§276n United States Senate-china Interparliamentary Group

Summary

Up to 12 Senators are appointed each year to meet with representatives of China’s National People’s Congress to talk about shared problems and U.S.–China relations. The President pro tempore names the Senators after recommendations from the Senate’s majority and minority leaders and picks one Senator as the Chair of the United States group. Congress allows $100,000 each fiscal year to help pay the group’s expenses. Payments must be made on vouchers the Chair approves, and the Chair’s certificate is final for auditors. For the fiscal year 2004 only, $75,000 from the Senate contingent fund is allowed for room, hospitality, and food costs, and $100,000 was appropriated from the Treasury for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2004. The appointment and annual funding rules apply starting in fiscal year 2004 and continue afterward; the 2004-only amounts apply only to that year.