Congressional Procedure
A Practical Guide to the Legislative Process in the U.S. Congress: The House of Representatives and Senate Explained
By Richard A. Arenberg
Foreword by Alan S. Frumin
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- About the Book (3-page PDF
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“Weaponization of Procedure: The Filibuster, Judicial Nominations and Impeachment,” Feb. 11, 2019
Podcast: “Opening the ‘Black Box’ of Congressional Procedure,” Soundcloud, Feb. 26, 2019
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- Foreword, by Alan Frumin
- Preface
- Chapter 1. Congress and the Constitution
- 1.A. Introduction
- 1.B. Constitutional Provisions
- 1.C. Rules
- 1.D. Congressional Terms
- 1.E. Members of Congress
- 1.F. House of Representatives
- 1.G. Senate
- 1.H. Congressional Committees
- Chapter 2. Introduction of Legislation
- 2.A. Introduction
- 2.B. Why Submit Legislation?
- 2.C. Drafting Legislation
- 2.D. Forms of Legislation
- 2.E. Bills
- 2.F. Joint Resolutions
- 2.G. Concurrent Resolutions
- 2.H. Simple Resolutions
- 2.I. Sponsorship and Cosponsorship
- 2.J. Submitting Legislation
- 2.K. Introductory Statements
- 2.L. Referral to Committee
- 2.M. Senate Rule XIV
- 2.N. Regular Order
- 2.O. Legislative Process Flowchart
- Chapter 3. Committees
- 3.A. Introduction
- 3.B. Committees and Subcommittees
- 3.C. Committee Chairs
- 3.D. Hearings in Committees
- 3.E. Markups
- 3.F. Amendment Procedure
- 3.G. Reporting Legislation to the Floor
- 3.H. Committee Reports
- Chapter 4. House Floor
- 4.A. Introduction
- 4.B. Scheduling of Legislation
- 4.C. House Rules Committee
- 4.D. Special Rules
- 4.E. Privileged Business
- 4.F. Motion to Suspend the Rules
- 4.G. Debate
- 4.H. Amendment on the House Floor
- 4.I. Voting
- 4.J. Motion to Recommit
- 4.K. Final Passage
- Chapter 5. Senate Floor
- 5.A. Introduction
- 5.B. Scheduling of Legislation
- 5.C. Senate Calendars
- 5.D. Holds
- 5.E. Unanimous Consent Agreements (“Time Agreements”)
- 5.F. Consideration on the Senate Floor
- 5.G. Quorum Calls
- 5.H. Filibuster
- 5.I. The Nuclear Option
- 5.J. Amendment on the Senate Floor and in Committee
- 5.K. Filling the Amendment Tree
- 5.L. Calendar Days and Legislative Days
- 5.M. Voting
- 5.N. Final Passage
- Chapter 6. Resolving Differences Between the House and Senate
- 6.A. Introduction
- 6.B. Resolving Differences
- 6.C. Amendments Between the Chambers
- 6.D. Conference Committee
- 6.E. Conference Reports
- 6.F. Failure to Take Up a Measure
- 6.G. The President
- Chapter 7. The Congressional Budget and Other Special Cases
- 7.A. Introduction
- 7.B. 1974 Budget Act
- 7.C. The Congressional Budget Resolution
- 7.D. Reconciliation Bills
- 7.E. The “Byrd Rule”
- 7.F. PAYGO
- 7.G. Authorizations
- 7.H. Appropriations
- 7.I. Government Shutdown
- 7.J. Debt Ceiling
- 7.K. Earmarks
- 7.L. Other Fast-Track Legislation
- 7.M. Congressional Review Act
- 7.N. The War Powers Resolution
- 7.O. Impoundment and Rescissions
- 7.P. Line-Item Veto
- Chapter 8. Additional Congressional Responsibilities and Procedures
- 8.A. Introduction
- 8.B. Nominations
- 8.C. Recess Appointments
- 8.D. Treaties
- 8.E. Congressional Oversight
- 8.F. Investigations
- 8.G. Impeachment and Trial
- 8.H. 25th Amendment
- 8.I. Legislative Veto
- 8.J. Recess and Adjournment
- 8.K. Senate Morning Business
- 8.L. House Special Orders
- 8.M. Rulings and Appeals of Rulings of the Chair
- 8.N. Expelling a Member or Denying a Seat to a Member-Elect
- 8.O. Presidential Election
- 8.P. Presidential Succession
- 8.Q. The Courts
- 8.R. Amending the Constitution
- Chapter 9. Conclusion
- Glossary
Congressional Procedure: A Practical Guide to the Legislative Process in the U.S. Congress: The House of Representatives and Senate Explained
By Richard A. Arenberg
Foreword by Alan S. Frumin
2018, 240 pages
Library of Congress Control Number: 2018903177
Hardbound:
ISBN 13: 978-1-58733-299-9
158733299X
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Softcover:
ISBN 13: 978-1-58733-282-1
ISBN 10: 1587332825
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eBook:
ISBN: 9781587332395
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This comprehensive guide to Congress is ideal for anyone who wants to know how Congress really works, including federal executives, attorneys, lobbyists, media and public affairs staff, government affairs, policy and budget analysts, congressional office staff and students.
- Clear explanation of the legislative process, budget process, and House and Senate business
- Legislative process flowchart
- Explanation of the electoral college and votes by states
- Glossary of legislative terms
- Relationship between budget resolutions and appropriation and authorization bills
- Amendment tree and amendment procedures
- How members are assigned to committees

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