POL 241 MU- Congress - Tagged
Congress Overview
The 118th Congress
Convened on January 3, 2023, at noon.
First order of business: selecting a Speaker of the House.
Democratic Nominee: Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY)
Republican Nominee: Kevin McCarthy (R-CA)
Speaker McCarthy's Election
Initial Challenges: McCarthy faced significant opposition.
Took 15 ballots over several days for Republicans to endorse him.
Eventually won on January 7, 2023, with a vote of 216-212.
Six Republicans voted Present at Trump's suggestion.
McCarthy's quote: "It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish."
Rules Changes and Committees
Changed House rules allowing one member to call for a vote to oust the Speaker.
Ended proxy voting implemented during COVID-19.
New rules include:
72-hour reading period for bills before voting.
Oversight of the Biden Administration and federal programs.
Creation of new committees:
China Select Committee chaired by Mike Gallagher (R-WI).
Subcommittee on Weaponization of the Federal Government chaired by Jim Jordan (R-OH).
Functions of Congress
Bicameral Structure:
U.S. Senate: 100 Members (including 3 Independents).
U.S. House of Representatives: 535 Members.
Congress is a "reactive" body addressing constituents' issues and public concerns.
Requires time for policy-making, often challenged by checks and balances.
Congressional Responsibilities
Lawmaking vs. Representative Assembly
Two primary functions:
Lawmaking: Enacting federal laws, e.g., Medicare prescriptions, anti-terrorism measures.
Representing the Public: Elected officials must balance constituency interests with national concerns.
Investigatory Powers
Congress can hold hearings to investigate federal officials’ compliance with laws.
Examples include post-9/11 hearings and inquiries into NASA after shuttle disasters.
Crucial role in oversight, ensuring agencies follow Congressional intent.
Revenue Raising and Confirmation Powers
Revenue Bills: Originates in the House to ensure public representation in tax legislation.
Confirmation Powers: Senate must approve President's nominations of federal officers and ambassadors.
Important for maintaining checks on executive power.
Impeachment Process
Impeachment Responsibilities
House of Representatives: Sole power to impeach federal officials.
Must pass Articles of Impeachment (requires simple majority).
Senate's Role: Holds trial for impeached officials.
Requires 2/3 vote to convict and remove from office.
Impeachable Offenses
Defined as treason, bribery, or high crimes and misdemeanors.
House interpretation can include neglect of duty or breach of public trust.
Historical Impeachment Cases
Notable impeachments include Andrew Johnson, Bill Clinton, and Donald Trump (twice).
Alejandro Mayorkas (Cabinet Member) was also impeached.
Congressional Influence on Votes
Factors Influencing Votes
Members are influenced by:
Political Ideology: Conservative, Moderate, Liberal.
Personal Convictions: Moral and ethical beliefs.
Constituents: Opinions and needs of voters.
Colleagues and Party Leaders: Arguments and pressures from other members.
President’s Agenda: Presidential influence on members' support for legislation.
Staff and Lobbyists: Staff input and lobbying efforts impact voting decisions.
Committee Organization and Functions
Committee Structure
Both chambers have standing committees (e.g., 20 in House, 17 in Senate).
Committees conduct:
Lawmaking: Authorizing new programs and reauthorizing funding.
Oversight: Monitoring federal agencies’ actions.
Investigations: Looking into failures or issues (like NASA and WMD investigations).
Key Points
The House and Senate work separately but collaborate on lawmaking and oversight.
House holds more immediate accountability to the electorate.
Senate has a longer legislative process due to its rules and responsibilities.
Both houses must balance their legislative priorities with the demands of their constituents and the political environment.