1.2 Functions and responsibilities of Congress

Congress plays a vital role in our government, creating laws and shaping policies that affect the entire nation. From declaring war to regulating commerce, its powers are extensive and impactful. Congress represents the people's interests and keeps the executive branch in check.

The legislative process is complex, involving committees, debates, and votes in both chambers. Congress also oversees the executive branch, investigates issues, and controls the federal budget. These functions are crucial to maintaining our system of checks and balances.

Congress's Functions in Government

Legislative Branch Responsibilities

• The U.S. Congress is the legislative branch of the federal government, consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate
• Responsible for creating and passing laws that apply to the entire country
• Represents the interests of their constituents and works to address issues of national importance
• Shapes public policy through legislative actions and public statements

Specific Powers and Authorities

• Power to declare war, raise and support armies, and make rules for the military
• Authority to coin money, regulate commerce, and establish post offices
• Provides oversight of the executive branch, including the power to investigate and subpoena witnesses
• Power to impeach and remove federal officials, including the President, from office
• Senate has the unique power to ratify treaties and confirm presidential appointments (Cabinet members, federal judges, ambassadors)

Legislation Creation and Passage

Introduction and Committee Consideration

• Legislation can be introduced in either the House or the Senate, with the exception of revenue bills which must originate in the House
• Members of Congress can introduce bills, resolutions, and amendments
• The legislative process typically begins with a bill being referred to a committee for review and consideration
• Committees can hold hearings, mark up legislation, and vote on whether to send a bill to the full chamber for consideration

Floor Debate and Voting

• Once a bill reaches the floor of the House or Senate, it is debated and voted on by the full chamber
• In the House, debate is typically limited by the Rules Committee
• The Senate allows for more open debate, including the use of the filibuster
• If a bill passes one chamber, it is sent to the other chamber for consideration
• If the second chamber makes changes to the bill, it must be sent back to the first chamber for approval of those changes

Presidential Action

• Once a bill has passed both chambers of Congress in identical form, it is sent to the President for signature or veto
• If the President vetoes a bill, Congress can override that veto with a two-thirds vote in both chambers

Congressional Oversight and Investigations

Oversight Role and Powers

• Congress has the power to oversee and investigate the actions of the executive branch, including the President and federal agencies
• This oversight role is an important check on the power of the executive branch
• Congress has the power to subpoena witnesses and documents as part of its investigative powers
• Allows Congress to compel individuals to testify or provide information, even if they are unwilling to do so voluntarily

Committees and Hearings

• Congressional committees can hold hearings to gather information and question witnesses about issues of national importance or the actions of federal agencies
• These hearings can be used to inform legislative action or to bring public attention to an issue
• The House and Senate each have committees dedicated to oversight and investigation (House Oversight and Reform Committee, Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee)
• Congress can also establish special committees or commissions to investigate specific issues or events (9/11 Commission, Select Committee on Benghazi)

Congress's Role in the Budget

Power of the Purse

• The Constitution gives Congress the power of the purse, meaning it has the authority to tax and spend public money for the national government
• This power is a key check on the executive branch

Budget Process and Appropriations

• The federal budget process begins with the President submitting a budget request to Congress, typically in February, outlining priorities and proposed spending levels for federal agencies and programs
• Congress then works to create a budget resolution, which sets overall spending levels and revenue targets (not signed by the President, does not have the force of law, guides appropriations process)
• The House and Senate Appropriations Committees are responsible for drafting legislation to fund the government, known as appropriations bills, specifying how much money will be spent on specific programs and agencies
• Congress must pass appropriations bills before the start of the new fiscal year on October 1st to avoid a government shutdown
• If Congress cannot agree on appropriations bills, it may pass a continuing resolution to temporarily fund the government at current levels

Long-Term Fiscal Policy

• In addition to the annual appropriations process, Congress also has a role in setting long-term fiscal policy
• Changes to mandatory spending programs (Social Security, Medicare)
• Changes to the tax code