Congress

Conference Committee

a committee consisting of senators and representatives that meets to resolve differences in legislation

Joint Committee

a committee made up of both house and senate to coordinate investigations or special studies and expedite business between the them

Franking

free postage for any mailings made as part of their official duties in Congress

Standing Committee

permanent subject committee that deals with proposed bills and also act in oversight function

Earmarks

pet projects added to appropriation bills by congressmen called "wasteful spending" and "pork barrel legislation" by critics

Fiscal Policy

policy that determines how the economy is managed as a result government spending and borrowing and the amount of money collected from taxes

Congressional Oversight

power used by Congress to gather information useful for the formation of legislation review the operations and budgets of executive branch, conduct investigations through committee hearings and bring public attention

Pork Barrel Spending

practice of legislators obtaining funds through legislation that favors their home districts

Reapportionment

process in which state legislatures redraw congressional districts based on population increases or declines

Cloture

process that takes 60 senators to cut off a filibuster and that is aimed at protecting minority interests

Pocket Veto

rejection of legislation that occurs if the president doesn't sign the bill within 10 days and the Congress also adjourns within the same period

Appropriations Committee

responsible for approving expenditures made from the Federal Treasury (regulate spending/budget)

Subcommittee

subunit of committee establishing for the purpose of dividing the committee's workload

Select Committee

(Special) a committee that conducts special investigations

Gerrymandering

State legislatures create oddly shaped congressional districts to favor the political party in power

Redistricting

Every 10 yrs. in result of the census state legislatures redraw their congressional districts based off of population gains and losses

Senate Confirmation

Senate has the authority to approve appointments made by the president

Revenue Bill

focuses on the methods for raising money (taxes, user fees, custom duties, and tariffs)

Ways and Means Committee

oldest and most powerful committee, responsible for legislation concerning taxes, trade (international too), social programs and other issues that affect finance of the country

Rules Committee

one of the most important committees of the House of Representatives; its function is to create specific rules for every bill to be debated by the full House

Federal Budget Entitlements

the budget on how much is spent on certain programs like Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security

Speaker of the House

the leader of the House (most powerful position in Congress)