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)