Date: March 1, 2016 Topic: Party Leadership and Committees in Congress. Aim: How does party leadership and committees play key roles in the legislative process? Do Now: Multiple Choice Questions.

PARTY ORGANIZATION IN THE SENATE  President Pro Tempore  the presiding officer in the absence of the Vice- President.  Majority Leader - a.) Schedule the business of the Senate. b.) Right to be recognized first in any floor debate.  Minority Leader – spokesperson for the minority party in the Senate.  President Pro Tempore – Orrin Hatch (R) Utah.  Minority Leader – Harry Reid (D) Nevada.  Majority Leader – Mitch McConnell (R) Kentucky

Party Organization in the House -The Speaker of the House  Speaker presides over all House meetings.  Principal leader of the majority party.  Presiding officer of the House.  As party leader – expected to help pass legislation favored by their party.  Decide who shall be recognized to speak on the floor of the House.  Decide the committees where new bills shall be assigned.  Influence what bills are brought up for a vote.  Appoint members of special and select committees.  HOW DOES THIS IMPACT POLICY? Speaker of the House – John Boehner (R) Ohio

Committees in Congress Congress  The most important organizational feature of Congress.  It is in the committees where the real work of Congress is done.  Chairmanships and subcommittees where real power is found.  These committees and their jurisdictions are of serious importance since decisions on committee subjects determine what will pass on legislative proposals, oversee the workings of agencies in the executive branch, and conduct investigations.

Committees in Congress  Standing Committees  Standing Committees – more or less permanent bodies with specified legislative responsibilities.  Ex: House Committee on Homeland Security/Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.  Select Committees  Select Committees – groups appointed for a limited purpose and usually lasting for only a few congresses.  Joint Committees  Joint Committees – those on which both representatives and senators serve.  Conference Committees  Conference Committees – a type of joint committee where members of senate and house work to resolve differences in the Senate and House versions of the same bill.

Elements of the Committee System that Impacts Legislative Process  Specialization – members of Congress tend to specialize in the work of their individual committees.  Division of labor – members of Congress then spread their knowledge to other members of Congress.  Reciprocity/logrolling – a legislator supports a proposal favored by another in return for support of his or hers.  Party Representation on Committees – the committee will represent the chamber as a whole.  Parties will attempt to push their own agendas and determine leadership on committees.

Influence of Party Leadership on Legislative Process  Scheduling – ex: debates.  Agenda Setting.  Recognition on the floor.  Assignment of members on committees – Ex: Senate – Steering Committee (D), Committee on Committees (R).  Ex: House – Steering and Policy Committee (D) and Committee on Committees (R)  HOW DO EACH OF THESE IMPACT THE LEGISLAIVE PROCESS?