The ability of a federal official to approve, deny, or compromise a federal claim.
Promises in the Dark
The Biden Administration has been reviewing options to address a nearly $2 trillion problem facing Americans: student loan debt. Since taking
Wonkology
Wonkology, published by Thompson Coburn, focuses on detailed analysis and updates related to federal government operations, constitutional law, and legislative processes. The blog covers topics such as presidential powers including recess appointments, the presidential certification process, regulatory review by the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), congressional debate procedures like "strike the last word," and leadership roles within the Senate. It addresses the intersection of law and politics, including election certification, executive authority, regulatory policy, and legislative strategy. The content is aimed at providing legal insights into government functions and political-legal developments.
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Select Committee
A congressional committee created to conduct investigations or consider measures, usually on a specific topic, that is often limited in scope and duration.
Gimme More
Much of Congress’s legislative work is conducted at the committee level. From oversight and nominations…
Offsets
A budget maneuver that attempts to ensure revenue-neutral taxing or spending.
Feel the Rush
Congress’s interest in spending discipline is a political and policy issue that ebbs and flows over time. Though we have experienced a large expansion of…
Earmarks (Community Project Funding)
Sanctions
Coercive economic measures aimed at persuading the target to change behavior.
What Are Sanctions?
We have all watched for the past few weeks as tensions between Ukraine and Russia have mounted, culminating in an unprovoked invasion of Ukraine by the…
Omnibus
A large bill that is comprised of multiple smaller bills, usually on similar issues.
We’re All in This (Bill) Together
The word “omnibus” is Latin for “for all” or “everybody.” It has a similar meaning in modern American politics: today,…
Government Accountability Office
An independent agency tasked with monitoring federal programs and spending.
(Don’t) Forget About the Price Tag
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…
Congressional Calendar
The schedule that sets when Congress is in and out of session.
Under Pressure
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…
Four Corners
A term that refers to either the congressional leadership from both parties or committee leadership from both parties.
Let’s Get in Four-Mation
In Congress, legislation has a few different paths to becoming a law. One or more members of Congress…
Colloquy
A formal dialogue between members of Congress regarding pending legislation.
Everybody Talks
Members of Congress have a variety of tools at their disposal for influencing legislation: among many others, they can direct money to projects in their districts, now known…