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sd ° expressly provided and limited by the constitution's speech and debate clause. ART I, 6. This immunity bars not only civil proceedings (Doe v. McMillan, 412 U.S. at 312), but also protects a member from criminal prosecution (U.S. v. Johnson, 383 U.S. 169, 180-85). Although activities not closely connected to the business of legislating do not enjoy the absolute immunity of the speech and debate shelter, they do enjoy qualified immunity. See: Walker v. Jones, 733 F.2d 923 (D.C. Circ-1984); Consumers Union of U.S. v. Periodical Correspondents Ass'n. 515 F.2d 1341, 1350-51 (D.C.-1975). D. Judges and judicial administrative staff enjoy immunity both from common law and constitutional torts when performing judicial functions. Dennis v. Sparks, 449 U.S. 24, 31 (1980). This immunity extends not only to actions in cases before the Court but also to acts committed in an official Capacity. Stump v. Sparkman, 435 U.S. 349, 356-57; Sharma v. Stevas, 790 F.2d 1486 (9th Circ-1986). GOVERNMENT AGENCIES AND THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ARE ALSO IMMUNE It is axiomatic that pursuant to the doctrine of sovereign immunity, the United States or its agencies cannot be sued except as Congress may permit. See: United states v- Sherwood, 312 U.S. 584; Monaco v. Mississippi, 292 U.S. 313; United States v. Shaw, 309 U.S. 495. ‘Thus, except in those instances where Congress has by enactment waived sovereign immunity, such as the Federal Torts Claims Act, /99-2u¥