A proposal of a member of Congress to alter the language, provisions or stipulations in a bill, resolution, amendment, motion, treaty or in another amendment. An amendment is usually printed, debated and voted upon in the same manner as a bill.
An at-large representative is one who is elected to represent an entire state as the sole representative of that state.
A Bill is a legislative proposal which would make law if it passes both the House and Senate and if it receives Presidential approval.
A caucus is an informal group of members sharing an interest in the same policy issues.
A member who formally supports an already sponsored bill.
An informal group that pursues a particular interest or policy. Examples include the Democratic Caucus and the Black Caucus.
A provision which directs funds to be spent on specific projects.
The practice of preventing a vote in the senate through a prolonged series of speeches. A supermajority is required to force an end to this action.
Congressional actions taken on bills after they have been reviewed in committee.
A hearing is a meeting or session of a Senate, House, joint, or special committee of Congress, usually open to the public, to obtain information and opinions on proposed legislation, conduct an investigation, or evaluate/oversee the activities of a government department or the implementation of a Federal law.
The current holder of a seat in Congress.
A committee comprised of members from both the House and the Senate.
The process of debating, amending and reworking a proposed bill.
An indirect veto of a bill whereby the President does not sign it before Congress adjourns within the prescribed 10 day limit.
Appropration of funds specifically for projects in a particular representative's district.
The number of Senators or Representatives required to do business.
A recorded vote including the name of the Senator or Representative and their position.
A committee created to perform a special function.
In the Senate, this is three-fifths of its members or 60 Senators. It is the majority required to end a filibuster.
The procedure by which a President refuses to approve a bill or joint resolution, preventing it from becoming law.
A vote that is not recorded whereby members say either "aye" or "nay". The loudest group prevails.
