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The Congressional Research Service provides detailed, up-to-date and non-partisan research for senators, representatives, and their staff to help them carry out their official duties. [20] The franking privilege allows members of Congress to send official mail to constituents at government expense. Though they are not permitted to send election ...
This is an accepted version of this page This is the latest accepted revision, reviewed on 24 January 2025. Bicameral legislature of the United States For the current Congress, see 119th United States Congress. For the building, see United States Capitol. This article may rely excessively on sources too closely associated with the subject, potentially preventing the article from being ...
They require expertise in areas such as science, engineering, and economics. [13] As a result, Congress often cedes authority to experts at the executive branch, although this can enhance the executive branch's power over the details of public policy. [13] When Congress deals with complex issues, complex unwieldy bills can result. [13]
Article I, Section 1 of the U.S. Constitution explains the powers delegated to the federal House of Representatives and Senate.
The U.S. Constitution's Section 3 of Article I, establishes the Senate, qualifications for senators and their role after a presidential impeachment.
The Senate has exclusive power to confirm U.S. presidential appointments to high offices, and (by two-thirds supermajority to pass main motions) approve or reject treaties, and try cases of impeachment brought by the House. The Senate and the House provide a check and balance on the powers of the executive and judicial branches of government.
One congressional power is oversight of other branches of the government. In the early 1970s, the Senate investigated the activities of President Richard Nixon regarding Watergate which led to the president's resignation. One of the foremost legislative functions of the Congress is the power to investigate and to oversee the executive branch.
Besides having broad jurisdiction over all matters concerning interstate commerce, science and technology policy, and transportation, the Senate Commerce Committee is one of the largest of the Senate's standing committees, with 28 members in the 117th Congress. The Commerce Committee has six subcommittees.