80 Facts About Congress

The Structure of Congress

Understanding the structure of Congress helps grasp how laws are made and how the government functions. Here are some intriguing facts about its composition and roles.

1. Congress is divided into two chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate.
2. The House of Representatives has 435 members, each representing a congressional district.
3. The Senate consists of 100 members, with each state having two senators.
4. Representatives serve two-year terms, while senators serve six-year terms.
5. The Speaker of the House is the leader of the House of Representatives.
6. The Vice President of the United States serves as the President of the Senate but only votes to break ties.
7. The House has the exclusive power to initiate revenue bills.
8. The Senate has the unique authority to ratify treaties and confirm presidential appointments.
9. Congress meets in the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.
10. Each chamber has its own rules and procedures for conducting business.

Historical Milestones

Congress has a rich history filled with significant events that have shaped the nation. Here are some key historical milestones.

11. The First Congress met in 1789 in New York City.
12. The Capitol Building's cornerstone was laid by George Washington in 1793.
13. The 13th Amendment, abolishing slavery, was passed by Congress in 1865.
14. The 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote, was passed by Congress in 1919.
15. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a landmark legislation passed by Congress.
16. The War Powers Resolution of 1973 aimed to check the president's power to commit the U.S. to armed conflict without Congress's consent.
17. The Affordable Care Act, a significant healthcare reform, was passed by Congress in 2010.
18. The longest filibuster in Senate history lasted 24 hours and 18 minutes, conducted by Strom Thurmond in 1957.
19. The first televised session of Congress occurred in 1947.
20. The Capitol Building was partially burned by British forces during the War of 1812.

Legislative Process

The legislative process is complex and involves multiple steps before a bill becomes law. Here are some facts about how legislation is crafted and passed.

21. A bill can be introduced in either the House or the Senate.
22. Bills are assigned to committees for study and revision.
23. Committees hold hearings to gather information and opinions from experts and the public.
24. A bill must pass both the House and the Senate in identical form before it can be sent to the president.
25. The president can sign a bill into law or veto it.
26. Congress can override a presidential veto with a two-thirds majority in both chambers.
27. The House Rules Committee determines the terms of debate for bills in the House.
28. The Senate uses unanimous consent agreements to expedite the legislative process.
29. Conference committees resolve differences between House and Senate versions of a bill.
30. The Congressional Budget Office provides economic data to help Congress make informed decisions.

Notable Members

Many influential figures have served in Congress, leaving lasting legacies. Here are some notable members and their contributions.

31. James Madison, known as the "Father of the Constitution," served in the First Congress.
32. Henry Clay, known as the "Great Compromiser," served in both the House and the Senate.
33. John Quincy Adams, the sixth president, served in the House after his presidency.
34. Thaddeus Stevens was a leading figure in the abolitionist movement and Reconstruction.
35. Hiram Revels was the first African American to serve in the Senate, representing Mississippi in 1870.
36. Jeannette Rankin was the first woman elected to Congress, serving in the House in 1917.
37. Lyndon B. Johnson served as Senate Majority Leader before becoming the 36th president.
38. Nancy Pelosi became the first female Speaker of the House in 2007.
39. John McCain, a war hero and senator, was known for his bipartisan efforts.
40. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez became the youngest woman ever elected to Congress in 2018.

Congressional Committees

Committees play a crucial role in the legislative process, handling specific areas of policy and oversight. Here are some facts about these vital components of Congress.

41. There are 20 standing committees in the House and 16 in the Senate.
42. Standing committees are permanent and focus on specific policy areas.
43. Select committees are temporary and address specific issues not covered by standing committees.
44. Joint committees include members from both the House and the Senate.
45. Conference committees are temporary and resolve differences in legislation between the two chambers.
46. The House Ways and Means Committee handles tax legislation.
47. The Senate Judiciary Committee oversees judicial appointments and legal issues.
48. The House Appropriations Committee is responsible for allocating federal funds.
49. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee deals with foreign policy and international relations.
50. Committees have subcommittees that focus on more specific aspects of their policy areas.

Congressional Powers

Congress holds significant powers that impact various aspects of American life. Here are some key powers and responsibilities.

51. Congress has the power to levy taxes and collect revenue.
52. It can borrow money on the credit of the United States.
53. Congress regulates commerce with foreign nations and among the states.
54. It has the authority to coin money and regulate its value.
55. Congress establishes post offices and postal roads.
56. It can declare war and raise and support armies.
57. Congress provides and maintains a navy.
58. It has the power to make rules for the government and regulation of the armed forces.
59. Congress can establish lower federal courts beneath the Supreme Court.
60. It has the authority to make all laws necessary and proper for executing its powers.

Congressional Procedures

The procedures followed by Congress ensure order and efficiency in its operations. Here are some interesting facts about these procedures.

61. The House uses a system of electronic voting for recorded votes.
62. The Senate often uses voice votes, where senators verbally express their votes.
63. Filibusters in the Senate can delay or block legislation.
64. Cloture is a procedure used to end a filibuster, requiring a three-fifths majority.
65. The House operates under stricter rules and time limits for debate compared to the Senate.
66. The Senate allows for unlimited debate unless cloture is invoked.
67. The House uses a discharge petition to bring a bill out of committee and to the floor for a vote.
68. The Senate has a tradition of "holds," where a senator can delay a bill or nomination.
69. The House and Senate each have a parliamentarian to advise on procedural rules.
70. The State of the Union address is delivered by the president to a joint session of Congress.

Congressional Support Agencies

Several agencies support Congress in its legislative and oversight functions. Here are some facts about these important entities.

71. The Congressional Research Service provides policy and legal analysis to Congress.
72. The Government Accountability Office audits and evaluates government programs and activities.
73. The Congressional Budget Office provides budget and economic information to Congress.
74. The Library of Congress is the research arm of Congress and the largest library in the world.
75. The Architect of the Capitol is responsible for the maintenance and operation of the Capitol Complex.
76. The Office of the Legislative Counsel assists in drafting legislation.
77. The Office of Compliance ensures that Congress adheres to workplace laws.
78. The Capitol Police provide security for Congress and the Capitol Complex.
79. The Senate Historical Office preserves and interprets the history of the Senate.
80. The House Office of the Historian documents and shares the history of the House of Representatives.

The Final Word on Congress Facts

Congress holds a treasure trove of fascinating details. From its inception in 1789 to the present day, it has shaped the nation's laws and policies. Knowing these facts helps us appreciate the complexity and importance of this institution. For instance, did you know the longest filibuster lasted over 24 hours? Or that the Capitol building has its own subway system? These tidbits highlight the unique aspects of Congress.

Understanding Congress isn't just for history buffs. It impacts our daily lives, from the laws passed to the debates held. So next time you hear about a new bill or a heated debate, you'll have a deeper understanding of the context. Keep these facts in mind, and you'll see Congress in a whole new light. Knowledge is power, and now you're armed with some pretty cool facts about Congress.