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

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

The 7 Types of Congressional Hearings

If you have been called to testify before a Congressional hearing or think that you might be called to do so in the future, it can be helpful to have a basic understanding of the various types of Congressional hearings and their purposes. photo credit: Tarter Time Photography The main purpose of any Congressional hearing … Read more

War Power and Military Establishment Clauses – Article I Section 8, Clauses 11, 12, 13 and 14 of the Constitution

The United States Constitution The War and Military Establishment Clauses are among Congress’ enumerated powers found in the Constitution of the United States, Article. I. Section. 8., clauses 11, 12, 13, and 14:     Obama’s Unprecedented War Powers Claims     (Clause 11 – War power) [The Congress shall have Power] To declare War, … 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

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