Membership

(a) Members (1) Number and appointment The Commission shall be composed of 8 members appointed as follows: (A) 2 members appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives. (B) 2 members appointed by the minority leader of the House of Representatives. (C) 2 members appointed by the majority leader of the Senate. (D) 2 members appointed by the minority leader of the Senate. (2) Chairperson; Vice Chairperson The Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of the Commission shall be designated jointly by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the minority leader of the House of Representatives at the time of the appointment. (3) Political affiliation Not more than 4 members appointed under paragraph (1) may be of the same political party. (4) Timing for appointment All members of the Commission shall be appointed not later than 10 days after the date of enactment of this Act. (b) Terms (1) In general Each member shall be appointed for the life of the Commission. (2) Vacancies A vacancy in the Commission shall be filled in the manner in which the original appointment was made. (c) Basic pay (1) Compensation Except as provided in paragraph (2), members shall each be paid at a rate not to exceed the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay for level III of the Executive Schedule for each day (including travel time) during which they are engaged in the actual performance of duties vested in the Commission. (2) Prohibition of compensation of Federal employees Members of the Commission who are full-time officers or employees of the United States or Members of Congress may not receive additional pay, allowances, or benefits by reason of their service on the Commission. (3) Travel expenses Each member shall receive travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in accordance with applicable provisions under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code. (d) Quorum 6 members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum but a lesser number may hold hearings. (e) Meetings As soon as practicable after all members are appointed, but not earlier than 15 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commission shall meet and begin the initial operation of the Commission. The Commission shall meet monthly thereafter.