; (2) to employ personnel; and (3) with the prior consent of the Government department or agency concerned and the Committee on Rules and Administration, to use on a reimbursable, or nonreimbursable, basis the services of personnel of any such department or agency. (b) Expenses for Period Ending September 30, 2017 The expenses of the committee for the period March 1, 2017 through September 30, 2017 under this section shall not exceed $3,219,522. (c) Expenses for Fiscal Year 2018 Period The expenses of the committee for the period October 1, 2017 through September 30, 2018 under this section shall not exceed $5,519,181. (d) Expenses for Period Ending February 28, 2019 The expenses of the committee for the period October 1, 2018 through February 28, 2019 under this section shall not exceed $2,299,659. 8. Committee on Environment and Public Works (a) General Authority In carrying out its powers, duties, and functions under the Standing Rules of the Senate, in accordance with its jurisdiction under rule XXV of the Standing Rules of the Senate, including holding hearings, reporting such hearings, and making investigations as authorized by paragraphs 1 and 8 of rule XXVI of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the Committee on Environment and Public Works is authorized from March 1, 2017 through February 28, 2019, in its discretion— (1) to make expenditures from the contingent fund of the Senate; (2) to employ personnel