In understanding the legislative process, it is important to understand that there are numerous ways in which a measure can be brought to the House floor for debate. These methods include amendment, voting on a passage, or because the measure was placed on a House calendar. Measures that are noncontroversial in nature and which have … Read more
The way in which you conduct research as part of your efforts to lobby for a particular issue can have an important effect on the outcome of that issue. Extreme care must be exercised when preparing any research that will be utilized. photo credit: AlexYo1968 First, double-check and verify everything. This includes the names of … Read more
Legislative history involves the proceedings in Congress that relate to a law before it was actually enacted. This can include official reports prepared by congressional committees as well as official statements that are issued by members of Congress. Legislative history may also include testimony given at legislative hearings, and different versions of the text of … Read more
Leadership in Congress is particularly important as whichever party has the majority garners the responsibility of choosing committee chairs, setting agendas and scheduling legislation for consideration. Understanding the congressional leadership’s priorities helps you understand future legislation. There are many ways in which you can determine those priorities. photo credit: Mrs. Gemstone There are critical times … Read more
Legislation is often at the heart of much of what takes place on Capitol Hill. Whether you are testifying or you would like to voice your support or concern for a particular piece of legislation it is important to make sure you read a proposed piece of legislation. Doing so will allow you to present … Read more
From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Joint Explanatory Statement of Managers Portion of the conference report providing the history, explanation, and intent of the conferees. The conference report and joint explanatory statement are two distinct documents. The conference report contains a formal statement of the procedural actions the conferees took and … Read more
The United States Constitution Article. I. (The Legislative Branch) Section. 5. (Membership, Rules, Journals, Adjournment) Each House shall be the Judge of the Elections, Returns and Qualifications of its own Members, and a Majority of each shall constitute a Quorum to do Business; but a smaller Number may adjourn from day to day, and may … Read more
The United States Constitution Article. I. (The Legislative Branch) Section. 3. (The Senate) Note: Article I, section 3, of the Constitution was modified by the 17th amendment. The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State, chosen by the Legislature thereof for six Years; and each Senator shall have … Read more
The United States Constitution Article. I. (The Legislative Branch) Section. 2. (The House) Note: Article I, section 2, of the Constitution was modified by section 2 of the 14th amendment. The House of Representatives shall be composed of Members chosen every second Year by the People of the several States, and the Electors in each … Read more