The Senate website and THOMAS provide information on Senate votes, committees, and representatives. Roll call tables dating back to 1989 are available, as well as the text of bills and historical documents. Researching Senate voting data can reveal voting records, recommended changes, abstentions, and changing ideas. Many Americans are curious about what happens in the […]
The United States Senate Handbook contains rules, laws, and procedures for the Senate, including historical documents and statistical data. It is updated every term and serves as a compendium of essential information for those who govern the country. The United States Senate Handbook contains the rules, orders, and resolutions concerning the operation of the United […]
Candidates campaign for Senate seats, using various methods to get votes. Senators serve a six-year term and have one vote when voting on a bill. Senate races begin with party nominations, and the race can last months or more than a year. National political figures may become involved in critical races. “Race in the Senate” […]
The “nuclear option” is a way to end a filibuster in the US Senate by forcing a vote with a simple majority. Filibusters involve long speeches to delay a decision, but can be ended by invoking cloture or the nuclear option. The latter involves interrupting with a point of order and requesting an immediate vote, […]
Senate bills are introduced into the US legislature by citizens, lawmakers, or the president. Bills are assigned a number and sponsor, then sent to committees for review. If passed, they go to the House of Representatives or VP for signature. Copies can be found online or in libraries. In the federal government of the United […]
The Senate Judiciary Committee oversees the confirmation of Supreme Court justices and federal judges in the US. It is a standing committee with 19 senators from different political parties, and is responsible for determining federal law jurisdiction and impeached individuals. The confirmation of Supreme Court justices is its most important task. It has seven subcommittees, […]
Senate hearings are important for gathering information, examining government performance, investigating wrongdoing, and approving executive appointments. There are four types of hearings: legislative, watch, investigative, and confirmation. The Senate also ratifies treaties as part of its “advice and consent” role. Senate hearings are an important part of the work of the United States Senate. Both […]
A filibuster is a tactic used to delay or stop a vote on an issue in a legislative body. In the US Senate, a person can speak indefinitely unless 60 members of the Senate table a motion to stop them. The longest filibuster in US history was by South Carolina Senator Strom Thurmond, who spoke […]
The President appoints over 2000 high-ranking government positions, which the Senate confirms or denies through Senate confirmation hearings. Supreme Court justices and Cabinet secretaries undergo the closest scrutiny. The process involves nomination, committee review, executive session, and a simple majority vote. The Senate notifies the President of the outcome, and non-political appointments can also be […]
The US government has three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. Congress is part of the legislative branch, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Senate has two members from each state, while the House has a varying number based on population. Senators serve six-year terms, while House members serve two-year terms. The […]
The Senate Candy Desk is a tradition in the US Senate where a candy-loving Senator is responsible for keeping the desk stocked with sweets from their home state. It began in the 1960s and is an exception to the seniority rule. Candy makers often use it for PR. When the desk changes hands, it makes […]
The Senate Armed Services Committee oversees defense, national security, and military matters in the US, including the Department of Defense, nuclear defense, and pay and benefits for the military. The committee has six subcommittees and investigates matters within its purview. It was created in 1946 and has jurisdiction over specific areas of national security and […]
The Senate Commerce Committee regulates commerce and has jurisdiction over 19 areas related to commerce, science, and technology. Its work includes reviewing federal department operations and budgets, holding hearings on nominees, and introducing new issues. Political considerations and lobbyists also influence its activities. The Senate Commerce Committee is one of 20 standing and select committees […]
The Secretary of the United States Senate has been in office since 1789, with responsibilities evolving over time. The chief clerk, now known as the assistant secretary, assists with administrative tasks. Jo-Anne Coe was the first woman elected to the position in 1985. Today, the Secretary is involved in various Senate procedures and duties. Secretary […]
Senators hire their own staff, including legislative advisers, researchers, and administrative staff. Senate committee positions include Pages, Writing Assistants, and Press Officers. Senate jobs are hierarchical, with experience and familiarity with major issues as prerequisites. Senate interns, usually students, can increase their chances of securing more permanent employment. In addition to the senators themselves, there […]
