US Congress news and information
Israel and Hamas have agreed to a four-day ceasefire and a hostage exchange, mediated by Qatar and coordinated with the United States. The deal, which is still under discussion, would involve the release of about 50 hostages, mostly women and children, held by Hamas in Gaza, in exchange for 150 Palestinians imprisoned in Israel. This…
The filibuster is a parliamentary procedure in the U.S. Senate that allows a minority of senators to delay or block a vote on legislation by extending debate indefinitely unless a supermajority of 60 senators votes for cloture (ending debate). History: Controversy: Reform and Debate: Recent Developments: Conclusion: The filibuster remains a subject of debate and…
The Congressional Research Service (CRS) is a nonpartisan research agency within the United States Congress that provides comprehensive, objective, and timely analysis, research, and information to support Congress in its legislative and oversight duties. Here’s an overview of the CRS and its functions: Purpose and Mission: Functions and Services: Supportive Role in Congress: Conclusion: The…
House Speaker Mike Johnson met with Trump on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, after he publicly endorsed him for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination1. Johnson, who became speaker last month after Kevin McCarthy was ousted by a hard-right faction of the GOP, said he was “all in for President Trump” and expected him to be the…
Lobbying is an integral part of the political process in Congress, where individuals, interest groups, corporations, and organizations seek to influence lawmakers and government decisions. Here’s an overview of lobbying and its impact on the legislative process: What is Lobbying? Methods of Influence: Impact on the Legislative Process: Regulation and Ethics: Conclusion: Lobbying plays a…
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) is a nonpartisan agency that provides objective economic and budgetary analysis to support Congress in its legislative and budgetary decisions. Its primary purposes include: Budgetary Analysis: Economic and Policy Analysis: Support for Congressional Decision-Making: Budget Process Support: Accountability and Transparency: The Congressional Budget Office plays a crucial role in supporting…
Congressional leaders are aiming to pass Ukraine and Israel supplemental aid before Christmas1. The White House has requested more than $105 billion in aid for both countries, as well as for other national security needs, such as border security and Indo-Pacific security2. The aid package is intended to help Ukraine defend itself against Russia’s invasion…
Congressional committees are essential components of the legislative process in the United States Congress. These committees are smaller groups of members from the House of Representatives or the Senate tasked with specific responsibilities and areas of expertise. They play a crucial role in the legislative process for several reasons: Key Functions and Importance: Types of…
The process of how a bill becomes a law in the United States Congress involves several stages and requires approval from both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Here is an overview of the legislative process: Introduction of the Bill: Committee Consideration: Floor Action: Conference Committee (if needed): Final Approval: Presidential Action: Overrides and…
Congressional hearings are crucial components of the legislative process, serving as forums for gathering information, conducting investigations, and influencing policy decisions. Here’s a breakdown of how congressional hearings work and their impact on policy: Purpose and Function: Structure and Process: Impact on Policy: Conclusion: Congressional hearings play a pivotal role in the legislative process by…