Mace (CongressionalGlossary.com)

From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Mace   Symbolism in the House Chamber   The mace is the symbol of authority of the House of Representatives. The mace is 46 inches high and consists of 13 thin ebony rods representing the original 13 states of the union. The rods are bound … Read more

Seniority / Junior Senator / Senior Senator (CongressionalGlossary.com)

From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Seniority / Junior Senator / Senior Senator Cartoon explanation here. The status given members according to their length of service in the chamber, which entitles a member with greater seniority to preferential treatment in matters such as committee assignments. In the House, the Press Gallery … Read more

Hopper (CongressionalGlossary.com)

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

Parliamentarian (CongressionalGlossary.com)

From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Parliamentarian   House Session 2012-03-27 (19:04:25-20:19:32)   The Senate and the House each has an Office of the Parliamentarian to provide expert advice and assistance on questions relating to the meaning and application of that chamber’s legislative rules, precedents, and practices. House: The House Parliamentarian … Read more