§288g Advisory and Other Functions

Summary

The Counsel must advise and work with several Senate offices and others. That includes the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia about contempt of Congress cases certified by the President pro tempore under section 194; the Senate committee that watches for court cases important to the Senate; the Comptroller General/GAO, the Office of Legislative Counsel, and the Congressional Research Service without interfering with their jobs; any Senator, officer, or employee not covered by section 288c about getting private lawyers; the President pro tempore, the Secretary, the Sergeant-at-Arms, and the Parliamentarian about subpoenas, orders, or requests to withdraw papers that raise Senate privilege questions; and any committee or subcommittee when they make or change rules or face questions during investigations. The Counsel must keep legal research files from court cases involving Congress, its offices, or members. Papers and memos that are not confidential can be shared with the public under applicable Senate rules and the Senate’s interests. The Counsel must also do other duties the Senate assigns that fit within this chapter.