PUBLIC LAW 601, 79TH CONGRESS The legislation under which the House Committee on Un-America Activities operates is Public Law 601, 79th Congress [1946], chapt 753, 2d session, which provides: Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United Sta of America in Congress assembled, * * * PART 2-RULES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES RULE X SEC. 121. STANDING COMMITTEES 17. Committee on Un-American Activities, to consist of nine Members. (2) The Committee on Un-American Activities, as a whole or by subcomm tee, is authorized to make from time to time investigations of (i) the exte character, and objects of un-American propaganda activities in the United Stat (ii) the diffusion within the United States of subversive and un-American proj ganda that is instigated from foreign countries or of a domestic origin and atta the principle of the form of government as guaranteed by our Constitution, a (iii) all other questions in relation thereto that would aid Congress in any necess remedial legislation. The Committee on Un-American Activities shall report to the House (or to Clerk of the House if the House is not in session) the results of any such inve gation, together with such recommendations as it deems advisable. For the purpose of any such investigation, the Committee on Un-Ameri Activities, or any subcommittee thereof, is authorized to sit and act at s times and places within the United States, whether or not the House is sitti has recessed, or has adjourned, to hold such hearings, to require the attenda of such witnesses and the production of such books, papers, and documents, to take such testimony, as it deems necessary. Subpenas may be issued un the signature of the chairman of the committee or any subcommittee, or by member designated by any such chairman, and may be served by any per designated by any such chairman or member. RULE XII LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT BY STANDING COMMITTEES SEC. 136. To assist the Congress in appraising the administration of the and in developing such amendments or related legislation as it may deem ne sary, each standing committee of the Senate and the House of Representat shall exercise continuous watchfulness of the execution by the administra agencies concerned of any laws, the subject matter of which is within the juris tion of such committee; and, for that purpose, shall study all pertinent rep and data submitted to the Congress by the agencies in the executive branc the Government. RULES ADOPTED BY THE 86TH CONGRESS House Resolution 7, January 7, 1959 * RULE X STANDING COMMITTEES 1. There shall be elected by the House, at the commencement of each Con gress, (q) Committee on Un-American Activities, to consist of nine Members. * RULE XI POWERS AND DUTIES OF COMMITTEES * 18. Committee on Un-American Activities. (a) Un-American activities. (b) The Committee on Un-American Activities, as a whole or by subcommittee, is authorized to make from time to time investigations of (1) the extent, character, and objects of un-American propaganda activities in the United States, (2) the diffusion within the United States of subversive and un-American propaganda that is instigated from foreign countries or of a domestic origin and attacks the principle of the form of government as guaranteed by our Constitution, and (3) all other questions in relation thereto that would aid Congress in any necessary remedial legislation. The Committee on Un-American Activities shall report to the House (or to the Clerk of the House if the House is not in session) the results of any such investigation, together with such recommendations as it deems advisable. For the purpose of any such investigation, the Committee on Un-American Activities, or any subcommittee thereof, is authorized to sit and act at such times and places within the United States, whether or not the House is sitting, has recessed, or has adjourned, to hold such hearings, to require the attendance of such witnesses and the production of such books, papers, and documents, and to take such testimony, as it deems necessary. Subpenas may be issued under the signature of the chairman of the committee or any subcommittee, or by any member designated by any such chairman, and may be served by any person designated by any such chairman or member. 26. To assist the House in appraising the administration of the laws and in developing such amendments or related legislation as it may deem necessary, ach standing committee of the House shall exercise continuous watchfulness of the execution by the administrative agencies concerned of any laws, the subject matter of which is within the jurisdiction of such committee; and, for that urpose, shall study all pertinent reports and data submitted to the House by he agencies in the executive branch of the Government. |