Recent CRS Reports on Congressional Issues

Recent CRS reports on Congressional matters include the following:

• WOMEN IN THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS: 1917-2006
• LIMITED-TERM APPOINTMENTS TO PRESIDENTIALLY APPOINTED, SENATE-CONFIRMED POSITIONS
• CONGRESSIONAL LIAISON OFFICES OF SELECTED FEDERAL AGENCIES
• SELECTED PRIVILEGES AND COURTESIES EXTENDED TO DEPARTING AND FORMER MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
• SELECTED PRIVILEGES AND COURTESIES EXTENDED TO FORMER SENATORS
• PAGES OF THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS: SELECTION, DUTIES, AND PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION
• HOUSE STANDING COMMITTEE CHAIRS: RULES GOVERNING SELECTION PROCEDURES

WOMEN IN THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS: 1917-2006   
CRS Publication Date:  07/26/2006
Document No.:  RL30261
Author(s):  Mildred Amer, Government and Finance Division

Abstract:  This report provides the names, dates of service, districts, and committee assignments of the 229 women who have served in the U.S. Congress.

LIMITED-TERM APPOINTMENTS TO PRESIDENTIALLY APPOINTED, SENATE-CONFIRMED POSITIONS   
CRS Publication Date:  08/25/2006
Document No.:  RS21412
Author(s):  Henry B. Hogue, Government and Finance Division

Abstract:  Several options that do not involve going through the Senate confirmation process are available for temporarily filling vacancies in presidentially appointed, Senateconfirmed positions (PAS positions). Limited-term appointments include temporary appointments under the Vacancies Act and recess appointments, each of which may be used under specific circumstances. Both types of appointment confer upon the appointee the legal authority to carry out the duties of the office, with the temporary appointee under the Vacancies Act performing such duties in an acting capacity. Alternatively, an individual may be hired by the agency as a consultant. A consultant does not carry the legal authority of the office, and may act only in an advisory capacity.

CONGRESSIONAL LIAISON OFFICES OF SELECTED FEDERAL AGENCIES
CRS Publication Date:  08/30/2006
Document No.:  98-446
Author(s):  Zina L. Watkins and Carla Berry, Knowledge Services Group

Abstract:  This is a directory of about 150 government agencies designed to assist congressional staff in contacting agencies of the legislative branch, cabinet departments and other executive branch agencies and boards and commissions. It contains names of congressional liaison officers, addresses, telephone and fax numbers, and occasionally e-mail addresses.

SELECTED PRIVILEGES AND COURTESIES EXTENDED TO DEPARTING AND FORMER MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES   
CRS Publication Date:  08/29/2006
Document No.:  98-962
Author(s):  Mildred Amer, Government and Finance Division

Abstract:  This report provides information on selected privileges and courtesies (with the exception of federal insurance and retirement benefits) extended to former Members of the House of Representatives. Some of these privileges are derived from law and the House Rules, but most are courtesies that have been extended as a matter of custom.

SELECTED PRIVILEGES AND COURTESIES EXTENDED TO FORMER SENATORS   
CRS Publication Date:  08/29/2006
Document No.:  98-963
Author(s):  Mildred Amer, Government and Finance Division

Abstract:  Over the years, a number of privileges and courtesies have been made available to former Members of the U.S. Senate. Although some are derived from law and Senate rules, most are courtesies which have been extended as a matter of custom.

PAGES OF THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS: SELECTION, DUTIES, AND PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION   
CRS Publication Date:  08/14/2006
Document No.:  98-758
Author(s):  Mildred Amer, Government and Finance Division

Abstract:  For more than 150 years, messengers known as pages have served the United States Congress. Currently, approximately 100 young men and women from across the nation serve as pages at any given time. Pages must be high school juniors, or at least 16 years of age. They must be appointed and sponsored by a Member of Congress for one or two semesters of a school year, or a summer session. Academic standing is among the most important criteria used in the final selection of pages.

HOUSE STANDING COMMITTEE CHAIRS: RULES GOVERNING SELECTION PROCEDURES   
CRS Publication Date:  08/09/2006
Document No.:  RS21165
Author(s):  Judy Schneider, Government and Finance Division

Abstract:  House Rules, Republic Conference rules, and Democratic Caucus rules each detail aspects of the procedures followed in selecting standing committee chairs. This report summarizes those procedures.

CRS Reports can be obtained from www.GalleryWatch.com. Individual reports are available from www.pennyhill.com. [RJ]