Glossary articles
Roll call vote definition
A roll call vote is a vote in which each member of a legislative body votes individually, and their vote is entered into the official record. During a roll call vote, members’ names are either called aloud or electronically recorded by a voting station, and each of their votes is documented:s “yea,” “nay,” or sometimes, “present.”Roll call votes create an official public record of how lawmakers vote on legislation, amendments, nominations, and procedural matters. They promote transparency and accountability by allowing constituents to review their representatives’ voting decisions.When is a roll call vote required?Roll call votes aren’t used for every decision in Congress; lots of routine matters are decided by oral vote or unanimous consent. Chamber rules require roll call votes when members formally request a recorded vote, or for certain types of legislative action as defined in the Constitution or chamber rules, or when leadership and/or chamber agreements specify it.1. When members request a recorded voteThe Constitution gives lawmakers in both chambers the right to force a roll call vote if enough of their colleagues support the request.House of RepresentativesIn the House, a roll call vote is required when at least one-fifth of a quorum present supports it. A quorum in the House is a majority of members present (218 people, if all seats are filled).SenateIn the Senate, a roll call vote is required when one-fifth of senators present request it. Senate proceedings often rely on voice votes or unanimous consent, so allowing roll call votes means that senators can demand a public, recorded vote when desired.2. When the US Constitution requires recorded votesIn certain cases, roll call votes are mandatory because the Constitution requires them. These include:Overriding of a Presidential vetoExpelling a member of Congress3. When chamber rules require recorded votes for specific actionsCertain legislative procedures require roll call votes under congressional rules or long-standing practice. Examples include:Senate cloture votes (the process of formally ending a debate or filibuster) Confirmation of presidential nominations Treaty approval in the Senate4. When Leadership or Chamber Agreements Require Recorded VotesSometimes, leadership or negotiated agreements specify that votes must be recorded. This often occurs with:Major or controversial legislationBudget measuresHigh-profile amendmentsWhat is the procedure for a roll call vote?The procedure for a roll call vote varies slightly between the House and Senate, but follows the same general steps.A Representative or Senator requests a roll call vote under their chamber’s rules.The presiding officer determines whether the request meets the chamber’s requirements. If it does, they order the vote.The presiding officer announces the voting period. In the House, electronic votes typically last at least 15 minutes for the first vote in a series, though later votes may be shorter. Senate votes usually remain open until all senators have had an opportunity to vote.Members cast their votes. In the House, most roll call votes occur electronically. Reps insert voting cards into electronic voting stations and select their vote. In the Senate, the clerk typically calls senators’ names alphabetically, and each senator states their vote orally.The presiding officer announces the final tally, which is entered into the official Congressional Record.
Legislative rider definition
A rider is a legislative provision added to a bill or resolution that is often not directly related to the legislation’s main purpose. Riders are frequently attached to larger or must-pass bills to increase the likelihood that the provision will become law.Riders are commonly used to change policy, funding, or regulatory issues that might not pass if considered as standalone legislation. Because they are included in broader legislation, riders are typically debated and voted on as part of the full bill.What are some examples of a rider?Riders frequently appear in appropriations bills, which fund federal government operations. Lawmakers sometimes add provisions that limit how federal funds may be used or require agencies to take or avoid certain actions.Congress has periodically included riders in appropriations legislation that restrict the use of federal funds for specific activities. These riders become legally binding when the larger appropriations bill is enacted into law, even though the rider may address a different policy issue than government funding.What's the difference between a rider and an omnibus bill?Although riders and omnibus bills are both legislative tools that combine multiple issues into a single measure, they serve different purposes.RiderA rider is a single provision attached to a larger bill. Riders often address a policy issue that is separate from or only loosely related to the main subject of the bill. Riders are frequently used to influence policy by attaching provisions to must-pass legislation, such as funding bills.Omnibus billAn omnibus bill is a single piece of legislation that combines multiple measures or subjects into one large bill. Omnibus bills are often used to package numerous appropriations measures or policy provisions together to streamline the legislative process.Unlike a rider, which is typically an add-on provision, an omnibus bill is intentionally structured from the beginning to include multiple topics or legislative initiatives.
Federal Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) definition
A federal Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides employees with free, confidential support for dealing with both personal or job-related issues. EAPs are voluntary and are meant to help with a range of concerns: stress, grief, family issues, substance use, mental health. They may also advise managers on employee or organizational challenges and assist with preventing or responding to workplace trauma. Services can include assessments, short-term counseling, referrals, and follow-up care.
Order of business definition
The “order of business” is the structured sequence a legislative body uses to conduct its official work during a session. It establishes the schedule and procedural steps for introducing legislation, debating bills, voting, committee reports, and taking other official actions.The order of business ensures that proceedings are organized, predictable, and compliant with each chamber’s rules and precedents. The exact order is governed by the body's standing rules, precedents, and daily leadership decisions.What is the order of business in the House of Representatives?The US House of Representatives order of business is a structured daily sequence established in House rules, though House leadership frequently modifies it with special rules adopted by the House. What does a standard legislative day in the House typically include? 1. Prayer and pledge of allegianceThe session begins with a prayer from the House Chaplain or a guest, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.2. Approval of the journalReps approve the official record of the previous day’s proceedings.3. One-minute speechesReps have an opportunity to speak briefly on the topic of their choice.4. Introduction and referral of bills and resolutionsLegislation is formally introduced and sent to committees.5. Committee reportsCommittees report legislation or other matters to the House floor.6. Morning hour debate (optional)Reps may give longer speeches on legislation, policy, or public issues of their choosing7. Legislative businessReps debate and vote on bills, resolutions, amendments, and motions.8. Special ordersReps can speak for extended periods after legislative business ends.9. AdjournmentThe House formally ends the legislative day.What is the order of business in the Senate?Senate rules have more flexibility than the House. It has a traditional order of business described in Senate Rule VII but frequently departs from that order through unanimous consent or leadership negotiation, so its order of business is often customized.What does a typical order of business look like in the Senate? 1. Prayer and pledge of allegianceThe Senate session begins with a prayer from the Senate Chaplain or a guest chaplain, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.2. Approval of the journalSenators approve the official record of proceedings from the previous legislative day.3. Morning businessSenators may deliver speeches, introduce legislation, submit committee reports, and present communications from the President or executive agencies.4. Legislative calendar businessSenators debate, amend, and vote on bills, resolutions, and other legislative measures. 5. Executive businessSenators consider, debate, and vote on presidential nominations and treaties.6. Adjournment or recessThe Senate formally ends or pauses the legislative day.
Shutdown furlough definition
A shutdown furlough happens when there is a lapse in annual appropriations — funding approved by Congress. Shutdown furloughs can happen at the beginning of a fiscal year if no funds have been appropriated, or after expiration of a continuing resolution (CR), if Congress has not passed a new CR or appropriations law.In a shutdown furlough, the affected agency has to stop any activities funded by annual appropriations that are not excepted by law. Employees paid by other non-lapsed sources of funding may be exempt from a shutdown furlough.
Antideficiency Act definition
The Antideficiency Act prohibits federal agencies from spending federal funds during a funding lapse, and from accepting voluntary services. The Act also prohibits agencies from obligating or spending more than the amount Congress has appropriated.A funding lapse happens when Congress hasn’t passed a regular appropriations bill or a continuing resolution (CR) to provide money for a program or agency. A lapse can happen if a CR expires before new funding is approved.
Employment Authorization Document (EAD) definition
An Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is an official card issued by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that proves a non-US citizen is authorized to work in the United States for a specific period of time. An EAD is also known as Form I-766, or a work permit. EADs are typically issued to individuals in certain immigration categories who are not US citizens or lawful permanent residents but have permission to work in the US.An EAD can be used to apply for a Social Security number, allowing holders to legally accept employment from any US employer.
Congressional recess definition
A congressional recess is a temporary break in the proceedings of the House or Senate during which the chamber is not conducting official legislative business. Unlike adjournment at the end of a congressional session, a recess is a pause within a session, and Congress can return without starting a new session.How long can Congress stay in recess?Under the Constitution, neither the House nor the Senate may recess for more than three days without the consent of the other chamber. If both chambers agree, they can recess for longer periods. The length of a recess can vary widely, from a few days to several weeks, depending on the congressional calendar, holidays, or scheduled district work periods. What are recess appointments?A recess appointment is a temporary appointment made by the President when the Senate is in recess and unavailable to confirm nominees. Recess appointments allow the President to fill vacancies without Senate approval, but they expire at the end of the next Senate session unless the nominee is formally confirmed. Recess appointments are authorized by Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution.
Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA) definition
The Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA) provides disability, survivor, and medical benefits to federal workers injured or made ill on the job, regardless of fault. It also pays them to families of federal employees who die from work-related causes. The Department of Labor (DOL) manages FECA, while individual agencies cover the benefit costs for its employees.In fiscal year 2022–2023, FECA paid $3.3 billion in benefits, including about $2.4 billion in disability benefits, $761 million in medical benefits, and $148 million to the survivors of federal employees.
Continuation of Pay (COP) definition
Continuation of Pay (COP) is a benefit for employees who experience a traumatic injury while working for the government. COP continues the employee’s regular pay for up to 45 days while they are unable to work, as confirmed by an incident report and doctor’s evaluation.COP is part of the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA), which is the government’s workers’ compensation program. The act provides disability, survivor, and medical benefits to employees injured or made ill on the job, regardless of fault, and to survivors of people who died at work.
Government spending bill definition
A government spending bill is legislation that gives federal agencies the authority to spend money for specific purposes. These bills usually cover one fiscal year and must be passed annually to keep the government running. Government spending bills are officially known as appropriations bills. Who writes the government spending bill?Government spending bills are drafted in Congress, mainly by the House and Senate Appropriations Committees. These committees determine how much money is allocated to each department and program.How does a spending bill become law?At the start of each fiscal year, the president submits a budget proposal to Congress. The House and Senate Appropriations Committees consider, refine, and draft appropriations bills based on the budget, proposing which federal agencies receive funding and how much. There are usually 12 separate annual appropriations bills, but Congress may also roll some or all of them into one, called an omnibus bill. The full House and Senate debate, amend, and vote on their respective versions of the appropriations bills. Then they compare the two bills, reconcile differences, and pass identical versions. Ideally, this happens before October 1 — the first day of the government’s fiscal year.Finally, the spending bill goes to the president for approval or veto. If the president vetoes, Congress can override it with a two-thirds vote in both chambers.
Federal budget definition
The federal budget is the US government’s detailed financial plan for one fiscal year (October 1-September 30). It specifies how much the government will spend, how it will fund that spending, and whether it will run a surplus or a deficit. It’s both a financial plan and a policy statement that reflects national priorities through the allocation of roughly $6 to $7 trillion annually.The federal budget includes mandatory spending (which is required by existing laws like Social Security), discretionary spending (which requires annual congressional approval), and interest on the national debt. It details how the government will collect money (primarily through income taxes) and how it will spend that money. The budget process formally begins with proposals from federal agencies, which are compiled by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and submitted to Congress by the president. Congress then debates, amends, and passes the budget through appropriations bills, which the President must sign into law. Creating and approving the federal budget typically takes over a year.
Redistricting definition
Redistricting is the process of redrawing the boundaries of electoral districts to reflect changes in population over time. The redistricting process determines how communities are grouped for political representation and influences who is elected to Congress, state legislatures, and local governing bodies.Redistricting is a state process governed by federal law. States have broad authority to establish and adjust their own redistricting practices, including the timing of redistricting.
Ranking member definition
A ranking member is the most senior member of a congressional committee or subcommittee from the minority party (the party with fewer seats in that chamber). The ranking member serves as the lead spokesperson and coordinator for the minority party on the committee and works opposite the committee chair.Ranking members help shape the minority party’s legislative strategy, negotiate with the chair, and represent their party’s positions during hearings, markups, and investigations.What is the difference between a chair and a ranking member?
Immigration parole definition
Immigration parole is a temporary permission granted by the US government to allow a noncitizen to enter the United States without being formally admitted under standard immigration procedures. Parole is used in urgent humanitarian cases or for significant public benefit. Immigration parole is granted on a case-by-case basis by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), typically through the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or Customs and Border Protection (CBP).Parole does not confer immigration status and does not constitute admission into the US under the Immigration and Nationality Act. TPS vs. immigration paroleThere are different programs and policies that allow people to enter or remain in the US without granting legal admission. One such program is temporary protected status (TPS), and it provides a helpful point of comparison. While both TPS and immigration parole allow a person to be in the US temporarily, they are different in purpose, legal effect, and eligibility.
Reconciliation bill definition
A reconciliation bill is a special type of legislation Congress may use to make changes to spending, revenue, or the federal debt limit. Reconciliation bills are considered under expedited procedures in the Senate, meaning they can pass with a simple majority (51 votes) and cannot be filibustered. Reconciliation is intended to help Congress more easily align federal laws with the annual budget resolution.How do reconciliation bills fit into the budget process?Each year, Congress passes a budget resolution, which sets overall spending and revenue targets but does not change any laws. If achieving those targets requires modifying existing laws, such as adjusting tax rates, altering mandatory spending programs, or changing the debt ceiling, the budget resolution can include reconciliation instructions.These instructions tell specific congressional committees to draft legislation that meets the budgetary goals. The resulting legislation is typically combined into a single reconciliation bill, which moves through Congress using special fast-track procedures. How often can Congress do a reconciliation bill?Congress can typically pass up to three reconciliation bills per budget resolution, one each for:SpendingRevenue (taxes)The debt ceilingHowever, these can also be combined, meaning Congress often ends up passing one major reconciliation bill per fiscal year. The process is tied to the budget resolution, so if no budget resolution is adopted, reconciliation cannot occur.What is the difference between a reconciliation bill and an appropriations bill?A reconciliation bill is used when Congress’s budget resolution instructs committees to change existing laws related to spending, revenues, or the debt limit so that federal laws match the budget plan.By contrast, appropriations bills provide new discretionary funding for federal agencies each year. If appropriations bills require changes to permanent law (which is uncommon), Congress passes authorization or stand-alone legislation, not a reconciliation bill.
Undocumented immigrant definition
An unauthorized immigrant — also sometimes referred to as undocumented immigrant or illegal immigrant — is someone born in another country and is living in the United States (not a tourist) who does not have the permission of the Federal government to do so.Examples include people who:Enter the country without inspection by immigration authorities by crossing the border undetected between legal ports of entry.Were inspected and admitted to the country on a valid visa, but overstay the specified length of stay.Are temporarily permitted to be in the country without being legally admitted, like while an asylum claim is being processed or through programs like immigration parole, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), or Temporary Protected Status (TPS). These individuals are allowed to enter or remain in the US by immigration officials, but are considered unauthorized immigrants unless they are granted some other legal immigration status.
Medicaid definition
Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides free or low-cost health coverage to eligible low-income individuals and families. Coverage includes certain children, pregnant people, seniors, and people with disabilities, and states may cover additional groups at their discretion. Eligibility is primarily based on a person’s income and financial resources..The program covers a comprehensive range of health services: hospital care, doctor visits, preventive care, prescription drugs, mental health services, and long-term care. Each state administers its own Medicaid program within the federal guidelines, so benefits, eligibility, and coverage do vary from state to state, sometimes significantly.
Pocket veto definition
A pocket veto is a passive form of presidential veto where the president chooses not to sign a bill while Congress is adjourned. Because Congress isn’t in session to receive the bill back, the legislation automatically expires and cannot become law.When a bill is passed by both houses of Congress and presented to the president, the president has 10 days (excluding Sundays) to sign it into law or return it with objections (a regular veto). However, if Congress adjourns during that 10-day period, the president may simply allow the bill to expire. This inaction is considered a pocket veto, and the bill dies.Can Congress override a pocket veto?No, Congress cannot override a pocket veto, because if a pocket veto is executed, Congress is not in session to act. However, Congress can reintroduce the bill and restart the approval process. Who was the last president to use a pocket veto?The last unambiguous use of a recognized pocket veto was by Bill Clinton in December 2000. He allowed the “Bankruptcy Reform Act of 2000” to expire without his signature as Congress adjourned.
Entitlement programs definition
Entitlement programs are government programs, funded federally or jointly with states, that guarantee payments or services to all individuals in the US who meet eligibility rules set by law. Once qualified, people are legally entitled to receive the promised benefits. Funding for most entitlement programs is mandatory, meaning the federal budget automatically includes the funds needed to cover all eligible claims — they’re not subject to the annual spending limits set in the budget appropriations process. The funding comes from a range of sources:Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, and some other programs are financed by general funds of the US Treasury.Social Security and Medicare are financed through dedicated trust funds that get their money from payroll taxes and, in Medicare’s case, insurance premiums and general revenues.Some veterans' benefits and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are appropriated entitlements, meaning their eligibility rules are mandatory, but Congress must still pass appropriations to finance them.