Congressional Leadership Chapter 5 Section 2,3

Organization Leadership in the House –Speaker of the House- the presiding officer of the House of Reps. Selected from the membership. Calls on people to speak during House Discussion. The Speaker is always a leader of the majority party. John Boehener (R) –Floor Leaders- Spokesperson for a party in Congress; one who directs party decisions and strategy. Majority Leader: Eric Cantor (R) Minority Leader: Nancy Pelosi (D)

Leadership in the House Cont. The majority leader is second in charge to the Speaker of the House. Whip- a senator or representative who works with party leaders to communicate views, solicit support before votes are taken, and keep track of how voting is likely to go. –Minority Whip: Stein Hoyer(D) –Majority Whip: Kevin McCarthy (R)

Leadership in the Senate President of the Senate: The Vice President of the United States –Only votes in case of a tie. –V.P: Joe Biden President pro tempore- a member of the U.S. Senate chosen as leader in the absence of the Vice President. Has no real power. –Robert Byrd (D-WV) Majority Leader is often most powerful member of the Senate and often speaks for the entire Senate. –Majority Leader: Harry Reid (D-NV) –Minority Leader: Mitch McConnell (R-KY)

Caucuses An informal group of congressmen with the purpose of discussing an issue or advocating a political ideology. Their goal is to plan legislative strategy, not select candidates. Made up of both Senators and Representatives. Examples: –Congressional Black Caucus, Steel Caucus, Rural Caucus, Coastal Caucus, Portuguese Caucus

Privileges, Benefits and Penalties Salary: $165,200 Perks: office, large expense account for staff and supplies, generous travel allowance and pension plans. Franking Privilege: Free postal service Censure: an official expression of blame or disapproval.