Considering Legislation on the House Floor: Common Practices in Brief, CRS Report R43424, February 26, 2021 (13-page PDF) “Legislative Branch: FY2021 Appropriations,” CRS Report R46469, February 26, 2021 (40-page PDF) “Availability of Legislative Measures in the House of Representatives (The “72-Hour Rule”),” CRS Report RS22015, February 25, 2021 (12-page PDF) “U.S. Capitol Attack and Law … Read more
Congressional Procedure A Practical Guide to the Legislative Process in the U.S. Congress By Richard A. Arenberg Foreword by Alan S. Frumin Congressional Procedure explains the legislative and congressional budget processes along with all aspects of Congress. See preview on Google Books A clear explanation of the workings of the United States government that … Read more
“The U.S. Income Distribution: Trends and Issues,” CRS Report R44705 (55-page PDF) “Federal Criminal Law: January 6, 2021, Unrest at the Capitol,” CRS Legal Sidebar LSB10564 (9-page PDF) “Cybersecurity Concerns Related to the Recent Breach of U.S. Capitol Security,” CRS Insight IN11572 (5-page PDF) “Domestic Terrorism and the Attack on the U.S. Capitol,” CRS Insight … Read more
From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms ‘Regular Order’: Lawmaking The Old-Fashioned Way | Ron’s Office Hours | NPR Many contemporary lawmakers urge a return to “regular order” lawmaking. In general, the regular order refers to a traditional, committee-centered process of lawmaking, very much in evidence during most of the … Read more
Many contemporary lawmakers urge a return to “regular order” lawmaking. In general, the regular order refers to a traditional, committee-centered process of lawmaking, very much in evidence during most of the 20th century. Today, Congress has evolved to become largely a party-centered institution. Committees remain important, but they are less important than previously as “gatekeepers” … Read more
Congressional Procedure A Practical Guide to the Legislative Process in the U.S. Congress By Richard A. Arenberg Foreword by Alan S. Frumin Congressional Procedure explains the legislative and congressional budget processes along with all aspects of Congress. See preview on Google Books A clear explanation of the workings of the United States government that … Read more
Senate Confirmation of Supreme Court Nominations During Presidential Election Years As shown by Figure 1, 17 (81%) of 21 Supreme Court nominations that received final action by the Senate during past presidential election years were confirmed. A majority of the nominations confirmed by the Senate during presidential election years occurred in either the 18th or … Read more
The procedure for appointing a Justice to the Supreme Court is provided for in the U.S. Constitution in only a few words. The “Appointments Clause” in the Constitution (Article II, Section 2, clause 2) states that the President “shall nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall appoint … Judges … Read more
Several states have implemented new election administration processes in response to the COVID-19 pandemic that could affect how and when ballots are counted. Even under normal circumstances, finalizing federal election results takes days or weeks after election day. Among other steps, state, territorial, and local election officials canvass votes to ensure that ballots are valid … Read more
The 12th Amendment to the Constitution requires that presidential and vice presidential candidates gain “a majority of the whole number of Electors appointed” in order to win election. With a total of 538 electors representing the 50 states and the District of Columbia, 270 electoral votes is the “magic number,” the arithmetic majority necessary to … Read more