S.Res. 78 — An original resolution authorizing expenditures by the Committee on the Budget.

This section authorizes the Senate Committee on the Budget, from March 1, 2025, through February 28, 2027, to (1) make expenditures from the contingent fund of the Senate, (2) employ personnel, and (3) use, with prior consent of the relevant government department or agency and the Committee on Rules and Administration, services of personnel from any such department or agency on a reimbursable or nonreimbursable basis.

This section authorizes expenses for the committee for three periods under 2 U.S.C. 4301: (1) not to exceed $4,630,478 for March 1, 2025, through September 30, 2025, including not more than $23,333 for consultants and $17,500 for professional staff training; (2) not to exceed $7,937,962 for October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026, including not more than $40,000 for consultants and $30,000 for staff training; and (3) not to exceed $3,307,484 for October 1, 2026, through February 28, 2027, including not more than $16,667 for consultants and $12,500 for staff training. (Thus, these amounts fund committee operations, including professional staff appointed without regard to political affiliation under 2 U.S.C. 4301(a)-(b).)

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