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SRES121119th CongressWALLET

A resolution establishing the Senate Human Rights Commission.

Sponsored By: Senator Tillis, Thomas [R-NC]

Introduced

Summary

Create a bipartisan Senate Human Rights Commission that would serve as a non‑legislative forum to monitor global human rights and promote the principles of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The commission would hold briefings, hearings, and roundtables and work with congressional committees, the executive branch, and outside human rights organizations to raise awareness of critical abuses.

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  • Ten senators would serve on the commission, split evenly between the majority and minority parties, with two co‑chairs and terms that run through the appointing Congress.
  • Each co‑chair could designate one professional staff member to support the commission's work.
  • The commission would conduct regular briefings, hearings, and private roundtables, and it would maintain records of all meetings and activities while coordinating with congressional and external partners.
  • The commission would have no legislative jurisdiction and could not take legislative action or encroach on standing or other Senate committees.

*Would authorize up to $200,000 per fiscal year from the Senate Contingent Fund for employees and expenses, with the commission expiring on January 1, 2029.*

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

New Senate Human Rights Commission

If adopted, this resolution would create a Senate Human Rights Commission as a non-legislative, bipartisan forum to monitor and promote internationally recognized human rights. It would have 10 Senators (five majority, five minority) and two co-chairs, with member terms ending the last day of the Congress. The Commission would be allowed to hire staff, hold briefings, hearings, and private roundtables, and work with Congress, the executive branch, and outside groups. Its expenses would come from the Senate Contingent Fund with a cap of $200,000 per fiscal year, and the Commission would sunset on January 1, 2029.

Tax rules for Commission meals

If adopted, reimbursements for receptions, meals, and food costs you incur for official Commission duties would not be taxable income. At the same time, you would not be allowed to claim those reimbursed meal expenses as a deduction on your tax return. Reimbursements would be limited to actual expenses for official Commission work. This rule would take effect on enactment and would sunset on January 1, 2029.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Tillis, Thomas [R-NC]

NC • R

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE]

    DE • D

    Sponsored 3/10/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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