staff of joint committee

staff of joint committee Sec. 404. (a) In carrying out its functions under subsections (a) and (c) of section 402 of this Part, the Joint Committee is authorized, by record vote of a majority of the members of the Joint Committee— (1) to appoint, on a permanent basis, without regard to political affiliation and solely on the basis of fitness to perform their duties, not more than six professional staff members and not more than six clerical staff members; (2) to prescribe their duties and responsibilities; (3) to fix their pay at respective per annum gross rates not in excess of the highest rate of basic pay, as in effect from time to time, of the General Schedule of section 5332(a) of title 5, United States Code; and (4) to terminate their employment as the Joint Committee may deem appropriate. (b) In carrying out any of its functions under this Part, the Joint Committee is authorized to utilize the services, information, facilities, and personnel of the departments and establishments of the Government, and to procure the temporary (not to exceed one year) or intermittent services of experts or consultants or organizations thereof by contract at rates of pay not in excess of the per diem equivalent of the highest rate of basic pay set forth in the General Schedule of section 5332 of title 5, United States Code, including payment of such rates for necessary traveltime.