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The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is an independent, non-partisan agency that works for Congress and is accordingly part of the Legislative Branch. Congress created the GAO in 1921 under the Budget and Accounting Act to oversee government spending. The agency’s responsibilities grew after World War II as government programs expanded. READ MORE
The congressional calendar, like most business on Capitol Hill, is full of technicalities and shaped by Congress’s history. The congressional schedule from the Republic’s early decades looks much different than the one Congress follows today. READ MORE
In Congress, legislation has a few different paths to becoming a law. One or more members of Congress can champion an issue that moves through the legislative process in the traditional way (i.e., regular order). With large bills, negotiations often begin or conclude among the “four corners.” The four corners can refer to one of two groups: the House Speaker, House Minority Leader, Senate Majority Leader, and Senate Minority Leader; or the House and Senate chairs and ranking members of a certain committee or subcommittee. READ MORE
A colloquy is a scripted conversation on the House or Senate floor between one or more members of Congress, oftentimes including the chair or ranking member of a committee or subcommittee of jurisdiction. Colloquies are used to debate, draw attention to, or clarify the legislative intent behind a pending provision. READ MORE
Federal legislation falls into one of two categories: authorizations, which details the policies and funding levels of federal programs; and appropriations, which provides the actual funding for those activities. While appropriations legislation is referred to the House or Senate Appropriations Committee, authorization legislation can be referred to one of over 20 committees in each chamber. READ MORE
Congress’s multi-step budget process begins with a budget resolution. The resolution is a nonbinding agreement between the House and Senate on the budget framework for that year The nonpartisan nature of these bodies was complicated in 2015 when House Republicans adopted a rule that required the CBO to use a method called “dynamic scoring.” READ MORE
In this month's Wonkology, our Lobbying & Policy team discuss the congressionally set limit on the amount of money the federal government can borrow. READ MORE
In this month's Wonkology, our Lobbying & Policy team discuss the House Democratic and Republican leaders who oversee their caucus’ messaging, meetings, and organization. READ MORE
In this month's Wonkology, our Lobbying & Policy team discuss the nonpartisan official in charge of interpreting Senate rules regarding floor procedures and legislation. READ MORE
In this month's Wonkology, our Lobbying & Policy team discuss Community Project Funding and how it benefits a member of Congress's district. READ MORE
In this month's Wonkology, our Lobbying & Policy team takes a look at budget reconciliation and how the process can be used to expedite the passage of budget-related legislation. READ MORE
Under the Federal Vacancies Act, a government employee can temporarily assume an agency position without being confirmed. But the Act limits who can serve as an acting secretary and for how long they can serve in that capacity. READ MORE
In this month's Wonkology, we discuss the federal statute that governs the presidential transition process: the Presidential Transition Act. READ MORE
In this month’s Wonkology, we discuss Presidential Electors, the individuals selected to vote for president and vice president in the Electoral College. READ MORE
In this month's Wonkology, we examine the filibuster and it's use in the Senate to prevent or delay a measure from coming to a vote. READ MORE
In this month's Wonkology, we discuss a process that allows Congress to nullify a federal agency regulation by submitting a joint resolution of disapproval for the president to sign. READ MORE
In this month's Wonkology, we discuss the a legislative day, a period of time that begins when a chamber of Congress gavels into session and ends when the chamber formally adjourns. READ MORE
In this edition of Wonkology, we discuss the parliamentary tool that allows for the expedited passage of legislation by common agreement. READ MORE
A pro forma session is a brief congressional session that extends a current session to avoid a formal recess. READ MORE
The Senate has another practice that both speeds up deliberation and establishes a more fulsome legislative record: vote-a-rama. A vote-a-rama is when senators vote on 15 or more amendments back-to-back, marathon style. READ MORE
For certain types of congressional business, in-person voting is not required, and members can vote by proxy. Voting by proxy allows one member to specifically designate another member to cast a vote on their behalf. READ MORE
This month, we explore Supplemental Appropriations, Federal spending allocated outside of the regular appropriations process. READ MORE
What is the Byrd Rule? A rule that prevents extraneous provisions from being included in reconciliation bills. READ MORE
In this month's Wonkology, we discuss instances when Congress suspends the typical rules that govern legislation so bipartisan bills can forward more quickly. READ MORE
In this month's Wonkology, we discuss the first draft of legislation introduced by the chair of a committee or subcommittee to be considered at a markup. READ MORE
In this month's Wonkology, we discuss anomalies - provisions in a continuing resolution that can change the duration, amount, or purpose of appropriated funds. READ MORE
In this month's Wonkology, we discuss the differences between engrossed bills and enrolled bills. READ MORE
What is a manager's amendment? A package of amendments introduced by the chair or lead sponsor of a piece of legislation. READ MORE
What is Deem and Pass? A process in the House of Representatives that allows for the passage of legislation by voting on a rule - and not the actual bill. READ MORE
In this month's Wonkology, we discuss how Congress can use sequestration to control their budget and deficit. READ MORE
What is the Gephardt Rule? A House rule that automatically raises the debt limit without holding a separate vote. READ MORE
In this Wonkology, we take a look at PAYGO - the budget rule that requires revenue-neutral taxing or spending. READ MORE
How does can the Executive Branch move funds without Congressional approval? Find out in this month's Wonkology. READ MORE
Who is the President Pro Tempore, and what are their duties? Find out in this month's Wonkology! READ MORE
Happy Election Day! In this Wonkology, we discuss what it means when an election is described as a toss up. READ MORE
In this month's Wonkology, we discuss what defines a "wave election" and their significance in Congress. READ MORE
How does a government shutdown happen? Find out in this month's Wonkology, from our Lobbying & Policy team. READ MORE
In this Wonkology, our Lobbying & Policy team discuss discharge petitions and how they can be used to expedite legislation in the House of Representatives. READ MORE
What is rescission? The elimination or reduction in appropriations by the President, contingent upon congressional approval. READ MORE
In this month's Wonkology, we discuss franking privileges, the authority granted by Congress to itself to send mail to constituents free of charge. READ MORE
The Vacancies Act allows government employees who were not appointed to a federal position requiring the advice and consent of the Senate to perform the functions of that office on a temporary - or "acting" - basis. READ MORE
In our second installment on Blue Slips, we discuss how the House can return Senate-oriented legislation violating the House's revenue-raising authority. READ MORE
In the first part of our series on Blue Slips, we're discussing Senate slips - an informal courtesy by which senators signal approval for home state judicial nominees prior to consideration by the Judiciary Committee. READ MORE
What is the Joint Committee on Taxation? Find out in this month's edition of Wonkology, from our Lobbying & Policy team. READ MORE
In this month's Wonkology, we discuss how the federal government can allocate spending outside of the regular appropriations cycle due to emergencies. READ MORE
What is the Congressional Budget Agency? A nonpartisan legislative branch agency that provides independent economic analysis of proposed legislation. READ MORE
In this month's Wonkology, we discuss the role of the Special Counsel in an internal investigation. READ MORE
Policy riders are provisions added to an appropriations bill that directs or limits how the Executive Branch spends funds. READ MORE
What is the "nuclear option" in the Senate? Find out in this month's Wonkology from our Lobbying & Policy team! READ MORE
Using extraordinary measures, how does the Secretary of the Treasury ensure the federal government stay under its debt limit? Find out in this month's Wonkology. READ MORE
The Congressional Review Act allows Congress to overturn agency regulations by passing a joint resolution of disapproval, which then must be signed by the president. READ MORE
In this Wonkology, we discuss Article II of the Constitution, which requires the President to seek the "advice and consent" of the Senate for nominees to the Executive and Judicial Branches. READ MORE
In this month's Wonkology, we discuss what happens on the first day of Congress. READ MORE
What is the "lame duck" session in congress? Find out in this month's Wonkology, from our Lobbying & Policy team! READ MORE
Today is Election Day, but why is that? Learn more about the history of Election Day in this month's Wonkology from our Lobbying & Policy team. READ MORE
In this month's Wonkology, we discuss the Electoral College and how it developed over time despite not appearing in the Constitution. READ MORE
Who are "likely voters?" A group of individuals identified in a polling sample that are most likely to vote on election day. READ MORE
In this month's Wonkology, we explore the origins and role of public polling in election cycles. READ MORE
In this month's Wonkology, we discuss the process by which prospective vice presidential candidates undergo a thorough evaluation prior to being selected to serve on a presidential ticket. READ MORE
In this month's Wonkology, we discuss what it means when a presidential candidate is assured of their party's nomination but has not yet been formally nominated at a party convention. READ MORE
Similar to their Republican counterparts, Democratic delegates are generally selected through a primary or caucus. The Democrats, however, allocate delegates proportionally in all states, as opposed to the mix of proportional allocation and "winner-take-all" approach in Republican contests. READ MORE
Prior to 1972, state party bosses had the ability to control and manipulate delegates to the national convention. To secure the nomination, presidential campaigns struck deals with these leaders to swing delegates in their favor. READ MORE
According to the Appointments Clause of the Constitution, the President shall nominate Supreme Court justices with the "advice and consent" of the Senate. Every Supreme Court nominee in US history received a vote by the Senate within 125 calendar days. READ MORE
According to Article II of the Constitution, a person "shall be eligible to the Office of President" if they are 35 years old, a resident of the United States for 14 years, and a "natural born" citizen. READ MORE
The origin of the word "caucus" is disputed. It has been suggested that it is either an Algonquin word meaning "to consult or to speak" or even a variation of "caulkers," which were revolutionary-era assemblies of shipwrights in Boston. READ MORE
A continuing resolution (CR) is a short-term appropriations bill that serves as a stop-gap to prevent a full or partial government shutdown. CRs extend all federal government discretionary spending not already approved by regular appropriations bills (and signed into law) by the beginning of the next federal fiscal year (October 1). READ MORE
In this month's Wonkology, we discuss a Representative or Senator appointed by his or her respective chamber to a conference committee tasked with resolving differences on competing versions of legislation. READ MORE
In this month's Wonkology, our Lobbying & Policy team discuss the Senate process that brings debate on a measure, like a filibuster, to a close. READ MORE
In this month's Wonkology, we discuss the budget cap issued to each of the 12 congressional appropriations subcommittees following the passage of a concurrent budget resolution. READ MORE
Queen of the Hill was formed out of the House's King of the Hill rule, itself originally created in 1971. King of the Hill, now out of common use, deemed that the last amendment in a series to secure a majority vote would be considered the prevailing amendment; even if another amendment received a higher vote tally, the last amendment to receive the majority vote would be the amendment considered adopted. READ MORE
A budgetary process by which Congress is able to pass legislation in an expedited manner in order to bring mandatory entitlement spending levels in line with the current budget resolution. READ MORE
The President's Budget is the budget proposed by the President for the three branches of the federal government, submitted to Congress by the first Monday in February prior to the start of the next federal fiscal year. READ MORE
In this month's Wonkology, our Lobbying & Policy team discuss the State of the Union address and it's origins. READ MORE
In this month's Wonkology, our Lobbying & Policy team discuss executive orders, which began in 1907 by the State Department. READ MORE
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