From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Contempt of Congress Issa Lays Out Contempt of Congress Charges for Eric Holder Regarding Fast and Furious(ATF gunwalking scandal, aka Fast and Furious) Contempt of Congress 1: The power of Congress to punish for contempt is inextricably related to the power of Congress … Read more
From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Simple Resolution Resolution / Simple Resolution: Sentiment of one chamber on an issue, or a measure to carry out the administrative or procedural business of the chamber. Does not become law. Designated as H. Res. or S. Res. A simple resolution deals with the internal … Read more
From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Previous Question A nondebatable House (or House committee) motion, which, when agreed to, cuts off further debate, prevents the offering of additional amendments, and brings the pending matter to an immediate vote. A motion for the previous question, when carried, has the effect of cutting … Read more
From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Discharge Calendar / a Committee / Petition / Resolution Discharge a Committee: To remove a measure from committee to which it has been returned in order to make it available for floor consideration. This is attempted more often in the House than in the Senate, … Read more
From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Hopper Box attached to the House clerk’s desk where members place bills and resolutions to introduce them. Also called “bill hopper.” The term derives from a funnel-shaped storage bin filled from the top and emptied from the bottom, often used to house grain or coal. … Read more
From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Parliamentary Inquiry Parliamentary Inquiry regarding the New York Yankees – November 5, 2009 A question from the floor to the presiding officer by a member requesting a clarification of the procedural situation on the floor. Responses to parliamentary inquiries are not rulings of … Read more