S.Res. 706Senate115th Congress (2017-2019)Passed Congress

A resolution to authorize representation by the Senate Legal Counsel in the case of Jacob R. Kent, et al., v. R.L. Vallee, Inc., et al.

Introduced November 26, 2018

AI-Generated Summary

Updated April 16, 2026 at 12:18 AM UTC

This Senate resolution permits the Senate’s legal counsel to act as the lawyer for Senator Bernie Sanders’ office and its employee, Daniel McLean, in the Vermont state court case Jacob R. Kent et al. v. R.L. Vallee, Inc. The case involves a subpoena issued to McLean for testimony and documents. The resolution uses Senate ethics rules and privileges to allow the Senate to provide legal representation for its members and staff in such matters.

Key Provisions

  • Authorizes the Senate Legal Counsel to represent Senator Sanders’ office and employee Daniel McLean in the Vermont lawsuit.
  • Cites the Ethics in Government Act and Senate rules that let the Senate direct counsel to defend members, officers, and employees against subpoenas or other legal requests related to official duties.
  • Affirms that Senate‑controlled evidence cannot be taken without Senate permission, reinforcing the Senate’s privilege in the case.

Legislative Activity

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1 earlier action
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Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S7099-7100; text: CR S7091; Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S7091)

November 26, 2018

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SenateIntro Referral

Introduced in Senate

November 26, 2018

SenateFloor

Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S7099-7100; text: CR S7091; Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S7091)

November 26, 2018

Floor Debate

1 member

What members said about S.Res. 706 on the floor

1 Republican
Mitch McConnell
Sen. Mitch McConnellR-KY · Nov 26, 2018

Mr. President, on behalf of myself and the distinguished Democratic leader, Mr. Schumer, I send to the desk a resolution authorizing representation by the Senate Legal Counsel and ask for its…

Mitch McConnell
Sen. Mitch McConnellR-KY · Nov 26, 2018

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate now proceed to the en bloc consideration of the following Senate resolutions, which were submitted earlier today: S. Res. 704, S. Res. 705, and…

Bill Text

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Agreed to SenateIssued November 26, 2018

III

115th CONGRESS

2d Session

S. RES. 706

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

November 26, 2018

Mr. McConnell (for himself and Mr. Schumer) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to

RESOLUTION

To authorize representation by the Senate Legal Counsel in the case of Jacob R. Kent, et al., v. R.L. Vallee, Inc., et al.

Whereas, in the case of Jacob R. Kent, et al., v. R.L. Vallee, Inc., et al., Case No. 617–6–15, pending in the Superior Court of Vermont in Chittenden County, defendant R.L. Vallee, Inc. has issued a deposition subpoena for testimony and documents to Daniel McLean, an employee in Senator Sanders' office;

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 current or former Members, officers, and employees of the Senate with respect to any subpoena, order, or request for testimony or documents 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 may, by the judicial or administrative process, be taken from such control or possession but by permission of the Senate: Now, therefore, be it

That the Senate Legal Counsel is authorized to represent Senator Sanders' office and Mr. McLean in this matter and in all proceedings related to it.