S.Res. 609 – A resolution to authorize testimony and representation in United States v. Crou…

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Updated February 18, 2026 at 4:02 PM UTC

This Senate resolution allows three employees of Senators Budd, Cramer, and Cornyn to give testimony in the federal case United States v. Crouse, while preserving any Senate privileges that may apply. It also grants the Senate’s legal counsel the power to represent those employees in handling the subpoena and related legal matters. The action is intended to balance the court’s request for evidence with the Senate’s authority over its own personnel and records.

Key Provisions

The resolution permits Ryan Alban, a staff member for Senator Ted Budd, to testify in United States v. Crouse, subject to any applicable Senate privilege.
It similarly authorizes Lisa Gibbens, a staffer for Senator Kevin Cramer, to testify in the same case, with privilege considerations.
It also authorizes Jill Wyman, a staffer for Senator John Cornyn, to testify, again subject to privilege.
The Senate’s legal counsel is given authority to represent these three employees in matters related to producing the authorized testimony.

Legislative Activity

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Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S616; text: CR S613)

February 12, 2026

Floor Debate

2 members

What members said about S.Res. 609 on the floor

2 Republicans

Sen. John ThuneR-SD · Feb 12, 2026

Mr. President, this resolution concerns a request for evidence in a criminal action pending in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas. In this action, the defendant is charged with…

Sen. Eric SchmittR-MO · Feb 12, 2026

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate now proceed to the en bloc consideration of the following resolutions, which are at the desk: S. Res. 609, S. Res. 610, and S. Res. 611. I ask…

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Agreed to SenateIssued February 12, 2026

III

119th CONGRESS

2d Session

S. RES. 609

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

February 12, 2026

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

RESOLUTION

To authorize testimony, and representation in United States of America v. Crouse.

Whereas, in the case of United States of America v. Crouse, Cr. No. 23-393, pending in the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas, the prosecution has requested the production of testimony from employees of the offices of Senator Ted Budd, Senator Kevin Cramer, and Senator John Cornyn;

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 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; and

Whereas, when it appears that evidence under the control or in the possession of the Senate may promote the administration 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 Ryan Alban, an employee of the office of Senator Ted Budd, is authorized to testify in the case of United States v. Crouse, except concerning matters for which a privilege should be asserted.

2.

That Lisa Gibbens, an employee of the office of Senator Kevin Cramer, is authorized to testify in the case of United States v. Crouse, except concerning matters for which a privilege should be asserted.

3.

That Jill Wyman, an employee of the office of Senator John Cornyn, is authorized to testify in the ase of United States v. Crouse, except concerning matters for which a privilege should be asserted.

4.

The Senate Legal Counsel is authorized to represent the employees of the offices of Senators Budd, Cramer, and Cornyn in connection with the production of testimony authorized in sections one, two, and three of this resolution.