The Senate is a place where political minorities and individual members hold great power, resting on authority drawn from Senate rules and over two hundred years of related precedents and traditions. The minority has and will always have a clear and important voice on issues brought to the Senate floor, and it is this distinction from the majority rule of the House that has enabled the Senate to work as well as it has since our democracy's inception. Now in its fourth edition, Senate Procedure and Practice explains why and how the Senate has worked for more than 200 years. It includes the updated modifications of procedures governing Senate debate, amendment rights, and the formation of conferences. The book is filled with fascinating stories and insights that highlight why certain rules are in place, how they are practiced, and the ways in which those practices have changed throughout history as our federal government and the needs of our electorate have evolved. Anyone with an interest in the pillars of Senate procedure and practice will find a useful companion in this book.
Martin B. Gold is a partner in Covington & Burling's Washington office and is co-chair of the firm's Legislative Practice Group. Gold is one of the country's leading experts on congressional procedures, and for many years has been on the faculty of Congressional Quarterly. He was recognized by The Washingtonian as 'One of the Top 50 Lobbyists' in DC.
Table of Contents
Preface ix Acknowledgments xi Senate Procedure and Practice 1 Legislative Business 13 Floor Debates 37 Legislation and Committee Procedures 71 Bills and Joint Resolutions 79 The Amendment Process 89 Voting in the Senate 113 Finalizing Legislation to Send to the President's Desk 119 The Appropriations and Budget Processes 135 Executive Business and the Executive Calendar 159 The Standing Rules of the Senate 171 Other Standing Rules 223 Glossary 225 Notes 233
