Who sets the Senate agenda?

Members of each political party convene in private meetings known as party conferences (or party caucuses) to elect floor leaders, make committee assignments, and set legislative agendas.

How can one senator prevent a bill from coming to a final vote?

As a result, Senators can effectively wage (or threaten to wage) a filibuster – in effect, insist on extended debate in order to delay or prevent a final vote on most amendments, bills, or other motions.

What is the process for debating amending and voting on bills on the floor?

First, a Representative sponsors a bill. If released by the committee, the bill is put on a calendar to be voted on, debated or amended. If the bill passes by simple majority (218 of 435), the bill moves to the Senate. In the Senate, the bill is assigned to another committee and, if released, debated and voted on.

Does Mitch McConnell work in Congress?

Addison Mitchell McConnell III (born February 20, 1942) is an American politician and retired attorney serving as Senate Minority Leader since 2021 and as the senior United States senator from Kentucky, a seat he has held since 1985.

Who has the authority to work out differences between House and Senate?

After both chambers accept the bill, joint committees work out the differences between the two versions. Both houses then vote on the exact same bill. If the bill passes, it’s sent to the president for approval.

Why does the House have greater party unity than the Senate?

Why does the House have greater party unity than the senate? House leaders have more organizational control over the actions of representatives than Senate leaders. Allow them to influence decisions that are of special importance to voters in their districts.

What happens when a bill is debated?

If released by the committee, the bill is put on a calendar to be voted on, debated or amended. If the bill passes by simple majority (218 of 435), the bill moves to the Senate. In the Senate, the bill is assigned to another committee and, if released, debated and voted on.

What happens next in the lawmaking process?

After both the House and Senate have approved a bill in identical form, the bill is sent to the President. If the President approves of the legislation, it is signed and becomes law. If the President takes no action for ten days while Congress is in session, the bill automatically becomes law.