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.
“Constitutional Authority Statement for H.R. 104” mentioning the U.S. Dept of State was published in the House of Representatives section on pages H36 on Jan. 3, 2013.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
By Mr. GARRETT:
H.R. 104.
Congress has the power to enact this legislation pursuant to the following:
Article I, Section 8, Clause 1 (The Congress shall have Power to lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts, and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States;), Article I, Section 9, Clause 7 (No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in consequence of Appropriations made by Law; and a regular Statement and Account of the Receipts and Expenditures of all public Money shall be published from time to time), and Article I, Section 8, Clause 18 (To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any Department of Officer thereof).
This legislation authorizes appropriations for
``Acquisition and Maintenance of Buildings Abroad'' for the Department of State, such sums as may be necessary to establish a United States Embassy in Israel in the capital of Jerusalem.