Stage of Disagreement (CongressionalGlossary.com)

From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Stage of Disagreement: Stage at which one chamber formally disagrees with an amendment proposed by the other chamber and insists on its own amendment. A measure generally cannot go to conference until this stage is reached.   “Disagreement and Civil Dialogue in American Politics and … Read more

A Brief Overview of the Rules of Congress

At times it seems as though Congress is disorganized, but in reality Congress operates according to a set of internal rules that are meant to provide operational structure. These rules begin with basics that are outlined in the Constitution. Each chamber of Congress also has written rules and extensive precedents that are derived from the … Read more

Recede and Concur with an Amendment (CongressionalGlossary.com)

From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Recede: Motion by one chamber to withdraw from its previous position during amendments between the chambers. Recede and Concur: Motion to withdraw from a position and agree with the other chamber’s position. Recede and Concur with an Amendment: Motion to withdraw from a position and … Read more

“Second” (CongressionalGlossary.com)

Second: The number of members required to indicate support for an action. such as calling for a vote.   The Bicameral Congress: Crash Course Government and Politics #2     Courses Congressional Operations Briefing – Capitol Hill Workshop Drafting Federal Legislation and Amendments Writing for Government and Business: Critical Thinking and Writing Custom, On-Site Training … Read more

A Guide to Understanding the Presidential Budget

See President’s Budget (CongressionalGlossary.com) The president’s budget, officially known as the Budget of the United States Government, is required by law to be submitted “On or after the first Monday in January but not later than the first Monday in February of each year.” (31 USC 1105). The budget contains estimates for spending as well … Read more

Proposing Legislation to Congress

Federal legislation is introduced as a proposal by either a Senator or a Representative in the House of Representatives. Before a bill can actually become a law, the proposal must be passed by the Senate as well as the House by a majority vote. It must then be signed into law by the president, or … Read more

Goodwin, Byrd, and the Filibuster

Carte Goodwin (D-WV) was sworn in Tuesday as an interim replacement of Sen. Robert Byrd (D-WV), who passed away on June 28 while in office. At 36 years old, Sen. Goodwin is the youngest current Senator, and is filling the shoes of the man who was the oldest and, as we mentioned yesterday, the longest-serving Senator. … Read more

Joint Explanatory Statement of Managers (CongressionalGlossary.com)

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” (CongressionalGlossary.com)

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

Disagree (CongressionalGlossary.com)

From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Disagree: To reject an amendment of the other chamber. See: Stage of Disagreement (CongressionalGlossary.com); Amendments Between the Houses (Chambers) / Insist / Amendments in Disagreement / Amendments in Technical Disagreement (CongressionalGlossary.com). Also see Conference Committee (CongressionalGlossary.com) Engrossed Measure (CongressionalGlossary.com) Joint Resolution (CongressionalGlossary.com) Privilege (CongressionalGlossary.com) Unanimous … Read more