UPDATE ON CIVIL RIGHTS COMMISSION
On August 14, 1936 the Senate Appropriations Committee joined the House of Representatives in slashing the funds of the Civil Rights Commission. The Committee reported out an appropriation bill which reduces the Commission's budget by 50 percent and places restrictions on the expenditure of the monies. In fiscal year 1987 the Commission would receive $6 million, down from $11.8 in 1936. Further, the funds could not be used to employ consultants, temporary or special needs appointees, or more than 10 Schedule C employees (political appointees) of which 8 would be special assistants to the commissioners. The Committee also limited the number of days commissioners and their special assistants could bill the government, and the grade level at which special assistants could be paid. The agency is also prohibited from making any new, continuing or modifications of contracts for performance of mission?related external services.
The Committee's action responded to a General Accounting Office audit which found serious mismanagement at the agency and detailed abuses in personnel practices, travel payments, and financial records. Specifically, GAO found that the Commission had hired consultants and temporary and political employees in place of career staff, and that while Commissioners are appointed as part?time employees of the Federal Government, Chairman Clarence Pendleton and his assistant had billed the government at an almost full-time rate. In FY 1985, Pendleton billed the government for 240 days (assuming a 5 day work week, there are 260 days in a year) for a total of $67,334. In FY 1987, the Chair would be limited to 100 days, so that assuming the same rate, the Chair would receive a maximum of $28,056. Similarly, the Chair's assistant who received $41,328 for 239 days in 1935 would be limited to 150 days in 1987 at a GS level 11 or approximately $20,000.
In July the House passed an appropriation bill that eliminates future funding for the Commission. An amendment offered by Rep. Julian Dixon (D-CA) and accepted by a 26-17 vote in the House Appropriations Committee provides $11.9 million to be used to close down the operations of the agency by December 31, 1986. If the Senate Appropriations Committee's provision passes the full Senate in September, the differences will be worked out in conference. The compromise is sure to curtail the Commission's operations.
