§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 improve U.S.-Russia relations. Those Senators are called the "United States group." The Senate majority and minority leaders choose the members, and the majority leader must pick one Senator to be the Chair. Up to $100,000 may be appropriated each fiscal year to help pay the United States group's expenses. Payments must be made on vouchers the Chair approves, and the Chair’s certificate is final for auditors. For fiscal year 2004 only, $75,000 from the Senate contingent fund is authorized for official expenses like meeting rooms, hospitality, and food (paid on Chair‑approved vouchers), and the Secretary of the Senate may advance money. Also for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2004, $100,000 is appropriated from the Treasury. Subsections (a)–(d) apply in fiscal year 2004 and after; subsections (e) and (f) apply to fiscal year 2004.