8 House Members View Draft Bill on Independent Science/Tech Probe of WTC 1, 2, 7 Collapses

(4) procure temporary and intermittent services by order of the Committee Chair under Section 3109(b) of Title 5, United States Code, at rates for individuals that do not exceed the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay prescribed for Level V of the Executive Schedule under Section 5316 of such title.

(5) allow Committee members travel expenses, which shall include that of  per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates authorized for employees of agencies under Subchapter I of Chapter 57 of Title 5, United States Code, while away from their homes or regular places of business in the performance of services for the Committee.

(6) terminate the employment of any such staff as the Committee considers appropriate.

         (c) The Committee and all authority granted in this Act shall expire 30 days after the filing of its Report with the House of Representatives.

SEC. 7. COMMITTEE REPORT.

(a) In General——The Committee shall report to the House as soon as practicable during the present Congress, but not later than six months after the date of passage of this Act, the results of its investigation and study, together with such recommendations as it deems advisable. The Committee shall report to the House Committee on Science and Technology as soon as practicable during the present Congress, but not later than six months after the date of passage of this Act, of any additional substantial or credible information which

such Committee receives in carrying out its responsibilities to recommend solutions to subsequent construction failures for steel-framed high-rise buildings in the United States.

 (b) Considerations——In developing any and all recommendations under subsection (1) the Committee shall consider——

(1) the role of the Federal Government in preventing similar construction failures by means of revising building codes with substantial penalties for non-compliance by architects, structural engineers,  building contractors and subcontractors.

(2) ways in which to strengthen accountability of all actors, including building owners and leasees.

(c) Establish culpability of any parties in these events making them subject to a full-range prosecution with applicable punishment.

(d) Any additional information provided to the Committee when the House is not in session shall be filed with the Clerk of the House.

(e) Any additional information shall be referred to the House Committee on Science and Technology over the subject matter thereof.

(f) The records, files, and materials of the Committee shall be transferred to the Clerk of the House.

SEC. 8. TERMINATION.

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