Does a bill go to the Senate or House first?
First, a representative sponsors a bill. The bill is then assigned to a committee for study. If released by the committee, the bill is put on a calendar to be voted on, debated or amended. If the bill passes by simple majority (218 of 435), the bill moves to the Senate.
What does Congress mean in us?
Congress is the legislative branch of the federal government that represents the American people and makes the nation’s laws. It shares power with the executive branch, led by the president, and the judicial branch, whose highest body is the Supreme Court of the United States.
How is the US Congress made up?
Established by Article I of the Constitution, the Legislative Branch consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate, which together form the United States Congress. The House of Representatives is made up of 435 elected members, divided among the 50 states in proportion to their total population.
How often does US Congress meet?
Each Congress generally has two sessions, based on the constitutional mandate that Congress assemble at least once a year. In addition, a meeting of one or both houses is a session. And the Senate and House of Representatives is said to be in session on any particular day when it is meeting.
In what month does Congress convene?
The Constitution mandates that Congress convene at noon on January 3, unless the preceding Congress by law designated a different day.
Where does US Congress meet?
The most recognized symbol of democratic government in the world, the United States Capitol has housed Congress since 1800. The Capitol is where Congress meets to write the laws of our nation, and where presidents are inaugurated and deliver their annual State of the Union messages.
Who determines congressional pay?
Seeking to narrow state powers over the central government, the Constitution’s authors provided that congressional salaries would come from the federal treasury, with Congress setting the actual amount.
What benefits do congressmen get?
Congressional members are eligible for their own unique pension plans under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), though there are other retirement benefits available, ranging from Social Security and the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS).
Who are the senators up for reelection in 2022?
Senators up for re-election in 2022
- Michael Bennet (Colorado)
- Richard Blumenthal (Connecticut)
- Catherine Cortez Masto (Nevada)
- Tammy Duckworth (Illinois)
- Maggie Hassan (New Hampshire)
- Mark Kelly (Arizona)
- Patrick Leahy (Vermont)
- Patty Murray (Washington)
How many US Senators are up for election in 2022?
The 2022 United States Senate elections will be held on November 8, 2022, with 34 of the 100 seats in the Senate being contested in regular elections, the winners of which will serve six-year terms in the United States Congress from January 3, 2023, to January 3, 2029.
What happens when a senator is censured?
Members of Congress who have been censured are required to give up any committee chairs they hold. Like a reprimand, a censure does not remove a member from their office so they retain their title, stature, and power to vote. There are also no legal consequences that come with a reprimand or censure.