congresses, however, it is not clear from the legislative history documents examined if House committees are still routinely making such (continued...)making such requests for formal executive comment on resolutions of inquiry, and if so, to what extent. Congressional Research Service 11 Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-20092011 Other options exist. The House Committee on Rules, as the panel with jurisdiction over chamber rules, might examine whether resolutions of inquiry, as a privileged mechanism rooted in the earliest days of Congress, continue to be necessary considering advances in information technology, including the development of oversight tools available to Members in recent decades. The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, which has special duties under House Rule X to report committee oversight plans to the House along with any recommendations to promote “more effective and coordinated oversight,” might also consider examining the use of such resolutions as oversight tools. Whether policymakers ultimately determined that changes in the use of resolutions of inquiry were warranted or not, such an examination might arguably give all Members of the House a better understanding of their use in the ongoing oversight relationship between the legislative and executive branches of government. (...continued) requests for formal executive comment on resolutions of inquiry, and if so, to what extent. Congressional Research Service 12 Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-20092011 Table 1. House Resolutions of Inquiry and Associated Action, 1947-20092011 Resolutions of Inquiry Introduced Resolutions Receiving Committee Action Resolutions Receiving Floor Action 80th (1947-1948) 15 10 10 81st Congress and Years (1949-1950) 14 5 5 82nd (1951-1952) 8 5 5 83rd (1953-1954) 17 6 7 84th (1955-1956) 8 2 1 85th (1957-1958) 3 0 0 86th (1959-1960) 1 0 0 87th (1961-1962) 2 0 0 88th (1963-1964) 0 0 0 89th (1965-1966) 5 1 1 90th (1967-1968) 0 0 0 91st (1969-1970) 0 0 0 92nd (1971-1972) 17 12 16 93rd (1973-1974) 44 6 8 94th (1975-1976) 26 2 1 95th (1977-1978) 3 0 0 96th (1979-1980) 13 4 6 97th (1981-1982) 4 2 2 98th (1983-1984) 8 6 0 99th 6 4 0 100th (1987-1988) (1985-1986) 4 3 0 101st (1989-1990) 4 2 0 102nd (1991-1992) 1 1 1 103rd (1993-1994) 2 1 0 104th (1995-1996) 1 1 1 105th (1997-1998) 1 0 0 106th (1999-2000) 1 0 0 107th (2001-2002) 0 0 0 108th (2003-2004) 14 13 0 109th (2005-2006) 39 31 0 110th (2007-2008) 0 0 0 111th (2009-2010) Total 12 10 0 273 12729 25 0 290 142 64 Source: Legislative Information System of the U.S. Congress (LIS) and relevant issues of the Journal of the United States House of Representatives. Notes: Table reflects resolutions of inquiry introduced through October 1, 2009March 16, 2011. Congressional Research Service 13 Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-20092011 Table 2. Form of House Committee Report on Resolutions of Inquiry, 1947-20092011 Adverse Favorable Without Recommendation 80th (1947-1948) 6 3 1 81st Congress and Years (1949-1950) 4 1 0 82nd (1951-1952) 1 1 3 83rd (1953-1954) 6 0 0 84th (1955-1956) 1 0 1 85th (1957-1958) 0 0 0 86th (1959-1960) 0 0 0 87th (1961-1962) 0 0 0 88th (1963-1964) 0 0 0 89th (1965-1966) 1 0 0 90th (1967-1968) 0 0 0 91st (1969-1970) 0 0 0 92nd (1971-1972) 12 0 0 93rd (1973-1974) 6 0 0 94th (1975-1976) 2 0 0 95th (1977-1978) 0 0 0 96th (1979-1980) 3 1 0 97th (1981-1982) 1 0 1 98th (1983-1984) 5 0 1 99th 4 0 0 100th (1987-1988) (1985-1986) 2 1 0 101st (1989-1990) 2 0 0 102nd (1991-1992) 0 0 1 103rd (1993-1994) 1 0 0 104th (1995-1996) 0 1 0 105th (1997-1998) 0 0 0 106th (1999-2000) 0 0 0 107th (2001-2002) 0 0 0 108th (2003-2004) 13 0 0 109th (2005-2006) 26 0 5 110th (2007-2008) 0 0 0 111th (2009-2010) Total 2 6 2 98 14 157 10 8 103 18 21 Source: CRS analysis of data from the Legislative Information System of the U.S. Congress (LIS) and relevant issues of the Journal of the United States House of Representatives. Notes: Reflects activity as of October 1, 2009March 16, 2011. Congressional Research Service 14 Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-20092011 Table 3. House Floor Action on Resolutions of Inquiry, 1947-20092011 Congress and Years Tabled Agreed to 80th (1947-1948) 6 4 81st (1949-1950) 4 1 82nd (1951-1952) 3 2 83rd (1953-1954) 7 0 84th (1955-1956) 1 0 85th (1957-1958) 0 0 86th (1959-1960) 0 0 87th (1961-1962) 0 0 88th (1963-1964) 0 0 89th (1965-1966) 1 0 90th (1967-1968) 0 0 91st (1969-1970) 0 0 92nd (1971-1972) 14 1 93rd (1973-1974) 8 0 94th (1975-1976) 0 1 95th (1977-1978) 0 0 96th (1979-1980) 4 2 97th (1981-1982) 2 0 98th (1983-1984) 0 0 99th (1985-1986) 1 0 100th (1987-1988) 0 0 101st (1989-1990) 0 0 102nd (1991-1992) 1 0 103rd (1993-1994) 0 0 104th (1995-1996) 0 1 105th (1997-1998) 0 0 106th (1999-2000) 0 0 107th (2001-2002) 0 0 108th (2003-2004) 0 0 109th (2005-2006) 0 0 110th (2007-2008) 0 0 111th (2009-2010) 0 0 Total 52 12 Source: CRS analysis of data from the Legislative Information System of the U.S. Congress (LIS) and relevant issues of the Journal of the United States House of Representatives. Notes: Reflects activity as of October 1, 2009March 16, 2011. Congressional Research Service 15 Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-20092011 Table 4. Party Affiliation of Resolution of Inquiry Sponsors vs. Congress, 1947-20092011 Congressional Majority Party Sponsor Member of Majority Party Sponsor Member of Minority Party 80th (1947-1948) R 15 0 81st Congress and Years (1949-1950) D 5 9 82nd (1951-1952) D 0 8 83rd (1953-1954) R 13 4 84th (1955-1956) D 2 6 85th (1957-1958) D 1 2 86th (1959-1960) D 0 1 87th (1961-1962) D 2 0 88th (1963-1964) D 0 0 89th (1965-1966) D 0 5 90th (1967-1968) D 0 0 91st (1969-1970) D 0 0 92nd (1971-1972) D 9 8 93rd (1973-1974) D 27 17 94th (1975-1976) D 23 3 95th (1977-1978) D 1 2 96th (1979-1980) D 5 8 97th (1981-1982) D 4 0 98th (1983-1984) D 7 1 99th D 5 1 100th (1987-1988) (1985-1986) D 3 1 101st (1989-1990) D 1 3 102nd (1991-1992) D 1 0 103rd (1993-1994) D 0 2 104th (1995-1996) R 0 1 105th (1997-1998) R 0 1 106th (1999-2000) R 0 1 107th (2001-2002) R 0 0 108th (2003-2004) R 0 14 109th (2005-2006) R 1 38 110th (2007-2008) D 0 0 111th D 0 1229 - 125 148165 (2009-2010) Total Source: CRS analysis of data from the Legislative Information System of the U.S. Congress (LIS) and relevant issues of the Journal of the United States House of Representatives. Notes: Reflects activity as of October 1, 2009March 16, 2011. “D” signifies Democratic Party. “R” signifies Republican Party. Congressional Research Service 16 Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-20092011 Table 5. Party Affiliation of Resolution of Inquiry Sponsors vs. President, 1947-20092011 Congress and Years President’s Party Sponsor Party Same As President Sponsor Party Different Than President 80th (1947-1948) D 0 15 81st (1949-1950) D 45 9 82nd (1951-1952) D 0 8 83rd (1953-1954) R 13 4 84th (1955-1956) R 6 2 85th (1957-1958) R 2 1 86th (1959-1960) R 1 0 87th (1961-1962) D 2 0 88th (1963-1964) D 0 0 89th (1965-1966) D 0 5 90th (1967-1968) D 0 0 91st (1969-1970) R 0 0 92nd (1971-1972) R 8 9 93rd (1973-1974) R 17 27 94th (1975-1976) R 3 23 95th (1977-1978) D 1 2 96th (1979-1980) D 5 8 97th (1981-1982) R 0 4 98th (1983-1984) R 1 7 99th (1985-1986) R 1 5 100th (1987-1988) R 1 3 101st (1989-1990) R 3 1 102nd (1991-1992) R 0 1 103rd (1993-1994) D 0 2 104th (1995-1996) D 1 0 105th (1997-1998) D 1 0 106th (1999-2000) D 1 0 107th (2001-2002) R 0 0 108th (2003-2004) R 0 14 109th (2005-2006) R 1 38 110th (2007-2008) R 0 0 111th (2009-2010) D 0 1229 TOTAL - 73 200217 Source: CRS analysis of data from the Legislative Information System of the U.S. Congress (LIS) and relevant issues of the Journal of the United States House of Representatives. Notes: Reflects activity as of October 1, 2009March 16, 2011. “D” signifies Democratic Party. “R” signifies Republican Party. Congressional Research Service 17 Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-20092011 Table 6. Have House Resolutions of Inquiry Produced Requested Information? 1947-20092011 Yes (Even Partial) No Unknown, Unclear, or Disputed 80th (1947-1948) 10 1 4 81st (1949-1950) 4 1 9 82nd (1951-1952) 5 0 3 Congress and Years 83rd (1953-1954) 8 0 9 84th (1955-1956) 2 0 6 85th (1957-1958) 0 0 3 86th (1959-1960) 0 0 1 87th (1961-1962) 0 0 2 88th (1963-1964) 0 0 0 89th (1965-1966) 2 0 3 90th (1967-1968) 0 0 0 91st (1969-1970) 0 0 0 92nd (1971-1972) 10 4 3 93rd (1973-1974) 8 0 36 94th (1975-1976) 1 1 24 95th (1977-1978) 0 0 3 96th (1979-1980) 3 2 8 97th (1981-1982) 3 0 1 98th (1983-1984) 5 1 2 99th (1985-1986) 3 1 2 100th (1987-1988) 2 0 2 101st (1989-1990) 2 0 2 102nd (1991-1992) 1 0 0 103rd (1993-1994) 0 1 1 104th (1995-1996) 1 0 0 105th (1997-1998) 0 0 1 106th (1999-2000) 0 0 1 107th (2001-2002) 0 0 0 108th (2003-2004) 6 8 0 109th (2005-2006) 4 26 9 110th (2007-2008) 0 0 0 111th (2009-2010) 3 1 8 TOTAL 83 47 1438 4 17 88 50 152 TOTAL Source: CRS Analysis of data from the Legislative Information System of the U.S. Congress (LIS) and relevant issues of the Journal of the United States House of Representatives. Notes: Reflects activity as of October 1, 2009March 16, 2011. Categories based on CRS examination of resolutions and related legislative history documents. Congressional Research Service 18 Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-2011 Table 7. Identified Resolutions of Inquiry Introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives, 1947-20092011 Resolution, Introduction, and Sponsorship Official(s) To Whom Inquiry is Directed H.Res. 38 Secretary of War 01/06/1947 Secretary of the Navy Rep. Lawrence H. Smith (R-WI) H.Res. 80 Secretary of State 01/30/1947 Committee(s) of Referral and Consideration House Floor Action Materials in the possession of the War and Navy Departments suitable for use in relieving the housing shortage Armed Services - Withdrawal of U.S. troops from China Foreign Affairs Laid on the table Reported adversely 02/05/1947 Subject of Inquiry Rep. Edith N. Rogers (R-MA) - 02/05/1947 H.Rept. 80-16 H.Res. 254 Secretary of State 06/24/1947 Documents, records, and memorandum related to Serge Rubenstein Rep. Ellsworth Buck (R-NY) Judiciary Laid on the table Reported adversely 07/11/1947 07/11/1947 H.Rept. 80-886 H.Res. 255 Attorney General 06/24/1947 Documents, records, and memorandum related to Serge Rubenstein Rep. Ellsworth Buck (R-NY) Judiciary Laid on the table Reported adversely 07/11/1947 07/11/1947 H.Rept. 80-887 H.Res. 257 Secretary of the Treasury 06/26/1947 Rep. Edith N. Rogers (R-MA) H.Res. 258 06/25/1947 Rep. Edith N. Rogers (R-MA) Secretary of State Food and meat being shipped from Greece and the Mediterranean to the United States Ways and Means Food and meat being shipped from Greece and the Mediterranean to the United States Foreign Affairs Laid on the table Reported adversely 07/09/1947 - 07/09/1947 H.Rept. 80-814 CRS-19 - Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-2011 Resolution, Introduction, and Sponsorship Official(s) To Whom Inquiry is Directed H.Res. 365 Secretary of Defense 11/24/1947 Subject of Inquiry Decommissioning of certain factories in post-war Germany Rep. Karl E. Mundt (R-SD) Committee(s) of Referral and Consideration House Floor Action Foreign Affairs Agreed to Reported favorably (amended) 12/18/1947 12/18/1947 H.Rept. 80-1225 H.Res. 366 Secretary of Commerce 11/24/1947 Sale of supplies to the Soviet Union by firms and individuals located in the United States Rep. Karl E. Mundt (R-SD) Interstate and Foreign Commerce Reported favorably (amended) Agreed to 12/05/1947 12/05/1947 H.Rept. 80-1155 H.Res. 380 Secretary of Commerce Amount of coal and oil being sent to Canada and other countries by the United States Interstate and Foreign Commerce United States Maritime Commission Information relative to oil Idle tankers and why said tankers have not been put into operation Merchant Marine and Fisheries Director of the Office of Defense Transportation Shortage of coal cars used in transportation of coal to New England and whether coal cars from Great Lakes terminals may be transferred to New England Interstate and Foreign Commerce Whether full use is being made of oil tankers under the control of the Navy Armed Services Laid on the table Reported adversely 12/04/1947 11/28/1947 Rep. Edith N. Rogers (R-MA) H.Res. 381 11/28/1947 Rep. Edith N. Rogers (R-MA) H.Res. 382 11/28/1947 Rep. Edith N. Rogers (R-MA) H.Res. 383 11/28/1947 Rep. Edith N. Rogers (R-MA) Secretary of the Navy - - - 12/04/1947 H.Rept. 80-1154 CRS-20 - Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-2011 Resolution, Introduction, and Sponsorship Official(s) To Whom Inquiry is Directed H.Res. 385 Secretary of the Interior 12/02/1947 Subject of Inquiry The amount of fuel, gasoline, petroleum products, and coal available in the United States Rep. Edith N. Rogers (R-MA) Committee(s) of Referral and Consideration House Floor Action Public Lands Agreed to Reported without recommendation 02/16/1948 12/19/1947 H.Rept. 80-1231 H.Res. 511 Secretary of Agriculture 03/24/1948 Rep. John Z. Anderson (R-CA) Research on price spreads between the producer and consumer of agricultural products Agriculture Laid on the table Reported adversely 04/07/1948 04/07/1948 H.Rept. 80-1662 H.Res. 522 Secretary of Commerce 04/07/1948 Rep. John P. Thomas (R-NJ) A letter authored by FBI Director, J. Edgar Hoover, relating to Dr. Edward U. Condon, Director of the National Bureau of Standards Interstate and Foreign Commerce Reported favorably Agreed to 04/22/1948 04/19/1948 H.Rept. 80-1753 H.Res. 50 Secretary of State Situation in Palestine Foreign Affairs Laid on the table 01/13/1949 Reported adversely 01/31/1949 Rep. Jacob K. Javits (R-NY) 01/31/1949 H.Rept. 81-10 H.Res. 80 Secretary of Defense 02/03/1949 Administrative action on the program of national defense preparedness Rep. Edwin Arthur Hall (R-NY) Armed Services Laid on the table Reported adversely 02/09/1949 02/09/1949 H.Rept. 81-36 H.Res. 147 03/11/1949 Rep. Clark W. Thompson (DTX) CRS-21 Secretary of State Effect of imports on the domestic fishing industry Merchant Marine and Fisheries Agreed to Reported favorably (amended) 04/22/1948 03/30/1949 H.Rept. 81-355 Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-2011 Resolution, Introduction, and Sponsorship Official(s) To Whom Inquiry is Directed H.Res. 196 Secretary of State 04/27/1949 Rep. Vito Marcantonio (American Laborite-NY) H.Res. 198 Subject of Inquiry Denial of visas to certain foreign officials (Pierre Cot of the Republic of France and Konni Zilliacus of Great Britain) Committee(s) of Referral and Consideration House Floor Action Foreign Affairs Laid on the table Reported adversely 05/04/1949 05/04/1949 H.Rept. 81-504 United States Tariff Commission Statistics relating to the woolen and worsted manufacturing industry Ways and Means - Secretary of Labor Employment statistics relating to the woolen and worsted manufacturing industry Education and Labor - Corporate income tax statistics relating to the woolen and worsted manufacturing industry Ways and Means Administrator of Veterans’ Affairs Personal finances of mental patients hospitalized by the Veterans’ Administration Veterans’ Affairs Secretary of the Treasury Receipts from taxes paid on tips and gratuities received by taxpayers Ways and Means Foreign policy of the United States in the far east Foreign Affairs Laid on the table Reported adversely 02/09/1950 04/29/1949 Rep. Thomas J. Lane (D-MA) H.Res. 199 04/29/1949 - Rep. Thomas J. Lane (D-MA) H.Res. 200 Secretary of the Treasury 04/29/1949 - - Rep. Thomas J. Lane (D-MA) H.Res. 424 01/12/1950 - - Rep. Edith N. Rogers (R-MA) H.Res. 449 01/26/1950 - - Rep. Edgar A. Jonas (R-IL) H.Res. 452 President 01/27/1950 Rep. John D. Lodge (R-CT) 02/09/1950 H.Rept. 81-1618 H.Res. 477 02/16/1950 Rep. Edith N. Rogers (R-MA) CRS-22 Secretary of the Treasury The number of watches, clocks, and parts of watches and clocks imported into the U.S. over the previous five years Ways and Means - - Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-2011 Resolution, Introduction, and Sponsorship Official(s) To Whom Inquiry is Directed H.Res. 478 Secretary of Commerce 02/16/1950 Rep. Edith N. Rogers (R-MA) H.Res. 829 Attorney General 08/28/1950 Subject of Inquiry Committee(s) of Referral and Consideration House Floor Action The number of watches, clocks, and parts of watches and clocks manufactured in the U.S. over the previous five years Interstate and Foreign Commerce - Arrest and detention, and deportation of Rafael Garcia Travesi-Carral Judiciary Railroad accidents involving troop transport trains Armed Services Railroad accident which occurred near Woodbridge, New Jersey, on February 6, 1951 Interstate and Foreign Commerce Any agreements made between the President of the United States and the Prime Minister of Great Britain during their recent conversations Foreign Affairs Agreed to Reported adversely 02/20/1952 Information related to the Presidents actions during the 1952 steel strike Education and Labor Insurgency in prisoner-of-war camps in Korea and communistinspired disturbances of the peace in Japan since the departure of General MacArthur Armed Services Laid on the table Reported without recommendation 06/10/1952 - - Rep. Donald L. Jackson (R-CA) H.Res. 870 Secretary of the Army 11/30/1950 Chairman of the Interstate Commerce Commission Rep. Edith N. Rogers (R-MA) H.Res. 125 Secretary of Commerce 02/07/1951 Rep. Edith N. Rogers (R-MA) H.Res. 514 Secretary of State 01/31/1952 Rep. Ellis Y. Berry (R-SD) H.Res. 609 President 04/24/1952 - - - 02/20/1952 H.Rept. 82-1381 - - Rep. Matthew H. Ellsworth (ROR) H.Res. 661 05/28/1952 Rep. Edith N. Rogers (R-MA) Secretary of the Army 06/10/1952 H.Rept. 82-2128 CRS-23 Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-2011 Resolution, Introduction, and Sponsorship Official(s) To Whom Inquiry is Directed H.Res. 662 Secretary of Defense 05/28/1952 Rep. Edith N. Rogers (R-MA) Subject of Inquiry Insurgency in prisoner-of-war camps in Korea and communistinspired disturbances of the peace in Japan since the departure of General MacArthur Committee(s) of Referral and Consideration House Floor Action Armed Services Laid on the table Reported without recommendation 06/10/1952 06/10/1952 H.Rept. 82-2129 H.Res. 663 Secretary of the Army 05/28/1952 Rep. Edith N. Rogers (R-MA) Reduction in grade of Colonel Charles F. Colson relating to his conduct during the riot at Koje Island, Korea Armed Services Laid on the table Reported without recommendation 06/10/1952 06/10/1952 H.Rept. 82-2130 H.Res. 664 Secretary of State 05/28/1952 Rep. Edith N. Rogers (R-MA) H.Res. 716 Secretary of State 06/28/1952 Rep. Edmund P. Radwan (R-NY) H.Res. 121 Secretary of Defense 01/29/1953 Insurgency in prisoner-of-war camps in Korea and communistinspired disturbances of the peace in Japan since the departure of General MacArthur Foreign Affairs Agreed to Reported favorably 06/10/1952 Any agreement made by the Secretary of State and the government of Great Britain during their recent meetings and conversations which may affect the conduct of the war in Korea Foreign Affairs The military operation in Korea codenamed “Operation Smack” Armed Services Federal employees not falling under civil service rules and regulations Post Office and Civil Services 06/10/1952 H.Rept. 82-2131 - - - - Rep. Clare Hoffman (R-MI) H.Res. 134 02/06/1953 Rep. John D. Dingell (D-MI) CRS-24 Civil Service Commission - - Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-2011 Resolution, Introduction, and Sponsorship Official(s) To Whom Inquiry is Directed H.Res. 171 Secretary of Defense 03/09/1953 Subject of Inquiry The military operation in Korea codenamed “Operation Smack” Rep. Clare Hoffman (R-MI) Committee(s) of Referral and Consideration House Floor Action Armed Services Laid on the table Reported adversely 03/17/1953 03/17/1953 H.Rept. 83-164 H.Res. 278 Atomic Energy Commission 06/11/1953 Effect on the weather of certain atomic bomb explosions - - Rep. Edith N. Rogers (R-MA) H.Res. 279 Joint Committee on Atomic Energy Secretary of the Army 06/11/1953 Effect on the weather of certain atomic bomb explosions Rep. Edith N. Rogers (R-MA) Armed Services Laid on the table Reported adversely 06/23/1953 06/23/1953 H.Rept. 83-646 H.Res. 280 06/11/1953 Federal Civil Defense Administrator Effect on the weather of certain atomic bomb explosions Rep. Edith N. Rogers (R-MA) Armed Services Laid on the table by rule Reported adversely 06/26/1953 06/23/1953 H.Rept. 83-641 H.Res. 281 Secretary of the Navy 06/11/1953 Effect on the weather of certain atomic bomb explosions Rep. Edith N. Rogers (R-MA) Armed Services Laid on the table Reported adversely 06/23/1953 06/23/1953 H.Rept. 83-647 H.Res. 282 06/11/1953 Rep. Edith N. Rogers (R-MA) Secretary of the Air Force Effect on the weather of certain atomic bomb explosions Armed Services Laid on the table Reported adversely 06/23/1953 06/23/1953 H.Rept. 83-648 CRS-25 Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-2011 Resolution, Introduction, and Sponsorship Official(s) To Whom Inquiry is Directed H.Res. 283 Secretary of Commerce 06/11/1953 Subject of Inquiry Committee(s) of Referral and Consideration Effect on the weather of certain atomic bomb explosions Interstate and Foreign Commerce Reported adversely Rep. Edith N. Rogers (R-MA) House Floor Action Laid on the table 06/27/1953 06/27/1953 H.Rept. 83-682 H.Res. 387 Secretary of the Treasury Unexpended balances of appropriations Appropriations Unexpended balances of appropriations Appropriations Discharge of federal officers and employees for security reasons during the past year Post Office and Civil Service Chairman of the United States Civil Service Commission Discharge of federal officers and employees for security reasons during the past year Post Office and Civil Service Attorney General Discharge of federal officers and employees for security reasons during the past year Judiciary Facts concerning the explosion on the aircraft carrier Bennington Armed Services 08/01/1953 - - Rep. Edith N. Rogers (R-MA) H.Res. 388 Comptroller General 08/01/1953 - - Rep. Edith N. Rogers (R-MA) H.Res. 434 President 02/08/1954 - - Rep. George M. Rhodes (D-PA) H.Res. 435 02/08/1954 - - Rep. George M. Rhodes (D-PA) H.Res. 436 02/08/1954 - - Rep. George M. Rhodes (D-PA) H.Res. 560 Secretary of the Navy 05/26/1954 - Rep. Edith N. Rogers (R-MA) H.Res. 602 06/28/1954 Rep. Jacob K. Javits (R-NY) CRS-26 Postmaster General Transmission of hate propaganda through the mails Post Office and Civil Service - Discharged by unanimous consent and laid on the table 06/07/1954 - Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-2011 Resolution, Introduction, and Sponsorship Official(s) To Whom Inquiry is Directed H.Res. 632 Postmaster General 07/14/1954 Committee(s) of Referral and Consideration House Floor Action Transmission of hate propaganda through the mails Post Office and Civil Service - Veterans’ Administration expenditures Veterans’ Affairs Extent and cost of certain military installations Armed Services Laid on the table Reported adversely 02/16/1955 Subject of Inquiry - Rep. Jacob K. Javits (R-NY) H.Res. 134 President 02/07/1955 Administrator of Veterans’ Affairs Rep. Clare Hoffman (R-MI) H.Res. 136 Secretary of Defense 02/07/1955 Rep. Clare Hoffman (R-MI) - - 02/16/1955 H.Rept. 84-56 H.Res. 207 Secretary of the Interior Information related to Antarctica Interior and Insular Affairs Information related to Antarctica Interior and Insular Affairs Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare Statistical information relating to the staffing and workload of Social Security field offices in Michigan and Indiana Ways and Means Secretary of the Interior Information related to Antarctica Interior and Insular Affairs 04/14/1955 - - Rep. John P. Pillion (R-NY) H.Res. 209 Secretary of the Interior 04/18/1955 - - Rep. Craig Hosmer (R-CA) H.Res. 238 05/09/1955 Rep. Clare Hoffman (R-MI) H.Res. 245 05/16/1955 Rep. James A. Haley (D-FL) CRS-27 - - - - Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-2011 Resolution, Introduction, and Sponsorship Official(s) To Whom Inquiry is Directed H.Res. 475 Secretary of the Treasury 04/16/1956 Rep. Herman P. Eberharter (DPA) Subject of Inquiry Settlement of the American Distilling Company income tax case by the Internal Revenue Service Committee(s) of Referral and Consideration House Floor Action Ways and Means - Reported without recommendation 07/21/1956 H.Rept. 84-2867 H.Res. 525 Secretary of Labor 06/06/1956 Statistical information related to salaries and employment in the manufacturing industry Education and Labor Violence related to labor strikes Education and Labor - - Rep. Clare Hoffman (R-MI) H.Res. 454 Secretary of Labor 01/27/1958 - - Rep. Clare Hoffman (R-MI) H.Res. 593 Secretary of the Interior 06/16/1958 Information related to the school-age Indian population of the United States Interior and Insular Affairs Activity by Labor Department employees in relation to the Aiken Brothers Company of Greenville, South Carolina Education and Labor Statistical information about the amount of money paid to various labor unions Education and Labor Reasons underlying U.S. sponsorship and active support of the censure of Israel by the United Nations Security Council Foreign Affairs Reasons underlying U.S. sponsorship and active support of the censure of Israel by the United Nations Security Council Foreign Affairs - - Rep. Joseph M. Montoya (DNM) H.Res. 612 Secretary of Labor 06/30/1958 Rep. Clare Hoffman (R-MI) H.Res. 290 Secretary of Labor 06/08/1959 - - - Rep. Clare Hoffman (R-MI) H.Res. 593 Secretary of State 04/10/1962 Rep. Leonard Farbstein (D-NY) H.Res. 610 04/18/1962 Rep. Barratt O’Hara (D-IL) CRS-28 Secretary of State - - - - Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-2011 Resolution, Introduction, and Sponsorship Official(s) To Whom Inquiry is Directed H.Res. 529 Postmaster General 08/18/1965 Committee(s) of Referral and Consideration House Floor Action Temporary summer employment at the U.S. Postal Service Post Office and Civil Service - Temporary summer employment at the U.S. Postal Service Post Office and Civil Service Laid on the table Reported adversely 09/16/1965 Subject of Inquiry - Rep. Albert Quie (R-MN) H.Res. 574 Postmaster General 09/08/1965 Rep. Albert Quie (R-MN) 09/16/1965 H.Rept. 89-1010 H.Res. 575 President Reports of the White House Education Task Force chaired by John W. Gardner Education and Labor Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare Specified proposals and position papers relating to education in the states and in big city schools Education and Labor President Certain information Appropriations 09/12/1965 - - Rep. Robert H. Michel (R-IL) H.Res. 576 09/12/1965 - - Rep. Robert H. Michel (R-IL) H.Res. 1018 09/14/1966 - - Rep. Melvin R. Laird (R-WI) H.Res. 489 President 06/21/1971 Rep. Bella S. Abzug (D-NY) The report “U.S.-Vietnam Relationships, 1945-1967” (Also known as “The Pentagon Papers.”) Cosponsors: (10) H.Res. 490 06/21/1971 Rep. Bella S. Abzug (D-NY) Cosponsors: (14) CRS-29 Armed Services Laid on the table Reported adversely 06/30/1971 06/30/1971 H.Rept. 92-318 President The report “U.S.-Vietnam Relationships, 1945-1967” ” (Also known as “The Pentagon Papers.”) Armed Services Laid on the table Reported adversely 06/30/1971 06/30/1971 H.Rept. 92-319 Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-2011 Resolution, Introduction, and Sponsorship Official(s) To Whom Inquiry is Directed H.Res. 491 President 06/21/1971 Secretary of State Rep. Bella S. Abzug (D-NY) Director of the Central Intelligence Agency Subject of Inquiry Committee(s) of Referral and Consideration House Floor Action The report “U.S.-Vietnam Relationships, 1945-1967” ” (Also known as “The Pentagon Papers.”) Armed Services U.S. operations in Laos Foreign Affairs Laid on the table 06/21/1971 Reported adversely 07/07/1971 Rep. Paul N. “Pete” McCloskey, Jr. (R-CA) 07/01/1971 Cosponsors: (17) H.Res. 492 Secretary of State 07/07/1971 H.Rept. 92-327 Cosponsors: (none) H.Res. 493 - Motion to discharge fell on a point of order Secretary of State The Phoenix Program Foreign Affairs Laid on the table 06/21/1971 Reported adversely 07/07/1971 Rep. Paul N. “Pete” McCloskey, Jr. (R-CA) 07/01/1971 H.Rept. 92-328 Cosponsors: (none) H.Res. 494 Secretary of State 06/21/1971 Rep. Paul N. “Pete” McCloskey, Jr. (R-CA) The report “U.S. Vietnam Relationships, 1945-1967” ” (Also known as “The Pentagon Papers.”) 06/21/1971 Rep. Paul N. “Pete” McCloskey, Jr. (R-CA) Cosponsors: (none) CRS-30 Laid on the table Reported adversely 07/07/1971 07/01/1971 H.Rept. 92-329 Cosponsors: (none) H.Res. 495 Foreign Affairs Secretary of State Bombing operations in northern Laos Foreign Affairs Laid on the table Reported adversely 07/07/1971 07/01/1971 H.Rept. 92-330 Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-2011 Resolution, Introduction, and Sponsorship Official(s) To Whom Inquiry is Directed Subject of Inquiry H.Res. 530 Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare 07/08/1971 Committee(s) of Referral and Consideration House Floor Action Busing to achieve racial balance in the public schools Education and Labor - Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare Busing to achieve racial balance in the public schools Education and Labor Discharged and agreed to - 08/02/1971 Secretary of Defense Extent of military assistance to certain foreign countries Armed Services Discharged and laid on the table - 08/03/1971 Communications pertaining to the upcoming Vietnamese presidential election Foreign Affairs Laid on the table Reported adversely 09/30/1971 - Rep. James M. Collins (R-TX) Cosponsors: (1) H.Res. 539 07/14/1971 Rep. James M. Collins (R-TX) Cosponsors: (1) H.Res. 557 07/21/1971 Rep. Bertram L. Podell (D-NY) Cosponsors: (none) H.Res. 595 Secretary of State 09/14/1971 Rep. Bella S. Abzug (D-NY) 09/27/1971 Cosponsors: (none) H.Rept. 92-512 H.Res. 619 Secretary of State 09/27/1971 Communications pertaining to the upcoming Vietnamese presidential election Foreign Affairs Discharged and laid on the table - 09/30/1971 Role of the U.S. government in events leading to an uncontested presidential election in South Vietnam on October 3, 1971 Foreign Affairs Laid on the table Reported adversely 10/20/1971 Rep. Bella S. Abzug (D-NY) Cosponsors: (1) H.Res. 632 09/27/1971 Rep. Lester Wolff (D-NY) Cosponsors: (24) CRS-31 Secretary of State 10/14/1971 H.Rept. 92-567 Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-2011 Resolution, Introduction, and Sponsorship Official(s) To Whom Inquiry is Directed H.Res. 638 Secretary of State 10/06/1971 Rep. Lester Wolff (D-NY) Subject of Inquiry Role of the U.S. government in events leading to an uncontested presidential election in South Vietnam on October 3, 1971 Cosponsors: (14) Committee(s) of Referral and Consideration House Floor Action Foreign Affairs Laid on the table Reported adversely 10/20/1971 10/14/1971 H.Rept. 92-568 H.Res. 918 President 04/11/1972 Secretary of Defense Statistics relating to U.S. military involvement in Indochina Armed Services Laid on the table Reported adversely 04/26/1972 Rep. Bella S. Abzug (D-NY) 04/19/1972 Cosponsors: (none) H.Rept. 92-1003 H.Res. 1078 Secretary of Defense 08/02/1972 Statistics relating to U.S. military involvement in North Vietnam Rep. Paul N. “Pete” McCloskey, Jr. (R-CA) Secretary of Defense Statistics relating to U.S. military involvement in North Vietnam Rep. Paul N. “Pete” McCloskey, Jr. (R-CA) Armed Services Laid on the table Reported adversely 08/16/1972 H.Rept. 92-1331 H.Res. 26 President 01/03/1973 Secretary of Defense CRS-32 08/16/1972 08/10/1972 Cosponsors: (none) Cosponsors: (21) Reported adversely H.Rept. 92-1330 08/02/1972 Rep. Michael J. Harrington (DMA) Laid on the table 08/10/1972 Cosponsors: (none) H.Res. 1079 Armed Services Statistics relating to U.S. military involvement in Vietnam Armed Services Laid on the table Reported adversely 03/01/1973 03/01/1973 H.Rept. 93-40 Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-2011 Resolution, Introduction, and Sponsorship Official(s) To Whom Inquiry is Directed H.Res. 114 Secretary of Defense 01/11/1973 Rep. Michael J. Harrington (DMA) Subject of Inquiry Data relating to the extent of the bombing of North Vietnam from December 17, 1972, through January 10, 1973 Secretary of Defense 01/11/1973 Rep. Michael J. Harrington (DMA) Data relating to the extent of the bombing of North Vietnam from December 17, 1972, through January 10, 1973 Secretary of Defense 01/18/1973 Rep. Michael J. Harrington (DMA) Data relating to the extent of the bombing of North Vietnam from December 17, 1972, through January 10, 1973 Attorney General 02/19/1973 Rep. Bella S. Abzug (D-NY) Cosponsors: (3) H.Res. 223 02/20/1973 Rep. Bella S. Abzug (D-NY) Cosponsors: (1) CRS-33 Laid on the table Reported adversely 03/06/1973 03/01/1973 Armed Services Laid on the table Reported adversely 03/06/1973 03/01/1973 Armed Services Laid on the table Reported adversely 03/06/1973 03/01/1973 H.Rept. 93-41 Cosponsors: (1) H.Res. 220 Armed Services H.Rept. 93-39 Cosponsors: (13) H.Res. 143 House Floor Action H.Rept. 93-38 Cosponsors: (13) H.Res. 115 Committee(s) of Referral and Consideration Attorney General Basis of the venue in the northern district of Texas of the grand jury investigation before which Kenneth Tierney, Thomas Laffey, Matthias Reilly, Paschal Morahan, and Daniel Crawford have been summoned Judiciary Basis of the venue in the northern district of Texas of the grand jury investigation before which Kenneth Tierney, Thomas Laffey, Matthias Reilly, Paschal Morahan, and Daniel Crawford have been summoned Judiciary - - - - Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-2011 Resolution, Introduction, and Sponsorship Official(s) To Whom Inquiry is Directed Committee(s) of Referral and Consideration House Floor Action H.Res. 258 Attorney General Record of the Department of Justice which led to the determination of the venue in the Northern District of Texas of the grand jury investigation before which Kenneth Tierney, Thomas Laffey, Matthias Reilly, Paschal Morahan, and Daniel Crawford have been summoned Judiciary - Basis of the venue in the northern district of Texas of the grand jury investigation before which Kenneth Tierney, Thomas Laffey, Matthias Reilly, Paschal Morahan, and Daniel Crawford have been summoned Judiciary Basis of the venue in the northern district of Texas of the grand jury investigation before which Kenneth Tierney, Thomas Laffey, Matthias Reilly, Paschal Morahan, and Daniel Crawford have been summoned Judiciary Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare Regulations governing social services proposed in the Federal Register of February 16, 1973 (38 F.R. 4608-4613) Ways and Means Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare Regulations governing social services proposed in the Federal Register of February 16, 1973 (38 F.R. 4608-4613) Ways and Means 02/28/1973 Rep. Hugh L. Carey (D-NY) Cosponsors: (2) H.Res. 262 Attorney General 03/01/1973 Rep. James V. Stanton (D-OH) Cosponsors: (none) H.Res. 281 Attorney General 03/08/1973 Rep. Bella S. Abzug (D-NY) Cosponsors: (none) H.Res. 346 04/09/1973 Rep. Ogden R. Reid (D-NY) Subject of Inquiry - - - - - - - Cosponsors: (none) H.Res. 350 04/10/1973 Rep. Bella S. Abzug (D-NY) Cosponsors: (none) CRS-34 - - Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-2011 Resolution, Introduction, and Sponsorship Official(s) To Whom Inquiry is Directed H.Res. 379 Secretary of Defense 05/03/1973 Rep. Robert L. Leggett (D-CA) Subject of Inquiry Bombing and other activities in Cambodia and Laos during the period January 27, 1973, to April 30, 1973 Cosponsors: (15) H.Res. 508 Committee(s) of Referral and Consideration House Floor Action Armed Services Laid on the table Reported adversely 05/09/1973 05/09/1973 H.Rept. 93-170 Secretary of Defense 07/25/1973 Rep. Michael J. Harrington (DMA) Data concerning the extent of the bombing of Cambodia and Laos from January 20, 1969, through April 30, 1970 Armed Services Data concerning the extent of the bombing of Cambodia and Laos from January 20, 1969, through April 30, 1970 Armed Services Data concerning the extent of the bombing of Cambodia and Laos from January 20, 1969, through April 30, 1970 Armed Services Data concerning the extent of the bombing of Cambodia and Laos from January 20, 1969, through April 30, 1970 Armed Services - - Cosponsors: (none) H.Res. 519 Secretary of Defense 07/31/1973 Rep. Michael J. Harrington (DMA) - - Cosponsors: (24) H.Res. 520 Secretary of Defense 08/01/1973 Rep. Michael J. Harrington (DMA) - - Cosponsors: (5) H.Res. 522 08/02/1973 Rep. Michael J. Harrington (DMA) Cosponsors: (3) CRS-35 Secretary of Defense - - Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-2011 Resolution, Introduction, and Sponsorship Official(s) To Whom Inquiry is Directed H.Res. 525 Secretary of Defense 08/03/1973 Rep. Michael J. Harrington (DMA) Committee(s) of Referral and Consideration House Floor Action Data concerning the extent of the bombing of Cambodia and Laos from January 20, 1969, through April 30, 1970 Armed Services - Data concerning the extent of the bombing of Cambodia and Laos from January 20, 1969, through April 30, 1970 Armed Services Allegations that Spiro T. Agnew accepted bribes or received consideration for services rendered Judiciary Discharged and laid on the table - 10/10/1973 Papers, documents, recordings, memorandums, and items of evidence in the custody of the Special Prosecutor, Archibald Cox, as of noon, Saturday, October 20, 1973 Judiciary Discharged and laid on the table - 11/01/1973 The military alert declared by the President on October 24, 1974 Foreign Affairs Laid on the table Reported adversely 04/09/1974 Subject of Inquiry - Cosponsors: (none) H.Res. 537 Secretary of Defense 09/10/1973 Rep. Michael J. Harrington (DMA) - - Cosponsors: (1) H.Res. 572 Attorney General 10/01/1973 Rep. Paul Findley (R-IL) Cosponsors: (none) H.Res. 634 Attorney General 10/23/1973 Rep. Paul N. “Pete” McCloskey, Jr. (R-CA) Cosponsors: (none) H.Res. 1002 03/25/1974 Rep. Michael J. Harrington (DMA) Cosponsors: (1) CRS-36 Secretary of State 04/04/1974 H.Rept. 93-970 Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-2011 Resolution, Introduction, and Sponsorship Official(s) To Whom Inquiry is Directed H.Res. 1040 Secretary of Defense 04/22/1974 Rep. Andrew J. Hinshaw (R-CA) Cosponsors: (none) H.Res. 1041 Secretary of Defense 04/22/1974 Rep. Andrew J. Hinshaw (R-CA) Cosponsors: (none) H.Res. 1042 Secretary of the Army 04/22/1974 Rep. Andrew J. Hinshaw (R-CA) Cosponsors: (none) H.Res. 1043 Secretary of the Army 04/22/1974 Rep. Andrew J. Hinshaw (R-CA) Cosponsors: (none) H.Res. 1044 04/22/1974 Rep. Andrew J. Hinshaw (R-CA) Cosponsors: (none) CRS-37 Secretary of the Navy Committee(s) of Referral and Consideration House Floor Action Expenditure of Federal moneys on private property owned by: (1) Franklin D. Roosevelt; (2) Harry S. Truman; (3) Dwight D. Eisenhower; (4) John F. Kennedy; and (5) Lyndon B. Johnson Armed Services - Expenditure of Federal moneys on private property owned by: (1) Franklin D. Roosevelt; (2) Harry S. Truman; (3) Dwight D. Eisenhower; (4) John F. Kennedy; and (5) Lyndon B. Johnson Armed Services Expenditure of Federal moneys on private property owned by: (1) Franklin D. Roosevelt; (2) Harry S. Truman; (3) Dwight D. Eisenhower; (4) John F. Kennedy; and (5) Lyndon B. Johnson Armed Services Expenditure of Federal moneys on private property owned by: (1) Franklin D. Roosevelt; (2) Harry S. Truman; (3) Dwight D. Eisenhower; (4) John F. Kennedy; and (5) Lyndon B. Johnson Armed Services Expenditure of Federal moneys on private property owned by: (1) Franklin D. Roosevelt; (2) Harry S. Truman; (3) Dwight D. Eisenhower; (4) John F. Kennedy; and (5) Lyndon B. Johnson Armed Services Subject of Inquiry - - - - - - - - - Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-2011 Resolution, Introduction, and Sponsorship Official(s) To Whom Inquiry is Directed Committee(s) of Referral and Consideration House Floor Action H.Res. 1045 Secretary of the Navy Expenditure of Federal moneys on private property owned by: (1) Franklin D. Roosevelt; (2) Harry S. Truman; (3) Dwight D. Eisenhower; (4) John F. Kennedy; and (5) Lyndon B. Johnson Armed Services - Expenditure of Federal moneys on private property owned by: (1) Franklin D. Roosevelt; (2) Harry S. Truman; (3) Dwight D. Eisenhower; (4) John F. Kennedy; and (5) Lyndon B. Johnson Armed Services Expenditure of Federal moneys on private property owned by: (1) Franklin D. Roosevelt; (2) Harry S. Truman; (3) Dwight D. Eisenhower; (4) John F. Kennedy; and (5) Lyndon B. Johnson Armed Services Administrator of the General Services Administration Expenditure of Federal moneys on private property owned by: (1) Franklin D. Roosevelt; (2) Harry S. Truman; (3) Dwight D. Eisenhower; (4) John F. Kennedy; and (5) Lyndon B. Johnson Government Operations Administrator of the General Services Administration Expenditure of Federal moneys on private property owned by: (1) Franklin D. Roosevelt; (2) Harry S. Truman; (3) Dwight D. Eisenhower; (4) John F. Kennedy; and (5) Lyndon B. Johnson Government Operations 04/22/1974 Rep. Andrew J. Hinshaw (R-CA) Cosponsors: (none) H.Res. 1046 Secretary of the Air Force 04/22/1974 Rep. Andrew J. Hinshaw (R-CA) Cosponsors: (none) H.Res. 1047 Secretary of the Air Force 04/22/1974 Rep. Andrew J. Hinshaw (R-CA) Cosponsors: (none) H.Res. 1048 04/22/1974 Rep. Andrew J. Hinshaw (R-CA) Cosponsors: (none) H.Res. 1049 04/22/1974 Rep. Andrew J. Hinshaw (R-CA) Cosponsors: (none) CRS-38 Subject of Inquiry - - - - - - - - - Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-2011 Resolution, Introduction, and Sponsorship Official(s) To Whom Inquiry is Directed H.Res. 1050 Secretary of Transportation 04/22/1974 Rep. Andrew J. Hinshaw (R-CA) Cosponsors: (none) H.Res. 1051 Secretary of Transportation 04/22/1974 Rep. Andrew J. Hinshaw (R-CA) Cosponsors: (none) H.Res. 1052 Director of the Secret Service 04/22/1974 Rep. Andrew J. Hinshaw (R-CA) Cosponsors: (none) H.Res. 1053 Director of the Secret Service 04/22/1974 Rep. Andrew J. Hinshaw (R-CA) Cosponsors: (none) H.Res. 1189 06/25/1974 Rep. Bella S. Abzug (D-NY) Cosponsors: (none) CRS-39 President Subject of Inquiry Committee(s) of Referral and Consideration Expenditure of Federal moneys on private property owned by: (1) Franklin D. Roosevelt; (2) Harry S. Truman; (3) Dwight D. Eisenhower; (4) John F. Kennedy; and (5) Lyndon B. Johnson Interstate and Foreign Commerce Expenditure of Federal moneys on private property owned by: (1) Franklin D. Roosevelt; (2) Harry S. Truman; (3) Dwight D. Eisenhower; (4) John F. Kennedy; and (5) Lyndon B. Johnson Interstate and Foreign Commerce Federal funds for administrative support and personnel at or near the private residences of (1) Franklin D. Roosevelt, (2) Harry S. Truman, (3) Dwight D. Eisenhower, (4) John F. Kennedy, and (5) Lyndon B. Johnson during their terms as President and Vice President. House Ways and Means Federal funds for administrative support and personnel at or near the private residences of (1) Franklin D. Roosevelt, (2) Harry S. Truman, (3) Dwight D. Eisenhower, (4) John F. Kennedy, and (5) Lyndon B. Johnson during their terms as President and Vice President. House Ways and Means Agreements for nuclear cooperation with Egypt and Israel Foreign Affairs House Floor Action - - - - - - - - - - Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-2011 Resolution, Introduction, and Sponsorship Official(s) To Whom Inquiry is Directed H.Res. 1219 President 07/02/1974 Committee(s) of Referral and Consideration House Floor Action Agreements for nuclear cooperation with Egypt and Israel Foreign Affairs - The specific offenses against the United States for which a pardon was granted to Richard M. Nixon on September 8, 1974 Judiciary Decision to grant a pardon to Richard M. Nixon Judiciary Payments to Richard M. Nixon and his family Government Operations Payments to Richard M. Nixon and his family Government Operations The President’s proposal to classify as new oil, all oil extracted from domestic oil wells by secondary methods Interstate and Foreign Commerce Subject of Inquiry - Rep. Bella S. Abzug (D-NY) Cosponsors: (16) H.Res. 1363 President 09/12/1974 Rep. Bella S. Abzug (D-NY) - - Cosponsors: (10) H.Res. 1370 President 09/17/1974 - - Rep. John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI) Cosponsors: (none) H.Res. 1398 President 09/30/1974 - - Rep. Elizabeth Holtzman (D-NY) Cosponsors: (none) H.Res. 1404 President 10/02/1974 - - Rep. Elizabeth Holtzman (D-NY) Cosponsors: (4) H.Res. 1452 10/16/1974 Rep. Robert L. Leggett (D-CA) Cosponsors: (none) CRS-40 President - - Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-2011 Resolution, Introduction, and Sponsorship Official(s) To Whom Inquiry is Directed Committee(s) of Referral and Consideration House Floor Action H.Res. 1467 Secretary of Defense Comments by the Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff at Duke University on October 10, 1974 Armed Services - Administrator of the Small Business Administration Specified facts pertaining to small business investment companies Banking and Currency President Specified activities of the Central Intelligence Agency since January 1, 1960 Judiciary Specified activities of the Central Intelligence Agency since January 1, 1960 Judiciary Information contained in the report of William E. Colby delivered to the President on or about December 26, 1974, relating to activities of the Central Intelligence Agency Armed Services Specified activities of the Central Intelligence Agency since January 1, 1960 Judiciary 11/20/1974 Subject of Inquiry - Rep. Lester Wolff (D-NY) Cosponsors: (none) H.Res. 1473 11/21/1974 - - Rep. Andrew J. Hinshaw (R-CA) Cosponsors: (none) H.Res. 65 01/14/1975 - - Rep. Elizabeth Holtzman (D-NY) Cosponsors: (1) H.Res. 71 President 01/16/1975 - - Rep. Elizabeth Holtzman (D-NY) Cosponsors: (1) H.Res. 72 President 01/16/1975 Rep. Elizabeth Holtzman (D-NY) Cosponsors: (1) H.Res. 106 01/28/1975 Rep. Elizabeth Holtzman (D-NY) Cosponsors: (24) CRS-41 President - Reported adversely 02/27/1975 H.Rept. 94-22 - - Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-2011 Resolution, Introduction, and Sponsorship Official(s) To Whom Inquiry is Directed H.Res. 129 Secretary of Defense 02/03/1975 Rep. Bella S. Abzug (D-NY) Subject of Inquiry Reconnaissance flights since January, 1973, over North and South Vietnam as well as other activities in Indochina Cosponsors: (24) H.Res. 134 Committee(s) of Referral and Consideration House Floor Action Armed Services - Reported adversely 02/27/1975 H.Rept. 94-23 Secretary of Defense 02/04/1975 Rep. Bella S. Abzug (D-NY) Reconnaissance flights since January, 1973, over North and South Vietnam as well as other activities in Indochina Armed Services Specified activities of the Central Intelligence Agency since January 1, 1960 Judiciary American involvement and knowledge of the coup in Chile Armed Services American involvement and knowledge of the coup in Chile Foreign Affairs American involvement and knowledge of the coup in Chile Foreign Affairs - - Cosponsors: (5) H.Res. 148 President 02/05/1975 - - Rep. Elizabeth Holtzman (D-NY) Cosponsors: (4) H.Res. 205 Secretary of Defense 02/19/1975 - - Rep. Michael J. Harrington (DMA) Cosponsors: (none) H.Res. 206 Secretary of State 02/19/1975 - - Rep. Michael J. Harrington (DMA) Cosponsors: (none) H.Res. 207 02/19/1975 Rep. Michael J. Harrington (DMA) Cosponsors: (none) CRS-42 President - - Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-2011 Resolution, Introduction, and Sponsorship Official(s) To Whom Inquiry is Directed H.Res. 313 President 03/14/1975 Rep. Fortney Pete Stark (D-CA) Cosponsors: (7) H.Res. 391 President 04/10/1975 Rep. Fortney Pete Stark (D-CA) Cosponsors: (18) H.Res. 400 President 04/16/1975 Rep. Elizabeth Holtzman (D-NY) Cosponsors: (18) H.Res. 529 President 06/11/1975 Committee(s) of Referral and Consideration House Floor Action Whether any citizen of the United States, since December 31, 1970, has been subjected to incarceration or denial of rights contrary to the laws or Constitution of the Republic of Mexico Foreign Affairs - Whether any citizen of the United States, since December 31, 1970, has been subjected to incarceration or denial of rights contrary to the laws or Constitution of the Republic of Mexico International Relations United States nationals in South Vietnam, their employers, the nature of their work and an explanation of why such persons have not been evacuated International Relations Facts relating to the seizure of the U.S. merchant ship Mayaguez by the Khmer Rouge Armed Services Facts relating to the seizure of the U.S. merchant ship Mayaguez by the Khmer Rouge Armed Services Subject of Inquiry - - - - - - - Rep. Michael J. Harrington (DMA) Cosponsors: (25) H.Res. 530 06/11/1975 Rep. Michael J. Harrington (DMA) Cosponsors: (6) CRS-43 President - - Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-2011 Resolution, Introduction, and Sponsorship Official(s) To Whom Inquiry is Directed H.Res. 536 Secretary of State 06/12/1975 Committee(s) of Referral and Consideration House Floor Action Facts relating to the seizure of the U.S. merchant ship Mayaguez by the Khmer Rouge International Relations - Facts relating to the seizure of the U.S. merchant ship Mayaguez by the Khmer Rouge International Relations Facts relating to the seizure of the U.S. merchant ship Mayaguez by the Khmer Rouge International Relations Facts relating to the seizure of the U.S. merchant ship Mayaguez by the Khmer Rouge International Relations The sale of Hawk and Redeye missiles to Jordan International Relations Subject of Inquiry - Rep. Michael J. Harrington (DMA) Cosponsors: (23) H.Res. 537 Secretary of State 06/12/1975 - - Rep. Michael J. Harrington (DMA) Cosponsors: (11) H.Res. 542 President 06/16/1975 - - Rep. Michael J. Harrington (DMA) Cosponsors: (9) H.Res. 543 Secretary of State 06/16/1975 - - Rep. Michael J. Harrington (DMA) Cosponsors: (4) H.Res. 552 06/18/1975 Rep. Benjamin S. Rosenthal (DNY) Cosponsors: (none) CRS-44 President - - Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-2011 Resolution, Introduction, and Sponsorship Official(s) To Whom Inquiry is Directed H.Res. 718 Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare President 09/17/1975 Rep. James M. Collins (R-TX) Cosponsors: (none) H.Res. 795 10/21/1975 Rep. Alan Steelman (R-TX) Cosponsors: (none) H.Res. 1193 Secretary of Defense 05/17/1976 Rep. Philip M. Crane (R-IL) Cosponsors: (none) H.Res. 1295 President 06/11/1976 Rep. Michael J. Harrington (DMA) Committee(s) of Referral and Consideration House Floor Action List of public school systems in the United States which will be receiving Federal funds and will be engaging in the busing of schoolchildren to achieve racial balance Education and Labor Discharged and agree to - 09/29/1975 Whether any citizen of the United States, since December 31, 1970, has been subjected to incarceration or denial of rights contrary to the laws or Constitution of the Republic of Mexico International Relations - The extent of Cuban or other foreign military or paramilitary presence in the Republic of Panama or in the Panama Canal Zone International Relations Payment of funds by the United States Armed Forces or Embassy staff to the Italian Christian Democratic Party or the Italian media International Relations Payment of funds by the United States Armed Forces or Embassy staff to the Italian Christian Democratic Party or the Italian media International Relations Subject of Inquiry - - - - - Cosponsors: (none) H.Res. 1324 06/18/1976 Rep. Michael J. Harrington (DMA) Cosponsors: (5) CRS-45 President - - Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-2011 Resolution, Introduction, and Sponsorship Official(s) To Whom Inquiry is Directed H.Res. 1427 President 07/27/1976 Rep. Michael J. Harrington (DMA) Cosponsors: (7) H.Res. 285 Attorney General 02/09/1977 Rep. Chalmers P. Wylie (R-OH) Cosponsors: (none) H.Res. 709 Secretary of Defense 07/25/1977 Rep. Tim Lee Carter (R-KY) Cosponsors: (none) H.Res. 1259 Secretary of State 06/29/1978 Committee(s) of Referral and Consideration House Floor Action The payment of funds by any person acting under the direction of the United States Government or any agency or other instrumentality of the United States Government to any political party in Italy or the Italian media International Relations - All communications and documents received by the Department of Justice from Kim Sang Keun of South Korea respecting Members and employees of Congress Judiciary The service serial number of each individual who was present at the explosion of the atomic device known as “Smokey” which was detonated at Camp Desert Rock, Nevada, on August 31, 1957 Armed Services Military equipment shipments to Chile International Relations The incident at the Three Mile Island nuclear generating plant and on the danger of similar incidents occurring at other nuclear generating plants Interior and Insular Affairs Subject of Inquiry - - - - - - - Rep. Fortney Pete Stark (D-CA) Cosponsors: (6) H.Res. 197 04/02/1979 Rep. James H. Weaver (D-OR) Cosponsors: (7) CRS-46 Chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission - - Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-2011 Resolution, Introduction, and Sponsorship Official(s) To Whom Inquiry is Directed H.Res. 201 President 04/03/1979 Rep. James H. Weaver (D-OR) Cosponsors: (10) H.Res. 291 President 05/24/1979 Rep. John J. Rhodes (R-AZ) Cosponsors: (101) H.Res. 398 House Floor Action The incident at the Three Mile Island nuclear generating plant and on the danger of similar incidents occurring at other nuclear generating plants Interior and Insular Affairs - Oil situation, including data on: (1) shortages, supplies, demand, and allocation of crude oil; and (2) refinery yield reductions and capacity utilization. Interstate and Foreign Commerce - Reported adversely Agreed to 06/15/1979 06/11/1979 H.Rept. 96-261 Secretary of State 08/02/1979 Rep. Paul Findley (R-Il) Cosponsors: (none) H.Res. 551 Committee(s) of Referral and Consideration Subject of Inquiry Secretary of State 01/30/1980 Information concerning: (1) Israeli use of military aircraft of U.S. origin outside Israeli borders; and (2) Israeli compliance with the Arms Export Control Act. Foreign Affairs Discharged and laid on the table - 09/13/1979 Human rights objectives and policies with respect to specified countries Foreign Affairs - Evidence compiled by the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation against Members of Congress in connection with the Abscam investigation Judiciary Laid on the table Reported adversely 02/27/1980 U.S. decision to vote for the United Nations Security Council resolution on March 1, 1980 Foreign Affairs - Rep. James M. Collins (R-TX) Cosponsors: (none) H.Res. 571 Attorney General 02/07/1980 Rep. Peter Peyser (R-NY) Cosponsors: (none) H.Res. 598 02/07/1980 Rep. Elizabeth Holtzman (D-NY) Cosponsors: (2) CRS-47 President 02/20/1980 H.Rept. 96-778 - - Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-2011 Resolution, Introduction, and Sponsorship Official(s) To Whom Inquiry is Directed H.Res. 626 President 03/31/1980 Committee(s) of Referral and Consideration House Floor Action Understandings made with the Former Shah of Iran at Lackland Air Force Base and elsewhere Foreign Affairs Discharged and laid on the table - 04/23/1980 Commitments, admissions, and/or obligations made to the Government of Iran during March 1980 Foreign Affairs Discharged and laid on the table - 04/23/1980 House and Justice Department actions and conversations with regard to Billy Carter’s involvement with Libya and State Department cables, communications, or memorandums furnished to Billy Carter Foreign Affairs Agreed to Reported favorably (amended) 09/10/1980 Subject of Inquiry Rep. George V. Hansen (R-ID) Cosponsors: (none) H.Res. 627 President 03/31/1980 Rep. George V. Hansen (R-ID) Cosponsors: (1) H.Res. 745 President 07/22/1980 Rep. Robert E. Bauman (D-MD) Cosponsors: (98) 07/31/1980 H.Rept. 96-1213, pt. I Judiciary Reported favorably (amended) 07/31/1980 H.Rept. 96-1213, pt. II H.Res. 777 President 08/28/1980 Rep. Jim Courter (R-NJ) Disclosure of classified information relating to the new so-called “Stealth” technology for military aircraft Cosponsors: (9) H.Res. 783 09/08/1980 Rep. Philip M. Crane (R-Il) Cosponsors: (none) CRS-48 Armed Services - Reported adversely 09/09/1980 H.Rept. 96-1309 President Disclosure of classified information relating to the Stealth technology for military aircraft Armed Services - - Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-2011 Resolution, Introduction, and Sponsorship Official(s) To Whom Inquiry is Directed H.Res. 790 President 09/19/1980 Committee(s) of Referral and Consideration House Floor Action Specified documents containing information about U.S. involvement in Iran Foreign Affairs - Pending extradition proceedings against Ziad Abu Eain Foreign Affairs Discharged and laid on the table - 01/28/1982 Subject of Inquiry - Rep. Fortney Pete Stark (D-CA) Cosponsors: (none) H.Res. 300 Secretary of State 12/10/1981 Rep. George W. Crockett, Jr. (D-MI) Judiciary - Cosponsors: (1) H.Res. 465 Secretary of State 05/11/1982 Certain information concerning Roberto D’Aubuisson Rep. Fortney Pete Stark (D-CA) Foreign Affairs - Reported without recommendation (amended) 05/20/1982 Cosponsors: (none) H.Rept. 97-579 H.Res. 507 President 06/16/1982 Attorney General Rep. Toby Moffett (D-CT) Possible Executive interference with the investigation of Secretary of Labor Raymond Donovan. Judiciary - Procurement of the C-5B aircraft Armed Services Laid on the table Reported adversely 08/03/1982 - Cosponsors: (none) H.Res. 512 06/22/1982 Secretary of Defense Rep. Norman D. Dicks (D-WA) 07/19/1982 Cosponsors: (10) H.Rept. 97-641 CRS-49 Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-2011 Resolution, Introduction, and Sponsorship Official(s) To Whom Inquiry is Directed H.Res. 159 President 04/13/1983 Subject of Inquiry United States activities in Honduras and Nicaragua Committee(s) of Referral and Consideration House Floor Action Select Intelligence - Reported adversely Rep. Tom Harkin (D-IA) 05/05/1983 Cosponsors: (71) H.Rept. 98-88, pt. 1I Armed Services Reported adversely 05/04/1983 H.Rept. 98-88, pt. 1 Foreign Affairs - H.Res. 323 President 09/29/1983 Certain financial information on Henry Kissinger and Henry Kissinger and Associates Government Operations United States activities regarding Grenada Armed Services - - Rep. Henry B. Gonzalez (D-TX) Cosponsors: (none) H.Res. 383 11/18/1983 President Reported adversely Rep. Ronald V. Dellums (D-CA) 02/08/1984 Cosponsors: (22) H.Rept. 98-597, pt. 1 Foreign Affairs Reported adversely 02/08/1984 H.Rept. 98-597, pt. 1I CRS-50 - Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-2011 Resolution, Introduction, and Sponsorship Official(s) To Whom Inquiry is Directed H.Res. 437 President 02/09/1984 Rep. Jim Courter (R-NJ) Cosponsors: (none) H.Res. 463 Secretary of State 03/15/1984 Rep. James Michael Shannon (DMA) Committee(s) of Referral and Consideration House Floor Action A report by the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency entitled “A Quarter Century of Soviet Compliance Practices Under Arms Control Commitments: 1958-1983 (U),” November 1983 Foreign Affairs - Death squads in El Salvador including possible involvement of Roberto D’Aubuisson, a former Army officer Foreign Affairs Subject of Inquiry Secretary of State Rep. James Michael Shannon (DMA) Cosponsors: (none) 03/22/1984 Rep. James Michael Shannon (DMA) Cosponsors: (none) CRS-51 Reported without recommendation H.Rept. 98-658 03/15/1984 H.Res. 467 - 04/09/1984 Cosponsors: (none) H.Res. 464 - President Possible involvement of Colonel Oscar Edgardo Casanova in the 1980 slayings of four U.S. missionaries in El Salvador, and possible involvement of Minister of Defense Eugenio Vides Casanova in the Salvadoran Government’s investigation into the slayings Foreign Affairs The CIA and death squads in El Salvador Select Intelligence - Reported adversely 04/09/1984 H.Rept. 98-657 Reported adversely 04/25/1984 H.Rept. 98-709 - Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-2011 Resolution, Introduction, and Sponsorship Official(s) To Whom Inquiry is Directed Committee(s) of Referral and Consideration House Floor Action H.Res. 484 President Documents relating to: (1) certain military intelligence gathering activities in El Salvador including any possible uses of such intelligence information by El Salvador, Honduras, or Guatemala; (2) military assistance furnished to Honduras and El Salvador; and (3) activities of the United States in El Salvador and Honduras related to hostile action against Nicaragua or against the governments of those nations Select Intelligence - Director of the Central Intelligence Agency Covert training or other support of counterterrorist units against anti-American terrorists in Lebanon or other parts of the Middle East Select Intelligence President Counterterrorist units which received covert training or other support from the United States Select Intelligence 04/10/1984 Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-MA) Cosponsors: (none) H.Res. 168 05/13/1985 Rep. Don Edwards (D-CA) Cosponsors: (2) H.Res. 171 05/14/1985 Rep. Don Edwards (D-CA) Subject of Inquiry Cosponsors: (3) H.Res. 226 07/17/1985 Rep. William M. Hendon (R-NC) Cosponsors: (19) Reported adversely 05/10/1984 H.Rept. 98-742, pt. I Foreign Affairs Ordered reported 05/09/1984 - - Reported adversely 06/12/1985 H.Rept. 99-171 Secretary of Defense All information, including Defense Intelligence Agency analyses, relating to live Americans in Southeast Asia Select Intelligence Reported adversely 09/10/1985 H.Rept. 99-260, pt. I Armed Services - CRS-52 - - Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-2011 Resolution, Introduction, and Sponsorship Official(s) To Whom Inquiry is Directed H.Res. 395 President 03/11/1986 Rep. Leon Panetta (D-CA) Subject of Inquiry The use of $27,000,000 appropriated for humanitarian assistance for the Nicaraguan democratic resistance Cosponsors: (48) H.Res. 485 Committee(s) of Referral and Consideration House Floor Action Foreign Affairs Laid on the table Reported adversely 05/07/1986 05/07/1986 H.Rept. 99-585 President 06/24/1986 Rep. Ronald D. Coleman (DTX) Cosponsors: (none) Activities of Lieutenant Colonel Oliver North or any other member of the staff of the National Security Council in support of the Nicaraguan resistance Select Intelligence - Armed Services Reported adversely 07/30/1986 H.Rept. 99-724, pt. I Foreign Affairs - H.Res. 603 President 10/17/1986 Rep. Don Edwards (D-CA) Cosponsors: (none) H.Res. 132 Secretary of Defense 03/25/1987 Rep. Richard A. Gephardt (DMO) Cosponsors: (none) H.Res. 176 05/27/1987 Rep. Fortney Pete Stark (D-CA) Cosponsors: (1) CRS-53 Secretary of Energy Any proposal by the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, or anyone outside of the administration, for a plan of real or illusionary events intended to destabilize the Libyan Government Foreign Affairs Documents prepared in accordance with certain report requirements in the 1985, 1986, and 1987 Department of Defense Authorization Acts relating to the Strategic Defense Initiative program and the AntiBallistic Missile Treaty Armed Services Contractor and national laboratory activities performed for the purpose of informing Congress on nuclear testing. Armed Services - - - Reported favorably (amended) 04/14/1987 H.Rept. 100-53 - - Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-2011 Resolution, Introduction, and Sponsorship Official(s) To Whom Inquiry is Directed H.Res. 339 President 12/18/1987 Rep. Bob Smith (R-NH) Cosponsors: (none) H.Res. 473 President 06/15/1988 Committee(s) of Referral and Consideration House Floor Action Statements made by Vietnamese Vice Foreign Minister Phan Hein concerning certain civilians and members of the armed forces held as prisoners of war or considered to be missing in action since the beginning of the Vietnam Conflict Select Intelligence - U.S. foreign aid in Central America Foreign Affairs Subject of Inquiry Reported adversely 02/02/1988 H.Rept. 100-500 Reported adversely Rep. Leon Panetta (D-CA) 07/13/1988 Cosponsors: (147) H.Rept. 100-773 H.Res. 74 Secretary of Defense 02/09/1989 Rep. Jim Courter (R-NJ) Cosponsors: (3) H.Res. 76 Secretary of Defense 02/09/1989 Rep. Larry J. Hopkins (R-KY) Information concerning the actions of the Commission on Base Realignment and Closure with respect to Fort Dix, New Jersey Armed Services Actions of the Commission on Base Realignment and Closure with respect to specified military bases Armed Services Cosponsors: (31) H.Res. 411 Reported adversely 03/15/1989 H.Rept. 101-9 03/15/1989 President Payments made by the U.S. Government to Manuel Noriega and Guillermo Endara Foreign Affairs Cosponsors: (1) - Cosponsors: (none) CRS-54 Secretary of Defense All unresolved, active livesighting case files on Americans reported in captivity in Southeast Asia after February 1, 1973 - Select Intelligence Rep. Bob Smith (R-NH) - Reported adversely Rep. Henry B. Gonzalez (D-TX) 06/14/1990 - H.Rept. 101-10 06/11/1990 H.Res. 415 - Armed Services Select Intelligence - - Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-2011 Resolution, Introduction, and Sponsorship Official(s) To Whom Inquiry is Directed H.Res. 19 President 01/03/1991 Subject of Inquiry Statistics relating to the conduct and effect of Operation Desert Shield Rep. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) Committee(s) of Referral and Consideration House Floor Action Armed Services Laid on the table Reported without recommendation 02/21/1991 02/20/1991 Cosponsors: (14) H.Rept. 102-5, pt. I Foreign Affairs Reported without recommendation 02/21/1991 H.Rept. 102-5, pt. II H.Res. 198 President 06/16/1993 Several specified activities of the White House Travel Office Judiciary Reported adversely Rep. Henry J. Hyde (R-IL) 07/20/1993 Cosponsors: (4) H.Rept. 103-183 H.Res. 360 President 02/10/1994 Rep. Jan Meyers (R-KS) Cosponsors: (14) Communications between the White House and the Small Business Administration regarding Capital Management Services, Inc., or David Hale; various questions relating to the activities of Vincent Foster - Small Business - Judiciary Post Office and Civil Service - H.Res. 80 02/10/1995 President The Mexican economy and certain activities of the International Monetary Fund Banking and Financial Services Agreed to Reported favorably (amended) 03/01/1995 Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-OH) 02/27/1995 Cosponsors: (31) H.Rept. 104-53 CRS-55 Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-2011 Resolution, Introduction, and Sponsorship Official(s) To Whom Inquiry is Directed H.Res. 334 Secretary of the Treasury 11/13/1997 Rep. Bernard Sanders (I-VT) Cosponsors: (none) H.Res. 667 President 11/14/2000 Rep. David E. Price (D-NC) Cosponsors: (none) H.Res. 68 President 02/12/2003 Rep. Dennis J. Kucinich (D-OH) Cosponsors: (1) H.Res. 260 President 06/05/2003 Rep. Dennis J. Kucinich (D-OH) Committee(s) of Referral and Consideration House Floor Action Actions taken by the Secretary of the Treasury and the United States Executive Directors at the international financial institutions to comply with the requirements of 1621 of the International Financial Institutions Act, relating to encouragement of fair labor practices Banking and Financial Services - Communications between the Archivist of the United States and the primary responsible individual in each State relating to transmission of certificates of ascertainment or of the determination of an electoral controversy involving the presidential election held on November 7, 2000 House Administration Documents in the President’s possession relating to Iraq’s declaration on its weapons of mass destruction that was provided to the United Nations on December 7, 2002 International Relations Documents that provide specific evidence with respect to claims of Iraq’s weapons of mass destruction International Relations Subject of Inquiry Cosponsors: (41) H.Res. 286 06/19/2003 Rep. Gene Green (D-TX) Cosponsors: (14) CRS-56 - - - - Reported adversely 03/18/2003 H.Rept. 108-38 - Reported adversely 06/23/2003 H.Rept. 108-168 Secretary of Homeland Security Any use of Federal agency resources in any task or action involving or relating to Members of the Texas Legislature in the period beginning May 11, 2003, and ending May 16, 2003 Homeland Security Reported adversely 07/21/2003 H.Rept. 108-223 - Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-2011 Resolution, Introduction, and Sponsorship Official(s) To Whom Inquiry is Directed H.Res. 287 Attorney General 06/19/2003 Rep. Gene Green (D-TX) Cosponsors: (14) H.Res. 288 Secretary of Transportation 06/19/2003 Rep. Gene Green (D-TX) Cosponsors: (14) H.Res. 358 President 09/05/2003 Rep. Robert Wexler (D-FL) Cosponsors: (12) H.Res. 364 09/09/2003 Rep. Robert Wexler (D-FL) Cosponsors: (45) President Committee(s) of Referral and Consideration House Floor Action Any use of Federal agency resources in any task or action involving or relating to Members of the Texas Legislature in the period beginning May 11, 2003, and ending May 16, 2003 Judiciary - Any use of Federal agency resources in any task or action involving or relating to Members of the Texas Legislature in the period beginning May 11, 2003, and ending May 16, 2003 Transportation and Infrastructure The report prepared for the Joint Chiefs of Staff entitled “Operation Iraqi Freedom Strategic Lessons Learned” and other materials relating to the Administration’s planning for the reconstruction and security of post-war Iraq Armed Services The report prepared for the Joint Chiefs of Staff entitled “Operation Iraqi Freedom Strategic Lessons Learned” and other materials relating to the Administration’s planning for the reconstruction and security of post-war Iraq Armed Services Subject of Inquiry Reported adversely 07/17/2003 H.Rept. 108-215 Reported adversely 07/21/2003 H.Rept. 108-220 - International Relations - Reported adversely 10/02/2003 H.Rept. 108-289, pt. II International Relations Reported adversely 10/01/2003 H.Rept. 108-289, pt. I CRS-57 - - Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-2011 Resolution, Introduction, and Sponsorship Official(s) To Whom Inquiry is Directed H.Res. 499 Secretary of State 01/21/2004 Secretary of Defense Rep. Rush D. Holt (D-NJ) Attorney General Cosponsors: (74) Subject of Inquiry Documents in the possession of the President relating to the disclosure of the identity of Ms. Valerie Plame as an employee of the Central Intelligence Agency during the period beginning on May 6, 2003, and ending on July 31, 2003. Committee(s) of Referral and Consideration House Floor Action Select Intelligence - Reported adversely 02/03/2004 H.Rept. 108-413, pt. I Armed Services Reported adversely 02/27/2004 H.Rept. 108-413, pt. IV International Relations Reported adversely 02/27/2004 H.Rept. 108-413, pt. II Judiciary Reported adversely 02/27/2004 H.Rept. 108-413, pt. III H.Res. 640 05/12/2004 Rep. Chris Bell (D-TX) Cosponsors: (40) CRS-58 Secretary of Defense any picture, photograph, video, communication, or report produced in conjunction with any completed Department of Defense investigation conducted by Major General Antonio M. Taguba relating to allegations of torture or allegations of violations of the Geneva Conventions of 1949 at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq Armed Services Reported adversely 06/16/2004 H.Rept. 108-547 - Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-2011 Resolution, Introduction, and Sponsorship Official(s) To Whom Inquiry is Directed H.Res. 689 President 06/23/2004 Secretary of State Rep. John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI) Secretary of Defense Cosponsors: (47) Attorney General H.Res. 699 Secretary of State 06/25/2004 Rep. John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI) Cosponsors: (49) H.Res. 700 Attorney General 06/25/2004 Rep. John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI) Cosponsors: (49) H.Res. 745 President 06/25/2004 Committee(s) of Referral and Consideration House Floor Action Documents relating to the treatment of prisoners or detainees in Iraq, Afghanistan, or Guantanamo Bay and any instructions for handling such documents Armed Services - Documents relating to the treatment of prisoners or detainees in Iraq, Afghanistan, or Guantanamo Bay and any instructions for handling such documents International Relations Documents relating to the treatment of prisoners or detainees in Iraq, Afghanistan, or Guantanamo Bay and any instructions for handling such documents Judiciary Specified information respecting the National Energy Policy Development Group Energy and Commerce Subject of Inquiry Reported adversely 07/22/2004 H.Rept. 108-632 Reported adversely 07/22/2004 H.Rept. 108-631 09/07/2004 H.Rept. 108-658 Cosponsors: (4) H.Rept. 108-697 09/15/2004 Secretary of Health and Human Services Rep. Charles B. RangellRangel (D-NY) Cosponsors: (4) Estimated cost of the Administration’s Medicare prescription drug legislation Ways and Means Reported adversely 10/07/2004 H.Rept. 108-754, pt. I Energy and Commerce Reported adversely 10/08/2004 H.Rept. 108-754, pt. II CRS-59 - Reported adversely 09/23/2004 President - Reported adversely Rep. John D. Dingell (D-MI) H.Res. 776 - - Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-2011 Resolution, Introduction, and Sponsorship Official(s) To Whom Inquiry is Directed H.Res. 134 President 03/02/2005 Subject of Inquiry Plan assets and liabilities of single-employer pension plans Committee(s) of Referral and Consideration House Floor Action Education and the Workforce - Reported adversely Rep. George Miller (D-CA) 04/12/2005 Cosponsors: (none) H.Rept. 109-34 H.Res. 136 Attorney General 03/03/2005 Secretary of Homeland Security Rep. John Conyers., Jr. (D-MI) Cosponsors: (33) H.Res. 170 President 03/17/2005 The security investigations and background checks relating to granting access to the White House of James D. Guckert (also known as Jeff Gannon) Judiciary President’s remarks on the Social Security trust fund Ways and Means Reported adversely 04/05/2005 H.Rept. 109-30 - Reported adversely Rep. Dennis J. Kucinich (D-OH) 04/27/2005 Cosponsors: (39) H.Rept. 109-58 H.Res. 363 President 07/14/2005 Secretary of State Rep. Rush Holt (D-NJ) Secretary of Defense Armed Services Cosponsors: (80) Director of the CIA - Attorney General International Relations; Disclosure of the identity and employment of Ms. Valerie Plame - Select Intelligence - - Judiciary H.Res. 375 President Rep. Barbara Lee Secretary of State The policy of the United States with respect to Iraq International Relations Reported adversely 07/21/2005 (D-CA) 09/16/2005 Cosponsors: (83) H.Rept. 109-223 CRS-60 - Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-2011 Resolution, Introduction, and Sponsorship Official(s) To Whom Inquiry is Directed H.Res. 408 President Rep. Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) Secretary of Defense Subject of Inquiry The policy of the United States with respect to Iraq Committee(s) of Referral and Consideration House Floor Action International Relations - Reported adversely 07/28/2005 09/16/2005 Cosponsors: (none) H.Rept. 109-224 H.Res. 417 Secretary of Defense Rep. Rush Holt (D-NJ) Disclosure of the identity and employment of Ms. Valerie Plame Armed Services Reported adversely 07/29/2005 09/22/2005 Cosponsors: (20) H.Rept. 109-234 H.Res. 418 President Rep. Rush Holt (D-NJ) Disclosure of the identity and employment of Ms. Valerie Plame Select Intelligence 09/21/2005 Cosponsors: (20) H.Rept. 109-228 Secretary of State Rep. Rush Holt (D-NJ) Disclosure of the identity and employment of Ms. Valerie Plame International Relations 09/16/2005 Cosponsors: (20) H.Rept. 109-225 Attorney General Rep. Rush Holt (D-NJ) Disclosure of the identity and employment of Ms. Valerie Plame Judiciary 09/22/2005 Cosponsors: (20) H.Rept. 109-230 Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) Secretary of Homeland Security Reapportionment of airport screeners Homeland Security Reported adversely 09/27/2005 10/28/2005 Cosponsors: (15) H.Rept. 109-259 CRS-61 - Reported adversely 07/29/2005 H.Res. 463 - Reported adversely 07/29/2005 H.Res. 420 - Reported adversely 07/29/2005 H.Res. 419 - - Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-2011 Resolution, Introduction, and Sponsorship Official(s) To Whom Inquiry is Directed H.Res. 467 President Rep. George Miller (D-CA) Subject of Inquiry Contracts for services or construction related to Hurricane Katrina recovery Committee(s) of Referral and Consideration House Floor Action Education and the Workforce - Reported adversely 09/27/2005 10/28/2005 Cosponsors: (21) H.Rept. 109-258 H.Res. 488 President Rep. Steven C. LaTourette (ROH) Contracts for services or construction related to Hurricane Katrina recovery 10/07/2005 Transportation and Infrastructure Reported without recommendation 11/03/2005 Cosponsors: (4) H.Rept. 109-269 H.Res. 505 President Rep. Dennis J. Kucinich (D-OH) Secretary of State White House Iraq Group International Relations 11/10/2005 Cosponsors: (109) H.Rept. 109-291 President Rep. Dennis J. Kucinich (D-OH) The anticipated effects of climate change on the coastal regions of the United States Science 11/15/2005 Cosponsors: (150) H.Rept. 109-296 Rep. Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) 11/10/2005 Cosponsors: (2) CRS-62 President President’s October 7, 2002 speech in Cincinnati, Ohio and his January 28, 2003 State of the Union Message - Reported adversely 10/26/2005 H.Res. 549 - Reported adversely 10/20/2005 H.Res. 515 - International Relations Reported without recommendation (amended) 12/16/2005 H.Rept. 109-351 - Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-2011 Resolution, Introduction, and Sponsorship Official(s) To Whom Inquiry is Directed H.Res. 593 President Rep. Edward Markey (D-MA) Secretary of State 12/08/2005 Secretary of Defense 02/10/2006 Cosponsors: (3) Secretary of Homeland Security H.Rept. 109-374 Subject of Inquiry Extraordinary rendition of certain foreign persons Committee(s) of Referral and Consideration House Floor Action International Relations - Reported adversely Attorney General H.Res. 624 President Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-NY) Secretary of State 12/16/2005 Cosponsors: (14) H.Res. 641 President Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) United States policies under the United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and the Geneva Conventions International Relations Electronic surveillance without search warrants on individuals in the United States Select Intelligence Reported adversely 02/10/2006 H.Rept. 109-375 03/07/2006 Cosponsors: 29 H.Rept. 109-385 President Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) Secretary of State The Secretary of State’s trip to Europe in December 2005 International Relations 02/10/2006 Cosponsors: (13) H.Rept. 109-376 Attorney General Rep. John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI) Warrantless electronic surveillance Judiciary 03/02/2006 Cosponsors: (51) H.Rept. 109-382 President Rep. Louise Slaughter (D-NY) Attorney General 12/22/2005 Cosponsors: (1) CRS-63 Authorization of electronic surveillance of citizens of the United States without court approved warrants - Reported adversely 12/22/2005 H.Res. 644 - Reported adversely 12/18/2005 H.Res. 643 - Reported adversely 12/18/2005 H.Res. 642 - Judiciary Reported adversely 03/02/2006 H.Rept. 109-383 - Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-2011 Resolution, Introduction, and Sponsorship Official(s) To Whom Inquiry is Directed H.Res. 645 President Rep. Robert Wexler (D-FL) Secretary of Defense 12/22/2005 Cosponsors: (2) H.Res. 685 President Rep. Dennis J. Kucinich (D-OH) Secretary of State 02/15/2006 Secretary of Defense Cosponsors: (15) H.Res. 717 Secretary of Commerce Rep. Bart Gordon (D-TN) 03/09/2006 Cosponsors: (24) H.Res. 718 President Rep. Dennis J. Kucinich (D-OH) Secretary of Homeland Security Committee(s) of Referral and Consideration House Floor Action Collection of counterterrorism intelligence information pertaining to persons inside the United States without obtaining court-ordered warrants Armed Services - Information relating to any entity (including the Rendon Group and the Lincoln Group) with which the United States has entered into a contract for public relations purposes concerning Iraq Armed Services The final draft report, produced by the professional staff of the Technology Administration, entitled: “Six-Month Assessment of Workforce Globalization In Certain Knowledge-Based Industries” Science Dubai Ports World acquisition of six United States commercial ports leases Financial Services Subject of Inquiry 03/09/2006 Rep. Henry A. Waxman (D-CA) 03/30/2006 Cosponsors: (11) CRS-64 03/07/2006 H.Rept. 109-384 - Reported adversely 03/16/2006 H.Rept. 109-397 - Reported without recommendation 04/07/2006 H.Rept. 109-415 - Reported without recommendation (amended) 04/07/2006 Cosponsors: (2) H.Res. 752 Reported adversely H.Rept. 109-414 President Receipt and consideration by the Executive Office of the President of any information concerning the variation between the version of S. 1932, the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, that the House of Representatives passed on February 1, 2006, and the version of the bill that the President signed on February 8, 2006 Government Reform Reported adversely 05/09/2006 H.Rept. 109-457 - Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-2011 Resolution, Introduction, and Sponsorship Official(s) To Whom Inquiry is Directed H.Res. 809 Secretary Homeland Security Rep. Louise Slaughter (D-NY) 05/09/2006 Cosponsors: (none) H.Res. 819 President Rep. Robert Wexler (D-FL) Attorney General 05/17/06 Cosponsors: (none) H.Res. 845 President, Rep. Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) Secretary of Defense 05/25/2006 Attorney General Cosponsors: (8) H.Res. 846 President Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) Secretary of State 05/25/2006 Committee(s) of Referral and Consideration House Floor Action Any existing or previous agreement between the Department of Homeland Security and Shirlington Limousine and Transportation, Incorporated of Arlington, Virginia Homeland Security - Requests made by the National Security Agency and other Federal agencies to telephone service providers requesting access to telephone communications records of persons in the United States Judiciary Department of Justice’s Office of Professional Responsibility’s investigation of the National Security Agency’s surveillance program Judiciary Strategies and plans either designed to cause regime change in or for the use of military force against Iran International Relations Subject of Inquiry Cosponsors: (25) H.Res. 985 Secretary of State 09/07/2006 Documents relating to the report submitted to a House committee on the Iran and Syria Nonproliferation Act 09/20/2006 Cosponsors: (none) CRS-65 H.Rept. 109-484 - Reported favorably 06/23/2006 H.Rept. 109-527 - Reported adversely 06/26/2006 H.Rept. 109-528 - Reported adversely 06/23/2006 International Relations - Reported without recommendation 09/27/2006 Cosponsors: (1) Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-MA) 05/25/2006 H.Rept. 109-526 Rep. Howard L. Berman (D-CA) H.Res. 1020 Reported adversely H.Rept. 109-689 Secretary of Defense Documents relating to Maher Arar Armed Services - - Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-2011 Resolution, Introduction, and Sponsorship Official(s) To Whom Inquiry is Directed H.Res. 1021 Secretary of Homeland Security Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-MA) Committee(s) of Referral and Consideration House Floor Action Documents relating to Maher Arar Homeland Security - Documents relating to Maher Arar International Relations Documents relating to Maher Arar International Relations Documents relating to Maher Arar Judiciary National Intelligence Estimate of April 2006 relating to trends in global terrorism Select Intelligence U.S. policy towards Iran Armed Services Subject of Inquiry - 09/20/2006 Cosponsors: (1) H.Res. 1022 Secretary of State Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-MA) - - 09/20/2006 Cosponsors: (1) H.Res. 1023 President Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-MA) - - 09/20/2006 Cosponsors: (1) H.Res. 1024 Attorney General Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-MA) - - 09/20/2006 Cosponsors: (1) H.Res. 1043 Director of National Intelligence Rep. John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI) - - 09/27/2006 Cosponsors: (46) H.Res. 1066 President Rep. Dennis J. Kucinich (D-OH) - 09/29/2006 International Relations Cosponsors: (15) Select Intelligence - CRS-66 - Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-2011 Resolution, Introduction, and Sponsorship Official(s) To Whom Inquiry is Directed H.Res. 251 Secretary of the Treasury Rep. Steven C. LaTourette (ROH) Subject of Inquiry Communications with the American International Group, Inc. (AIG) Secretary of Homeland Security Rep. Peter T. King (R-NY) 05/06/2009 Cosponsors: (14) H.Res. 446 President Rep. F. James Sensenbrenner, Jr. (R-WI) Director of Environmental Protection Agency 05/14/2009 Director of Office of Management and Budget H.Res. 449 Financial Services - Reported favorably H.Rept. 111-84 Cosponsors: (56) Cosponsors: (none) House Floor Action 04/23/2009 03/17/2009 H.Res. 404 Committee(s) of Referral and Consideration President Rep. F. James Sensenbrenner, Jr. (R-WI) Documents relating to the intelligence assessment titled, “Rightwing Extremism: Current Economic and Political Climate Fueling Resurgence in Radicalization and Recruitment” Homeland Security Information relating to the EPA’s finding that greenhouse gas emissions are a danger to public health and public health and welfare Energy and Commerce Information relating to the EPA’s finding that greenhouse gas emissions are a danger to public health and welfare Energy and Commerce Reported favorably (amended) 06/04/2009 H.Rept. 111-134 Cosponsors: (none) H.Rept. 111-146 Rep. Steven C. LaTourette (ROH) Information relating to communications with Chrysler, L.L.C Energy and Commerce Reported without recommendation 05/20/2009 06/12/2009 Cosponsors: (9) H.Rept. 111-147 CRS-67 - Reported without recommendation 06/12/2009 President - - 05/15/2009 H.Res. 462 - - Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-2011 Resolution, Introduction, and Sponsorship Official(s) To Whom Inquiry is Directed H.Res. 477 Secretary of Defense Rep. J. Randy Forbes (R-VA) Subject of Inquiry Information relating to the FY2010-2030 shipbuilding plan Committee(s) of Referral and Consideration House Floor Action Armed Services - Reported favorably (amended) 05/21/2009 06/19/2009 Cosponsors: (8) H.Rept. 111-167 H.Res. 478 Secretary of Defense Rep. J. Randy Forbes (R-VA) Information relating to the FY2010-2030 aviation plan Armed Services Reported favorably (amended) 05/21/2009 06/19/2009 Cosponsors: (8) H.Rept. 111-168 H.Res. 537 President Rep. Mike J. Rogers (R-MI) Attorney General Communications related to detainees and foreign persons suspected of terrorism Judiciary 06/26/2009 Cosponsors: (3) H.Rept. 111-189 Secretary of Homeland Security Rep. Mike J. Rogers (R-MI) - Reported adversely 06/11/2009 H.Res. 570 - The immigration status of any detainees and foreign persons suspected of terrorism Judiciary Specific communications with and financial assistance provided to General Motors Corporation and Chrysler LLC Financial Services - - 06/19/2009 Cosponsors: (3) H.Res. 591 President Rep. John A. Boehner (R-OH) 06/26/2009 Cosponsors: (9) Reported favorably (amended) 07/24/2009 H.Rept. 111-231 H.Res. 602 President Rep. Mike J. Rogers (R-MI) Secretary of Defense Communications regarding detainees and foreign persons suspected of terrorism Armed Services Reported favorably (amended) 06/26/2009 07/23/2009 Cosponsors: (none) H.Rept. 111-221 CRS-68 - - Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-2011 Resolution, Introduction, and Sponsorship Official(s) To Whom Inquiry is Directed H.Res. 636 Attorney General Rep. Frank R. Wolf (R-VA) 07/13/2009 Cosponsors: (none) Subject of Inquiry The transfer or release of detainees held at Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, into the United States Committee(s) of Referral and Consideration House Floor Action Judiciary - Reported adversely 07/31/2009 H.Rept. 111-242 Source: CRS Analysis of data from the Legislative Information System of the U.S. Congress (LIS) and relevant issues of the Journal of the United States House of Representatives. Notes: Reflects activity as of October 1, 2009. For purposes of clarity and consistency, House committee reports are cited in the table using the present convention: “Congress-report number,” although reports were not designated in this way during the entire period studied. Cosponsorship of measures in the House was not permitted prior to 1967. CRS-69 Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-2009 Author Contact Information Christopher M. Davis Analyst on Congress and the Legislative Process cmdavis@crs.loc.gov, 7-0656 Congressional Research Service 70 Subject of Inquiry The transfer or release of detainees held at Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, into the United States Cosponsors: (none) H.Res. 871 Attorney General 10/27/2009 Cosponsors: (none) Attorney General Rep. Lamar Smith (R-TX) 11/19/2009 Secretary of Homeland Security 11/19/2009 Cosponsors: (14) President Rep. Peter Hoekstra (R-MI) 11/19/2009 Cosponsors: (2) H.Res. 924 Rep. Howard P. “Buck” McKeon (R-CA) 11/19/2009 Cosponsors: (17) CRS-69 - Reported adversely 07/31/2009 Judiciary Detainees held at Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba who are transferred into the United States. Judiciary - Reported without recommendation 11/18/2009 H.Rept. 111-341 - Reported adversely 12/15/2009 H.Rept. 111-378 Rep. Peter T. King (R-NY) H.Res. 923 Judiciary Information received from or referencing the American Association for Justice and any of its members since January 20, 2009, that refers or relates to any recommendation regarding medical malpractice reform Cosponsors: (16) H.Res. 922 House Floor Action H.Rept. 111-242 Rep. Lamar Smith (R-TX) H.Res. 920 Committee(s) of Referral and Consideration Secretary of Defense The Department’s planning, information sharing, and coordination with any state or locality receiving detainees held at Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba Homeland Security Effects on foreign intelligence collection of the transfer of detainees held at Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, into the United States. Select Intelligence Trial or detention of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, Walid Muhammad Salih Mubarek Bin ‘Attash, Ramzi Binalshibh, Ali Abdul Aziz Ali, or Mustafa Ahmed Adam al Hawsawi. Armed Services - Reported favorably (amended) 12/15/2009 H.Rept. 111-377 - Reported favorably (amended) 12/16/2009 H.Rept. 111-384 Reported favorably (amended) 12/17/2009 H.Rept. 111-383 - Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-2011 Resolution, Introduction, and Sponsorship Official(s) To Whom Inquiry is Directed H.Res. 978 President Rep. Peter Hoekstra (R-MI) 12/16/2009 Cosponsors: (none) H.Res. 980 Secretary of Homeland Security Rep. Charles W. Dent (R-PA) 12/16/2009 Cosponsors: (6) H.Res. 983 President Rep. Michael C. Burgess (R-TX) Secretary of Health and Human Services 12/16/2009 Committee(s) of Referral and Consideration House Floor Action Inventory and review of intelligence related to the shooting at Fort Hood, Texas, described by the President in a memorandum dated November 10, 2009. Select Intelligence - Transportation Security Administration's Aviation Security Screening Management Standard Operating Procedures manual Homeland Security Agreements and communications relating to proposed health care reform legislation Energy and Commerce Subject of Inquiry Rep. John Boozman (R-AR) 01/27/2010 H.Rept. 111-402 - Reported adversely 01/27/2010 H.Rept. 111-403 - Reported without recommendation 01/29/2010 Cosponsors: (none) H.Res. 985 Reported adversely H.Rept. 111-408 Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency Nutrient management of the Illinois River Watershed, Arkansas and Oklahoma Transportation and Infrastructure Attorney General Decision to dismiss United States v. New Black Panther Party Judiciary 12/16/2009 - - Cosponsors: (none) H.Res. 994 Rep. Frank R. Wolf (R-VA) Reported adversely 012/16/2009 01/27/2010 Cosponsors: (none) H.Rept. 111-404 H.Res. 995 Rep. John Boozman (R-AR) President Nutrient management of the Illinois River Watershed, Arkansas and Oklahoma Transportation and Infrastructure 12/19/2009 Reported without recommendation (amended) Cosponsors: (none) 01/20/2010 H.Rept. 111-407 CRS-70 - - Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-2011 Resolution, Introduction, and Sponsorship Official(s) To Whom Inquiry is Directed H.Res. 1238 Secretary of the Interior Rep. Doc Hastings (R-WA) 04/13/2010 Cosponsors: (1) H.Res. 1254 Secretary of the Interior Rep. Doc Hastings (R-WA) 04/15/2010 Cosponsors: (1) H.Res. 1406 Committee(s) of Referral and Consideration House Floor Action The Secretary's Treasured Landscape Initiative, designation of national monuments, and high priority land-rationalization efforts Natural Resources - The Secretary's Treasured Landscape Initiative, designation of national monuments, and high priority land-rationalization efforts Natural Resources Subject of Inquiry Secretary of the Interior 05/27/2010 Specified information relating to the potential designation of National Monuments under the Antiquities Act Cosponsors: (1) Reported without recommendation 05/11/2010 Natural Resources Attorney General 06/17/2010 Cosponsors: (1) H.Res. 1466 President Rep. F. James Sensenbrenner, Jr. (R-WI) Secretary of Energy Reported favorably 06/23/2010 Discussion of administration appointments by White House staff with any candidate for public office in exchange for such candidate's withdrawal from any election Judiciary The application to foreclose Yucca Mountain, Nevada from use as a high level nuclear waste repository Energy and Commerce 07/15/10 H.Rept. 111-538 Cosponsors: (none) H.Rept. 111-550 07/27/2010 Cosponsors: (none) CRS-71 Documents prepared by or for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services regarding the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act - Reported without recommendation 07/19/10 Secretary of Health and Human Services - Reported adversely 06/22/2010 Rep. Michael C. Burgess (R-TX) - H.Rept. 111-510 Rep. Lamar Smith (R-TX) H.Res. 1561 - H.Rept. 111-480 Rep. Doc Hastings (R-WA) H.Res. 1455 - Energy and Commerce Reported without recommendation 09/29/10 H.Rept. 111-649 - Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-2011 Source: CRS Analysis of data from the Legislative Information System of the U.S. Congress (LIS) and relevant issues of the Journal of the United States House of Representatives. Notes: Reflects activity as of March 16, 2011. For purposes of clarity and consistency, House committee reports are cited in the table using the present convention: “Congress-report number,” although reports were not designated in this way during the entire period studied. Cosponsorship of measures in the House was not permitted prior to 1967. CRS-72 Resolutions of Inquiry: An Analysis of Their Use in the House, 1947-2011 Author Contact Information Christopher M. Davis Analyst on Congress and the Legislative Process cmdavis@crs.loc.gov, 7-0656 Congressional Research Service 73