SRES199JUL22

TheWeekInCongress.com

Week Ending July 22, 2005

Senate Resolution 199 a resolution to authorize the production of records by the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations of the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

BRIEF

Congress’ Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations of the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs has been conducting an investigation into the UN ‘Oil-for-Food’ program, a program that has come under scrutiny by the UN due to allegations of wrong doing when carrying out the program in Iraq while Saddam Hussein was still in power. The principal accusations center on a scheme in which the ‘Oil’ part of the equation was provided in response to receiving food but was done in such a way that some profits remained free and allegedly found their way back to Mr. Hussein’s purse.

According to the Resolution preamble, other law enforcement organizations want access to the subcommittee investigation records. The Resolution would authorize those records being distributed to other organizations and individuals authorized by Federal, State or foreign governments.

Sponsor: Senator William H. Frist (R-TN)

Vote: Passed Senate by Unanimous Consent (July 18, 2005)

Cost to the taxpayers: No discernible cost.

MORE INFORMATION

Whereas the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations of the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs has been conducting an investigation into the United Nations `Oil-for-Food' Programme;

Whereas the Subcommittee has received a number of requests from law enforcement officials, regulatory agencies, and other governmental entities 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; and

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, State, or foreign governments, records of the Subcommittee's investigation into the United Nations `Oil-for-Food' Programme.

No reproduction or distribution without written permission from TheWeekInCongress.com.