A resolution to improve Senate procedures.

(Measure passed Senate, amended, roll call #24 (67-21))

Directs that proceedings in the Senate Chamber be broadcast by radio and television in accordance with provisions of this resolution. Requires that broadcasts be supervised and operated by the Senate. Requires the television broadcasts to follow the Presiding Officer and Senators who are speaking, clerks, and the chaplain except during rollcall votes when the television cameras shall show the entire Chamber.

Directs the Architect of the Capitol to provide for the construction and acquisition of broadcasting facilities and equipment. Sets forth duties of operation and maintenance of such equipment and the disposition of audio and video tape recordings. Provides for transmitting archive-quality copies of such recordings to the Librarian of Congress and to the Archivist of the United States.

Requires radio coverage of Senate proceedings to begin as soon as the necessary equipment has been installed and to be provided continuously when the Senate is in session, except when a closed door meeting is ordered.

Provides for a test period of Senate broadcasting equipment by May 1, 1986 until July 15, 1986.

Requires television coverage of Senate proceedings to go live on June 1, 1986.

Prohibits the use of tape duplications of radio coverage for political purposes. Prohibits the use of tape duplications of television coverage for any purpose outside the Senate unless the Senate provides otherwise.

Requires that changes in regulations made by this resolution be made only by Senate resolution.

Authorizes expenditures, limited to a specified amount, to carry out this resolution.

Amends rule XXX to revise the method of considering treaties.

Amends rule XXII to expedite cloture activities, including a reduction from 100 hours to 30 hours the length of a filibuster after cloture has been invoked.

Amends rule XVII to change from three days to two days the time that reported measures must be available to Members prior to consideration.

Amends rule IV to authorize waiving the reading of the Journal by non-debatable motion.

Amends rule XXVIII to require that conference reports be available on each Senator's desk prior to their consideration.

Provides that if the Senate authorizes permanent televising of Senate proceedings radio and television coverage be made available on a live basis and free of charge to: (1) any member of the Senate Radio and Television Correspondents Gallery; (2) the cable system of the Architect of the Capitol; and (3) such other news gathering, educational, or information distributing entity as may be authorized by the Committee on Rules and Administration to receive such broadcasts.

Declares that television coverage of the Senate shall cease on July 15, 1986. Requires the Senate, on July 29, 1986, to: (1) vote on the question of continued radio and television coverage; or (2) vote on the question of a continuation of the test period for 30 days.