A resolution to authorize representation by the Senate Legal Counsel in the case of Timothy P. Toms v. Alan Hantman, et al.

I ask unanimous consent the Senate now proceed to consideration of S. Res. 391, which was submitted earlier today.

Mr. President, this resolution concerns a civil action filed by a former employee of the Architect of the Capitol against an employee of the Senate along with various employees of the Architect of the Capitol and a Capitol Police Officer. The plaintiff in the case claims that the defendants conspired to retaliate against him in his employment because he had tried to report misconduct in the operations of the Architect of the Capitol. The plaintiff seeks damages from the defendants in this case for allegedly violating his constitutional rights.

The claims against the Senate employee, whose involvement in this suit arises solely out of her oversight role as a staff member on the Appropriations Committee, are subject to dismissal on numerous legal grounds, including failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted, and legislative and qualified immunity from suit. This resolution authorizes the Senate Legal Counsel to represent the Senate employee in this case and to move to dismiss the claims against her.

I ask unanimous consent the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, and the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table.