Congressional Commissions:
February 6, 2023
Overview and Considerations for Congress
Jacob R. Straus
Congressional advisory commissions are formal groups established to provide independent
Specialist on the Congress
advice; to make recommendations for changes in public policy; to

Congressional Commissions: Overview and Considerations for Congress

Updated March 6, 2025 (R40076) Jump to Main Text of Report

Contents

• Introduction
• Defining Congressional Commission
• Independent Establishment by Congress
• Temporary Existence
• Advisory or Commemorative Role
• Inclusion of Members in the Appointment Process
• Reporting Requirements
• Types of Congressional Commissions
• Policy Commissions
• Commemorative Commissions
• Potential Value of Congressional Commissions
• Obtaining Expertise
• Overcoming Political Complexity
• Building Consensus
• Solving Collective Action Problems
• Raising Visibility
• Criticism of Commissions
• Abdicated Responsibility
• Reduced Democratic Accountability
• Financial Inefficiency
• Selected Considerations for Congress
• Membership and Appointment Authority
• Reporting Requirements
• Report Destination
• Deadlines
• Commission Expenses
• Commission Member Pay
• Staffing
• Cataloging Congressional Commissions
• Methodology
• Results
• Congressional Commissions, 101^st to the 118^th Congress

Figures

• Figure 1. Number of Congressional Commissions Created by Congress

Tables

• Table 1. Congressional Commissions Created During the 118^th Congress
• Table 2. Congressional Commissions Created During the 117^th Congress
• Table 3. Congressional Commissions Created During the 116^th Congress
• Table 4. Congressional Commissions Created During the 115^th Congress
• Table 5. Congressional Commissions Created During the 114^th Congress
• Table 6. Congressional Commissions Created During the 113^th Congress
• Table 7. Congressional Commissions Created During the 112^th Congress
• Table 8. Congressional Commissions Created During the 111^th Congress
• Table 9. Congressional Commissions Created During the 110^th Congress
• Table 10. Congressional Commissions Created During the 109^th Congress
• Table 11. Congressional Commissions Created During the 108^th Congress
• Table 12. Congressional Commissions Created During the 107^th Congress
• Table 13. Congressional Commissions Created During the 106^th Congress
• Table 14. Congressional Commissions Created During the 105^th Congress
• Table 15. Congressional Commissions Created During the 104^th Congress
• Table 16. Congressional Commissions Created During the 103^rd Congress
• Table 17. Congressional Commissions Created During the 102^nd Congress
• Table 18. Congressional Commissions Created During the 101^st Congress

Summary

Congressional commissions are formal groups established to provide independent advice, recommend changes in public policy, study or investigate a particular problem or event, or study or investigate a

particular problem, issue, or event; or to commemorate an individual, group, or event. While commemorate an individual, group, or event. While there is no no
legal definition legal definition exists for what constitutes aof congressional commission, this report defines , this report defines a

congressional commissionit as a multimember independent entity that (1) is established by as a multimember independent entity that (1) is established by
Congress, (2) exists temporarily, (3) serves in an advisory Congress, (2) exists temporarily, (3) serves in an advisory or commemorative capacity, (4) is appointed in whole or in part by Members of capacity, (4) is appointed in whole or in part by Members of
Congress, and (5) reports to Congress. These five characteristics differentiate Congress, and (5) reports to Congress. These five characteristics differentiate a congressional congressional commission from a presidential
commission, ancommissions from presidential commissions, executive branch executive branch commission, orcommissions, and other bodies with other bodies with “commission”"commission" in their names. Since the in their names. Since the 101st101^st Congress Congress
(1989-1990), Congress has established over (1989-1990), Congress has established over 160170 congressional commissions. congressional commissions.
Throughout American history, Congress has found commissions to be useful entities in the legislative process Commissions might offer some advantages for policymakers. By . By
establishing a commission, Congress can potentially provide a highly visible forum for important issues and assemble greater establishing a commission, Congress can potentially provide a highly visible forum for important issues and assemble greater
expertise than may be readily available within the legislature. Commissions can allow for the examination of complex policy expertise than may be readily available within the legislature. Commissions can allow for the examination of complex policy
issues over a longer period and in greater depth than may be practical for legislators. issues over a longer period and in greater depth than may be practical for legislators. Finally, theThe nonpartisan or bipartisan nonpartisan or bipartisan
character of most congressional commissions may character of most congressional commissions may also make their findings and recommendations more politically acceptable, make their findings and recommendations more politically acceptable,
both in Congress and both in Congress and amongto the public. the public. CriticsOn the other hand, critics argue that argue that many congressional commissions congressional commissions arecan be expensive, that they are often expensive, that they are often
formed to take difficult decisions out of formed to take difficult decisions out of the hands of CongressCongress's hands, and that their recommendations are mostly ignored by , and that their recommendations are mostly ignored by
decisionmakers.decisionmakers.
The temporary status of congressional commissionsThe temporary status of congressional commissions, and and the short time they are often given to complete their work short time they are often given to complete their work product,
makes it important thatcall for legislators legislators to construct commission statutes with care. Legislators have a wide variety of options construct commission statutes with care. Legislators have a wide variety of options to
tailorfor tailoring a commission a commission’'s composition, organization, and working arrangements, based on Congresss composition, organization, and working arrangements, based on Congress’'s particular goals. As a s particular goals. As a
result, individual congressional commissions often have organizational structures and powers quite different from one result, individual congressional commissions often have organizational structures and powers quite different from one
another.another.
This report provides an overview and analysis of congressional This report provides an overview and analysis of congressional advisory commissions, information commissions, information onabout the general statutory the general statutory
structure of a congressional commission, and a catalog of congressional commissions created since the structure of a congressional commission, and a catalog of congressional commissions created since the 101st101^st Congress. Congress.
For additional information on congressional For additional information on congressional advisory commissions, see CRS Report R45328, commissions, see CRS Report R45328, Designing Congressional
Commissions: Background and Considerations for Congress, by Jacob R. Straus; CRS Report RL33313, , by Jacob R. Straus; CRS Report RL33313, Congressional
Membership and Appointment Authority to Advisory Commissions, Boards, and Groups, by Jacob R. Straus; CRS Report , by Jacob R. Straus; CRS Report
R41425, Commemorative Commissions: Overview, Structure, and Funding, by Jacob R. Straus; and CRS Report R45826,
Congressional Commissions: Funding and Expenditures, coordinated by Jacob R. Straus.

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Contents
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 1
Defining Congressional Commission .............................................................................................. 2
Independent Establishment by Congress ................................................................................... 2
Temporary Existence ................................................................................................................. 3
Advisory Role ........................................................................................................................... 3
Inclusion of Members in the Appointment Process................................................................... 3
Reporting Requirements ............................................................................................................ 4
Types of Congressional Commissions ............................................................................................. 4
Policy Commissions .................................................................................................................. 4
Commemorative Commissions ................................................................................................. 4
Potential Value of Congressional Commissions .............................................................................. 4
Obtaining Expertise ................................................................................................................... 5
Overcoming Political Complexity ............................................................................................. 5
Consensus Building ................................................................................................................... 5
Solving Collective Action Problems ......................................................................................... 6
Raising Visibility ....................................................................................................................... 6
Criticism of Commissions ............................................................................................................... 6
Abdicated Responsibility .......................................................................................................... 7
Reduced Democratic Accountability ......................................................................................... 7
Financial Inefficiency ................................................................................................................ 7
Selected Considerations for Congress ............................................................................................. 8
Membership and Appointment Authority .................................................................................. 8
Reporting Requirements ............................................................................................................ 8
Report Destination .............................................................................................................. 8
Deadlines ............................................................................................................................ 9
Commission Expenses .............................................................................................................. 9
Commission Member Pay ................................................................................................... 9
Staffing .............................................................................................................................. 10
Cataloging Congressional Commissions ....................................................................................... 10
Methodology ........................................................................................................................... 10
Results ..................................................................................................................................... 10
Congressional Commissions, 101st to the 117th Congress .............................................................. 11

Figures
Figure 1. Number of Congressional Commissions Created by Congress ...................................... 11

Tables
Table 1. Congressional Commissions Created During the 117th Congress ................................... 12
Table 2. Congressional Commissions Created During the 116th Congress ................................... 12
Table 3. Congressional Commissions Created During the 115th Congress ................................... 12
Table 4. Congressional Commissions Created During the 114th Congress ................................... 13
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Table 5. Congressional Commissions Created During the 113th Congress ................................... 13
Table 6. Congressional Commissions Created During the 112th Congress ................................... 14
Table 7. Congressional Commissions Created During the 111th Congress .................................... 14
Table 8. Congressional Commissions Created During the 110th Congress ................................... 14
Table 9. Congressional Commissions Created During the 109th Congress ................................... 15
Table 10. Congressional Commissions Created During the 108th Congress ................................. 15
Table 11. Congressional Commissions Created During the 107th Congress ................................. 16
Table 12. Congressional Commissions Created During the 106th Congress ................................. 16
Table 13. Congressional Commissions Created During the 105th Congress ................................. 17
Table 14. Congressional Commissions Created During the 104th Congress ................................. 18
Table 15. Congressional Commissions Created During the 103rd Congress ................................. 18
Table 16. Congressional Commissions Created During the 102nd Congress ................................. 19
Table 17. Congressional Commissions Created During the 101st Congress .................................. 19

Contacts
Author Information ........................................................................................................................ 20


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Congressional Commissions: Overview and Considerations for Congress

Introduction
R41425, Commemorative Commissions: Overview, Structure, and Funding, by Jacob R. Straus; and CRS Report R45826, Congressional Commissions: Funding and Expenditures, coordinated by Jacob R. Straus.

Introduction

Congressional commissions are formal groups established by Congress to provide independent Congressional commissions are formal groups established by Congress to provide independent
advice, to make recommendations foradvice, recommend changes in public policy, changes in public policy, to study or investigate a particular study or investigate a particular
problem or event, or problem or event, or to commemorate an individual, group, or event. Usually composed of commemorate an individual, group, or event. Usually composed of policy
expertssubject matter experts, current or former government officials, or members of the public chosen by Members of Congress and/or officials in the executive branch, commissions chosen by Members of Congress and/or officials in the executive branch, commissions
may hold hearings, conduct research, analyze data, investigate policy areas, or make field visits as may hold hearings, conduct research, analyze data, investigate policy areas, or make field visits as
they perform their duties. Most commissions complete their work by they perform their duties. Most commissions complete their work by delivering their findings,
recommendations, or advice in the form of outlining their activities, findings, or recommendations in a written report to Congress. Occasionally, legislation a written report to Congress. Occasionally, legislation
submitted by commissions will be given submitted by commissions will be given “"fast trackfast track”" authority in Congress. authority in Congress.
Although no legal definition exists for what constitutes a “congressional commission,” this report
defines a congressional commission as a multimember independent entity that (1) is established
by Congress, (2) exists temporarily, (3) serves in an advisory capacity, (4) is appointed in part or
whole by Members of Congress, and (5) reports to Congress. These five characteristics
effectively serve to differentiate a congressional commission from a presidential commission, an
executive branch commission, or other bodies with “commission” in their names. Since 1989,
Congress has authorized over 160 congressional commissions.
Throughout American history, Congress has found commissions to be useful tools in the
legislative process,1 and legislators continue to use them today. Commissions might offer some advantages for policymakers.¹ By establishing a commission, By establishing a commission,
Congress can potentially provide a highly visible forum for important issues and assemble greater Congress can potentially provide a highly visible forum for important issues and assemble greater
expertise than may be readily available within the legislature. Complex policy issues can be expertise than may be readily available within the legislature. Complex policy issues can be
examined over a longer period and in greater depth than may be practical for legislatorsexamined over a longer period and in greater depth than may be practical for legislators. The
, and the nonpartisan or bipartisan character of most congressional commissions may make their findings nonpartisan or bipartisan character of most congressional commissions may make their findings
and recommendations more politically acceptable, both in Congress and and recommendations more politically acceptable, both in Congress and amongto the public. the public.
ConverselyOn the other hand, some have expressed concerns that congressional commissions can be expensive, , some have expressed concerns that congressional commissions can be expensive,
that they might be created to take difficult decisions out of might be created to take difficult decisions out of the hands of Congress, and are mostly ignored
when they reportCongress's hands, and that their findings and recommendations their findings and recommendations.
are mostly ignored. Two broad types of congressional commissions exist: policy commissions and commemorative Two broad types of congressional commissions exist: policy commissions and commemorative
commissions. Policy commissions generally study a particular public policy problem (e.g., the commissions. Policy commissions generally study a particular public policy problem (e.g., the
United States Commission on North American Energy Freedom)United States Commission on North American Energy Freedom),2 or investigate a particular or investigate a particular
event (e.g., the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States).event (e.g., the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States).3 Policy
commissions2 They typically report their findings to Congress along with recommendations for typically report their findings to Congress along with recommendations for
legislative or executive action. Commemorative commissions, such as the Abraham Lincoln legislative or executive action. Commemorative commissions, such as the Abraham Lincoln
Bicentennial Commission,Bicentennial Commission,4 are are oftencommonly tasked with planning, coordinating, and overseeing tasked with planning, coordinating, and overseeing
celebrations celebrations or memorials of people or events, often in conjunction with milestone anniversaries.of people or events, often in conjunction with milestone anniversaries.5
3 The temporary status of congressional commissions and their oftenThe temporary status of congressional commissions and their often -short time horizons make it short time horizons make it
important important thatfor legislators legislators to construct statutes with care. Statutes establishing congressional construct statutes with care. Statutes establishing congressional
commissions generally include language that states the mandate of the commission, provides a commissions generally include language that states the mandate of the commission, provides a
membership structure and appointment scheme, defines membermembership structure and appointment scheme, defines member or staff compensation and other benefits, outlines the commission's duties and powers, addresses compensation and other benefits,

1 Colton Campbell, Discharging Congress: Government by Commission (Westport, CT: Praeger, 2002); Jordan Tama,
Terrorism and National Security Reforms: How Commissions Can Drive Change During Crisis (New York:
Cambridge University Press, 2011).
2 P.L. 109-58, 119 Stat 1064 (2005).
3 P.L. 107-306, 116 Stat. 2408 (2002).
4 P.L. 106-173, 114 Stat. 14 (2000).
5 For more information on commemorative commissions, see CRS Report R41425, Commemorative Commissions:
Overview, Structure, and Funding, by Jacob R. Straus.
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Congressional Commissions: Overview and Considerations for Congress

outlines the commission’s duties and powers, authorizes funding, and sets a termination date for funding, and sets a termination date for
the commission.the commission.
Each organizational choice Each organizational choice hasoffers a variety of options. Legislators can tailor a commission a variety of options. Legislators can tailor a commission’s
's composition, organization, and arrangements, based on particular goals. As a result, individual composition, organization, and arrangements, based on particular goals. As a result, individual
commissions often have organizational structures and powers quite different from one another.commissions often have organizational structures and powers quite different from one another.
Defining Congressional Commission
In the past, confusion has arisen over whether particular entities are In the past, confusion has arisen over whether particular entities are “"congressional congressional
commissions.commissions.”" There are several reasons for this confusion. First, the law does not define the term There are several reasons for this confusion. First, the law does not define the term
congressional commission; observers might disagree as to whether an individual entity ; observers might disagree as to whether an individual entity is a
congressional commissionqualifies. Second, the federal government has many entities with the word . Second, the federal government has many entities with the word
“commission”"commission" in their names, such as regulatory commissions, presidential advisory in their names, such as regulatory commissions, presidential advisory
commissions, and advisory commissions established in executive agencies.commissions, and advisory commissions established in executive agencies.64 Conversely, some Conversely, some
congressional commissions do not have the word congressional commissions do not have the word “commission”"commission" in their in their namenames; instead, they ; instead, they
might be called boards, advisory panels, advisory committees, task forces, or other terms.might be called boards, advisory panels, advisory committees, task forces, or other terms.
This report defines a congressional commission as a multimember independent entity that (1) is This report defines a congressional commission as a multimember independent entity that (1) is
established by Congress, (2) exists temporarily, (3) serves in an advisory established by Congress, (2) exists temporarily, (3) serves in an advisory or commemorative capacity, (4) is capacity, (4) is
appointed in part or whole by Members of Congress, and (5) reports to Congress. This definition appointed in part or whole by Members of Congress, and (5) reports to Congress. This definition
differentiatesdifferentiates a congressional congressional commission from a commissions from presidential presidential commission, an commissions, executive branch executive branch
commission, orcommissions, and other bodies with other bodies with “commission”"commission" in their names, while including most entities that in their names, while including most entities that
fulfill the role fulfill the role commonly perceived formost commonly attributed to commissions: studying policy problems and reporting commissions: studying policy problems and reporting
findings to Congress.findings to Congress.7 Each of these characteristics5 Each of the five characteristics of a congressional commission is discussed below. is discussed below.
Independent Establishment by Congress
Congress usually creates congressional commissions by statute.Congress usually creates congressional commissions by statute.86 Not all statutorily established Not all statutorily established
advisory commissions, however, are congressional commissions. Congress may also statutorily advisory commissions, however, are congressional commissions. Congress may also statutorily
establish executive branch advisory commissions. Conversely, Congress does not establish all establish executive branch advisory commissions. Conversely, Congress does not establish all
federal advisory commissions. The President, department heads, or individual agencies may also federal advisory commissions. The President, department heads, or individual agencies may also
establish commissions under various authorities.9

6 For more information on executive branch advisory commissions, see CRS Report R44232, Creating a Federal
Advisory Committee in the Executive Branch, by Meghan M. Stuessy; and CRS Report R44253, Federal Advisory
Committees: An Introduction and Overview, by Meghan M. Stuessy.
7 Alternative definitions might be equally appealing. The wide variety of boards, task forces, panels, and commissions
created by Congress, coupled with the lack of a legal definition for “congressional commission,” results in many gray
areas. Consequently, some observers might consider an entity created by Congress but that does not meet all five
characteristics a congressional commission. For example, in the 110th Congress, Congress authorized the Committee on
Levee Safety (P.L. 110-114, §9003, 121 Stat. 1288 [2007]). The committee was a temporary advisory body created by
statutory authority, but the executive branch and state officials determined its membership. Further, and it reported to
both Congress and the Secretary of the Army. While it is not included in this report, some observers might consider it a
congressional commission.
8 Entities that are widely considered a congressional commission could be established outside of Congress. For
example, the U.S. Institute of Peace established the Iraq Study Group. After its creation, Congress appropriated money
to the U.S. Institute of Peace and informally arranged for the selection of the panel’s chairs. For more information on
the Iraq Study Group, see U.S. Institute of Peace, “Iraq Study Group,” at https://www.usip.org/programs/iraq-study-
group.
9 For more information on establishing an advisory commission in the executive branch, see CRS Report R44232,
Creating a Federal Advisory Committee in the Executive Branch, by Meghan M. Stuessy. Many well-known advisory
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Congressional Commissions: Overview and Considerations for Congress

establish commissions under various authorities.⁷ Congressional commissions Congressional commissions are also generally also generally independentoperate independently of Congress. This characteristic of Congress. This characteristic
excludes commission-like entities established excludes commission-like entities established within Congress, such as congressional observer Congress, such as congressional observer
groups, working groups, and advisory groups created by individual committees of Congress under groups, working groups, and advisory groups created by individual committees of Congress under
their general authority to procure the their general authority to procure the “"temporary servicestemporary services”" of consultants to of consultants to “"make studies make studies and
or advise the committee,advise the committee,”" pursuant to 2 U.S.C. §4301. pursuant to 2 U.S.C. §4301.10
8 Temporary Existence
Congressional commissions are established to perform specific duties, with statutory termination Congressional commissions are established to perform specific duties, with statutory termination
dates dates that are often linked to task completion. This linked to task completion. This restrictioncriterion excludes entities that typically serve an ongoing excludes entities that typically serve an ongoing
administrative purpose, do not have statutory termination dates, and do not produce regular administrative purpose, do not have statutory termination dates, and do not produce regular
reports, such as the House Office Building reports, such as the House Office Building Commission11Commission or Senate Commission on or Senate Commission on Fine Art.12
Art.⁹ Also excluded are entities that serve ongoing diplomatic or interparliamentary functions, such as Also excluded are entities that serve ongoing diplomatic or interparliamentary functions, such as
the the U.S. Group toUnited States Group of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly the NATO Parliamentary Assembly,13 or the Canada-United States or the Canada-United States
Interparliamentary Group.Interparliamentary Group.14 10 Finally, Congress has created a number of Finally, Congress has created a number of permanent boards to oversee boards to oversee
government entities, such as the United States Holocaust Memorial Councilgovernment entities, such as the United States Holocaust Memorial Council,15 and the John F. and the John F.
Kennedy Center Board of Trustees.Kennedy Center Board of Trustees.1611 Although some might consider these entities congressional Although some might consider these entities congressional
commissions, their lifespan, purpose, and function differ from temporary congressional commissions, their lifespan, purpose, and function differ from temporary congressional
commissions,commissions as defined above. as defined above.
Advisory Role
Congressionalor Commemorative Role Policy commissions typically produce reports that present findings and offer commissions typically produce reports that present findings and offer
recommendations for recommendations for either legislative or executive actionlegislative or executive action. Congressional commissions also
usually but lack the power to implement their lack the power to implement their findings or recommendationsrecommendations. Commemorative commissions may have authority to carry out activities, programs, or projects but only in connection with celebrations or memorials. These powers contrast . These powers contrast
with with those of regulatory commissions, which are regulatory commissions, which are typicallyusually granted administrative authority granted administrative authority over public policy..
Inclusion of Members in the Appointment Process
Congressional commissions provide that Members of Congress, particularly the leadership, be
Members of Congress—particularly House and Senate leaders—are intimately involved in the intimately involved in the congressional commission appointment process, either through direct service on appointment process, either through direct service on athe commission commission, or or
by appointing or recommending candidates for membership.17

commissions have been established by the President or by an agency. For example, the U.S. Commission on National
Security/21st Century (the Hart-Rudman Commission) and the National Commission on Social Security Reform
(Greenspan Commission) were both established by executive order of the President.
10 For example, in June 1995, the Senate Committee on Finance created the Advisory Commission to Study the
Consumer Price Index. The Advisory Commission submitted its final report to the committee in December 1996. See
U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Finance, Final Report of the Advisory Commission to Study the Consumer Price
Index, committee print, 104th Cong., 2nd sess., S.Prt. 104-72 (Washington: GPO, 1996).
11 2 U.S.C. §2001; P.L. 59-253; 34 Stat. 1365 (1907).
12 2 U.S.C. §2101; P.L. 100-696; 102 Stat. 4610 (1988).
13 22 U.S.C. §1928a; P.L. 84-689; 70 Stat. 523 (1956).
14 22 U.S.C. §276d; P.L. 86-42, 73 Stat. 72 (1959).
15 36 U.S.C. §2302; P.L. 106-292, 114 Stat. 1031 (2000).
16 20 U.S.C. §76h; P.L. 85-874; 72 Stat. 1698 (1958).
17 For more information on the inclusion of Members of Congress in the commission appointment process, see CRS
Report RL33313, Congressional Membership and Appointment Authority to Advisory Commissions, Boards, and
Groups, by Jacob R. Straus.
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Reporting Requirements
by appointing or recommending candidates for membership.¹² Reporting Requirements Congressional commissions are usually required to submit their reports to CongressCongressional commissions are usually required to submit their reports to Congress, or to or to
both Congress and the President. Other advisory commissions, such as presidential or executive branch Congress and the President. Other advisory commissions, such as presidential or executive branch
commissions, typically submit their reports only to the President or an agency head.commissions, typically submit their reports only to the President or an agency head.
Types of Congressional Commissions
Generally, two There are two general types of congressional commissionstypes of congressional commissions exist: policy commissions and : policy commissions and
commemorative commissions. Most congressional commissions are commemorative commissions. Most congressional commissions are policy commissions, ,
temporaryor bodies that study bodies that study a particular policy particular policy problemsproblem or investigate a specific event and report their findings to Congress and report their findings to Congress or
review a specific event. Other commissions are . Other commissions are commemorativecommemorative commissions, , or entities established entities established
to commemorate a personto commemorate a person, group, or event, often to mark an anniversary. These categories are not or event, often to mark an anniversary. These categories are not
mutually exclusivemutually exclusive. A; a commission can perform policy and commemorative functions in tandem. commission can perform policy and commemorative functions in tandem.
Policy Commissions
Congress establishes the vast majority of congressional commissions to study, examine, Congress establishes the vast majority of congressional commissions to study, examine,
investigate, or review a particular policy problem or event. For example, policy commissions investigate, or review a particular policy problem or event. For example, policy commissions
have focused on the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction,have focused on the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction,18 motor fuel tax enforcement, motor fuel tax enforcement,19
threats to the United States from Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) attacks,threats to the United States from Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) attacks,20 and the September 11, and the September 11,
2001, terrorist attacks.2001, terrorist attacks.21
13 Commemorative Commissions
Congress also creates commemorative commissions. Commemorative commissions most often Congress also creates commemorative commissions. Commemorative commissions most often
commemorate or celebrate an individual, group, or eventcommemorate or celebrate an individual, group, or event. In some circumstances, Congress has
assigned administrative activities to commemorative commissions, such as the creation of
national memorials in the District of Columbia and may be assigned administrative activities, such as the construction of a national memorial. For example, Congress authorized the World War . For example, Congress authorized the World War
I Centennial Commission to coordinate the I Centennial Commission to coordinate the 100th100^th Anniversary of World War I and to establish the Anniversary of World War I and to establish the
National World War I Memorial in Washington, DC.National World War I Memorial in Washington, DC.22
14 For more information on commemorative commissions, see CRS Report R41425, For more information on commemorative commissions, see CRS Report R41425,
Commemorative Commissions: Overview, Structure, and Funding, by Jacob R. Straus., by Jacob R. Straus.
Potential Value of Congressional Commissions
Throughout American history, Congress has found commissions to be useful tools in the
legislative process Congress might find commissions useful in helping carry out its work. Commissions may be established to, among other things, cope with increases . Commissions may be established to, among other things, cope with increases
in the scope and complexity of legislation, forge consensus, draft bills, promote inter-party

18 The Commission on the Prevention of Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferation and Terrorism: P.L. 110-53, 121
Stat. 501 (2007).
19 Motor Fuel Tax Enforcement Advisory Committee: P.L. 109-59, 119 Stat. 1959 (2005).
20 Commission to Assess the Threat to the United States from Electromagnetic Pulse Attacks: P.L. 106-398, 114 Stat.
1654A-345 (2000).
21 National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (the 9/11 Commission): P.L. 107-306, 116 Stat.
2408 (2002).
22 World War I Centennial Commission: P.L. 112-272; 126 Stat. 2449 (2013).
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in the scope and complexity of legislation, forge consensus, draft bills, promote interparty communication, address issues that do not fall neatly within the jurisdictional boundaries of communication, address issues that do not fall neatly within the jurisdictional boundaries of
congressional committees, and congressional committees, and bring together recommendations.23develop recommendations.¹⁵ These goals can be grouped These goals can be grouped
into five categories: expertise, political complexity, consensus building, into five categories: expertise, political complexity, consensus building, solving collective action collective action
problemsproblem solving, and visibility., and visibility.
Obtaining Expertise
Congress may choose to establish a commission when legislators and their staffs do not currently Congress may choose to establish a commission when legislators and their staffs do not currently
have sufficienthave the requisite knowledge or expertise in a complex policy area knowledge or expertise in a complex policy area,24 or when an issue area is or when an issue area is
sufficiently sufficiently complexcomplicated that engaging noncongressional experts could aid in policy development. that engaging noncongressional experts could aid in policy development.25
16 By assembling experts in particular policy areas to focus on a specific mission, legislators might By assembling experts in particular policy areas to focus on a specific mission, legislators might
efficiently obtain insight into complex public policy problems.efficiently obtain insight into complex public policy problems.2617 Further, a commission can Further, a commission can
devote itself to a particular issue full timedevote itself to a particular issue full time, and and can focus on focus on an individuala single problem without problem without
distraction.distraction.27
18 Overcoming Political Complexity
Complex policy issues may also Complex policy issues may also createintroduce institutional institutional problemschallenges because they do not fall neatly because they do not fall neatly
within the jurisdiction of any particular within the jurisdiction of any particular committee in Congress.28congressional committee.¹⁹ By virtue of their ad hoc status, By virtue of their ad hoc status,
commissions may circumvent such issues. Similarly, a commission may allow commissions may circumvent such issues. Similarly, a commission may allow particular
legislation or policy solutions to bypass the traditional development process in Congress, legislation or policy solutions to bypass the traditional development process in Congress,
potentially potentially removingsidestepping some of the impediments inherent in a decentralized legislature. some of the impediments inherent in a decentralized legislature.29
Consensus 20 Building
Consensus An array of political An array of political interestsconsiderations may confront legislators seeking policy changes or may confront legislators seeking policy changes or requesting a
congressional congressional investigationinvestigations. The normal legislative or oversight process may sometimes suffer . The normal legislative or oversight process may sometimes suffer
politically from charges of partisanship.politically from charges of partisanship.3021 By contrast, the nonpartisan or bipartisan character of By contrast, the nonpartisan or bipartisan character of
most congressional commissions may make their findings and recommendations less susceptible most congressional commissions may make their findings and recommendations less susceptible
to such charges and to such charges and result in further credibilitymore credible both in Congress and both in Congress and amongwith the public. the public.31
22 Commissions may also Commissions may also give competing viewpointsoffer space to negotiate compromises space to negotiate compromises, bypassing
among competing viewpoints, avoiding the short-term tactical political maneuvers that may accompany public negotiations in a congressional markup or oversight session.²³the short-term tactical political maneuvers that may accompany public negotiations in a

23 Colton Campbell, “Creating an Angel: Congressional Delegation to Ad Hoc Commissions,” Congress and the
Presidency, vol. 25, no. 2 (Autumn 1998), p. 162.
24 Campbell, “Creating an Angel,” p. 174. See also Robert L. Chartrand, Jane Bortnick, and James R. Price, Legislator
as User of Information (Washington, DC: Congressional Research Service, 1987), pp. 11-15.
25 Campbell, Discharging Congress, pp. 55-59.
26 Campbell, Discharging Congress, p. 51.
27 Morris P. Fiorina, “Group Concentration and the Delegation of Legislative Authority,” in Roger G. Noll, ed.,
Regulatory Policy and the Social Sciences (Berkeley: University of California Press, 1985), p. 184. See also James E.
Katz, “Science, Technology, and Congress,” Science vol. 30, no. 4 (May 1993), pp. 41-44.
28 George T. Sulzner, “The Policy Process and the Uses of National Governmental Study Commissions,” Western
Political Quarterly, vol. 24, no. 3 (September 1971), pp. 438-448.
29 Kenneth R. Mayer, “Closing Military Bases (Finally): Solving Collective Dilemmas Through Delegation,”
Legislative Studies Quarterly, vol. 20, no. 3 (August 1995), pp. 395-397.
30 Campbell, Discharging Congress, pp. 9-10.
31 Sulzner, “The Policy Process and the Uses of National Governmental Study Commissions,” pp. 443-445.
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congressional markup or oversight session.32 Similarly, because commission members are often Similarly, because commission members are often
not elected officials, they may be better suited to not elected officials, they may be better suited to suggestsuggesting unpopular, but arguably necessary, unpopular, but arguably necessary,
policy solutions.policy solutions.33
24 Solving Collective Action Problems
A commission may A commission may allowhelp legislators legislators to solve collective action problems, solve collective action problems, situations in which all in which all
legislators individually seek to protect the interests of their own legislators individually seek to protect the interests of their own district,districts despite widespread despite widespread
agreement that the collective result of such interests is something none of them prefers. agreement that the collective result of such interests is something none of them prefers.
Legislators can use a commission to jointly Legislators can use a commission to jointly “"tie their handstie their hands”" in such circumstances, in such circumstances, allowing
consensus about a particular policy solution to avoid being impeded byhelping prevent individual concerns about individual concerns about
the effect or implementation of the effect or implementation of the solution.34
For example, in 1988 Congress established the Base Closure and Realignment Commission
(BRAC) as a politically and geographically neutral body to make independent decisions about
closures of military bases.35 The BRAC produced a list of bases slated for closure, which
Congress was required to either accept or reject as a whole, bypassinga proposed policy solution from impeding consensus about it.²⁵ For example, in five instances, Congress empowered commissions to make recommendations about closures and realignments of military bases.²⁶ Under the terms of the statutes, each commission produced a list of recommended base closures and realignments, and statutory "fast track" procedures were used to govern congressional consideration of the commission's report.²⁷ This process bypassed internal congressional internal congressional
politics over which individual bases would be closedpolitics over which individual bases would be closed, and protecting and helped protect individual Members from individual Members from
political charges that they did not political charges that they did not “save”"save" their district their district’'s base.s base.36
28 Raising Visibility
By establishing a commission, Congress can By establishing a commission, Congress can often provide a highly visible forum for important provide a highly visible forum for important
issues that might otherwise receive issues that might otherwise receive scantlittle attention from the public. attention from the public.37 Commissions often are
composed of notable public figures, allowing the transfer of personal prestige to 29 Commissions are often composed of notable public figures whose personal prestige can transfer to their recommended recommended
policy solutions.policy solutions.3830 Meetings and press releases from a commission may receive significantly more Meetings and press releases from a commission may receive significantly more
attention in the media than corresponding information coming directly from members of attention in the media than corresponding information coming directly from members of
congressional committees. congressional committees. Upon completionCompletion of a commission of a commission’'s work product may temporarily focus public attentions work product, public attention
may be temporarily focused on a topic that otherwise would receive scant attention, on a topic that otherwise would receive scant attention, thus
increasing the probability of congressional action increasing the probability of congressional action within the policy area.39
on it.³¹ Criticism of Commissions
Some political and scholarly observers have criticized congressional commissions. These Some political and scholarly observers have criticized congressional commissions. These
criticisms chiefly fall into three groups. First, critics often charge that commissions are an

32 John B. Gilmour, “Summits and Stalemates: Bipartisan Negotiations in the Postreform Era,” in Roger H. Davidson,
ed., The Postreform Congress (New York: St. Martin’s Press, 1993), pp. 247-248.
33 Daniel Bell, “Government by Commission,” Public Interest, vol. 1, no. 3 (Spring 1966), p. 7; Campbell, Discharging
Congress, p. 70; Campbell, Discharging Congress, p. 13; Newt Gingrich, “Leadership Task Forces: The ‘Third Wave’
Way to Consider Legislation,” Roll Call, November 16, 1995, p. 5.
34 Gary W. Cox and Matthew D. McCubbins, Legislative Leviathan: Party Government in the House (Berkeley:
University of California Press, 1993), p. 80.
35 Mayer, “Closing Military Bases,” pp. 398-399.
36 Charles E. Cook, “Base Closing Furor: Minimal Political Impact for Members,” Roll Call, March 18, 1993, p. 1.
37 David S. Brown, “The Public Advisory Board as an Instrument of Government,” Public Administration Review, vol.
15, no. 3 (Summer 1955), pp. 197-199.
38 Charles J. Hanser, Guide to Decision: The Royal Commission (Totowa, New Jersey: Bedminster Press, 1965), pp.
222-225.
39 Sulzner, “The Policy Process and the Uses of National Governmental Study Commissions,” p. 444.
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“criticisms chiefly fall into three groups. First, critics often charge that commissions are an "abdication of responsibilityabdication of responsibility”" on the part of legislators. on the part of legislators.4032 Second, some criticize commissions as Second, some criticize commissions as
undemocratic, replacing elected legislators with appointed decisionmakers. Third, critics also undemocratic, replacing elected legislators with appointed decisionmakers. Third, critics also
arguesay that commissions are that commissions are financially inefficient, suggestingnot cost-effective, arguing that they are expensive and that they are expensive and
that Congress can ignore or decline to implement their recommendations.Congress can ignore or decline to implement their recommendations.
Abdicated Responsibility
Critics of commissions argue that legislators may create commissions specifically for Critics of commissions argue that legislators may create commissions specifically for “"blame blame
avoidance.avoidance.”41"³³ In this view, Congress uses commissions to distance itself from In this view, Congress uses commissions to distance itself from politically risky decisionsrisky decisions
when confronted with controversial issues. By creating a commission, legislators can take credit . By creating a commission, legislators can take credit
for addressing a for addressing a topic of controversycontroversial topic without having to without having to takestake out a substantive position on a substantive position on the topicit. If . If
the commissionthe commission’'s work is ultimately popular, legislators can take credit for s work is ultimately popular, legislators can take credit for the work. If the
commission’s work productit, and, if it is unpopular, is unpopular, legislatorsthey can shift responsibility to the commission can shift responsibility to the commission
itself.42
.³⁴ Reduced Democratic Accountability
Some critics contend that commissions are not democratic. This criticism takes three forms. First, Some critics contend that commissions are not democratic. This criticism takes three forms. First,
commissions may commissions may not be representativebe unrepresentative of the general population of the general population and may notor reflect the variety of reflect the variety of
public opinion on an issue.public opinion on an issue.4335 Second, commissions lack public accountability. Unlike Members of Second, commissions lack public accountability. Unlike Members of
Congress, commission members are often not elected officials and Congress, commission members are often not elected officials and therefore are oftenare therefore insulated insulated
from electoral pressures or popular opinion. Finally, commissions may not operate in public. from electoral pressures or popular opinion. Finally, commissions may not operate in public.
Unlike Congress, commission meetings, hearings, and investigations may be held in private.Unlike Congress, commission meetings, hearings, and investigations may be held in private.44
36 Financial Inefficiency
A third criticism of commissions is that they have high costs and low returns. Congressional A third criticism of commissions is that they have high costs and low returns. Congressional
commission costs vary widely, ranging from several hundred thousand dollars to over $10 commission costs vary widely, ranging from several hundred thousand dollars to over $10
million. Coupled with this objection is the million. Coupled with this objection is the problemissue of congressional response to commission of congressional response to commission
work; inwork. In most cases, Congress is under no obligation to act most cases, Congress is under no obligation to act on, or even respond to, or even respond to, the work of a the work of a
commission. Ifcommission; if legislators disagree with legislators disagree with thea commission's results or recommendations results or recommendations of a commission’s work,
, they may simply ignore they may simply ignore itthem. In addition, there is no guarantee that any commission will produce a . In addition, there is no guarantee that any commission will produce a
balanced productbalanced product; —commission members may have their own agendas, biases, and pressures—or a high-quality one.³⁷ Finally, advisory boards may be economically or legislatively inefficientcommission members may have their own agendas, biases, and pressures. In
some cases, they may simply produce a mediocre work product.45 Finally, advisory boards create

40 Sen. Trent Lott, “Special Commissions,” Remarks in the Senate, Congressional Record, daily edition, vol. 148
(September 23, 2002), p. S9050. See also David Schoenbrod, Power Without Responsibility: How Congress Abuses the
People Through Delegation (New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 1993), p. 100; R.W. Apple, “Keeping Hot
Potatoes Out of the Kitchen,” New York Times, February 2, 1989, D20.
41 R. Kent Weaver, “The Politics of Blame Avoidance,” Journal of Public Policy, vol. 6, no. 4 (October-December
1986), pp. 373-374. See also Douglas Arnold, The Logic of Congressional Action (New Haven: Yale University Press,
1990), p. 101.
42 Campbell, Discharging Congress, pp. 68-69; Arnold, The Logic of Congressional Action, p. 101.
43 R. Kent Weaver, “Is Congress Abdicating Power to Commissions?” Roll Call, February 12, 1989, pp. 5, 25.
44 Natalie Hanlon, “Military Base Closures: A Study of Government by Commission,” Colorado Law Review, vol. 62,
no. 2 (1991), pp. 331-364.
45 James Q. Wilson, “A Reader’s Guide to the Crime Commission’s Report,” Public Interest, no. 9 (Fall 1967), pp. 64,
82.
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economic and legislative inefficiency if they function as patronage devices, with Members of if they function as patronage devices, with Members of
Congress using commission positions to pay off political debts.Congress using commission positions to pay off political debts.46
38 Selected Considerations for Congress
Statutes establishing congressional Statutes establishing congressional advisory commissions generally commissions generally providespecify the scope of a the scope of a
commission’commission's mission, its structure, and its rules of s mission, its structure, and its rules of proceduresprocedure. Legislators can tailor the . Legislators can tailor the
composition, organization, and working arrangements of a commission, based on the particular composition, organization, and working arrangements of a commission, based on the particular
goals of Congress. As a result, individual congressional commissions often have goals of Congress. As a result, individual congressional commissions often have an organizational
structureorganizational structures and powers quite different from one another. and powers quite different from one another.47
39 This section provides an overview of certain features commonly found in commission statutes. This section provides an overview of certain features commonly found in commission statutes.
For a more detailed and comprehensive description of legislative language and features that For a more detailed and comprehensive description of legislative language and features that are
often includedoften appear in congressional in congressional advisory commission statutes, see CRS Report R45328, commission statutes, see CRS Report R45328,
Designing Congressional Commissions: Background and Considerations for Congress, by Jacob , by Jacob
R. Straus.R. Straus.
Membership and Appointment Authority
Congressional commissions use a wide variety of membership framework and appointment Congressional commissions use a wide variety of membership framework and appointment
structures. The statutestructures. The statute establishing a commission may require may require thatits membership membership of a commissionto be made up in whole or in be made up in whole or in
part of specifically designated Members of Congress, typically Members in congressional or part of specifically designated Members of Congress, typically Members in congressional or
committee leadership positions. In other cases, selected leaderscommittee leadership positions. In other cases, selected leaders, often with balance between the
parties, appoint commission members, who may or may not be Members of Congress. A third
common statutory framework is to have selected leaders, again often with balance between the
parties, recommend members, who may or may not be Members of Congress, for appointment to
a commission. These leaders are charged with appointing commission members or recommending potential commission members to other appointing authorities. These leaders typically include representatives of both parties, may act either in parallel or jointly, and may act either in parallel or jointly, and the recommendation may be
mademay make recommendations either to other congressional leaders, such as the Speaker of the House and President pro either to other congressional leaders, such as the Speaker of the House and President pro
tempore of the Senate, or to the Presidenttempore of the Senate, or to the President or another executive branch official..
Reporting Requirements
Congressional commission statutes usually direct the commission to carry out specific tasks. One Congressional commission statutes usually direct the commission to carry out specific tasks. One
of the primary functions of most congressional commissions is to produce a final report for of the primary functions of most congressional commissions is to produce a final report for
Congress outlining their activities, findings, Congress outlining their activities, findings, and legislative recommendations.48or recommendations.⁴⁰ These reports can These reports can
be sent to Congress generally, to specific congressional committees, to the President, to executive be sent to Congress generally, to specific congressional committees, to the President, to executive
agencies, or to a combination of entities. Recommendations agencies, or to a combination of entities. Recommendations contained in a commission report are in a commission report are
only advisory. The potential implementation of such recommendations only advisory. The potential implementation of such recommendations is dependent upondepends on future future
congressional or executive branch action.congressional or executive branch action.
Report Destination
Most commissions submit their work product to both Congress and the President. A smaller Most commissions submit their work product to both Congress and the President. A smaller
number number submitsend their work their work only to Congressto Congress only, and others have submitted , and others have submitted their work to both to both
Congress and a specified executive branch agency. The reportCongress and a specified executive branch agency. The report’'s destination might matter for the type of future action taken on a topic. Sending as destination might matter for the

46 Brown, “The Public Advisory Board as an Instrument of Government,” p. 199.
47 These considerations are based, in part, on Campbell, Discharging Congress, p. 7, Table 1.3.
48 Some commissions, such as the Motor Fuel Tax Enforcement Advisory Commission (P.L. 109-59; 119 Stat. 2941
[2005]) are not required to submit a final report, but instead make annual reports to Congress during the specified
lifespan of the commission.
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type of future action taken on a topic. If a commission sends its report to both Congress and the
President, potential exists for report to both Congress and the President might prompt either legislative or executive action in either legislative or executive action in thata policy area. If policy area. If the
a commission sends its report to only one entity, commission sends its report to only one entity, the chance of action by other actors might be
reduced.
Deadlines
on the other hand, others might be less likely to act. Deadlines Most commission statutes Most commission statutes giveset a deadline for the submission of a final report. The final report a deadline for the submission of a final report. The final report
deadline varies from commission to commission. Some commissions, such as the National deadline varies from commission to commission. Some commissions, such as the National
Commission on the Cost of Higher Education,Commission on the Cost of Higher Education,49 have had less than six months to submit their final had less than six months to submit their final
reportreports to Congress. to Congress.⁴¹ Other commissions, such as the Antitrust Modernization Commission, Other commissions, such as the Antitrust Modernization Commission,50 have had had
three or more years to complete their workthree or more years to complete their work product.
.⁴² Commission Expenses
Congressional commission costs vary widely, and Congress has funded them in Congressional commission costs vary widely, and Congress has funded them in a variety ofvarious ways. ways.
Overall expenses for any individual commission Overall expenses for any individual commission are dependent on a varietydepend on a number of factors, including of factors, including
whether commissioners are paid, whether commissioners are paid, the number of potential staff and their pay levels, and the
duration of the commission.
how many staffers the commission has and how much they are paid, and how long the commission lasts. Many commissions have few or no full-time staffMany commissions have few or no full-time staff;, while others employ large numbers, such as the others employ large numbers, such as the
80 full-time paid employees of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United StatesNational Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States,51 which had a full-time paid
staff of 80..⁴³ Additionally, some commissions provide compensation to members Additionally, some commissions provide compensation to members;, while others only others only
reimburse reimburse membersthem for travel expenses. Many commissions finish their work and terminate for travel expenses. Many commissions finish their work and terminate
within a year of creation; in other cases, work may not be completed for several years.within a year of creation; in other cases, work may not be completed for several years.
Secondary factors that can affect commission costs include the number of commissioners, Secondary factors that can affect commission costs include the number of commissioners, how
often thethe frequency of commission commission meets or holds meetings or hearings, and the number and size of publications the hearings, and the number and size of publications the
commission produces. For a more detailed analysis of commission funding and expenditures, see commission produces. For a more detailed analysis of commission funding and expenditures, see
CRS Report R45826, CRS Report R45826, Congressional Commissions: Funding and Expenditures, coordinated by , coordinated by
Jacob R. Straus.Jacob R. Straus.
Commission Member Pay
Most statutorily created congressional commissions do not compensate their members, except to Most statutorily created congressional commissions do not compensate their members, except to
reimburse reimburse membersthem for expenses directly related to their service, such as travel costs. for expenses directly related to their service, such as travel costs.52 Among
congressional commissions that compensate their members, the statute almost always specifies
44 Statutes that do authorize commissioner compensation almost always specify the level of compensation. Typically, the level of compensation. Typically, commissioncommissioner pay is set in accordance with one of the federal pay is set in accordance with one of the federal
pay scales, prorated to the number of days of service.pay scales, prorated to the number of days of service.5345 The most common level of compensation is the daily equivalent of the basic annual rate of pay for Level IV of the Executive Schedule (EX), which is $195,200 in 2025.⁴⁶ Staffing Congressional commissions are usually authorized to hire a staff. The most common level of compensation

49 National Commission on the Cost of Higher Education: P.L. 105-18; 111 Stat. 207 (1997).
50 Antitrust Modernization Commission: P.L. 107-273; 116 Stat. 1856 (2002).
51 National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (9/11 Commission): P.L. 107-306; 116 Stat. 2408
[2002]).
52 For example, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom’s statute (P.L. 105-292; 112 Stat.
2787 [1998]) stated, “(i) Funding.—Members of the Commission shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem
in lieu of subsistence, at rates authorized for employees under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code,
while away from their homes or regular places of business in the performance of services for the Commission.”
53 For example, the Antitrust Modernization Commission’s statute stated, “(a) Pay.—(1) Nongovernment employees.—
Each member of the Commission who is not otherwise employed by a government shall be entitled to receive the daily
equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay payable for level IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5
United States Code, as in effect from time to time, for each day (including travel time) during which such member is
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is the daily equivalent of Level IV of the Executive Schedule (EX), which has a basic annual rate
of pay of $183,500 in 2023.54
Staffing
Advisory commissions are usually authorized to hire a staff. Many of these commissions are
specifically authorized to appoint a staff director and other personnel as necessary. The size of the The size of the
staff is not generally specified, staff is not generally specified, allowingleaving the commission flexibility the commission flexibility in judgingto judge its own staffing its own staffing
requirementsneeds. Typically, maximum pay rates will be specified, but the commission will be granted . Typically, maximum pay rates will be specified, but the commission will be granted
authority to set actual pay rates within those guidelines.authority to set actual pay rates within those guidelines.
Most of these Many congressional commissions are also authorized to hire consultants and procure congressional commissions are also authorized to hire consultants and procure
intermittent services. Many commissions are statutorily authorized to request that federal
agencies detail personnel to assist the commission. Some commissions are also authorized to
intermittent services, to request detailees from federal agencies, or to accept voluntary services.accept voluntary services.
Cataloging Congressional Commissions
This report attempts to identify all congressional commissions enacted into law between the This report attempts to identify all congressional commissions enacted into law between the 101st
101^st Congress and the end of the Congress and the end of the 117th118^th Congress. Congress.
Methodology
To identify congressional commissions, CRS searched Congress.gov for To identify congressional commissions, CRS searched Congress.gov for commission-related terms and phrases terms and phrases
related to commissions withinin the text of laws enacted between the the text of laws enacted between the 101st101^st Congress (1989-1990) Congress (1989-1990)
and the end of the and the end of the 117th Congress (2021-2022).55 Each piece of legislation returned118^th Congress (2023-2024).⁴⁷ Each search result was examined was examined
to determine if (1) the legislation established a commission, and (2) the commission met the five to determine if (1) the legislation established a commission, and (2) the commission met the five
criteria outlined above. If the commission met the criteria, its name, public law number, Statutes-criteria outlined above. If the commission met the criteria, its name, public law number, Statutes-
at-Large citation, date of enactment, and other information were recorded.at-Large citation, date of enactment, and other information were recorded.
Results
A total of A total of 170172 congressional commissions were identified through this congressional commissions were identified through this searchsearch. Figure 1 shows the shows the
number of commissions enacted in each Congress between the number of commissions enacted in each Congress between the 101st101^st Congress and the 118^th Congress.

Two caveats accompany these results. First, as stated above, identifying congressional commissions involves making judgment calls about particular characteristics. Second, tracking provisions of law that create congressional commissions is an inherently inexact exercise. Although many such bodies are created in easily identifiable freestanding statutes, others are established as part of much longer omnibus legislation.⁴⁸ Consequently, the search methodology may have missed individual commissions.

Figure 1. Number of Congressional Commissions Created by Congress

101^st Congress to 118^th Congress

Source: CRS search of public laws enacted between the 101^st Congress and the 118^th Congress.

Congressional Commissions, 101^st to the 118^th Congress The tables that follow provide information about the 172 Congress and the 117th
Congress.

engaged in the actual performance of duties of the Commission. (2) Government employees.—A member of the
Commission who is an officer or employee of a government shall serve without additional pay (or benefits in the nature
of compensation) for service as a member of the Commission. (b) Travel Expenses.—Members of the Commission
shall receive travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in accordance with subchapter I of chapter 57 of
title 5, United States Code.” P.L. 107-273, 116 Stat. 1768, 1858 (2002).
54 U.S. Office of Personnel Management, “Salary Table No. 2023-EX: Rates of Basic Pay for the Executive Schedule
(EX),” at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/salary-tables/pdf/2023/EX.pdf.
Although Level IV of the Executive Schedule is the most common compensation level, commission members could be
compensated at other levels of the Executive Schedule or at particular levels of the General Schedule. Members of
congressional commissions that fall under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (P.L. 92-463), however, are prohibited
from receiving compensation in excess of the rate specified for Executive Schedule Level IV.
55 The search included such terms as commission, task force, advisory, board, panel, independent establishment,
coordinating committee, study group, and working group.
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Congressional Commissions: Overview and Considerations for Congress

Figure 1. Number of Congressional Commissions Created by Congress
101st Congress to 117th Congress

Source: CRS search of public laws enacted between the 101st Congress and the 117th Congress.
Two caveats accompany these results. As stated above, identifying congressional commissions
involves making judgment calls about particular characteristics. Second, tracking provisions of
law that create congressional commissions is an inherently inexact exercise. Although many such
bodies are created in easily identifiable freestanding statutes, others are contained within the
statutory language of lengthy omnibus legislation.56 Consequently, individual commissions may
have been missed by the search methodology.
Congressional Commissions, 101st to the 117th
Congress
The tables that follow provide information on the 170 congressional commissions CRS identified congressional commissions CRS identified
through a search of Congress.gov for legislation enacted between the through a search of Congress.gov for legislation enacted between the 101st101^st Congress and the Congress and the 117th
Congresses118^th Congress. Not included are commissions that were reauthorized during a given Congress.. Not included are commissions that were reauthorized during a given Congress.57
49 Each table contains Each table contains one Congressthe commissions established in one Congress, listed in alphabetical order. For each newly created commission, the tables provide the . For each newly created commission, the tables provide the
following informationfollowing information, in alphabetical order: the name of the commission, the public law creating : the name of the commission, the public law creating
the commission, and the the commission, and the dateyear of enactment. Table 1. Congressional Commissions Created During the 118^th Congress

Commission	Authority
Commission to Study the Potential Transfer of the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History	P.L. 118-144; 138 Stat. 1667 (2024)
FISA Reform Commission	P.L. 118-49, §18(c); 138 Stat. 885 (2024)

Source: CRS analysis of commission legislation from Congress.gov.

Table 2. Congressional Commissions Created During the 117^th Congress

Commission

Authority

Afghanistan War Commission

of enactment.

56 For example, provisions for the establishment of 12 separate advisory bodies were included in the text of the FY1999
Omnibus Consolidated and Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act (P.L. 105-277, 112 Stat. 2681 (1998)).
57 For example, in the 117th Congress, Congress extended the Commission on Combating Synthetic Opioid Trafficking
(P.L. 117-51, 135 Stat. 408 (2021)). It was initially authorized in the 116th Congress (see Table 2).
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Table 1. Congressional Commissions Created During the 117th Congress
Commission
Authority
Afghanistan War Commission
P.L. 117-81P.L. 117-81, §1094; 135 Stat. 1935 (2021)

Commission on Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution Reform

, §1094, December 27, 2021
Commission on the National Defense Strategy
P.L. 117-81P.L. 117-81, §1004; 135 Stat. 1884 (2021)

Commission on Reform and Modernization of the Department of State

P.L. 117-263, §9803; 136 Stat. 3924 (2022)

Commission on the National Defense Strategy for the United States

, §1095, December 27, 2021
Commission on Planning, Programing, Budgeting, and
P.L. 117-81, §1004, December 27, 2021
Execution Reform
Congressional Commission on the Strategic Posture of
P.L. 117-81P.L. 117-81, §1095; 135 Stat. 1943 (2021)

Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture

P.L. 117-140; 136 Stat. 1259 (2022)

Congressional Commission on the Strategic Posture of the United States

P.L. 117-81, §1687; 135 Stat. 2126 (2021)

Medical Advisory Board of Central Intelligence Agency

P.L. 117-103, §602; 136 Stat. 992 (2022)

National Commission on the Future of the Navy

, §1687, December 27, 2021
the United States
National Security Commission on Emerging
P.L. 117-81, §1091, December 27, 2021
Biotechnology
Medical Advisory Board of Central Intelligence Agency
P.L. 117-103, §602, 136 Stat. 992, March 15, 2022
Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a
P.L. 117-140, 136 Stat. 1259, June 13, 2022
National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and
Culture
National Commission on the Future of the Navy
P.L. 117-263P.L. 117-263, §1092; 136 Stat. 2807 (2022)

National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology

P.L. 117-81, §1091; 135 Stat. 1929 (2021)

, §1092, December 23, 2022
Commission on Reform and Modernization of the
P.L. 117-263, §9803, December 23, 2022
Department of State
Source: CRS analysis of commission legislation from Congress.gov.CRS analysis of commission legislation from Congress.gov.

Table 23. Congressional Commissions Created During the 116th Congress
Commission
Authority
Adams Memorial Commission
116^th Congress

Commission

Authority

Adams Memorial Commission

P.L. 116-9, §2406P.L. 116-9, §2406,; 133 Stat. 748 (2019) 133 Stat. 749, March 12, 2019
CARES Act Congressional Oversight Commission
P.L. 116-136, §4020, 134 Stat. 486, March 27, 2020
Commission on Combating Synthetic Opioid TraffickingCommission on Combating Synthetic Opioid Trafficking P.L. 116-92, §7221P.L. 116-92, §7221,; 133 Stat. 2270 133 Stat. 2270, December 20, 2019
(2019) Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and
Boys P.L. 116-156P.L. 116-156,; 134 Stat. 700 134 Stat. 700, August 14, 2020
Boys
(2020) Commission on the State of U.S. Olympics and Commission on the State of U.S. Olympics and
Paralympics P.L. 116-189, §11P.L. 116-189, §11,; 134 Stat. 970 134 Stat. 970, October 30, 2020
Paralympics
(2020)

Congressional Oversight Commission (CARES Act)

P.L. 116-136, §4020; 134 Stat. 486 (2020)

Route 66 Centennial CommissionRoute 66 Centennial Commission
P.L. 116-256P.L. 116-256,; 134 Stat. 1142 134 Stat. 1142, December 23, 2020
(2020) Source: CRS analysis of commission legislation from Congress.gov.CRS analysis of commission legislation from Congress.gov.

Table 34. Congressional Commissions Created During the 115th Congress
115^th Congress Commission
Authority

Authority

400 Years of African-American History Commission400 Years of African-American History Commission
P.L. 115-P.L. 115-102,102; 131 Stat. 2248 131 Stat. 2248, January 8, 2018
(2018) Commission on Farm Commission on Farm Transactions-Transitions—Needs for 2050Needs for 2050
P.L. 115 P.L. 115-334-334, §12609; , 132 Stat. 5009132 Stat. 5009, December 20, 2018
(2018) Commission to Assess the Threat to the United States Commission to Assess the Threat to the United States
P.L. 115-91; 131 Stat. 1786; December 12, 2017
from Electromagnetic Pulse Attacks and Similar Eventsa
Commission on Military Aviation Safety
P.L. 115-232, 132 Stat. 1992, August 13, 2018
from Electromagnetic Pulse Attacks and Similar Events^a

P.L. 115-91, §1691; 131 Stat. 1786 (2017)

Cyberspace Solarium CommissionCyberspace Solarium Commission
P.L. 115-232P.L. 115-232, §1652; , 132 Stat. 2140, August 13, 2018
Congressional Research Service

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link to page 17 Congressional Commissions: Overview and Considerations for Congress

Commission
Authority
Frederick Douglass Bicentennial Commission
P.L. 115-77, 131 Stat. 1251, November 2, 2017
132 Stat. 2140 (2018)

Frederick Douglass Bicentennial Commission

P.L. 115-77; 131 Stat. 1251 (2017)

National Commission on Military Aviation Safety

P.L. 115-232, §1087; 132 Stat. 1992 (2018)

National Security Commission on Artificial IntelligenceNational Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence
P.L. 115-232P.L. 115-232, §1051; , 132 Stat. 132 Stat. 192, August 13, 2018
1962 (2018) Public-Private Partnership Advisory Council to End Public-Private Partnership Advisory Council to End
Human Trafficking P.L. 115-393P.L. 115-393, §703; , 132 Stat. 5278132 Stat. 5278, December 21, 2018
Human Trafficking
(2018) Syria Study GroupSyria Study Group
P.L. 115-254P.L. 115-254,, §1501; 132 Stat. 3519 (2018) Women's Suffrage Centennial Commission^b 132 Stat. 3519, October 5, 2018
Women’s Suffrage Centennial Commissionb
P.L. 115-31P.L. 115-31, §431; , 131 Stat. 502131 Stat. 502, May 5, 2017
(2017) Source: CRS analysis of commission legislation from Congress.gov.CRS analysis of commission legislation from Congress.gov.
Notes:
a. a. The Commission to Assess the Threat to the United States from Electromagnetic Pulse Attacks and Similar The Commission to Assess the Threat to the United States from Electromagnetic Pulse Attacks and Similar
Events is Events is a distinct commissiondistinct from the Commission to Assess the Threat to the United States from from the Commission to Assess the Threat to the United States from
Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) Attack that was created by P.L. 106-398, Title XIV. Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) Attack that was created by P.L. 106-398, Title XIV. ThisThe legislation authorizing legislation authorizing
the new Electromagnetic Pulse Commission repealed P.L. 106-398the new Electromagnetic Pulse Commission repealed P.L. 106-398, Title XIV. b. The Women', Title XIV, which authorized the original
commission.
b. The Women’s Suffrage Centennial Commission was incorporated by reference in P.L. 115-31. Text of the s Suffrage Centennial Commission was incorporated by reference in P.L. 115-31. Text of the
bil bill can be found in S. 847can be found in S. 847 (115^th (115th Congress) Congress), and in Appendix C of P.L. 115-31 (131 Stat. 842A-17). and in Appendix C of P.L. 115-31 (131 Stat. 842A-17).

Table 4 Table 5. Congressional Commissions Created During the 114th Congress
Commission
Authority
114^th Congress

Commission

Authority

Alyce Spotted Bear and Walter Soboleff Commission Alyce Spotted Bear and Walter Soboleff Commission
on Native Children P.L. 114-244; 130 Stat. 981P.L. 114-244; 130 Stat. 981; October 14, 2016
on Native Children
(2016) Commission on Evidence-Based PolicymakingCommission on Evidence-Based Policymaking
P.L. 114-140; 130 Stat. 317P.L. 114-140; 130 Stat. 317; March 30, 2016
(2016) Commission on the National Defense Strategy Commission on the National Defense Strategy of the
for the United States P.L. 114-328P.L. 114-328, §942; 130 Stat. 2367; 130 Stat. 2367; December 23, 2016
United States
(2016) Congressional Task Force on Economic Growth in Congressional Task Force on Economic Growth in
Puerto Rico P.L. 114-187P.L. 114-187, §409; 130 Stat. 593; 130 Stat. 593; June 30, 2016
Puerto Rico
(2016) Creating Options for VeteransCreating Options for Veterans’' Expedited Recovery Expedited Recovery
Commission P.L. 114-198P.L. 114-198, §931; 130 Stat. 769 (2016)

John F. Kennedy Centennial Commission

P.L. 114-215; 130 Stat. 830 (2016)

National Commission on Military, National, and Public Service

P.L. 114-328, §551; 130 Stat. 2130 (2016)

; 130 Stat. 769; July 22, 2016
Commission
National Commission on Military, National and Public
P.L. 114-328; 130 Stat. 2131; December 23, 2016
Service
John F. Kennedy Centennial Commission
P.L. 114-215; 130 Stat. 830; July 29, 2016
United States Semiquincentennial CommissionUnited States Semiquincentennial Commission
P.L. 114-196; 130 Stat. 685P.L. 114-196; 130 Stat. 685; July 22, 2016
(2016) Virgin Islands of the United States Centennial Virgin Islands of the United States Centennial
Commission P.L. 114-224; 130 Stat. 921P.L. 114-224; 130 Stat. 921, September 29, 2016
Commission
(2016) Western Hemisphere Drug Policy CommissionWestern Hemisphere Drug Policy Commission
P.L. 114-323P.L. 114-323, §601; 130 Stat. 1936; 130 Stat. 1936; December 16, 2016
(2016) Source: CRS analysis of commission legislation from Congress.gov.CRS analysis of commission legislation from Congress.gov.

Table 56. Congressional Commissions Created During the 113th Congress
Commission
Authority
113^th Congress

Commission

Authority

Commission on CareCommission on Care
P.L. 113-146P.L. 113-146, §202; 128 Stat. 1773 (2014)

Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Women's History Museum

; 128 Stat. 1773; August 7, 2014
Congressional Research Service

13

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Congressional Commissions: Overview and Considerations for Congress

Commission
Authority
Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a
P.L. 113-291P.L. 113-291, §3056; 128 Stat. 3810 (2014) ; 128 Stat. 3810; December 19, 2014
National Women’s History Museum
National Commission on the Future of the Army
P.L. 113-291; 128 Stat. 3664; December 19, 2014
National Commission on Hunger

P.L. 113-76, §743(b); 128 Stat. 41 (2014)

National Commission on National Commission on Hunger
P.L. 113-76; 128 Stat. 41; January 17, 2014
the Future of the Army

P.L. 113-291, §1701; 128 Stat. 3664 (2014)

Source: CRS analysis of commission legislation from Congress.gov.CRS analysis of commission legislation from Congress.gov.

Table 67. Congressional Commissions Created During the 112th Congress
112^th Congress Commission
Authority
Commission to Eliminate Child Abuse and Neglect
P.L. 112-275; 126 Stat. 2461; January 14, 2013
Fatalities
Commission on Long-Term Care
P.L. 112-240; 126 Stat. 2358; January 2, 2013
Congressional Advisory Panel on the Governance of

Authority

Commission on Long-Term Care

P.L. 112-240, §643; 126 Stat. 2358 (2013)

Commission to Eliminate Child Abuse and Neglect Fatalities

P.L. 112-275; 126 Stat. 2460 (2013)

Congressional Advisory Panel on the Governance of the Nuclear Security Enterprise

P.L. 112-239, §3166P.L. 112-239; 126 Stat. 2208; January 2, 2013
the Nuclear Security Enterprise
; 126 Stat. 2208 (2013) Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization
Commission P.L. 112-239P.L. 112-239, §671; 126 Stat. 1787; 126 Stat. 1787; January 2, 2013
Commission
(2013) National Commission on the Structure of the Air ForceNational Commission on the Structure of the Air Force P.L. 112-239P.L. 112-239, §361; 126 Stat. 1703; 126 Stat. 1703; January 2, 2013
(2013) World War I Centennial CommissionWorld War I Centennial Commission
P.L. 112-272; 126 Stat. P.L. 112-272; 126 Stat. 2449; January 15, 2013
2448 (2013) Source: CRS analysis of commission legislation from Congress.gov.CRS analysis of commission legislation from Congress.gov.

Table 78. Congressional Commissions Created During the 111th Congress
Commission
Authority
Independent Panel to Assess the Quadrennial Defense
P.L. 111-84; 123 Stat. 2467; October 28, 2010
Review
Indian Law and Order Commission
P.L. 111-211; 124 Stat. 2282; July 29, 2010
Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission
P.L. 111-21; 123 Stat. 1625; May 20, 2009
Foreign Intelligence and Information Commission
P.L. 111-259; 124 Stat. 2739; October 7, 2010
Ronald Reagan Centennial Commission
111^th Congress

Commission

Authority

Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission

P.L. 111-21, §5; 123 Stat. 1625 (2009)

Foreign Intelligence and Information Commission

P.L. 111-259, §601; 124 Stat. 2739 (2010)

Independent Panel to Assess the Quadrennial Defense Review

P.L. 111-84, §1061; 123 Stat. 2467 (2009)

Indian Law and Order Commission

P.L. 111-211, §235; 124 Stat. 2282 (2010)

Ronald Reagan Centennial Commission

P.L. 111-25; 123 Stat. 1767P.L. 111-25; 123 Stat. 1767; June 2, 2009
(2009) Source: CRS analysis of commission legislation from Congress.gov.CRS analysis of commission legislation from Congress.gov.

Table 89. Congressional Commissions Created During the 110th Congress
Commission
Authority
110^th Congress

Commission

Authority

Commission on the Abolition of the Transatlantic Slave Commission on the Abolition of the Transatlantic Slave
Trade P.L. 110-183; 122 Stat. 606P.L. 110-183; 122 Stat. 606; February 5, 2008
Trade
(2008) Commission on the Prevention of Weapons of Mass Commission on the Prevention of Weapons of Mass
Destruction Proliferation and Terrorism P.L. 110-53P.L. 110-53, §1851; 121 Stat. 501 (2007)

Commission on Wartime Contracting

P.L. 110-181, §841; 122 Stat. 230 (2008)

Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of the American Latino

P.L. 110-229, §333; 122 Stat. 784 (2008)

Congressional Commission on the Strategic Posture of the United States

; 121 Stat. 501; August 3, 2007
Destruction Proliferation and Terrorism
Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a
P.L. 110-229; 122 Stat. 784; May 8, 2008
National Museum of the American Latino
Congressional Research Service

14

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Congressional Commissions: Overview and Considerations for Congress

Commission
Authority
Commission on Wartime Contracting in Iraq and
P.L. 110-181; 122 Stat. 230; January 28, 2008
Afghanistan
Congressional Commission on the Strategic Posture of
P.L. 110-181P.L. 110-181, §1062; 122 Stat. 319 (2008)

Congressional Oversight Panel (Emergency Economic Stabilization Act)

; 122 Stat. 319; January 28, 2008
the United States
Congressional Oversight Panel (Emergency Economic
P.L. 110-343P.L. 110-343, §125; 122 Stat. 3791 (2008) ; 122 Stat. 3791; October 3, 2008
Stabilization Act)
Genetic Nondiscrimination Study CommissionGenetic Nondiscrimination Study Commission
P.L. 110-233P.L. 110-233, §208; 122 Stat. 917; 122 Stat. 917; October 3, 2008
(2008) National Commission on Children and DisastersNational Commission on Children and Disasters
P.L. 110-161P.L. 110-161, §601; 121 Stat. 2213; 121 Stat. 2213; December 26, 2007
(2007) Source: CRS analysis of commission legislation from Congress.gov.CRS analysis of commission legislation from Congress.gov.

Table 910. Congressional Commissions Created During the 109th Congress
Commission
Authority
109^th Congress

Commission

Authority

Commission on the Implementation of the New Commission on the Implementation of the New
Strategic Posture of the United States P.L. 109-163P.L. 109-163, §1051; 119 Stat. 3431 (2006) ; 119 Stat. 3431; January 6, 2006
Strategic Posture of the United States
Human Space Flight Independent Investigation Human Space Flight Independent Investigation
Commission P.L. 109-155P.L. 109-155, §821; 119 Stat. 2941; 119 Stat. 2941; December 30, 2005
Commission
(2005) Motor Fuel Tax Enforcement Advisory CommissionMotor Fuel Tax Enforcement Advisory Commission
P.L. 109-59P.L. 109-59, §11141; 119 Stat. 1959; 119 Stat. 1959; August 10, 2005
(2005) National Surface Transportation Infrastructure National Surface Transportation Infrastructure
Financing Commission P.L. 109-59P.L. 109-59, §11142; 119 Stat. 1961 (2005) ; 119 Stat. 1962; August 10, 2005
Financing Commission
National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue
P.L. 109-59; 119 Stat. 1471; August 10, 2005
Commission
Technical Study Panel
Study Commission

P.L. 109-59, §1909(b); 119 Stat. 1471 (2005)

Technical Study Panel

P.L. 109-236, §11P.L. 109-236; 120 Stat. 501; 120 Stat. 501; June 15, 2006
(2006) United States Commission on North American Energy United States Commission on North American Energy
Freedom P.L. 109-58P.L. 109-58, §1423; 119 Stat. 1064; 119 Stat. 1064; August 8, 2005
Freedom
(2005) Source: CRS analysis of commission legislation from Congress.gov.CRS analysis of commission legislation from Congress.gov.

Table 1011. Congressional Commissions Created During the 108th Congress
Commission
Authority
108^th Congress

Commission

Authority

Commission on the Abraham Lincoln Study Abroad Commission on the Abraham Lincoln Study Abroad
Fellowship Program P.L. 108-199P.L. 108-199, §104; 118 Stat. 435; 118 Stat. 435; January 23, 2003
Fellowship Program
(2004) Commission on the National Guard and Commission on the National Guard and Reserve
Reserves P.L. 108-375P.L. 108-375, §513; 118 Stat. 1880 (2004)

Commission on the Review of the Overseas Military Facility Structure of the United States

; 118 Stat. 1880; October 28, 2004
Commission on Review the Overseas Military Facility
P.L. 108-132P.L. 108-132, §128; 117 Stat. 1382 (2003) ; 117 Stat. 1382; November 22, 2003
Structure of the United States
Helping to Enhance the Livelihood of People (HELP) Helping to Enhance the Livelihood of People (HELP)
Around the Globe Commission P.L. 108-199P.L. 108-199, §637; 118 Stat. 101 (2004) ; 118 Stat. 101; January 23, 2003
Around the Globe Commission
National Commission on Small Community Air ServiceNational Commission on Small Community Air Service
P.L. 108-176P.L. 108-176, §411; 117 Stat. 2549; 117 Stat. 2549; October 18, 2003
(2003) National Prison Rape Reduction CommissionNational Prison Rape Reduction Commission
P.L. 108-79P.L. 108-79, §7; 117 Stat. 980 (2003)

Panel to Review Sexual Misconduct Allegations at United States Air Force Academy

; 117 Stat. 980; September 4, 2003
Panel to Review Sexual Misconduct Allegations at
P.L. 108-11P.L. 108-11, §501; 117 Stat. 609 (2003)

Veterans' Disability Benefits Commission

; 117 Stat. 609; April 16, 2003
United States Air Force Academy
Congressional Research Service

15

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Congressional Commissions: Overview and Considerations for Congress

Commission
Authority
Veterans’ Disability Benefits Commission
P.L. 108-136P.L. 108-136, §1501; 117 Stat. 1676; 117 Stat. 1676; November 24, 2003
(2003) Source: CRS analysis of commission legislation from Congress.gov.CRS analysis of commission legislation from Congress.gov.

Table 1112. Congressional Commissions Created During the 107th Congress
Commission
Authority
Antitrust Modernization Commission
107^th Congress

Commission

Authority

Antitrust Modernization Commission

P.L. 107-273, §11051P.L. 107-273; 116 Stat. 1856; 116 Stat. 1856; November 2, 2002
(2002) Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary CommissionBenjamin Franklin Tercentenary Commission
P.L. 107-202; 116 Stat. 739P.L. 107-202; 116 Stat. 739; July 24, 2002
(2002) Brown v. Board of Education Brown v. Board of Education 50th50^th Anniversary Anniversary
Commission P.L. 107-41; 115 Stat. 226P.L. 107-41; 115 Stat. 226; September 18, 2001
Commission
(2001) Commission on the Application of Payment Limitations Commission on the Application of Payment Limitations
for Agriculture P.L. 107-171P.L. 107-171, §1605; 116 Stat. 216; 116 Stat. 216; May 13, 2002
for Agriculture
(2002) Guam War Claims Review CommissionGuam War Claims Review Commission
P.L. 107-333; 116 Stat. 2873P.L. 107-333; 116 Stat. 2873; December 12, 2002
(2002) National Commission for the Review of the Research National Commission for the Review of the Research
and Development Programs of the United States Intelligence Community P.L. 107-306P.L. 107-306, §1002; 116 Stat. 2437 (2002) ; 116 Stat. 2437; November 27, 2002
and Development Programs of the United States
Intelligence Community
National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the
United States P.L. 107-306P.L. 107-306, §601; 116 Stat. 2408 (2002)

National Museum of African American History and Culture Plan for Action Presidential Commission

; 116 Stat. 2408; November 27, 2002
United States
National Museum of African American History and
P.L. 107-106P.L. 107-106; 115 Stat. 1009 (2001) ; 115 Stat. 1009; December 28, 2001
Culture Plan for Action Presidential Commission
Source: CRS analysis of commission legislation from Congress.gov.CRS analysis of commission legislation from Congress.gov.

Table 1213. Congressional Commissions Created During the 106th Congress
106^th Congress Commission
Authority

Authority

Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial CommissionAbraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission
P.L. 106-173P.L. 106-173; 114 Stat. 14 (2000)

Commission on Affordable Housing and Health Care Facility Needs in the 21^st Century

P.L. 106-74, §525; 113 Stat. 1106 (1999)

; 114 Stat. 14; February 25, 2000
Commission on Affordable Housing and Health Care
P.L. 106-74; 113 Stat. 1106; October 20, 1999
Facility Needs in the 21st Century
Commission to Assess the Threat to the United States
P.L. 106-398, 114 Stat. 1645A-345; October 30, 2000
from Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) Attacks
Commission on Indian and Native Alaskan Health CareCommission on Indian and Native Alaskan Health Care
P.L. 106-310P.L. 106-310, §3307; 114 Stat. 1216 (2000)

Commission on Ocean Policy

; 114 Stat. 1216; October 17, 2000
Commission on Ocean Policy
P.L. 106-256P.L. 106-256, §3; 114 Stat. 645; 114 Stat. 645; October 7, 2000
(2000) Commission on the Future of the United States Commission on the Future of the United States
Aerospace Industry P.L. 106-398P.L. 106-398, §1092; 114 Stat. 1654A-; 114 Stat. 1654A-301; October 30, 2000
Aerospace Industry
300 (2000) Commission on the National Military MuseumCommission on the National Military Museum
P.L. 106-65P.L. 106-65, §2901; 113 Stat. 880; 113 Stat. 880; October 5, 1999
(1999) Commission on Victory in the Cold WarCommission on Victory in the Cold War
P.L. 106-65; 113 Stat. 765; October 5, 1999
Commission to Assess United States National Security

P.L. 106-65, §1053(e); 113 Stat. 765 (1999)

Commission to Assess the Threat to the United States from Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) Attack

P.L. 106-398, §1401; 114 Stat. 1645A-345 (2000)

Commission to Assess United States National Security Space Management and Organization

P.L. 106-65, §1621P.L. 106-65; 113 Stat. 813; October 5, 1999
Space Management and Organization
; 113 Stat. 813 (1999) Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial CommissionDwight D. Eisenhower Memorial Commission
P.L. 106-79P.L. 106-79, §8162; 113 Stat. 1274; 113 Stat. 1274; October 25, 1999
(1999) Forest Counties Payments CommitteeForest Counties Payments Committee
P.L. 106-291; 114 Stat. 991; October 11, 2000
Congressional Research Service

16

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Congressional Commissions: Overview and Considerations for Congress

Commission
Authority
James Madison Commemoration Commission

P.L. 106-291, §320(b); 114 Stat. 991 (2000)

James Madison Commemoration Commission

P.L. 106-550; 114 Stat. 2745P.L. 106-550; 114 Stat. 2745; December 19, 2000
(2000) Judicial Review Commission on Foreign Asset ControlJudicial Review Commission on Foreign Asset Control
P.L. 106-120P.L. 106-120, §810; 113 Stat. 1633; 113 Stat. 1633; December 3, 1999
(1999) Lands Title Report CommissionLands Title Report Commission
P.L. 106-568P.L. 106-568, §1001; 114 Stat. 2923; 114 Stat. 2923; December 27, 2000
(2000) P.L. 106-569P.L. 106-569, §501; 114 Stat. 2959 (2000)

Millennial Housing Commission

; 114 Stat. 2959; December 27, 2000
Mil ennial Housing Commission
P.L. 106-74P.L. 106-74, §206; 113 Stat. 1070; 113 Stat. 1070; October 20, 1999
(1999) National Commission for the Review of the National National Commission for the Review of the National
Reconnaissance Office P.L. 106-120P.L. 106-120, §701; 113 Stat. 1620; 113 Stat. 1620; December 3, 1999
Reconnaissance Office
(1999) National Commission on the Use of Offsets in Defense National Commission on the Use of Offsets in Defense
Trade P.L. 106-113P.L. 106-113, §1247; 113 Stat. 1501A-502 (1999)

National Commission to Ensure Consumer Information and Choice in the Airline Industry

; 113 Stat. 1501A-502; November 29, 1999
Trade
National Commission to Ensure Consumer Information P.L. 106-181P.L. 106-181, §228; 114 Stat. 105 (2000) ; 114 Stat. 105; April 15, 2000
and Choice in the Airline Industry
National Wildlife Refuge System Centennial National Wildlife Refuge System Centennial
Commission P.L. 106-408P.L. 106-408, §303; 114 Stat. 1783; 114 Stat. 1783; November 1, 2000
Commission
(2000) Public Interest Declassification BoardPublic Interest Declassification Board
P.L. 106-567P.L. 106-567, §701; 114 Stat. 2856; 114 Stat. 2856; December 27, 2000
(2000) Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Advisory PanelTicket to Work and Work Incentives Advisory Panel
P.L. 106-170; 113 Stat. 1887; December 17, 1999

P.L. 106-170, §101(f); 113 Stat. 1878 (1999)

Source: CRS analysis of commission legislation from Congress.gov.CRS analysis of commission legislation from Congress.gov.

Table 1314. Congressional Commissions Created During the 105th Congress
Commission
Authority
Advisory Committee105^th Congress

Commission

Authority

Advisory Commission on Electronic Commerce on Electronic Commerce
P.L. 105-277P.L. 105-277, §1102; 112 Stat. 2681-722; 112 Stat. 2681-722; October 21, 1998
Amtrak Reform Council
(1998)

Amtrak Reform Council

P.L. 105-134, §203P.L. 105-134; 111 Stat. 2579; 111 Stat. 2579; December 2, 1997
(1997) Census Monitoring BoardCensus Monitoring Board
P.L. 105-119P.L. 105-119, §210; 111 Stat. 2483 (1997) ; 111 Stat. 2483; November 26, 1997
Commission on the Advancement of Women and
P.L. 105-255; 112 Stat. 1889; October 14, 1998
Minorities in Science, Engineering, and Technology
Development
Commission on Military Training and Gender-Related Commission on Military Training and Gender-Related
Issues P.L. 105-85P.L. 105-85, §561; 111 Stat. 1750; 111 Stat. 1750; November 18, 1997
Issues
(1997) Commission on Online Child ProtectionCommission on Online Child Protection
P.L. 105-277P.L. 105-277, §1405; 112 Stat. 2681-739; 112 Stat. 2681-739; October 21, 1998
Independent Panel to Evaluate the Adequacy of Current P.L. 105-56; 111 Stat. 1249; October 8, 1997
(1998)

Commission on the Advancement of Women and Minorities in Science, Engineering, and Technology Development

P.L. 105-255; 112 Stat. 1889 (1998)

Independent Panel to Evaluate the Adequacy of Current Planning for United States Long-Range Air Power and Planning for United States Long-Range Air Power and
the Requirement for Continued Low-Rate Production the Requirement for Continued Low-Rate Production
of B-2 Stealth Bombersof B-2 Stealth Bombers

P.L. 105-56, §8131; 111 Stat. 1249 (1997)

National Bipartisan Commission on the Future of National Bipartisan Commission on the Future of
Medicare P.L. 105-33P.L. 105-33, §4021; 111 Stat. 347 (1997)

National Commission on Terrorism

P.L. 105-277, §591; 112 Stat. 2681-210 (1998)

National Commission on the Cost of Higher Education

P.L. 105-18, §40002; 111 Stat. 207 (1997)

National Health Museum Commission

; 111 Stat. 347; October 5, 1997
Medicare
National Commission on the Cost of Higher Education
P.L. 105-18; 111 Stat. 207; June 12, 1997
National Commission on Terrorism
P.L. 105-277; 112 Stat. 2681-210; October 21, 1998
National Health Museum Commission
P.L. 105-78P.L. 105-78, §704; 111 Stat. 1525; 111 Stat. 1525; November 13, 1997
(1997) Parents Advisory Council on Youth Drug AbuseParents Advisory Council on Youth Drug Abuse
P.L. 105-277P.L. 105-277, §710; 112 Stat. 2681-689 (1998)

Presidential Advisory Commission on Holocaust Assets in the United States

; 112 Stat. 2681-690; October 21, 1998
Presidential Advisory Commission on Holocaust Assets
P.L. 105-186P.L. 105-186; 112 Stat. 611 (1998)

Trade Deficit Review Commission

P.L. 105-277, §127; 112 Stat. 2681-547 (1998)

; 112 Stat. 611; June 23, 1998
in the United States
Congressional Research Service

17

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Congressional Commissions: Overview and Considerations for Congress

Commission
Authority
Twenty-First Century Workforce CommissionTwenty-First Century Workforce Commission
P.L. 105-220P.L. 105-220, §331; 112 Stat. 1087 (1998) ; 112 Stat. 1087; October 7, 1998
Trade Deficit Review Commission
P.L. 105-277; 112 Stat. 2681-547; October 21, 1998
United States Commission on International Religious United States Commission on International Religious
Freedom P.L. 105-292P.L. 105-292, §201; 112 Stat. 2797; 112 Stat. 2797; October 27, 1998
Freedom
(1998) Web-Based Education CommissionWeb-Based Education Commission
P.L. 105-244P.L. 105-244, §851; 112 Stat. 1822; 112 Stat. 1822; October 7, 1998
Women’ (1998) Women's Progress Commemoration Commissions Progress Commemoration Commission
P.L. 105-341; 112 Stat. 3196P.L. 105-341; 112 Stat. 3196; October 31, 1998
(1998) Source: CRS analysis of commission legislation from Congress.gov.CRS analysis of commission legislation from Congress.gov.
Table 14 Table 15. Congressional Commissions Created During the 104th Congress
Commission
Authority
Commission on 21st104^th Congress

Commission

Authority

Commission on 21^st Century Production Agriculture Century Production Agriculture
P.L. 104-127P.L. 104-127, §181; 110 Stat. 938; 110 Stat. 938; April 4, 1996
(1996) Commission on Consensus Reform in the District of Commission on Consensus Reform in the District of
Columbia Public Schools P.L. 104-134P.L. 104-134, §2851; 110 Stat. 1321-151; 110 Stat. 1321-151; April 26, 1996
Columbia Public Schools
(1996) Commission on Maintaining United States Nuclear Commission on Maintaining United States Nuclear
Weapons Expertise P.L. 104-201P.L. 104-201, §3162; 110 Stat. 2843 (1996)

Commission on Servicemembers and Veterans Transition Assistance

; 110 Stat. 2843; September 23, 1996
Weapons Expertise
Commission on Servicemembers and Veterans
P.L. 104-275P.L. 104-275, §701; 110 Stat. 3346 (1996) ; 110 Stat. 3346; October 9, 1996
Transition Assistance
Commission on the Advancement of Federal Law Commission on the Advancement of Federal Law
Enforcement P.L. 104-132P.L. 104-132, §806; 110 Stat. 1305; 110 Stat. 1305; April 24, 1996
Enforcement
(1996) Commission to Assess the Ballistic Missile Threat to Commission to Assess the Ballistic Missile Threat to
the United States P.L. 104-201P.L. 104-201, §1321; 110 Stat. 2711; 110 Stat. 2711; September 23, 1996
the United States
(1996) Commission to Assess the Organization of the Federal Commission to Assess the Organization of the Federal
Government to Combat the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction P.L. 104-293P.L. 104-293, §711; 110 Stat. 3470 (1996) ; 110 Stat. 3470; October 11, 1996
Government to Combat the Proliferation of Weapons
of Mass Destruction
National Civil Aviation Review CommissionNational Civil Aviation Review Commission
P.L. 104-264; 110 Stat. 3241; October 9, 1996

P.L. 104-264, §274(b); 110 Stat. 3241 (1996)

National Commission on Restructuring the Internal National Commission on Restructuring the Internal
Revenue Service P.L. 104-52P.L. 104-52, §637; 109; 110 Stat. 509; November 19, 1995
Revenue Service
Stat. 509 (1995) National Gambling Impact Study CommissionNational Gambling Impact Study Commission
P.L. 104-169; 110 Stat. 1482P.L. 104-169; 110 Stat. 1482; October 3, 1996
(1996) Water Rights Task ForceWater Rights Task Force
P.L. 104-127; 110 Stat. 1021; April 4, 1996

P.L. 104-127, §389(d); 110 Stat. 1021 (1996)

Source: CRS analysis of commission legislation from Congress.gov.CRS analysis of commission legislation from Congress.gov.

Table 1516. Congressional Commissions Created During the 103rd Congress
Commission
Authority
103^rd Congress

Commission

Authority

Advisory Board on Welfare IndicatorsAdvisory Board on Welfare Indicators
P.L. 103-432; 108 Stat. 4463; October 31, 1994

P.L. 103-432, §232(c); 108 Stat. 4463 (1994)

Commission on LeaveCommission on Leave
P.L. 103-3P.L. 103-3, §301; 107 Stat. 23; 107 Stat. 23; February 5, 1993
(1993) Commission on Protecting and Reducing Government Commission on Protecting and Reducing Government
Secrecy P.L. 103-236P.L. 103-236, §901; 108 Stat. 525; 108 Stat. 525; April 30, 1994
Secrecy
(1994) Commission on the Roles and Capabilities of the Commission on the Roles and Capabilities of the
United States Intelligence Community P.L. 103-359P.L. 103-359, §901; 108 Stat. 3456 (1994) ; 108 Stat. 3456; October 14, 1994
United States Intelligence Community
National Bankruptcy Review CommissionNational Bankruptcy Review Commission
P.L. 103-394P.L. 103-394, §601; 108 Stat. 4147 (1994) ; 108 Stat. 4147; October 22, 1994
Congressional Research Service

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link to page 24 Congressional Commissions: Overview and Considerations for Congress

Commission
Authority
National Commission on Crime Control and National Commission on Crime Control and
Prevention P.L. 103-322P.L. 103-322, §270002; 108 Stat. 2089; 108 Stat. 2089; September 13, 1994
Prevention
National Skil (1994) National Skill Standards BoardStandards Board
P.L. 103-227P.L. 103-227, §501; 108 Stat. 191; 108 Stat. 191; March 31, 1994
(1994) Source: CRS analysis of commission legislation from Congress.gov.CRS analysis of commission legislation from Congress.gov.
Table 1617. Congressional Commissions Created During the 102nd Congress
Commission
Authority
102^nd Congress

Commission

Authority

Commission on Broadcasting to the PeopleCommission on Broadcasting to the People’'s Republic s Republic
of China P.L. 102-138P.L. 102-138, §243; 105 Stat. 705; 105 Stat. 705; October 28, 1991
of China
(1991) Commission on Child and Family WelfareCommission on Child and Family Welfare
P.L. 102-521P.L. 102-521, §5; 106 Stat. 3406; 106 Stat. 3406; October 25, 1992
(1992) Commission on the Bicentennial of the United States Commission on the Bicentennial of the United States
Capitol P.L. 102-392P.L. 102-392, §324; 106 Stat. 1726; 106 Stat. 1726; October 6, 1992
Capitol
(1992) Commission on the Social Security Commission on the Social Security “Notch” Issue
"Notch" Issue P.L. 102-393P.L. 102-393, §635; 106 Stat. 1777; 106 Stat. 1777; October 6, 1992
(1992) Commission to Commission to ProtectPromote Investment in America Investment in America’s
's Infrastructure P.L. 102-240P.L. 102-240, §1081; 105 Stat. 2020; 105 Stat. 2020; December 18, 1991
Infrastructure
(1991) Congressional Commission on the Evaluation of Congressional Commission on the Evaluation of
the Defense Industrial Base Policy P.L. 102-558P.L. 102-558, §203; 106 Stat. 4220 (1992) ; 106 Stat. 4220; October 28, 1992
Defense Industry Base Policy
Glass Ceiling CommissionGlass Ceiling Commission
P.L. 102-166P.L. 102-166, §203; 105 Stat. 1082; 105 Stat. 1082; November 21, 1991
(1991) National Commission on Intermodal TransportationNational Commission on Intermodal Transportation
P.L. 102-240P.L. 102-240, §5005; 105 Stat. 2160; 105 Stat. 2160; December 18, 1991
(1991) National Commission on Reducing Capital National Commission on Reducing Capital Gains for
Costs for Emerging Technology P.L. 102-245, §401P.L. 102-245; 106 Stat. 21; February 14, 1992
Emerging Technology
; 106 Stat. 21 (1992) National Commission on Rehabilitation ServicesNational Commission on Rehabilitation Services
P.L. 102-569P.L. 102-569, §801; 106; 105 Stat. 4473 Stat. 4473; October 29, 1992
(1992) National Commission on the Future Role of United National Commission on the Future Role of United
States Nuclear Weapons, Problems of Command, Control, and Safety of Soviet Nuclear Weapons, and Reduction of Nuclear Weapons P.L. 102-172P.L. 102-172, §8132; 105 Stat. 1208; 105 Stat. 1208; November 26, 1991
States Nuclear Weapons
(1991) National Commission to National Commission to Promote a Strong
Ensure a Strong Competitive Airline Industry P.L. 102-581, §204P.L. 102-581; 106 Stat. 4891; October 31, 1992
Competitive Airline Industry
; 106 Stat. 4891 (1992) National Education Commission on Time and LearningNational Education Commission on Time and Learning
P.L. 102-62P.L. 102-62, §101; 105 Stat. 305 (1991)

Thomas Jefferson Commemoration Commission

; 105 Stat. 306; June 27, 1991
Thomas Jefferson Commemoration Commission
P.L. 102-343; 106 Stat. 915P.L. 102-343; 106 Stat. 915; October 17, 1992
(1992) Source: CRS analysis of commission legislation from Congress.gov.CRS analysis of commission legislation from Congress.gov.

Table 1718. Congressional Commissions Created During the 101st Congress
Commission
Authority
101^st Congress

Commission

Authority

Civil War Sites Advisory CommissionCivil War Sites Advisory Commission
P.L. 101-628P.L. 101-628, §1205; 104 Stat. 4504; 104 Stat. 4504; November 28, 1990
(1990) Commission on Legal Immigration ReformCommission on Legal Immigration Reform
P.L. 101-649P.L. 101-649, §141; 104 Stat. 5001; 104 Stat. 5001; November 29, 1990
(1990) Commission on Management of the Agency for Commission on Management of the Agency for
International Development Programs P.L. 101-513P.L. 101-513, §557; 104 Stat. 2022 (1990) ; 104 Stat. 2022; November 5, 1990
International Development Programs
Commission on State and Private ForestsCommission on State and Private Forests
P.L. 101-624P.L. 101-624, §1245; 104 Stat. 3548; 104 Stat. 3548; November 28, 1990
(1990) Defense Base Closure and Realignment CommissionDefense Base Closure and Realignment Commission
P.L. 101-510P.L. 101-510, §2901; 104 Stat. 1808; 104 Stat. 1808; November 5, 1990
Independent Commissiona
P.L. 101-121; 103 Stat. 742; October 23, 1989
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Congressional Commissions: Overview and Considerations for Congress

Commission
Authority
Joint Federal-State Commission on Policies and
P.L. 101-379; 104 Stat. 478; October 18, 1990
Programs Affecting Alaska Natives
(1990) Independent Commission^a

P.L. 101-121, §304(c); 103 Stat. 742 (1989)

Joint Federal-State Commission on Policies and Programs Affecting Alaska Natives

P.L. 101-379, §12(b); 104 Stat. 478 (1990)

National Advisory Council on the Public ServiceNational Advisory Council on the Public Service
P.L. 101-363; 104 Stat. 424P.L. 101-363; 104 Stat. 424; August 14, 1990
(1990) National Commission on American Indian, Alaska National Commission on American Indian, Alaska
Native, and Native Hawaiian Housing P.L. 101-235P.L. 101-235, §601; 103 Stat. 2052 (1989) ; 103 Stat. 2052; December 15, 1989
Native, and Native Hawaiian Housing
National Commission on Defense and National SecurityNational Commission on Defense and National Security P.L. 101-511P.L. 101-511, §3; 104 Stat. 1899; 104 Stat. 1899; November 5, 1990
(1990) National Commission on Financial Institution Reform, National Commission on Financial Institution Reform,
Recovery, and Enforcement P.L. 101-647P.L. 101-647, §2551; 104 Stat. 4889; 104 Stat. 4889; November 29, 1990
Recovery, and Enforcement
(1990) National Commission on Judicial Discipline and National Commission on Judicial Discipline and
Removal P.L. 101-650P.L. 101-650, §408; 104 Stat. 5124; 104 Stat. 5124; December 1, 1990
Removal
(1990) National Commission on Manufactured HousingNational Commission on Manufactured Housing
P.L. 101-625P.L. 101-625, §943; 104 Stat. 4413; 104 Stat. 4413; November 28, 1990
(1990) National Commission on Severely Distressed Public National Commission on Severely Distressed Public
Housing P.L. 101-235P.L. 101-235, §501; 103 Stat. 2048; 103 Stat. 2048; December 15, 1989
Housing
(1989) National Commission on Wildfire DisastersNational Commission on Wildfire Disasters
P.L. 101-286P.L. 101-286, §101; 104 Stat. 171; 104 Stat. 171; May 9, 1990
(1990) National Commission to Support Law EnforcementNational Commission to Support Law Enforcement
P.L. 101-515; 104 Stat. 2122; November 5, 1990

P.L. 101-515, §211(B); 104 Stat. 2122 (1990)

Preservation of Jazz Advisory CommissionPreservation of Jazz Advisory Commission
P.L. 101-499P.L. 101-499, §4; 104 Stat. 1210; 104 Stat. 1210; November 2, 1990
(1990) Risk Assessment and Management CommissionRisk Assessment and Management Commission
P.L. 101-549P.L. 101-549, §303; 104 Stat. 2574; 104 Stat. 2574; November 15, 1990
(1990) Source: CRS analysis of commission legislation from Congress.gov.CRS analysis of commission legislation from Congress.gov.
a.

Notes:

a. The Independent Commission was created to review the National Endowment for the ArtsThe Independent Commission was created to review the National Endowment for the Arts' grant-making procedures and consider whether the standard for publicly funded art should be different than the standard for privately funded art. grant-making
procedures.


Author Information

Jacob R. Straus

Specialist on the Congress


Acknowledgments
Tyler Wolanin, research assistant, contributed to this report. This report was originally coauthored with This report was originally coauthored with
former CRS Analyst Matthew E. Glassman. former CRS Analyst Matthew E. Glassman. Tyler L. Wolanin, former Research Assistant; Raymond T. Williams, former Research AssistantRaymond T. Williams, former Research Assistant,; and and
William T. Egar, former Analyst in American National Government, also contributed to William T. Egar, former Analyst in American National Government, also contributed to this report
Congressional Research Service

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Congressional Commissions: Overview and Considerations for Congress



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Congressional Research Service
R40076 · VERSION 26 · UPDATED
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previous versions of the report.

Footnotes

1.

Colton Campbell, Discharging Congress: Government by Commission (Praeger, 2002); and Jordan Tama, Terrorism and National Security Reforms: How Commissions Can Drive Change During Crisis (Cambridge University Press, 2011).

2.

United States Commission on North American Energy Freedom: P.L. 109-58, 119 Stat. 1064 (2005). National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States: P.L. 107-306, 116 Stat. 2408 (2002).

3.

Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission: P.L. 106-173, 114 Stat. 14 (2000). For more information on commemorative commissions, see CRS Report R41425, Commemorative Commissions: Overview, Structure, and Funding, by Jacob R. Straus.

4.

For more information on executive branch advisory commissions, see CRS Report R47984, The Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA): Overview and Considerations for Congress, by Meghan M. Stuessy and Kathleen E. Marchsteiner; and CRS In Focus IF12102, Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA): Committee Establishment and Termination, by Meghan M. Stuessy.

5.

Alternative definitions might be equally appealing. The wide variety of boards, task forces, panels, and commissions created by Congress, coupled with the lack of a legal definition for "congressional commission," results in many gray areas. Consequently, some observers might consider an entity that is created by Congress but that does not meet all five characteristics a congressional commission. For example, in the 110^th Congress, Congress authorized the Committee on Levee Safety (P.L. 110-114, §9003, 121 Stat. 1288 [2007]). The committee was a temporary advisory body created by statutory authority, but the executive branch and state officials determined its membership and it reported to both Congress and the Secretary of the Army. In the 116^th Congress, Congress directed the Secretary of Defense to establish a Commission on the Naming of Items of the Department of Defense that Commemorate the Confederate States of America or Any Person Who Served Voluntarily with the Confederate States of America (P.L. 116-283, §370; 134 Stat. 3553 [2021]) and to implement the plan it submitted. While those commissions are not included in this report, some observers might consider them congressional commissions.

6.

Entities that are widely considered congressional commissions could be established outside of Congress. For example, the U.S. Institute of Peace established the Iraq Study Group. After its creation, Congress appropriated money to the U.S. Institute of Peace and informally arranged for the selection of the panel's chairs. For more information on the Iraq Study Group, see U.S. Institute of Peace, "Iraq Study Group," https://www.usip.org/programs/iraq-study-group.

7.

For more information on establishing an advisory commission in the executive branch, see CRS Report R47984, The Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA): Overview and Considerations for Congress, by Meghan M. Stuessy and Kathleen E. Marchsteiner. Many well-known advisory commissions have been established by the President or by an agency. For example, the U.S. Commission on National Security/21^st Century (the Hart-Rudman Commission) and the National Commission on Social Security Reform (Greenspan Commission) were both established by executive branch action.

8.

For example, in June 1995, the Senate Committee on Finance created the Advisory Commission to Study the Consumer Price Index. The advisory commission submitted its final report to the committee in December 1996. See U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Finance, Final Report of the Advisory Commission to Study the Consumer Price Index, committee print, 104^th Cong., 2^nd sess., S.Prt. 104-72 (GPO, 1996).

9.

House Office Building Commission: 2 U.S.C. §2001; P.L. 59-253; 34 Stat. 1365 (1907). Senate Commission on Art: 2 U.S.C. §2101; P.L. 100-696; 102 Stat. 4610 (1988).

10.

United States Group of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly: 22 U.S.C. §1928a; P.L. 84-689; 70 Stat. 523 (1956). United States Group of the Canada-United States Interparliamentary Group: 22 U.S.C. §276d; P.L. 86-42, 73 Stat. 72 (1959).

11.

United States Holocaust Memorial Council: 36 U.S.C. §2302; P.L. 106-292, 114 Stat. 1030 (2000). John F. Kennedy Center Board of Trustees: 20 U.S.C. §76h; P.L. 85-874; 72 Stat. 1698 (1958).

12.

For more information on the inclusion of Members of Congress in the commission appointment process, see CRS Report RL33313, Congressional Membership and Appointment Authority to Advisory Commissions, Boards, and Groups, by Jacob R. Straus.

13.

Commission on the Prevention of Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferation and Terrorism: P.L. 110-53, 121 Stat. 501 (2007). Motor Fuel Tax Enforcement Advisory Committee: P.L. 109-59, 119 Stat. 1959 (2005). Commission to Assess the Threat to the United States from Electromagnetic Pulse Attack: P.L. 106-398, 114 Stat. 1654A-345 (2000). National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (the 9/11 Commission): P.L. 107-306, 116 Stat. 2408 (2002).

14.

World War I Centennial Commission: P.L. 112-272; 126 Stat. 2449 (2013).

15.

Colton Campbell, "Creating an Angel: Congressional Delegation to Ad Hoc Commissions," Congress and the Presidency, vol. 25, no. 2 (Autumn 1998), p. 162.

16.

Campbell, "Creating an Angel," p. 174; and Campbell, Discharging Congress, pp. 55-59. For more information, see CRS Report R47173, Information Access for Congressional Advisory Commissions, by Jacob R. Straus and Tyler L. Wolanin.

17.

Campbell, Discharging Congress, p. 51.

18.

Morris P. Fiorina, "Group Concentration and the Delegation of Legislative Authority," in Roger G. Noll, ed., Regulatory Policy and the Social Sciences (University of California Press, 1985), p. 184. See also James E. Katz, "Science, Technology, and Congress," Science, vol. 30, no. 4 (May 1993), pp. 41-44.

19.

George T. Sulzner, "The Policy Process and the Uses of National Governmental Study Commissions," Western Political Quarterly, vol. 24, no. 3 (September 1971), pp. 438-448.

20.

Kenneth R. Mayer, "Closing Military Bases (Finally): Solving Collective Dilemmas Through Delegation," Legislative Studies Quarterly, vol. 20, no. 3 (August 1995), pp. 395-397.

21.

Campbell, Discharging Congress, pp. 9-10.

22.

Sulzner, "The Policy Process and the Uses of National Governmental Study Commissions," pp. 443-445.

23.

John B. Gilmour, "Summits and Stalemates: Bipartisan Negotiations in the Postreform Era," in Roger H. Davidson, ed., The Postreform Congress (St. Martin's Press, 1993), pp. 247-248.

24.

Daniel Bell, "Government by Commission," Public Interest, vol. 1, no. 3 (Spring 1966), p. 7; Campbell, Discharging Congress, p. 70; Campbell, Discharging Congress, p. 13; Newt Gingrich, "Leadership Task Forces: The 'Third Wave' Way to Consider Legislation," Roll Call, November 16, 1995, p. 5.

25.

Gary W. Cox and Mathew D. McCubbins, Legislative Leviathan: Party Government in the House (University of California Press, 1993), p. 80.

26.

In 1988, 1991, 1993, 1995, and 2005, Congress authorized Base Realignment and Closure Commissions (BRACs). Department of Defense, DoD Base Realignment and Closure: BRAC Rounds (BRAC 1988, 1991, 1993, 1995 & 2005), Executive Summary Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Budget Estimates, Program Year 2023, April 2022, https://comptroller.defense.gov/Portals/45/Documents/defbudget/fy2023/budget_justification/pdfs/05_BRAC/FY2023_BRAC_Overview.pdf. See also Mayer, "Closing Military Bases," pp. 398-399.

27.

"Under the terms of the statutes that authorized these previous BRAC rounds, the BRAC Commission's recommendations automatically take effect unless, within a stated period after the recommendations are approved by the President and submitted to the House and Senate, a joint resolution of disapproval is enacted rejecting them in their entirety. Congressional consideration of this disapproval resolution was governed not by the standing rules of the House and Senate but by special expedited or 'fast track' parliamentary procedures laid out in statute." For more information, see CRS Report R43102, "Fast Track" Legislative Procedures Governing Congressional Consideration of a Defense Base Closure and Realignment (BRAC) Commission Report, by Christopher M. Davis; and CRS Report RS20234, Expedited or "Fast-Track" Legislative Procedures, by Christopher M. Davis.

28.

Charles E. Cook, "Base Closing Furor: Minimal Political Impact for Members," Roll Call, March 18, 1993, p. 1.

29.

David S. Brown, "The Public Advisory Board as an Instrument of Government," Public Administration Review, vol. 15, no. 3 (Summer 1955), pp. 197-199.

30.

Charles J. Hanser, Guide to Decision: The Royal Commission (Bedminster Press, 1965), pp. 222-225.

31.

Sulzner, "The Policy Process and the Uses of National Governmental Study Commissions," p. 444.

32.

Sen. Trent Lott, "Special Commissions," Remarks in the Senate, Congressional Record, daily edition, vol. 148 (September 23, 2002), p. S9050. See also David Schoenbrod, Power Without Responsibility: How Congress Abuses the People Through Delegation (Yale University Press, 1993), p. 100; and R.W. Apple, "Keeping Hot Potatoes Out of the Kitchen," New York Times, February 2, 1989, D20.

33.

R. Kent Weaver, "The Politics of Blame Avoidance," Journal of Public Policy, vol. 6, no. 4 (October-December 1986), pp. 373-374. See also Douglas Arnold, The Logic of Congressional Action (Yale University Press, 1990), p. 101.

34.

Campbell, Discharging Congress, pp. 68-69; and Arnold, The Logic of Congressional Action, p. 101.

35.

R. Kent Weaver, "Is Congress Abdicating Power to Commissions?" Roll Call, February 12, 1989, pp. 5, 25.

36.

Natalie Hanlon, "Military Base Closures: A Study of Government by Commission," Colorado Law Review, vol. 62, no. 2 (1991), pp. 331-364.

37.

James Q. Wilson, "A Reader's Guide to the Crime Commission Reports," Public Interest, no. 9 (Fall 1967), pp. 64, 82.

38.

Brown, "The Public Advisory Board as an Instrument of Government," p. 199.

39.

These considerations are based, in part, on Campbell, Discharging Congress, p. 7, Table 1.3.

40.

Some commissions, such as the Motor Fuel Tax Enforcement Advisory Commission (P.L. 109-59; 119 Stat. 2941 [2005]), are not required to submit a final report but instead make annual reports to Congress during the specified lifespan of the commission.

41.

National Commission on the Cost of Higher Education: P.L. 105-18; 111 Stat. 207 (1997).

42.

Antitrust Modernization Commission: P.L. 107-273; 116 Stat. 1856 (2002).

43.

National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (9/11 Commission): P.L. 107-306; 116 Stat. 2408 (2002).

44.

For example, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom's statute (P.L. 105-292; 112 Stat. 2798 [1998]) stated, "(i) Funding.—Members of the Commission shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates authorized for employees of agencies under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code, while away from their homes or regular places of business in the performance of services for the Commission."

45.

For example, the Antitrust Modernization Commission's statute stated, "(a) Pay.—(1) Nongovernment employees.—Each member of the Commission who is not otherwise employed by a government shall be entitled to receive the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay payable for level IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5 United States Code, as in effect from time to time, for each day (including travel time) during which such member is engaged in the actual performance of duties of the Commission. (2) Government employees.—A member of the Commission who is an officer or employee of a government shall serve without additional pay (or benefits in the nature of compensation) for service as a member of the Commission. (b) Travel Expenses.—Members of the Commission shall receive travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in accordance with subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code." P.L. 107-273, 116 Stat. 1857 (2002).

46.

Office of Personnel Management, "Salary Table No. 2025-EX: Rates of Basic Pay for the Executive Schedule (EX)," at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/salary-tables/pdf/2025/EX.pdf. Although Level IV of the Executive Schedule is the most common compensation level, commission members could be compensated at other levels of the Executive Schedule or at particular levels of the General Schedule. However, members of congressional commissions that fall under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (P.L. 92-463; 5 U.S.C. §§1001-1014) are prohibited from receiving compensation in excess of the rate specified for Executive Schedule Level IV.

47.

The search included such terms as commission, task force, advisory, board, panel, independent establishment, coordinating committee, study group, and working group.

48.

For example, the FY1999 Omnibus Consolidated and Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act (P.L. 105-277, 112 Stat. 2681 [1998]) included provisions for 12 separate advisory bodies.

49. For example, in the 117^th Congress, Congress extended the Commission on Combating Synthetic Opioid Trafficking (P.L. 117-51, 135 Stat. 408 [2021]). That commission was initially authorized in the 116^th Congress (see Table 3).

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