From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Committee on Committees / Party Leaders At the beginning of each Congress, members meet to organize and select their leaders. Committees formed in each party conference and responsible for nominating the party’s members to committee membership and committee leadership positions. Nominations are subject to approval … Read more
From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Minority Leader Floor leader and chief spokesperson for the minority party in each chamber, elected by the members of that party. The minority leader is also responsible for devising the chamber’s minority party political and procedural strategy. Also see Majority Whip; § 5.50 Party Leadership, … Read more
From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Floor Leaders In the House, the Majority Leader and the Minority Leader represent their parties on the House floor. They are assisted by whips. The House, with its large membership, has chosen majority and minority leaders since the 19th century to expedite legislative business and … Read more
From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Majority Leader The Majority Leader is elected by her party colleagues. In the Senate, the Majority Leader, in collaboration with the Minority Leader, directs the legislation schedule for the Senate. Each is her party’s spokesperson and chief strategist. In the House, the Majority Leader is … Read more
From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Speaker The presiding officer of the House of Representatives, selected by the caucus of the party to which she belongs and formally elected by the whole House. Article I, Section 2 of the Constitution states: “The House of Representatives shall chuse their Speaker and other … Read more
From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Whip, Majority Whip, Minority Whip In addition to the majority and minority party leaders, each party elects assistant leaders, or “Whips.” Assistants to the floor leaders who are also elected by their party conferences. The majority and minority whips (and their assistants) are responsible for … Read more