R. Eric Petersen
Specialist in American National Government
Jennifer E. Manning
Information Research Specialist
Ida A. Brudnick
Analyst on the Congress
Since 1945, the majority in the House of Representatives has switched nine times, most recently in 2007, at the beginning of the 110th Congress. Prior to 2007, the majority last switched in 1995, at the beginning of the 104th Congress, ending a period in which the same party held a majority for 40 years. The majority transition that took place at the beginning of the 84th Congress ended a period in which the majority switched between the Republican and Democratic parties in four out of five Congresses between 1947 and 1955.
During the period between the November elections and when the new Congress convenes in early January, a new incoming majority lacks official institutional authority to implement any changes beyond procedures governing the activities of its conference or caucus. Matters relating to chamber rules, House officers, staff, office space, administrative practices of the outgoing majority, or matters pending floor consideration remain under the direction of the outgoing majority. Although there can be some discussion between leaders of the outgoing and incoming majorities, the outgoing majority is not bound to change current practices or to accommodate the preferences of the incoming majority until the current Congress adjourns and the new Congress convenes.
Although a new incoming majority may lack formal authority to undertake administration of the House prior to the formal convening of the chamber, it appears that many decisions related to a transition may need to be made prior to the formal assumption of majority status. This report provides discussion and analysis of some of the immediate areas that a new incoming majority would likely consider as it prepares to assume responsibility for the administration of the House. These issues include (1) amendment and adoption of House Rules; (2) election of House officers; (3) administration of committee organization and funding; (4) establishment of House-wide staffing levels; and (5) establishment of the Members’ Representational Allowance. While not official until the convening of the new Congress, these issues are based on various party, legislative, and administrative decisions that may be taken by the incoming majority. These decisions may be made at various times, from the first meetings on early organization of the chamber soon after the general election, through the first several weeks of a new Congress.
Date of Report: November 3, 2010
Number of Pages: 14
Order Number: RL33724
Price: $29.95
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R. Eric Petersen
Specialist in American National Government
The duties carried out by a Member of Congress are understood to include representation, legislation, and constituent service and education, as well as political and electoral activities. The expectations and duties of a Member of Congress are extensive, encompassing several roles that could be full-time jobs by themselves. Despite the acceptance of these roles and other activities as facets of the Member’s job, there is no formal set of requirements or official explanation of what roles might be played as Members carry out the duties of their offices. In the absence of formal authorities, many of the responsibilities that Members of Congress have assumed over the years have evolved from the expectations of Members and their constituents.
Upon election to Congress, Members typically develop approaches to their jobs that serve a wide range of roles and responsibilities. Given the dynamic nature of the congressional experience, priorities placed on various Member roles tend to shift in response to changes in seniority, committee assignment, policy focus, district or state priorities, institutional leadership, and electoral pressures. In response, the roles and specific duties a Member carries out are often highlighted or de-emphasized accordingly.
Although elements of all the roles described can be found among the duties performed by any Senator or Representative, the degree to which each is carried out differs among Members. Each Member may also emphasize different duties during different stages of his or her career. With no written requirements, each Member is free to define his or her own job and set his or her own priorities.
Date of Report: November 4, 2010
Number of Pages: 13
Order Number: RL33686
Price: $29.95
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R. Eric Petersen
Specialist in American National Government
In a congressional office, the term casework refers to the response or services that Members of Congress provide to constituents who request assistance. Each year, thousands of constituents turn to Members of Congress with a wide range of requests, from the simple to the complex. Members and their staffs help constituents deal with administrative agencies by acting as facilitators, ombudsmen, and, in some cases, advocates. In addition to serving individual constituents, some congressional offices also consider as casework liaison activities between the federal government and local governments, businesses, communities, and nonprofit organizations.
Members of Congress determine the scope of their constituent service activities. Casework is conducted for various reasons, including a broadly held understanding among Members and staff that casework is integral to the representational duties of a Member of Congress. Casework activities may also be viewed as part of an outreach strategy to build political support, or as an evaluative stage of the legislative process. Constituent inquiries about specific policies, programs, or benefits may suggest areas where government programs or policies require oversight or legislative consideration.
One challenge to congressional casework is the widely held public perception that Members of Congress can initiate a broad array of actions resulting in a speedy, favorable outcome. The rules of the House and Senate, and laws and regulations governing federal executive agency activities, however, closely limit interventions made on the behalf of constituents. When performing casework, congressional staff cannot force an agency to expedite a case or act in favor of a constituent. However, congressional staff can intervene to facilitate the appropriate administrative processes, encourage an agency to give a case consideration, and sometimes advocate for a favorable outcome.
This report, which will be updated as warranted, discusses House and Senate rules and guidelines, laws, and regulations affecting congressional casework, as well as the role of caseworkers. It also provides sample outlines and document templates for implementing and managing congressional casework.
Date of Report: November 4, 2010
Number of Pages: 21
Order Number: RL33209
Price: $29.95
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R. Sam Garrett
Analyst in American National Government
Drawing from recent legislative and campaign activities, this report provides an overview of selected campaign finance policy issues that may receive, or have received, attention during the 111th Congress. Congress continues to consider the Supreme Court’s January 21, 2010, ruling in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission. The decision has shaped much of the legislative debate on campaign finance issues during the second session of the 111th Congress. Thus far, most congressional attention responding to the ruling has focused on the DISCLOSE Act (H.R. 5175; S. 3295; S. 3628). H.R. 5175 passed the House on June 29, 2010. On a related note, on July 29, 2010, the Committee on Financial Services ordered reported H.R. 4790. The bill would require additional disclosure of political expenditures to corporate shareholders and is designed as a partial response to Citizens United.
Other than attention to Citizens United, four aspects of campaign finance policy have been subject to major actions thus far during the 111th Congress. First, in April 2009, the House passed legislation (H.R. 749) concerning authority to disburse campaign funds after a candidate’s death. Second, on June 10, 2009, the Committee on House Administration favorably reported H.R. 512 (Davis, CA). The bill would amend the Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA) to restrict certain state election officials from involvement in others’ campaigns. Third, on July 28, 2009, the Committee on House Administration held a hearing on H.R. 1826, a bill that would publicly finance House campaigns. The committee ordered reported a successor bill, H.R. 6116, on September 23, 2010. Finally, the Senate considered the nomination of John J. Sullivan to be a member of the Federal Election Commission for much of the 111th Congress. However, the President withdrew the nomination on August 5, 2010.
Questions about the health of the presidential public financing system were especially prominent during the 2008 election cycle. Two bills to revamp the presidential public financing system were introduced in late July 2010. Neither H.R. 6061 nor S. 3681 have been the subject of additional action. Also in the 111th Congress, Representative Cole has introduced legislation (H.R. 2992) to repeal public financing for presidential nominating conventions. Legislation on public financing of congressional campaigns was introduced in early 2009 (H.R. 158, H.R. 1826, H.R. 2056, S. 751, and S. 752). H.R. 6116, apparently intended to supersede H.R. 1826, was introduced in September 2010 and, as noted above, was ordered reported.
Other issues may also be relevant. Recent election cycles witnessed new or expanded techniques for raising and spending money, such as bundling, joint fundraising committees, and hybrid advertising. Remaining issues from the 110th Congress, such as electronic filing of Senate campaign finance reports (S. 482 and S. 1858 in the 111th Congress), may also receive renewed scrutiny. Other issues, such as 527 organizations, may also be addressed. Congressional oversight of the FEC could also be on the legislative agenda.
Some of the issues discussed in this report have only recently received substantial attention. Others have been long-running sources of controversy. All appear likely to remain prominent policy issues. Whether Congress decides to pursue these or other campaign finance issues, common questions about the role of money in politics, transparency, and the need for additional regulation are likely to shape the debate.
This report will not be updated unless substantial legislative action on campaign finance issues occurs during the remainder of the 111th Congress.
Date of Report: November 3, 2010
Number of Pages: 28
Order Number: R40091
Price: $29.95
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Audrey Celeste Crane-Hirsch
Information Research Specialist
This list of about 150 congressional liaison offices is intended to help congressional offices in placing telephone calls and addressing correspondence to government agencies. In each case, the information was supplied by the agency itself and is current as of the date of publication. Entries are arranged alphabetically in four sections: legislative branch; judicial branch; executive branch; and agencies, boards, and commissions.
Specific telephone numbers for correspondence, publications, and fax transmissions have been provided for each applicable agency. When using fax, it is important to include the entire mailing address on a cover sheet, as many of the listed fax machines are not directly located in the liaison offices. For the convenience of the user, websites are included as well.
A number of agency listings include an e-mail address. When e-mailing agencies please remember to include your name, affiliation, phone number, and return address, to ensure a speedy response. Users should be aware that e-mail is not a confidential means of transmission.
Date of Report: October 26, 2010
Number of Pages: 39
Order Number: 98-446
Price: $29.95
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Document available via e-mail as a pdf file or in paper form.
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