An administrative process used by the Executive Branch and its federal agencies during which a proposed rule is debated and developed by relevant interest groups and agency representatives. Best Thing Since Sliced Bread The concept of a negotiated rulemaking, colloquially known as
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Congressional Caucus
A voluntary
membership organization in Congress centering around a particular issue or
cause. For the
First Time in Forever Though they
are not mentioned in the Constitution, caucuses, sometimes referred to as
Congressional Member Organizations (CMOs), have been a part of American…
Presidential Succession
The order in which government leaders are tasked with
performing the duties of the president if the incumbent cannot carry out the
office’s responsibilities. Veep Article II of
the Constitution establishes the presidential succession sequence. The vice president
is to serve…
Magic Minute
A procedural rule that allows leadership of both the majority and minority parties in the House of Representatives to have unlimited speaking time at the end of debate. Remember the Time As debate concludes on legislative business, the speaker, majority leader, and…
Executive Session
A special parliamentary period when the Senate provides its prerogative on treaties, nominations, and other business. Executive Time The Founders established Executive Session in Article II, Section II of the Constitution, and it is a process that is unique to…
Clerk of the House
An officer of the House of Representatives responsible for recordkeeping, correspondence, tracking floor proceedings, and managing the offices and staff of deceased or retiring members. Who’s the Boss? The clerk of the House of Representatives was initially a joint position with the…
302(b) Allocations
The appropriations suballocation (or budget cap) issued to each of the 12 congressional
appropriations subcommittees, usually following the passage of a concurrent budget resolution.
Inside JobThe Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (the Budget Act) requires the appropriations committees in both…
Point of Order
An objection to a pending matter or proceeding believed to be in violation of the rules of the House or Senate. Slow Hand A point of order is a parliamentary rule designed to ensure members of Congress follow the rules…
Statement of Administration Policy
Executive declarations outlining an official administration position on legislation under consideration in Congress. We Go TogetherStatements of Administration Policy (SAPs) are produced by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), which is part of the Executive Office of the President at…
Discretionary Spending
Non-compulsory government spending approved during the appropriations process. Fly Me to the MoonFederal government spending can be broken down into two broad categories: mandatory and discretionary. Mandatory spending does not require an annual vote by Congress and is dictated by…