III
109th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. RES. 520
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
June 23, 2006
Mr. Frist (for himself and Mr. Reid) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to
RESOLUTION
To authorize the production of records, testimony, and legal representation.
Whereas the United States Department of Justice is conducting an investigation into improper activities by lobbyists and related matters;
Whereas the Committee on Indian Affairs and the Committee on Rules and Administration have received specific requests from the Department of Justice for records that may be relevant for use in the investigation;
Whereas, pursuant to sections 703(a) and 704(a)(2) of the Ethics in Government Act of 1978, 2 U.S.C. §§ 288b(a) and 288c(a)(2), the Senate may direct its counsel to represent employees of the Senate with respect to any subpoena, order, or request for testimony relating to their official responsibilities;
Whereas, by the privileges of the Senate of the United States and rule XI of the Standing Rules of the Senate, no evidence under the control or in the possession of the Senate can, by administrative or judicial process, be taken from such control or possession but by permission of the Senate; and
Whereas, when it appears that evidence under the control or in the possession of the Senate is needed for the promotion of justice, the Senate will take such action as will promote the ends of justice consistent with the privileges of the Senate: Now, therefore, be it
That the Committee on Indian Affairs and the Committee on Rules and Administration are authorized to provide to the U.S. Department of Justice the specific documents that have been requested by the Department of Justice to date for use in legal and investigatory proceedings, and to provide related testimony from their staffs, if necessary, except where a privilege should be asserted.
The Senate Legal Counsel is authorized to represent employees of the Committee on Indian Affairs and the Committee on Rules and Administration in connection with the document production and testimony authorized in section one of this resolution.