§276o United States Senate-russia Interparliamentary Group

Summary

Up to 12 Senators must meet each year with representatives of Russia’s Federation Council to talk about shared problems and U.S.–Russia relations. The Senate majority and minority leaders must pick those Senators, and the majority leader must name one of them as Chair. United States group: up to 12 Senators who take part in these meetings. Up to $100,000 may be provided each fiscal year to help pay the group’s costs, and payments must be made on vouchers the Chair approves. The Chair’s certificate must be accepted as final when the accounts are audited. For fiscal year 2004 only, $75,000 from the Senate contingent fund was made available for room, hospitality, and food, and $100,000 was provided from the Treasury for that year. The membership, leadership, funding, and audit rules apply from fiscal year 2004 and after; the extra 2004 funds apply only to 2004.