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House of Representatives

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The Speaker --> presiding officer

elected by majority party

powers

recognize those wishing to speak

appoint select & conference committees

committee referrals

agenda setter

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The Speaker --> presiding officer

elected by majority party

powers

recognize those wishing to speak

appoint select & conference committees

committee referrals

agenda setter

ceremonial leader of Congress

de facto party leader if president is opposition

Sam Rayburn (1950s)

Tip O’Neill (1980s)

Newt Gingrich (1990s)

John Boehner (2010s)

N Nancy Pelosi

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Majority Leader

legislative strategy

keep members in line

more important in the Senate

Minority Leader

key party spokesperson

Whips (and deputy whips)

liaison between leadership and members

pressure members to “get on board”

ensure attendance

prepare summaries

Min.. Leader Hakim Jeffries

Speaker Mike Johnsoni

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Standing Committees: can refer bills to the floor

  • Agriculture
  • Appropriations
  • Armed Services
  • Budget
  • Education and Workforce
  • Energy & Commerce
  • Financial Services
  • Foreign Affairs
  • Homeland Security
  • House Administration
  • Judiciary
  • Natural Resources
  • Rules
  • Science, Space & Technology
  • Small Business
  • Transportation and Infrastructure
  • Veteran’s Affairs
  • Ways and Means

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The U.S. Senate

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Senate Culture

more prestigious

smaller (“clubby”)

debate conducted in third person

longer terms

less emphasis on re-election

more competitive elections

more expert members

unlimited debate

filibuster: tool of minority

cloture (3/5)

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Party Organization

VP: Official presiding officer

president pro tempore (honorary)

majority leader (real power base)

agenda

recognition

party spokesperson (when pres. is in opposition)

minority leader

consulted in scheduling

party spokesperson

whips

Policy Committees (schedule business)

Committee Assignments

Steering Committee (Democrats)

Committee on Committees (Republicans)

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Committees

standing (permanent, page 125)

similar to House, but…

Rules, Appropriations less important

Judiciary, Foreign Relations more important

four actions

1. Reports from relevant executive agencies

2. Holds hearings

3. Mark-up session

4. Send amended bill back to the full Senate

sub-committees

select committees

joint committees: House AND Senate

conference committee

division of seats: proportional to overall party split

chairs: seniority helps

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Senate Leadership

Majority Leader: Chuck Schumer (NY)

Pres. Pro Temp.: Patty Murray (WA)

Asst. Maj. Leader: Dick Durbin (IL)

Minority Leader: Mitch McConnell (KY)

Asst. Min. Leader: John Thune (SD)

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