((a)) ** In general** The Committee on Appropriations is authorized in its discretion—

((1)) to hold hearings, report such hearings, and make investigations as authorized by paragraph 1 of rule XXVI of the Standing Rules of the Senate;

((2)) to make expenditures from the contingent fund of the Senate;

((3)) to employ personnel;

((4)) with the prior consent of the Government department or agency concerned and the Committee on Rules and Administration to use, on a reimbursable or nonreimbursable basis, the services of personnel of any such department or agency;

((5)) to procure the services of individual consultants, or organizations thereof (as authorized by and Senate Resolution 140, agreed to , except that any approval (and related reporting requirement) shall not apply); and

((6)) to provide for the training of the professional staff of such committee (under procedures specified by ).

((b)) ** Omitted**

((c)) ** Effective date** This section shall be effective on and after , or the date of enactment of this Act [], whichever is later.October 1, 19981998-10-01October 21, 19981998-10-21