U.S. Legislative Vocabulary

A proposed change to a pending text (e.g., a bill, resolution, another amendment, or a treaty [or an associated resolution of ratification]).

A

A description of a legislative body having two houses. (Literal meaning: two chambers)

B

The primary form of legislative measure used to propose law.

B

Lists of measures, motions, and matters that are (or soon will become) eligible for consideration on the chamber floor.

C

The method by which a supermajority (typically, three-fifths) of the Senate may agree to limit further debate and consideration of a question (e.g., a bill, amendment, or other matter).

C

A panel with members from the House or Senate (or both) tasked with conducting hearings, examining and developing legislation, conducting oversight, and/or helping manage chamber business and activities.

C

A form of legislative measure used for the regulation of business within both chambers of Congress, not for proposing changes in law.

C

The official record of the proceedings and debates of the U.S. Congress.

C

An appropriations act (typically in the form of a joint resolution) that provides stop-gap (or full-year) funds for federal agencies and programs to continue operations when the regular (or annual) appropriations acts have not been enacted by the beginning of the fiscal year.

C

The list of treaties and nominations that are (or soon will become) eligible for consideration by the full Senate.

E

A period under Senate rules during which executive business (nominations and treaties submitted by the President to the Senate for its Advice and Consent) is considered on the floor.

E

A formal meeting of a congressional committee to gather information from witnesses for use in its activities (that is, the development of legislation, oversight of executive agencies, investigations into matters of public policy, or Senate consideration of presidential nominations).

H

A legal agreement the United States enters into with other another polity or an international organization.

I

A form of legislative measure used to propose changes in law, or to propose an amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

J

The constitutionally-mandated record of certain House and Senate actions, including motions offered, votes taken, and amendments agreed to.

J

Meeting by a committee or subcommittee during which committee members offer, debate, and vote on amendments to a measure.

M

A legislative vehicle: a bill, joint resolution, concurrent resolution, or simple resolution.

M

A written statement or petition presented to Congress by the legislature of a state or territory that may affect the proceedings of a committee or Congress in general.

M

The President’s formal submission of an individual’s name, and the federal government position to which he or she is proposed to be appointed, for Senate consideration and potential confirmation.

N

Nonpartisan staff officials (one in each chamber, assisted by deputies and assistants) who provide expert advice and assistance to the presiding officer and to members on the application and interpretation of chamber rules, precedents, and practices (including referral of measures to committee).

P

A member’s statement to the presiding officer that the chamber (or committee) is taking action contrary to the rules or precedents, and a demand that they be enforced.

P

A daily session of either chamber held chiefly to avoid the occurrence of either a recess of more than three days within the annual session or an adjournment sine die (either of which would constitutionally require the consent of the other chamber). Typically short, with no business, or very little, conducted.

P

The most senior (though not necessarily the longest-serving) member of the minority party on a committee (or subcommittee).

R

In the House, a motion offered by a member of the minority party at the end of floor consideration that, if adopted in its simple form, returns the measure to legislative committee.

R

A motion in the Senate, which, if agreed to by a majority of those present and voting, brings a measure (e.g., bill) or matter (e.g., nomination) before the chamber for consideration.

P

Assignment of a measure to a committee or committees (or subcommittees) for potential consideration.

R

A vote that records the individual position of each Member who voted.

R

A form of legislative measure introduced and potentially acted upon by only one congressional chamber and used for the regulation of business only within the chamber of origin.

S

A non-debatable motion in the House and Senate (and in their committees) by which a simple majority may agree to negatively and permanently dispose of a question (e.g., an amendment).

T

An agreement negotiated and signed by the executive that enters into force if it is approved by a two-thirds vote in the Senate, and is subsequently ratified by the President.

T

In the Senate, a proposal that, if agreed to, establishes the procedural guidelines for considering a measure or matter on the floor. If any member objects to such a request, it is not agreed to.

U

Presidential disapproval of a bill or joint resolution presented to him for enactment into law.

V