From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms K Street / Gucci Gulch Colloquialisms for Washington, DC, lobbyists. K Street is taken from K Street NW in Washington, DC, where many lobbying firms are located. K Street is definitely “inside the Beltway.” Pork Party House: Where DC insiders go for taxpayer-subsidized fun Gucci … Read more
From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Capitol / Capitol Hill Map / National Mall (Click here for Google map) “The Capitol” is the United States Capitol Building, the building in which Congress meets. The Capitol is located on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. (“The Capitol” is not “the Capital” and Capitol … Read more
From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Floor / Aisle / Candy Desk / Gallery “The Floor” describes the actual physical chambers of the House and the Senate, in the Capitol Building, in Washington, DC. These are the only places where legislation can pass. The aisle is the space between the minority … Read more
From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms House / House of Representatives The House of Representatives, as distinct from the Senate, although each body is a “house” or “chamber” of Congress. Established by the Constitution, Article I, Section 2. See “A Note About Usage: ‘Congress’.” When members of the House and House … Read more
From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Well Open space in front of the House chamber between members’ seats and the podium. Members in the House may speak from lecterns in the well. A censure resolution requires the member to go to the well of the House, where the presiding officer, normally … Read more
The number and types of congressional offices can be overwhelming for people new to Capitol Hill. The purpose of the various congressional offices is to provide logistical, political and substantive support for members of Congress. Each member of Congress has an individual office, known as their personal office. In addition, they also have at least … Read more
No, the fact is that Washington is and always has been irretrievably bogged down in process. And process doesn’t generally make for electrifying prose–unless you’re a fan of the novels of C. P. Snow, which describe the intestinal workings of inner-sanctum power struggles conducted by micro-megalomaniacs. photo credit: Sjors Provoost The days of the Georgetown … Read more
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
The United States Constitution The Enclave Clause is one of Congress’ enumerated powers found in the Constitution of the United States, Article. I. Section. 8., clause 17: (Clause 17 – Enclave clause) [The Congress shall have Power] To exercise exclusive Legislation in all Cases whatsoever, over such District (not exceeding ten Miles square) as may, … Read more
More WMATA How to Use the Subway (Metrorail or “The Metro”) in Washington, DC How to Get Into, Around And Out Of Washington, DC. Capital Streetcars Lost Washington, D.C. Underground Train The Great Society Subway: A History of the Washington Metro