1. General Authority
In carrying out its powers, duties, and functions under the Standing Rules of the Senate, in accordance with its jurisdiction under Rule XXV of the Rules, including holding hearings, reporting the hearings, and making investigations as authorized by paragraphs 1 and 8 of Rule XXVI of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (referred to in this resolution as the Committee) is authorized for the period beginning October 1, 2013, and ending September 30, 2014, and for the period beginning October 1, 2014, and ending February 28, 2015, in its discretion—
to make expenditures from the contingent fund of the Senate;
to employ personnel; and
with the prior consent of the government department or agency concerned and the Committee on Rules and Administration, to use on a reimbursable or nonreimbursable basis the services of personnel of any such department or agency.