S.Res. 57 — An original resolution authorizing expenditures by the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.

This section authorizes the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, in carrying out its powers, duties, and functions under the Standing Rules of the Senate, to (1) make expenditures from the contingent fund of the Senate, (2) employ personnel, and (3) use on a reimbursable or nonreimbursable basis (with required consents) the services of personnel from government departments or agencies, from March 1, 2025, through February 28, 2027.

This section authorizes expenses for the committee under this resolution for three periods: (1) March 1, 2025, through September 30, 2025, not to exceed $4,464,935, of which not more than $200,000 may be used for consultants (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. 4301(i))) and not more than $40,000 for professional staff training (under section 202(j) of that Act); (2) October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026, not to exceed $7,654,174, with the same consultant and training limits; and (3) October 1, 2026, through February 28, 2027, not to exceed $3,189,239, with the same consultant and training limits.

This section authorizes payment of the committee's expenses from the Senate contingent fund upon vouchers approved by the chairman, except that vouchers are not required for routine items such as employee salaries paid at an annual rate, telecommunications services, stationery supplies, postal services, metered copying charges, Senate recording and photographic services, and franked mail costs. It also authorizes agency contributions (i.e., for items such as retirement benefits and health insurance) related to committee employee compensation from the Senate Expenses of Inquiries and Investigations account (1) for March 1, 2025, through September 30, 2025; (2) for October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026; and (3) for October 1, 2026, through February 28, 2027.