July 10, 2008

Dear Colleague:

The Committee on Rules is expected to meet the week of July 14, 2008, to report a rule that may structure the amendment process for floor consideration of H.R. 5959, the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009.

Any Member wishing to offer an amendment to H.R. 5959 must do the following by 3:00 PM on Monday, July 14, 2008, in order for the amendment to be considered by the Rules Committee :

• Submit to the Rules Committee in room H-312 of the Capitol:

• 30 copies of the amendment
• One copy of a brief (1-2 sentences) explanation of the amendment
• A completed Log-in form (attached)
• Submit an electronic copy of the amendment via the Committee’s web page (http://www.rules.house.gov/amendment_form.asp). Electronic submission of an amendment is required in addition to physically filing the amendment with the Committee.
• The amendment must be drafted to the bill as reported by the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. The bill is available on the Rules Committee website (www.rules.house.gov). 

            Members are strongly advised to adhere to the amendment deadline to ensure the amendments receive consideration. Amendments should be drafted by Legislative Counsel and also should be reviewed by the Office of the Parliamentarian to be sure that the amendments comply with the rules of the House.  Members are also strongly encouraged to submit their amendments by fax (6-1366) or by email (petef@cbo.gov) to Pete Fontaine at the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) for analysis regarding possible violations of Clause 10 of Rule XXI (PAYGO).

If you have any questions, please contact Tim Sheehan at extension 5-9091.