PUBLIC LAW 601, 79TH CONGRESS The legislation under which the House Committee on Un-American Activities operates is Public Law 601, 79th Congress [1946], chapter 753, 2d session, which provides: Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, * * * 17. Committee on Un-American Activites, to consist of nine members. (q) (1) Committee on Un-American Activities. (A) Un-American activities. (2) The Committee on Un-American Activities, as a whole or by subcommit. tee, is authorized to make from time to time investigations of (i) the extent, character, and objects of un-American propaganda activities in the United States, (ii) the diffusion within the United States of subversive and un-American propaganda that is instigated from foreign countries or of a domestic origin and attacks the principle of the form of government as guaranteed by our Constitution, and (iii) all other questions in relation thereto that would aid Congress in any necessary remedial legislation. The Committee on Un-American Activities shall report to the House (or to the Clerk of the House if the House is not in session) the results of any such investigation, together with such recommendations as it deems advisable. For the purpose of any such investigation, the Committee on Un-American Activities, or any subcommittee thereof, is authorized to sit and act at such times and places within the United States, whether or not the House is sitting, has recessed, or has adjourned, to hold such hearings, to require the attendance of such witnesses and the production of such books, papers, and documents, and to take such testimony, as it deems necessary. Subpenas may be issued under the signature of the chairman of the committee or any subcommittee, or by any member designated by any such chairman, and may be served by any person designated by any such chairman or member. RULES ADOPTED BY THE 83D CONGRESS House Resolution 5, January 3, 1953 RULE X STANDING COMMITTEES 1. There shall be elected by the House, at the commencement of each Congress, following standing committees: (q) Committee on Un-American Activities, to consist of nine members. RULE XI POWERS AND DUTIES OF COMMITTEES 17. Committee on Un-American Activities. (a) Un-American Activities. (b) The Committee on Un-American Activities, as a whole or by subcommittee, is authorized to make from time to time, investigations of (1) the extent, character, and objects of un-American propaganda activities in the United States, (2) the diffusion within the United States of subversive and un-American propaganda that is instigated from foreign countries or of a domestic origin and attacks the principle of the form of government as guaranteed by our Constitution, and (3) all other questions in relation thereto that would aid Congress in any necessary remedial legislation. The Committee on Un-American Activities shall report to the House (or to the Clerk of the House if the House is not in session) the results of any such investigation, together with such recommendations as it deems advisable. For the purpose of any such investigation, the Committee on Un-American Activities, or any subcommittee thereof, is authorized to sit and act at such times and places within the United States, whether or not the House is sitting, has recessed, or has adjourned, to hold such hearings, to require the attendance of such witnesses and the production of such books, papers, and documents, and to take such testimony, as it deems necessary. Subpenas may be issued under the signature of the chairman of the committee or any subcommittee, or by any member designated by such chairman, and may be served by any person designated by any such chairman or member. VI COMMUNIST METHODS OF INFILTRATION (GOVERN MENT-LABOR, PART 2) MONDAY, JULY 20, 1953 UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Washington, D. C. The Committee on Un-American Activities met, pursuant to call, at 2 p. m., in room 225, Old House Office Building, Washington, D. C., Hon. Harold H. Velde (chairman) presiding. Committee members present: Representatives Harold H. Velde, Kit Clardy, and Gordon H. Scherer. Staff members present: Frank S. Tavenner, Jr., counsel; W. Jackson Jones, investigator; Leslie W. Scott, research analyst; and Dolores Anderson, reporter. TESTIMONY OF I. PHILIP SIPSER, ACCOMPANIED BY HIS COUNSEL, JACOB SCHNEIDER Mr. VELDE. Let the record show that I have appointed a subcommittee, consisting of Mr. Scherer, Mr. Clardy, and myself, Mr. Velde, as chairman, for the purpose of this hearing, and that all are present. Will the witness stand to be sworn, please? In the testimony you are about to give, do you solemnly swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God? Mr. SIPSER. I do. Mr. TAVENNER. Mr. Chairman, several communications to the committee have been received, which should probably be made a matter of record. Do you desire it to be done now? Mr. VELDE. It depends on the nature of the material. Mr. TAVENNER. There are several affidavits, explaining connections of certain individuals to activities under question by this committee, which have never been previously reported. Mr. VELDE. I think we will proceed with the hearing now, and take the matter under advisement, Mr. Counsel. Mr. CLARDY. May I see the documents, please? Mr. TAVENNER. I understood he wanted it put in the record. Mr. VELDE. I believe we should take this up at another time, Mr. Counsel. Mr. TAVENNER. Very well, sir. Released by the committee, July 31, 1953. |