Transfer of Missile and Satellite Technology to China: A Summary of H.Res. 463 Authorizing a House Select Committee
98-549 GOV Transfer of Missile and Satellite Technology
CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
BRARY OF CONGRESS
NUMBER: 98-549 GOV
TITLE: Transfer of Missile and Satellite Technology to
China: A Summary of H.Res. 463
Authorizing a House Select Committee
AUTHOR: Stephen W. Stathis
DIVISION: Government Division
DATE: Updated June 24, 1998
TEXT:
On June 18, 1998, the House voted 409-10 to create a Select
Committee on U.S. National Security and Military/Commercial
Concerns with the People's Republic of China. The select committee
will investigate, among other matters, allegations that the Clinton
Administration allowed the Chinese government to acquire sensitive
missile technology in exchange for campaign contributions, focusing
on the national security consequences of those actions. This fact
sheet provides a brief summary of H.Res. 463, which was reported
by the Rules Committee (H.Rept. 105-582) on June 16. The
resolution was considered under procedures that permitted no
floor amendments.
Jurisdiction. H.Res. 463 charges the select committee with
determining whether the transfer of technology, information,
advice, goods, or services to the People's Republic of China
enhanced:
-- the accuracy, reliability, or capability of China's nuclear
long-range missiles or other weapons;
-- its domestic or foreign intelligence capabilities; and
-- its manufacture of weapons of mass destruction, missiles,
or other armaments.
The committee will also investigate, with respect to these transfers
and enhancements:
-- effects on the regional and national security of the United
States; the conduct and decision-making of the executive
branch, defense contractors, weapons manufacturers, satellite
manufactures, and other firms; the enforcement of U.S.
statutes, regulations, or executive orders; efforts by
the Chinese government or other entities to influence
these matters; and efforts to conceal or withhold relevant
information or documents, obstruct justice, or obstruct
any investigation of these matters.
Committee Structure and Rules. The select committee consists
of nine members. Republican members include Representative
Christopher Cox, chair, and Representatives Porter J. Goss, Douglas
Bereuter, James V. Hansen, and Curt Weldon. Democratic members
include Representative Norman D. Dicks, ranking minority member, and
Representatives John M. Spratt, Jr., Lucille Roybal-Allard, and
Robert C. Scott.
Funding and Staffing. The select committee is authorized $2.5
million to conduct its work. It may employ such staff as considered
necessary, including detailees from the executive branch or the
staff of the House or a joint committee. The select committee is
authorized through the remainder of the 105th Congress.
Gathering of Information. The committee, or the chair in
consultation with the ranking minority member, may subpoena the
attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of
information that it deems necessary, including White House materials
and order depositions within and outside the United States. The
committee may request relevant files or information from any House
committee; material held by the Permanent Select Committee on
Intelligence is to be made available to the select committee
consistent with Rule XLVIII, clause 7(c)(2). The select committee
may also inspect 1988-1998 tax returns held by the Secretary of the
Treasury related to individuals and entities connected with the
transactions under investigation.
The select committee may request a standing committee to pursue
specific matters within its jurisdiction, and may request
investigations, reports, or other assistance from any agency of the
executive, legislative, or judicial branch. It may, upon
consultation with the Speaker, make applications and responses to a
court, consistent with Rule L.
Classified and Sensitive Information. The Select Committee may
make reports to the House in accordance with Rule XXIX, regarding
secret sessions of the House.
Consistent with Rule XLVIII, clause 7(c)(2), and other
provisions of the resolution, the Select Committee is authorized to
provide other committees and House Members with access to
information and proceedings.
The select committee is authorized to disclose information
publicly. If the select committee votes to disclose classified and
other specified information, the select committee must submit the
information to the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, which
may vote to disclose the information. If the Permanent Select
Committee on Intelligence votes to disclose the information, the
President personally in writing may object, and procedures are
provided for the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and the
House to consider his objections.
When the committee completes its work, it may direct the
transfer of its records to other committees, or to the clerk of the
House, consistent with applicable rules and laws concerning
classified information.
For additional information on exchange of sensitive technology
with China, see CRS Report 97-484 F, China-U.S. Relations:
Chronology of Developments During the Clinton Administration; CRS
Report 97-933 F, China: Pending Legislation in the 105th Congress;
CRS Issue Brief 98018, China-U.S. Relations; and CRS Report 98-485
F, China: Possible Missile Technology Transfers From U.S. Satellite
Export Policy Background and Chronology.
ENDNOTES
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