Recent CRS Reports – February 2023

“Constitutional Authority Statements: A Quick Guide,” CRS In Focus IF12335, February 27, 2023 (5-page PDF) “Congressional Disapproval of District of Columbia Laws Under the Home Rule Act,” CRS Insights IN12119, February 27, 2023 (5-page PDF) “The Congressional Review Act (CRA): A Brief Overview,” CRS In Focus IF10023, February 27, 2023 (5-page PDF) “East Palestine, OH, … Read more

Categories CRS

Original Bill (CongressionalGlossary.com)

From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Original Bill A bill drafted by a committee and introduced by its chair when the committee reports the measure back to its chamber. It is not referred back to the committee after introduction. The Senate allows all committees to report original bills; the House generally … Read more

Bills Introduced / Bills Referred / Sponsor (CongressionalGlossary.com)

From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Bills Introduced / Bills Referred / Sponsor Bills Introduced: In both the House and Senate, any number of members may join in introducing a single bill or resolution. The first member listed is the sponsor of the bill, and all members’ names following his or … Read more

Cloakroom / Hotline (CongressionalGlossary.com)

From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Cloakroom / Hotline   Donnald K. Anderson: Running the Democratic Cloakroom   Democratic and Republican cloakrooms adjacent to the Senate and House chambers serve as gathering places for party members to discuss chamber business privately. Each cloakroom operates a “hotline” (telephone cloakroom recording) for party … Read more

Constitutional Authority Statement (CongressionalGlossary.com)

From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Constitutional Authority Statement photo credit: _BuBBy_ On January 5, 2011, the House of Representatives adopted an amendment to House Rule XII adding a requirement to all measures introduced in the House of Representatives that are intended to become law. Specifically, Rule XII, clause 7(c) requires … Read more

Joint Resolution (CongressionalGlossary.com)

From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Joint Resolution A joint resolution, designated H.J. Res. or S.J. Res. Requires the approval of both houses and the signature of the president, just as a bill does, and has the force of law if approved. There is no practical difference between a bill and … Read more

Conference Report (CongressionalGlossary.com)

From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Conference Report photo credit: ☺ Lee J Haywood The compromise product negotiated by the conference committee. The “conference report,” which is printed and available to Senators, is submitted to each chamber for its consideration, such as approval or disapproval. The conference report contains a formal … Read more