The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Justice was published in the Senate section on pages S4672 on Aug. 1, 2017.
The Department is one of the oldest in the US, focused primarily on law enforcement and the federal prison system. Downsizing the Federal Government, a project aimed at lowering taxes and boosting federal efficiency, detailed wasteful expenses such as $16 muffins at conferences and board meetings.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS
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SENATE RESOLUTION 237--TO AUTHORIZE THE PRODUCTION OF RECORDS BY THE
PERMANENT SUBCOMMITTEE ON INVESTIGATIONS OF THE COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND
SECURITY AND GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS
Mr. McCONNELL (for himself and Mr. Schumer) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to:
Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, on behalf of myself and the distinguished Democratic leader, Mr. Schumer, I send to the desk a resolution on documentary production by the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, and ask for its immediate consideration.
Mr. President, earlier this year the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations of the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs completed an investigation into internet sex trafficking. After completing that investigation, the Subcommittee referred its staff reports and findings to the United States Department of Justice for additional investigation. The Subcommittee has received a request from the Department seeking access to records that the Subcommittee obtained during the investigation.
In keeping with the Senate's practice under its rules, this resolution would authorize the Chairman and Ranking Minority Member of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, acting jointly, to provide records, obtained by the Subcommittee in the course of its investigation, in response to this request and requests from other Federal or State government entities and officials with a legitimate need for the records.
Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the material of the bill be printed in the Record.
There being no objection, the text of the material was ordered to be printed in the Record, as follows:
S. Res. 237
Whereas, the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations of the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs conducted an investigation into Internet sex trafficking;
Whereas, the Subcommittee has received a request from a federal law enforcement agency for access to records of the Subcommittee's investigation;
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;
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
Resolved, That the Chairman and Ranking Minority Member of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations of the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, acting jointly, are authorized to provide to law enforcement officials, regulatory agencies, and other entities or individuals duly authorized by federal or state governments, records of the Subcommittee's investigation into Internet sex trafficking.
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