I’m so confused! If I’m so confused! If the opposite of the opposite of

““propro” is “” is “concon,” does ,” does that mean that the that mean that the

opposite of opposite of progressprogress is is CongressCongress??

The first branch of government, The first branch of government, Article I of the Constitution;Article I of the Constitution; main main roles—legislate, oversee the performance roles—legislate, oversee the performance of government agencies, provide services of government agencies, provide services to constituentsto constituents

Students, I am Students, I am Speaker of the House, Speaker of the House, John Boehner. John Boehner. Why Why were the results of the were the results of the 2010 United States 2010 United States congressional congressional elections, taken as a elections, taken as a whole, considered an whole, considered an earthquake?earthquake?

GOP took 60 seats from Democrats GOP took 60 seats from Democrats in in House of Representatives House of Representatives Democrats <200 seatsDemocrats <200 seatsGOP took 6 Senate seats from GOP took 6 Senate seats from DemocratsDemocrats What factors can explain What factors can explain

those significant those significant Democratic losses in Democratic losses in 2010?2010?

I’m former Speaker and I’m former Speaker and now Minority Leader, now Minority Leader, Nancy Pelosi. There are Nancy Pelosi. There are two of the four reasons two of the four reasons indicated below.indicated below.

President Obama’s placating of Blue DogPresident Obama’s placating of Blue Dog Democrats led to watered-down bills that Democrats led to watered-down bills that disappointed the liberal base of the party.disappointed the liberal base of the party.Democrats did not publicize the good they hadDemocrats did not publicize the good they had done and failed to focus on jobs.done and failed to focus on jobs.

moremore

Here are the final two Here are the final two reasons.reasons.

The Tea Party factor coupled with a general The Tea Party factor coupled with a general disillusioned and disappointed Democraticdisillusioned and disappointed Democratic basebaseHuge advantage GOP enjoyed in campaign Huge advantage GOP enjoyed in campaign finance, particularly in independent spendingfinance, particularly in independent spending on issue advertisingon issue advertising

Form into small groups Form into small groups and discuss and discuss the the constitutional constitutional foundations of the foundations of the modern Congress.modern Congress.

Article I, Section 8—enumerated powers and theArticle I, Section 8—enumerated powers and the elastic clauseelastic clauseArticle I, Section 9--limitationsArticle I, Section 9--limitations

Article I, Section 8: “Congress shallArticle I, Section 8: “Congress shall have Power To. . .make all Laws which have Power To. . .make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carryingshall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers, and into Execution the foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by this Constitutionall other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the Unitedin the Government of the United States, or in any Department orStates, or in any Department or Officer thereof.”Officer thereof.”

The Constitution prevents The Constitution prevents the Senate from doing the Senate from doing

several things. For several things. For example: example: Congress cannot Congress cannot

pass ex post facto laws, pass ex post facto laws, bills of attainder or bills of attainder or

suspend the writ of suspend the writ of habeas habeas corpus.corpus. Can anyone define Can anyone define

those termsthose terms??

a law that applies to an a law that applies to an action that took place before the law was action that took place before the law was passedpassed

a law that punishes a a law that punishes a person who has not been convicted in a person who has not been convicted in a court of lawcourt of law

a court order a court order requiring police to bring all persons requiring police to bring all persons accused of a crime to court and to show accused of a crime to court and to show sufficient reason to keep them in jail sufficient reason to keep them in jail

Ex Post Facto Law:Ex Post Facto Law:

Bill of Attainder:Bill of Attainder:

Writ of Writ of Habeas Corpus: Habeas Corpus:

I am Senator Daniel I am Senator Daniel Inouye from Hawaii. Inouye from Hawaii. Every 6 years since Every 6 years since 1962 the people of 1962 the people of

Hawaii have elected Hawaii have elected me to the United me to the United

Stated Senate—I am Stated Senate—I am now, at age 87, the now, at age 87, the

longest serving longest serving member of the Senate. member of the Senate.

Because I am also in Because I am also in the the majority party, I am majority party, I am

the President Pro the President Pro TemporeTempore of the Senate. of the Senate. Why did the Founders Why did the Founders specify that senators specify that senators be elected by state be elected by state

legislatures and not the legislatures and not the people?people?

The objective was to insulate oneThe objective was to insulate onehouse of Congress from popular pressures house of Congress from popular pressures and to make it a seat of deliberation and and to make it a seat of deliberation and reflection.reflection.

The use of the Senate is The use of the Senate is to consist in its to consist in its proceeding with more proceeding with more coolness. . . And with coolness. . . And with more wisdom than the more wisdom than the popular branch.popular branch.

I’m Congressman Jeff I’m Congressman Jeff Denham from Denham from

California’s 19California’s 19thth District. District. Under the ConstitutionUnder the Constitution, ,

the requirements to be a the requirements to be a Member of Congress are:Member of Congress are:

1.1. 25 years old25 years old2.2. U. S. citizen for at least 7 U. S. citizen for at least 7

years, andyears, and3.3. A legal resident of the A legal resident of the

state they representstate they representMembers are elected every Members are elected every

2 years2 years

Members of the House Members of the House earn $174,000 a year and earn $174,000 a year and

are given office space are given office space both in Washington and in both in Washington and in

their districts their districts and and allowances to hire an allowances to hire an

office staff office staff based on the based on the distance from Washington distance from Washington

to the center of the to the center of the districtdistrict.. I am also given I am also given money for stationery, money for stationery,

supplies and other supplies and other necessary items.necessary items.

I am Senator Diane I am Senator Diane Feinstein, from Feinstein, from

California. California. Senators Senators differ considerably differ considerably

from Members of the from Members of the House in many areas, House in many areas,

although their although their salaries are the same.salaries are the same.

ButBut Senators serve Senators serve for 6 years, must be for 6 years, must be

30 years old, and 30 years old, and must have been a must have been a

citizen of the U.S. for citizen of the U.S. for 9-years9-years before they before they

can be electedcan be elected..

I am Senator Barbara I am Senator Barbara Boxer, also from Boxer, also from

CaliforniaCalifornia. There are no . There are no term limits on members of term limits on members of Congress, Congress, although many although many

states, like California, states, like California, have them on their state have them on their state

legislatorslegislators. .

One of the One of the key issueskey issues of being of being a legislator: are you a a legislator: are you a delegatedelegate oror a a trusteetrustee??

British author Edmund British author Edmund BurkeBurke (1729-1797):(1729-1797):delegate—always vote the delegate—always vote the way the majority of your way the majority of your constituents want you to;constituents want you to;trustee—people elect youtrustee—people elect youto vote in line with your to vote in line with your ownown conscienceconscience—they —they trust you to make the trust you to make the right decisions.right decisions.

Burke favored the trustee Burke favored the trustee

Students, please tell us Students, please tell us some aspects of the some aspects of the demographic demographic backgrounds of backgrounds of members of Congress.members of Congress.

Despite recent gains, women and racial Despite recent gains, women and racial minorities underrepresentedminorities underrepresented

Hispanics—largest minority group in Hispanics—largest minority group in US—US— very low representation very low representation

Women—1992 “year of the woman”Women—1992 “year of the woman”111111thth Congress: 77 H; 17 S Congress: 77 H; 17 S

Better educated than rest of populationBetter educated than rest of population75% legal or business backgrounds75% legal or business backgroundsMost career politicians/civil servantsMost career politicians/civil servants

Women: introduce more bills related to Women: introduce more bills related to women’s/children’s issueswomen’s/children’s issues

I am Dennis Cardoza, the I am Dennis Cardoza, the Member of Congress Member of Congress

representing California’s representing California’s 1818thth District. How does your District. How does your textbook define the terms textbook define the terms

constituentsconstituents??

Constituents are residents of a Constituents are residents of a Member’s Member’s district or state—they can be citizens or district or state—they can be citizens or non-citizens; voters or non-voters; non-citizens; voters or non-voters; adults adults or children. or children.

Hello constituents. Jeff Hello constituents. Jeff Denham again. Many of Denham again. Many of you live in my district. you live in my district. Who can tell me how Who can tell me how

state representation in state representation in the House is determined?the House is determined?

Census: the official Census: the official population count.population count.

The 19The 19thth District, District, like all districts, like all districts, was determined was determined

based on the based on the census and census and

apportioned by apportioned by CongressCongress..

What is a census?What is a census?What does What does

apportioned apportioned mean?mean?

Apportioned: House Apportioned: House seats are distributed seats are distributed based on the census; based on the census; reapportionedreapportionedevery 10 yearsevery 10 years

Since the 1910 census, Since the 1910 census, there have beenthere have been 435 435 votingvoting members of members of

CongressCongress withwith at least at least one from each state.one from each state.

Again, House Again, House membership per state is membership per state is

based on population. based on population. Right now, our California Right now, our California delegation has 53 seats. delegation has 53 seats.

There are alsoThere are also 5 non-5 non-voting seats: Puerto Rico, voting seats: Puerto Rico,

Guam, the American Guam, the American Virgin Islands, American Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and Washington, Samoa, and Washington,

D. C.D. C.

On the average, each On the average, each MemberMember of the House of of the House of

RepresentativesRepresentatives represents represents about 646,952 people. about 646,952 people.

State legislatures draw the State legislatures draw the districtsdistricts in the state, trying in the state, trying to average around 650,000 to average around 650,000 people per districtpeople per district. Based . Based on reapportionment, state on reapportionment, state legislatures redistrict every legislatures redistrict every 10 years—change district 10 years—change district

boundaries. boundaries.

Barbara Boxer again. Barbara Boxer again. Sometimes state Sometimes state

legislatures create weird-legislatures create weird-looking congressional looking congressional

districts in order to districts in order to preserve the majority preserve the majority

party’s power in Congressparty’s power in Congress. . The technique for drawing The technique for drawing such boundaries is called such boundaries is called gerrymanderinggerrymandering, , named named after the founding father,after the founding father,Elbridge GerryElbridge Gerry of Massof Mass..

Chief Justice John Roberts again. Chief Justice John Roberts again. How has the Supreme Court How has the Supreme Court

weighed in with regard to district weighed in with regard to district boundaries?boundaries?

Baker v. Carr Baker v. Carr (1962)(1962)Voters have the right to Voters have the right to challenge how state challenge how state legislatures allocate legislative legislatures allocate legislative seats and such questions could seats and such questions could be considered in federal courts. be considered in federal courts. Essentially, Essentially, we have gone along we have gone along with the old adage: with the old adage: “to the“to thevictor belong the spoils.”victor belong the spoils.”

I am former Congressman I am former Congressman Tom DeLay of Texas. Tom DeLay of Texas. What does the phrase What does the phrase “cracking a district” “cracking a district” mean?mean?A party does not want a district with too great ofA party does not want a district with too great of

a majority a majority (wastes votes). (wastes votes). It chooses to draw It chooses to draw congressional district boundaries to spread its congressional district boundaries to spread its popular strength across two or more districts inpopular strength across two or more districts inhopes of winning more seats in the state’shopes of winning more seats in the state’scongressional delegation. Validated by congressional delegation. Validated by UnitedUnitedLatin American Citizens v. PerryLatin American Citizens v. Perry (2006) (2006)

Edward Greenberg, one of Edward Greenberg, one of your textbook’s authors again. your textbook’s authors again. What is What is incumbent-protection incumbent-protection re-districting and what have re-districting and what have been its affect has been on been its affect has been on House membershipHouse membership

Majority parties in state legislatures redrawing Majority parties in state legislatures redrawing congressional district boundaries congressional district boundaries to protect to protect incumbents of a particular party. It has become incumbents of a particular party. It has become so extensive that in 2008, only about 75 so extensive that in 2008, only about 75 out of out of 435 435 seats were competitive—winning margin 5% seats were competitive—winning margin 5% or less or less (100/435 in 2010). (100/435 in 2010). Has contributed to Has contributed to partisan divide in Congress.partisan divide in Congress.

Thank you, Dr. Thank you, Dr. Greenberg. So what Greenberg. So what

are are majority-majority-minority districts minority districts and how did the and how did the Supreme Court’s Supreme Court’s

decision in decision in Hunt v. Hunt v. Cromartie Cromartie (2001) (2001)

affect themaffect them??Majority-minority districts are Majority-minority districts are congressionalcongressionaldistricts drawn to ensure that a racial districts drawn to ensure that a racial minorityminoritycomprises the majority of voters. comprises the majority of voters. Today Today there are 15 with African-American there are 15 with African-American majorities and 9 with Hispanic majorities. majorities and 9 with Hispanic majorities. Hunt v. Cromartie Hunt v. Cromartie (2001) ruled that race (2001) ruled that race can be a significant factor in drawing can be a significant factor in drawing district lines “so long as it is not the district lines “so long as it is not the dominant or controlling one.”dominant or controlling one.”

Name recognitionName recognition, , the redistricting the redistricting process,process,franking privileges (free postagefranking privileges (free postage), ), time time spent in the district*,spent in the district*, and and political “war political “war chestschests”—built-up contributions from ”—built-up contributions from people, organizations andpeople, organizations and Political Action Political Action Committees (PAC)—committees Committees (PAC)—committees focusing on particular issues that back focusing on particular issues that back political candidates. political candidates.

*Most congressional business: Tue-Thu *Most congressional business: Tue-Thu

Since World War II, on average, Since World War II, on average, 93% of House incumbents and 93% of House incumbents and 80% of Senate incumbents 80% of Senate incumbents have won re-election. So have won re-election. So incumbents definitely have incumbents definitely have advantages. advantages. What are some of What are some of them?them?

Hello, I amHello, I am Senator Mitch Senator Mitch McConnell and I am the McConnell and I am the Republican, or Minority, Republican, or Minority, Leader of the Senate.Leader of the Senate. Another advantage Another advantage

incumbents have is incumbents have is case case work. work. What is that?What is that?

Members of Congress receive more than Members of Congress receive more than 200 million pieces of mail each year.200 million pieces of mail each year. TheseTheseinclude:include:Requests for flagsRequests for flags flown over the capital flown over the capitalOpinions on issuesOpinions on issues facing Congress/ facing Congress/ urging the member to vote a certain wayurging the member to vote a certain wayRequesting help with the Federal bureaucracyRequesting help with the Federal bureaucracy Military or Military or veterans issuesveterans issuesAsking for a Asking for a Congressional RecordCongressional Record insert insert

Pork-barrel legislation: Pork-barrel legislation: federally funded projects federally funded projects designed to bring to the designed to bring to the constituency jobs and constituency jobs and public money for which public money for which Members of Congress can Members of Congress can claim credit. claim credit. They are also They are also referred to as “earmarks.”referred to as “earmarks.”

Senator Daniel Inouye Senator Daniel Inouye again. again. Incumbents can Incumbents can

also use pork barrel also use pork barrel legislation. legislation. What is What is

that?that?

Some of you may know that Some of you may know that I worked as an aide for I worked as an aide for Senator John Warner of Senator John Warner of Virginia from December Virginia from December 1994 until August 1996. 1994 until August 1996.

During that time, I worked During that time, I worked several constituent issues. several constituent issues. I’ll now share some of those I’ll now share some of those with you. Often people ask with you. Often people ask

for the Member to put for the Member to put something in thesomething in the

Congressional RecordCongressional Record—the —the official and verbatimofficial and verbatim

(exact)(exact) record of what is record of what is said each day in both said each day in both

houseshouses..

To begin this second To begin this second section, I’m going to section, I’m going to ask you the last ask you the last question first. question first. After After reading the entire reading the entire section what can you section what can you summarize about who summarize about who makes things happen in makes things happen in both houses of both houses of Congress?Congress? Over the years, congressional party leaders Over the years, congressional party leaders

havehaveamassed the vast majority of power in amassed the vast majority of power in Congress.Congress.Therefore, decisions as to who becomes Therefore, decisions as to who becomes Speaker, Majority Leader and even Minority Speaker, Majority Leader and even Minority Leader are very important.Leader are very important.

I am Senator Harry I am Senator Harry Reid from Nevada, the Reid from Nevada, the Majority Leader of the Majority Leader of the

U. S. Senate. In the U. S. Senate. In the same vein as what same vein as what

Speaker Boehner just Speaker Boehner just asked, asked, what is the role what is the role of the party conference of the party conference

(party caucus)?(party caucus)?All the members of a political party in a All the members of a political party in a given house of Congress meet at the given house of Congress meet at the beginning of a session beginning of a session (January) (January) and elect and elect leaders, approve committee assignments leaders, approve committee assignments (including committee/(including committee/subcommittee chairs) and reach subcommittee chairs) and reach agreement on the legislative goals for the agreement on the legislative goals for the session.session.

I am Senator Mitch I am Senator Mitch McConnell from McConnell from

Kentucky, the Minority Kentucky, the Minority Leader of the U. S. Leader of the U. S.

Senate. Senate. How partisan is How partisan is congressional voting congressional voting

today?today?Congressional voting is highly partisan. Congressional voting is highly partisan. Party affiliation is the best predictor for Party affiliation is the best predictor for voting behavior in Congress. Partisanship voting behavior in Congress. Partisanship has been rising steadily since the early has been rising steadily since the early 1970s and is evident today in about 90% of 1970s and is evident today in about 90% of votes. Consequently, bipartisan votes. Consequently, bipartisan agreements is becoming more difficult. agreements is becoming more difficult.

Mitch, exactly Mitch, exactly why is why is partisanship increasing in partisanship increasing in

Congress?Congress?Changing regional bases of partiesChanging regional bases of parties--for --for example, the Deep South now example, the Deep South now predominantly GOPpredominantly GOPPartisan conflict is on the rise nationally—Partisan conflict is on the rise nationally—the electorate is more divided along party the electorate is more divided along party lineslinesIdeology is a major reason—the Ideology is a major reason—the fundamental ideas of the parties conflict.fundamental ideas of the parties conflict.

So Harry, So Harry, members members

closely closely adhere to adhere to

party party lineslines..

Some history on Congress beforeSome history on Congress beforegoing furthergoing furtherPrior to 1958: Conservative coalition eraPrior to 1958: Conservative coalition era Oligarchy of senior leaders Oligarchy of senior leaders Safe seatsSafe seats Southern Democrats & Southern Democrats & Republicans of NE & NWRepublicans of NE & NW Powerful committee chairs Powerful committee chairs Hostile to activist presidents Hostile to activist presidents (Truman & Civil Rights) (Truman & Civil Rights)

1958 election: More liberals 1958 election: More liberals Lyndon Johnson rose to leadership Lyndon Johnson rose to leadership of Democratic (majority) Party of Democratic (majority) Party

Johnson began a “power Johnson began a “power earthquake”earthquake” Power of old seniority system cut Power of old seniority system cut 1965-1978: Reform Era 1965-1978: Reform Era Post Vietnam & WatergatePost Vietnam & WatergateLeadership & decision-making open Leadership & decision-making open to a wider circle of players to a wider circle of players New House & Senate rules New House & Senate rules and procedures and procedures Folkways of Senate revampedFolkways of Senate revamped Today: Post Reform Congress Today: Post Reform Congress

I’d like to discuss I’d like to discuss with youwith you

congressional congressional leadership.leadership.

What areWhat are floor leaders and whips in floor leaders and whips in the House the House of Representativesof Representatives??

House floor leaders: House floor leaders: Speaker: presiding officer of the House; Speaker: presiding officer of the House; elected by whole House but reflects the elected by whole House but reflects the majority party; second in line to presidency.majority party; second in line to presidency.John Boehner of Ohio. Extraordinary power.John Boehner of Ohio. Extraordinary power.

Majority leader: assistant to the Speaker Majority leader: assistant to the Speaker and is the second-most-influential member and is the second-most-influential member of the House. Eric Cantor of VAof the House. Eric Cantor of VAMinority leader: the minority party’s chief Minority leader: the minority party’s chief Spokesperson. Nancy Pelosi of CASpokesperson. Nancy Pelosi of CA

What are party whips in What are party whips in Congress?Congress?

Party whips are Members whose Party whips are Members whose main function is to monitor and main function is to monitor and influence how the party members influence how the party members vote on legislation. They form an vote on legislation. They form an intelligence network for the leaders.intelligence network for the leaders. Republican: Kevin McCarthy Republican: Kevin McCarthy of California of California Democratic: Steny Hoyer of Democratic: Steny Hoyer of MarylandMaryland

How the House is structured How the House is structured

The most powerful member The most powerful member of the Senate is the Majority of the Senate is the Majority Leader. The most important Leader. The most important

member of the minority member of the minority party is the Minority Leader.party is the Minority Leader.

Majority Leader: Sen. Harry Majority Leader: Sen. Harry Reid of NV. Minority Leader:Reid of NV. Minority Leader:Sen. Mitch McConnell of KYSen. Mitch McConnell of KY

Yes, but remember my power is Yes, but remember my power is less visibleless visible. I . I don’t have nearly don’t have nearly

the power of the House the power of the House Speaker.Speaker. I have I have some some

influence on committee influence on committee assignments and scheduling assignments and scheduling

the business of the Senatethe business of the Senate, and , and over certain administrative over certain administrative

matters. matters.

Our Our power is power is

more more informalinformal—powers —powers

of of persuasiopersuasio

n and n and such.such.

How the Senate is Structured How the Senate is Structured

Let’s discuss committees. Let’s discuss committees. Why has there been “a Why has there been “a dramatic decline in the dramatic decline in the

power of committees and power of committees and of committee chairs in the of committee chairs in the

legislative process?”legislative process?”

As partisanship rose, more power became As partisanship rose, more power became centered in the hands of the House centered in the hands of the House Speaker and, Speaker and, to a lesser degree, to a lesser degree, the the Majority Leader of the Senate. One major Majority Leader of the Senate. One major power in that regard is who is appointed as power in that regard is who is appointed as committee chairs and committee members. committee chairs and committee members. Those members are therefore beholden to Those members are therefore beholden to the Speaker/Senate Majority Leader.the Speaker/Senate Majority Leader.

MuchMuch of the work of of the work of Congressmen and Congressmen and

Senators is done in the Senators is done in the various committees of various committees of each house.each house. Why does Why does

Congress have Congress have committees?committees?

Students, I am Vice Students, I am Vice President Joe Biden, a President Joe Biden, a former senator from former senator from

DelawareDelaware. Congress has . Congress has committees to help committees to help

process the huge flow of process the huge flow of business. Committees are business. Committees are

also islands of also islands of specialization, where specialization, where members and staff members and staff

develop the expertise to develop the expertise to handle complex issues and handle complex issues and to meet executive branch to meet executive branch experts on equal terms.experts on equal terms.

There are two basic types There are two basic types of congressional of congressional

committees: authorizing committees: authorizing and appropriations. Each and appropriations. Each

house has many house has many authorizing committees, authorizing committees,

but only one but only one appropriations committee. appropriations committee. What are appropriations What are appropriations

(not in book)? (not in book)?

Authorizing committees Authorizing committees authorize government authorize government

programs to exist while programs to exist while funding must come from funding must come from

the appropriations the appropriations committee. committee. That’s why That’s why

almost all members really almost all members really want seats on the want seats on the

appropriations committee of appropriations committee of their respective house.their respective house.There are also 4 other categories of There are also 4 other categories of

committees: standing, select, joint, and committees: standing, select, joint, and conference. There are also conference. There are also subcommittees. subcommittees. Discuss each.Discuss each.

Standing committees are the Standing committees are the permanent committees in each house. permanent committees in each house. In theIn the HouseHouse there arethere are 24 standing committees24 standing committees..Here they areHere they are. . In theIn the SenateSenate there arethere are 2020standing committeesstanding committees and here they areand here they are..

What are standing committees What are standing committees and how many of them are and how many of them are

there in each house?there in each house?

Committees that deal with special Committees that deal with special issues not covered by standing issues not covered by standing committees. They have no power to send billscommittees. They have no power to send billsTo the floor of either house, usually focus on To the floor of either house, usually focus on investigations and are generally temporary. investigations and are generally temporary. The most famous select committee was the The most famous select committee was the Senate’s Senate’s Watergate CommitteeWatergate Committee in the mid-1970s. in the mid-1970s.

Students, I am Senator Joe Students, I am Senator Joe Lieberman, from Lieberman, from

Connecticut. You may Connecticut. You may recall that I was Al Gore’s recall that I was Al Gore’s vice presidential running vice presidential running mate in 2000mate in 2000.. What are What are

select committees?select committees?

Good. How about joint Good. How about joint committees?committees?

Committees made Committees made up of members of up of members of both the House andboth the House andthe Senate—Jointthe Senate—JointBudget Committee. Budget Committee.

OK—how about conference OK—how about conference committees?committees?

Temporary bodies appointed to Temporary bodies appointed to work out a compromise between work out a compromise between House and Senate versions of a House and Senate versions of a bill that has been passed by both bill that has been passed by both Houses. Houses. More about these later.More about these later.

I am Senator Olympia Snowe I am Senator Olympia Snowe of Maine—the only Greek-of Maine—the only Greek-American in the Senate.American in the Senate. RememberRemember two standing two standing committees—intelligence committees—intelligence

and budget—limit and budget—limit membership to 7 years.membership to 7 years.

What are subcommittees?What are subcommittees?

Subcommittees are divisions of Subcommittees are divisions of standing committees, that give standing committees, that give Members and Senators a Members and Senators a chance to specialize in certain chance to specialize in certain areasareas. . There There are about 175 subcommittees are about 175 subcommittees in Congressin Congress..

Party leaders in Congress Party leaders in Congress assign members to assign members to

committees. committees. Of course, Of course, most most want seats on the want seats on the

Appropriations CommitteesAppropriations Committees and not all can have seats. and not all can have seats.

Other popular committees are Other popular committees are the Budget Committees, in the Budget Committees, in the House, the Ways and the House, the Ways and

Means Committee, the Senate Means Committee, the Senate Finance Committee and, in Finance Committee and, in

both houses,both houses,The Armed Services and The Armed Services and

Foreign Affairs committeesForeign Affairs committees. . Leaders often assign Leaders often assign

members to committees members to committees based on political needs. One based on political needs. One

guideline for selection is guideline for selection is seniority.seniority.

As one of our local representatives,As one of our local representatives,Congressman Denham serves on Congressman Denham serves on the Committee on Transportation and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, the Committee on Infrastructure, the Committee on Natural Resources and the CommitteeNatural Resources and the Committeeon Veterans Affairson Veterans Affairs

Congressman Cardoza is a Blue Congressman Cardoza is a Blue Dog Democrat who serves on the Dog Democrat who serves on the powerful Rules Committee as well powerful Rules Committee as well as the Agriculture Committee and as the Agriculture Committee and is on the is on the sub-committee on Horticulture sub-committee on Horticulture and Organic Agriculture the and Organic Agriculture the subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy & Poultry & Poultry

Senator Boxer serves on:Senator Boxer serves on:Commerce, Science & Transportation;Commerce, Science & Transportation;Environment and Public Works;Environment and Public Works;Foreign Relations; Chair of the Foreign Relations; Chair of the Committee on Ethics; and 9 sub-Committee on Ethics; and 9 sub-committeescommittees

Senator Feinstein serves on:Senator Feinstein serves on:The Judiciary Committee;The Judiciary Committee;The Appropriations Committee;The Appropriations Committee;Chair of the Intelligence CommitteeChair of the Intelligence CommitteeThe Rules & Administration Com.The Rules & Administration Com.2 minor committees & 11 sub-coms;2 minor committees & 11 sub-coms;Chair of 4 subcommitteesChair of 4 subcommittees

Senior members have great Senior members have great expertise—expertise—they are experts on they are experts on committee business.committee business. Also, theAlso, the seniority situation has changed seniority situation has changed since the Reform Congress of the mid-since the Reform Congress of the mid-1970s, 1970s, when more junior members could when more junior members could become chairs. The become chairs. The ranking minority ranking minority member is the member is the most influential committee member most influential committee member from the minority party.from the minority party.

Committee chairs have a Committee chairs have a great deal of power. All chairs great deal of power. All chairs

are from the majority party are from the majority party and are based on seniority. and are based on seniority.

Don’t forget thatDon’t forget that in the in the Senate, seniority is an Senate, seniority is an important criterion for important criterion for appointing committee appointing committee

chairs, while in the House chairs, while in the House the Speaker appoints chairs the Speaker appoints chairs based on the needs of the based on the needs of the party agenda. Chairs must party agenda. Chairs must be attentive to what their be attentive to what their party wants, or they may party wants, or they may

be removed from the be removed from the chairmanship.chairmanship.

Now we are going to Now we are going to discuss the rules discuss the rules and norms in the and norms in the

House and Senate. House and Senate. Discuss the concept Discuss the concept of reciprocity as it of reciprocity as it

pertains to Members pertains to Members of Congressof Congress..

Members have been expected to become Members have been expected to become specialists in some area or areas of policy specialists in some area or areas of policy and to defer to the judgment of other and to defer to the judgment of other specialists on most bills. Of course, the specialists on most bills. Of course, the principle of reciprocity is declining in recent principle of reciprocity is declining in recent years in favor of deferring to the wishes of years in favor of deferring to the wishes of party leaders.party leaders.

In Alaska, In Alaska, this is what this is what we call we call log log

rollingrolling. . What does What does the term the term mean in mean in

Congress?Congress?A member may vote with a colleague A member may vote with a colleague in the expectation that the colleague in the expectation that the colleague will later return the favor.will later return the favor.

Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker, the textbook says that the textbook says that legislative life is much more “rule-legislative life is much more “rule-bound” in the House of bound” in the House of Representatives, as opposed to the Representatives, as opposed to the Senate? Senate? Why?Why?

Electronic votingElectronic voting Suspending of ordinary rulesSuspending of ordinary rules

by 2/3 voteby 2/3 voteImmediate action by unanimous consentImmediate action by unanimous consentInformal procedures as Committee of the WholeInformal procedures as Committee of the WholeMore differences when we discuss how a bill More differences when we discuss how a bill makes its way through Congressmakes its way through Congress

Compared to the Senate, Compared to the Senate, and and with 440 members, with 440 members, the House the House is very large. House leaders: is very large. House leaders: more power; majority party: more power; majority party: more control over legislative more control over legislative

affairs; procedures: much affairs; procedures: much more structuredmore structured

How does the Senate differ How does the Senate differ from the House?from the House?

Smaller (100 v. 435/440)Smaller (100 v. 435/440)More informal proceduresMore informal proceduresMore time for debateMore time for debate100 separate power centers 100 separate power centers IndividualisticIndividualistic

Thank you, Mr. Thank you, Mr. President Pro Tempore. President Pro Tempore. Let’s focus on the fact Let’s focus on the fact

that in the Senate that in the Senate therethere usually usually isis no limit no limit

on the length of on the length of debate.debate.

Senators can:Senators can:1)1)Speak without time limit on a billSpeak without time limit on a bill2)2)Engage in a colloquy with another senator Engage in a colloquy with another senator 3)3)Engage in a debate Engage in a debate (“Will the Senator yield?”)(“Will the Senator yield?”)4)4)Make an “insert for the record” without Make an “insert for the record” without actually speaking on the floor. actually speaking on the floor. All floor business televised on CSPAN All floor business televised on CSPAN

The Senate also has some The Senate also has some expressed powers not held expressed powers not held

by the House.by the House.

Treaties—must be approved by a Treaties—must be approved by a 2/3 vote of the Senate2/3 vote of the Senate

The Senate also approves all major The Senate also approves all major appointments made by the Presidentappointments made by the President: Supreme : Supreme Court justices, cabinet officers, military officers,Court justices, cabinet officers, military officers, etc.etc. These approvals are byThese approvals are by majority vote. majority vote.

V. P. Joe Biden here. V. P. Joe Biden here. As a senator from As a senator from Delaware, I served, in 1991, as the Delaware, I served, in 1991, as the Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Chairman of the Senate Judiciary

Committee. As such I presided over one of Committee. As such I presided over one of the most acrimonious and controversial the most acrimonious and controversial

confirmation hearings of all time—that for confirmation hearings of all time—that for Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. The Senate also has the power to confirm.The Senate also has the power to confirm.

Begins in appropriate committeeBegins in appropriate committeeNominees appear before the committee to Nominees appear before the committee to answer questionsanswer questionsTypically, nominees meet with key senators Typically, nominees meet with key senators prior to hearingsprior to hearingsCalled the Advise and Consent powersCalled the Advise and Consent powers

How does the way bills are How does the way bills are scheduled for floor debate scheduled for floor debate differ between the House differ between the House

and the Senate? and the Senate?

Unanimous consent: Unanimous consent: business can be blocked by business can be blocked by a single dissenter.a single dissenter.

In that same vein, what is a In that same vein, what is a hold?hold?

Any senator may temporarily blockAny senator may temporarily blockthe consideration of either a the consideration of either a legislative bill or a presidential legislative bill or a presidential nomination. Holds are regulated nomination. Holds are regulated only by the majority leader, who only by the majority leader, who may decide on whether to grant may decide on whether to grant holds and how long they can be holds and how long they can be in effect.in effect.

The rule that allows The rule that allows unlimited debate can lead unlimited debate can lead to a to a stalling tactic to try to stalling tactic to try to

prevent a vote on a bill prevent a vote on a bill that is unique to the U. S. that is unique to the U. S.

Senate.Senate.Sometimes, Sometimes, if a party or individual members if a party or individual members want to prevent a votewant to prevent a vote they can filibuster—a they can filibuster—a delaying tactic delaying tactic in which Senators just keepin which Senators just keeptalking and talking and then yielding the floor talking and talking and then yielding the floor to other senators who support the filibusterto other senators who support the filibuster. . Today: much more informal—senators simply Today: much more informal—senators simply can announce a filibuster and consideration ofcan announce a filibuster and consideration of the bill is stopped. the bill is stopped. No wasting time with talk.No wasting time with talk.

The only way to stop a The only way to stop a filibuster is by a vote of filibuster is by a vote of

cloture, cloture, although often party although often party leaders meet outside the leaders meet outside the

chamber to work out chamber to work out compromises that end the compromises that end the filibuster. Other times, the filibuster. Other times, the bill’s sponsors simply have bill’s sponsors simply have to pull the bill—remove it to pull the bill—remove it

from consideration. So what from consideration. So what is the is the definition of cloturedefinition of cloture??Cloture is a vote of 3/5 of the Senate,Cloture is a vote of 3/5 of the Senate,

or 60 members to halt debate on a bill and or 60 members to halt debate on a bill and votevote

Here we are—all the major leaders Here we are—all the major leaders of our government: Speaker of our government: Speaker

Bohner, Leader Pelosi, Leader Reid Bohner, Leader Pelosi, Leader Reid and Leader McConnell. and Leader McConnell. How does a How does a bill get through Congress to me, the bill get through Congress to me, the

President?President?

Before moving on, let’s Before moving on, let’s discuss, for a few minutes, discuss, for a few minutes,

thethe major roles of Congress. major roles of Congress. The top roleThe top role of Congress of Congress is to is to

enact laws; enact laws; but more and but more and more, that role meansmore, that role means reviewing the annual reviewing the annual

President’s BudgetPresident’s Budget and then and then creating, discussing and creating, discussing and

passing a Federal Budget for passing a Federal Budget for a a fiscal yearfiscal year, which runs from , which runs from 1 October to 30 September.1 October to 30 September.

Students, I amStudents, I am Representative Representative Steny HoyerSteny Hoyer from Marylandfrom Maryland. . I I am presentlyam presently the Democratic, the Democratic, or Minority, whip.or Minority, whip. Members Members of of Congress spendCongress spend mostmost of theirof their

time debating the federal time debating the federal budget and most of the lawsbudget and most of the laws that we enact arethat we enact are somehow somehow associated with the budgetassociated with the budget..

Congress isCongress is thereforetherefore called a deliberative called a deliberative bodybody—they deliberate about, or discuss, issues—they deliberate about, or discuss, issuesbefore making decisions by votingbefore making decisions by voting. .

Only members of Congress Only members of Congress may may introduce legislation. Often introduce legislation. Often times,times, A A member of the Executive member of the Executive BranchBranch may write a billmay write a bill, but if the , but if the President President wants a bill introduced, a member of the wants a bill introduced, a member of the House or Senate must do it for him. In the House or Senate must do it for him. In the HouseHouse::placed in the placed in the hopperhopper; in the ; in the Senate: Senate: announcedannouncedon the flooron the floor..

Now, students, let’s talk Now, students, let’s talk about how a bill becomes about how a bill becomes

law.law.

And Senator Feinstein, And Senator Feinstein, let’s not forget that let’s not forget that all all revenue revenue (tax) (tax) bills must bills must originate in the House of originate in the House of Representatives. Any Representatives. Any other bill can begin in other bill can begin in either house.either house.

Committee chairs can refer a billCommittee chairs can refer a bill to a subcommittee or keep it forto a subcommittee or keep it for the full committeethe full committee. The appropriate. The appropriatechair can then schedule chair can then schedule hearingshearings on the bill. In on the bill. In hearings, hearings, important people come to testify before important people come to testify before the pertinent committeesthe pertinent committees. The witnesses make . The witnesses make opening statements and then the members ask opening statements and then the members ask questions. No one really tries to fool anyone questions. No one really tries to fool anyone else with trick questions.else with trick questions.

Hearings are usually open to the public. Hearings are usually open to the public.

Next, the body’s Next, the body’s presiding presiding officer refers a bill to the officer refers a bill to the

appropriate committeeappropriate committee. For . For example, in the example, in the House, tax House, tax

bills are referred to the Ways bills are referred to the Ways and Means Committeeand Means Committee. .

After the hearings After the hearings have been completedhave been completed, , members, their personal staffs, and committee members, their personal staffs, and committee staffs go into staffs go into markup sessionsmarkup sessions. . Markup Markup sessions are done behind closed doors and sessions are done behind closed doors and important decisionsimportant decisions are made about the bills are made about the billsin those sessionsin those sessions including the insertion ofincluding the insertion of pork barrel projectspork barrel projects. . Pork-barrel spending awards projects and Pork-barrel spending awards projects and grants, or “pork,” from the government grants, or “pork,” from the government ““barrel” to a member’s home district or state.barrel” to a member’s home district or state.Also called “Also called “earmarksearmarks.”.”

A discharge petition is a A discharge petition is a petition that, if signed by a petition that, if signed by a majority of the members of majority of the members of the House, will pry a the House, will pry a bill from committee and bill from committee and bring it to the floor for bring it to the floor for consideration. Can preventconsideration. Can preventa bill from dying in a bill from dying in committee, but rarely committee, but rarely successful successful

I am CongressmanI am Congressman David David Dreier of California. Dreier of California. I am theI am the

chairman of chairman of the importantthe important House Rules Committee. House Rules Committee. My My committeecommittee devises rules that devises rules that determines the conditions for determines the conditions for debate and amendments in debate and amendments in

the House. the House. The House has so The House has so many members that the many members that the length of debate must be length of debate must be

limited to get through limited to get through business. The Rules business. The Rules

Committee sets the length of Committee sets the length of debate.debate.

Three main types of rules Three main types of rules Open—any amendments that relate to the Open—any amendments that relate to the bill’s subject can be proposedbill’s subject can be proposedClosed—prohibits any amendments Closed—prohibits any amendments Modified—some parts of a bill can be Modified—some parts of a bill can be amended while other parts cannot.amended while other parts cannot.

Usually bills are debated for Usually bills are debated for 40 minutes, one hour or an 40 minutes, one hour or an hour-and-a-half, with time hour-and-a-half, with time evenly divided between evenly divided between

parties (or “sides of the aisle”)parties (or “sides of the aisle”)

Both houses must pass a bill Both houses must pass a bill for it to go to for it to go to the president to signed into lawthe president to signed into law. Both versions . Both versions must be identical. If they are not, then must be identical. If they are not, then members of both houses meet in a members of both houses meet in a conference conference committeecommittee to make the bills identical. to make the bills identical. After After that is done, both houses must vote on the that is done, both houses must vote on the version agreed upon by the conference version agreed upon by the conference committee.committee.

Once both houses of Congress have passed Once both houses of Congress have passed the final version of the bill, it becomes known the final version of the bill, it becomes known as an as an actact. . To become a law, it must be signed To become a law, it must be signed by the presidentby the president..

Once he receives the billOnce he receives the bill, the , the President can:President can:Sign Sign the billthe bill

Veto Veto the billthe bill

Keep the bill for Keep the bill for 10 days without signing it. 10 days without signing it. If Congress is in session, the If Congress is in session, the bill becomes law without the bill becomes law without the president’s signature. president’s signature. PresidentPresidentGrover Cleveland used this technique in 1892Grover Cleveland used this technique in 1892when he wanted a tariff but not increased taxes. when he wanted a tariff but not increased taxes.

If the president receives a bill If the president receives a bill within 10 days of Congress’s within 10 days of Congress’s adjournment, he or she may adjournment, he or she may hold the bill without signing it, and the bill hold the bill without signing it, and the bill does NOT become law does NOT become law

I can also exercise a I can also exercise a pocket pocket vetoveto. Who can tell me what . Who can tell me what

that is?that is?

Several small bills, Several small bills, such as the list of new such as the list of new Army lieutenants in the Senate,Army lieutenants in the Senate, are passed are passed by a voice vote by a voice vote (all those in favor say “Aye” (all those in favor say “Aye” and all those opposed say “No.”)and all those opposed say “No.”)

In both houses, important votes are done as In both houses, important votes are done as roll-call votes—roll-call votes—each member is called on each member is called on individually to declare his or her vote. individually to declare his or her vote. The The procedure in both houses is different, howeverprocedure in both houses is different, however..

As you read, the As you read, the second major jobsecond major job of of

Congress isCongress is oversight.oversight.

Oversight involves Oversight involves conducting conducting investigations investigations of agency actions of agency actions and programs.and programs.

To help carry To help carry out this out this

important important function, thefunction, the

Congress Congress sponsors the sponsors the

General General Accounting Accounting

Office (GAO)Office (GAO)

In addition to the General In addition to the General Accounting OfficeAccounting Office, , the Congress the Congress also sponsors thealso sponsors the Congressional Congressional Budget office, to oversee the Budget office, to oversee the President’s Budget, the President’s Budget, the Congressional Research ServiceCongressional Research Service,,and other smaller offices to and other smaller offices to help with oversighthelp with oversight..

In the past 25 years, investigations by In the past 25 years, investigations by Congress have increased greatlyCongress have increased greatly, , due to due to tight budget restrictions and several tight budget restrictions and several past abuses and scandals.past abuses and scandals.

The oversight function also includesThe oversight function also includesa series of hearings, which are nota series of hearings, which are notsimply information-gathering simply information-gathering exercises. They can send clear signals to the exercises. They can send clear signals to the Executive Branch and other entities. Executive Branch and other entities.

I am the lateI am the late Senator Ted Kennedy of Senator Ted Kennedy of Massachusetts.Massachusetts. My brother, John, was My brother, John, was our nation’s 35our nation’s 35thth president. president. Congress Congress began serious investigations with the began serious investigations with the Watergate Scandal.Watergate Scandal. We also found We also found

we had to investigate the military, for we had to investigate the military, for example, when we found out the Air example, when we found out the Air Force paid $750.00 for toilet seats Force paid $750.00 for toilet seats and $500.00 for certain hammers.and $500.00 for certain hammers.

Another form of the oversight Another form of the oversight process is process is impeachmentimpeachment. . Here is how that works.Here is how that works.

The House The House of Representativesof Representatives votes votes on whether on whether or notor not to impeach. to impeach. If they do impeach, thenIf they do impeach, then the Senate tries the official. The Vice President the Senate tries the official. The Vice President acts as judge, unless the President is on trial.acts as judge, unless the President is on trial.In that case the Chief Justice sits as judge.In that case the Chief Justice sits as judge.

ImpeachmentImpeachment—to formally —to formally accuse accuse an office holder of offenses that can lead to an office holder of offenses that can lead to their removal from officetheir removal from office..