Title III of the Congressional Budget Act requires that the President submit his proposed budget to Congress no later than the first Monday in February. The President’s budget is actually only a request made to Congress, and Congress is under no obligation to adopt the budget or consider the recommendations of the President. photo credit: … Read more
Since the mid-1970s, both chambers of Congress have convened early organization meetings in November or December of even-numbered years as a way to prepare for the beginning of the new Congress in January of the following year. Such meetings serve educational as well as social and organizational purposes. photo credit: seeveeaar Educational sessions of early … Read more
Filibusters are made possible in part due to Senate rules providing that when a senator is recognized to speak regarding a pending measure there are few limitations. Debate is typically unlimited regarding pending measures. Once a senator is recognized, she can yield to another senator for the purpose of a question, but the senator that … Read more
Filibusters may be ended by one of two ways: either through negotiation among senators or through a process known as invoking cloture. Cloture is the only procedure by which the Senate can end debate without rejecting the measure under consideration at the same time. Creative Commons License, Photo credit: Robbie1 Several stages for invoking cloture … Read more
Most people are quite familiar with the idea of committees and subcommittees within Congress, but there are also many informal congressional groups. These groups can include informal groups, caucuses and Congressional Member Organizations (CMOs). While they may be called by different names, all of these groups refer to ad hoc social or policy groups that … Read more
If you are new to lobbying and advocacy, legislative language can be confusing and complex. Below is a guide to help introduce you to some of the most common terms you will encounter on Capitol Hill. photo credit: CarbonNYC Adopted-used for conference reports Agreed to-used for amendments, simple resolutions and concurrent resolutions Concur-used for an … Read more
In January each year, the new session of Congress opens. The 20th Amendment provides that The Congress shall assemble at least once in every year, and such meeting shall begin at noon on the 3d day of January, unless they shall by law appoint a different day. photo credit: gregor_y In 2011, the 112th Congress … Read more
In the House, after a measure has been reported from committee, it is placed on a calendar. Whether the measure comes off its respective calendar and receives floor consideration is the responsibility of the majority-party leadership. Leadership is also responsible for influencing the way in which a measure is considered. photo credit: disrupsean There are … Read more
In preparing to work with members of Congress, it is important to understand the differences between the House and the Senate. The more you understand about each chamber of Congress, the better prepared you will be to gain support for your issue. photo credit: Ewan-M At 435 members, the House is the larger chamber. The … Read more
A term of Congress lasts for two years. Each term begins at 12:00 noon on January 3rd of odd-numbered years, approximately two months after general elections are held. However, the 112th Congress will convene on January 5, 2011. A complete list of all previous Terms of Congress is available at TermsofCongress.com. photo credit: cdsessums In … Read more