Charles T. Canady: “Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3117, the Civil Rights Commission Act of 1998, reauthorizes the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights…”

“Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3117, the Civil Rights Commission Act of 1998, reauthorizes the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights through fiscal year 2001, and institutes reforms to help ensure that the commission will be more effective in pursuing its important mission. The Civil Rights Commission is an independent, bipartisan commission originally established by the Civil Rights Act of 1957. The Commission's statutory authorization expired on September 30 of 1996. I am pleased that we have developed bipartisan legislation making the Civil Rights Commission more effective in carrying out its important mission. The bill contains a number of provisions designed to strengthen and improve the performance of the commission. The current statute is silent as to the specific term of office for and accountability of the Commission's Staff Director. Since the Staff Director apparently wields considerable power within the Commission, it is important that the Staff Director be accountable to the appointed members of the Commission.”