The United States Constitution The Commerce Clause is one of Congress’ enumerated powers found in the Constitution of the United States, Article. I. Section. 8., clause 3: (Clause 3 – Commerce power) [The Congress shall have Power] To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian Tribes; The … Read more
Dissatisfaction with the federal tax system has led to a debate about U.S. tax reform, including proposals for a national consumption tax. One type of proposed consumption tax is a value-added tax (VAT), widely used around the world. A VAT is levied on the difference between a business’s sales and its purchases of goods and … 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
Fast-Track Procedures: Procedures that circumvent or speed up all or part of the legislative process. Some rule-making statutes prescribe expedited procedures for certain measures, such as trade agreements. The Politician Behind California High Speed Rail Now Says It’s ‘Almost a Crime’ Also see Chapter 3.A. Introduction; Chapter 7.A. Introduction; Chapter 7.L. Other Fast-Track … Read more
From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Waiver Rule: A special rule in the House that waives points of order against a measure or an amendment. In the House, the prohibition against motions to recommit concurrent resolutions on the budget under Section 305(a)(2) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 is typically … Read more
The Constitution of the United States: Amendment 13 (13th Amendment) Amendment XIII. (Abolition of Slavery) Passed by Congress January 31, 1865. Ratified December 6, 1865. Note: A portion of Article IV, section 2, of the Constitution was superseded by the 13th amendment. Section 1. Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime … Read more