"First Day" Proceedings and Procedural Change in the Senate

Author: Valerie Heitshusen

Publisher:

Published: 2013

Total Pages:

ISBN-13:

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

In the early weeks of the 112th Congress, the Senate considered proposals to change its Standing Rules, as well as proposals to alter other practices and procedures. Three resolutions that proposed to amend the Senate rules (S.Res. 8, S.Res. 10, as amended, and S.Res. 21, as amended) received votes, but none were agreed to. These three resolutions proposed a variety of changes, chiefly focused on the operation of the Senate's cloture rule (Rule XXII). The proceedings on these measures occurred in the context of a debate over whether or not the start of a new Congress presents a unique opportunity for the Senate to change its Standing Rules without certain constraints presented by its existing rules. This report is intended to provide context for understanding the issues raised by these proceedings, as well as an accounting of actions taken by the Senate at the start of the 112th Congress.

The First Day of a New Congress
The First Day of a New Congress

Author: Mildred L. Amer

Publisher:

Published: 2006

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13:

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The Senate follows a well-established routine on the opening day of a new Congress. The proceedings include swearing in new members, administrative business, and election of the President pro tempore, the constitutionally mandated officer elected to preside over the chamber in the absence of the Vice President. Other first day activities are dependent on specific circumstances and do not occur on the first day of every new Congress. Once these proceedings are completed, the Senate may then turn to routine business. The Senate committee assignment process begins prior to the convening of a new Congress. Article I, Section 2 of the Constitution provides for a system of staggered six-year terms for Senators, one-third of their terms expiring at the conclusion of each Congress. As a consequence, the Senate is a continuing body and does not have to reorganize itself each new Congress, as does the House of Representatives, by adopting new rules and electing new leaders. Any changes in Senate leadership take place in the party conferences prior to the opening day, and there are no floor votes to ratify these changes.

Congressional Record
Congressional Record

Author: United States. Congress

Publisher:

Published: 1972

Total Pages: 1462

ISBN-13:

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The Congressional Record is the official record of the proceedings and debates of the United States Congress. It is published daily when Congress is in session. The Congressional Record began publication in 1873. Debates for sessions prior to 1873 are recorded in The Debates and Proceedings in the Congress of the United States (1789-1824), the Register of Debates in Congress (1824-1837), and the Congressional Globe (1833-1873)

The First Day of a New Congress
The First Day of a New Congress

Author: Mildred Lehmann Amer

Publisher:

Published: 2006

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13:

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The Senate follows a well-established routine on the opening day of a new Congress. The proceedings include swearing in new members, administrative business, and election of the President pro tempore, the constitutionally mandated officer elected to preside over the chamber in the absence of the Vice President. Other first day activities are dependent on specific circumstances and do not occur on the first day of every new Congress. Once these proceedings are completed, the Senate may then turn to routine business. The Senate committee assignment process begins prior to the convening of a new Congress and continues throughout the beginning days of a new Congress. Article I, Section 2 of the Constitution provides for a system of staggered six-year terms for Senators, one-third of their terms expiring at the conclusion of each Congress. Thus, the Senate is a continuing body and does not have to reorganize itself each new Congress and adopt new rules and elect new leaders as does the House of Representatives. Any changes in Senate leadership take place in the party conferences prior to the opening day, and there are no floor votes to ratify these changes.

Model Rules of Professional Conduct
Model Rules of Professional Conduct

Author: American Bar Association. House of Delegates

Publisher: American Bar Association

Published: 2007

Total Pages: 216

ISBN-13: 9781590318737

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The Model Rules of Professional Conduct provides an up-to-date resource for information on legal ethics. Federal, state and local courts in all jurisdictions look to the Rules for guidance in solving lawyer malpractice cases, disciplinary actions, disqualification issues, sanctions questions and much more. In this volume, black-letter Rules of Professional Conduct are followed by numbered Comments that explain each Rule's purpose and provide suggestions for its practical application. The Rules will help you identify proper conduct in a variety of given situations, review those instances where discretionary action is possible, and define the nature of the relationship between you and your clients, colleagues and the courts.

Senate Procedure and Practice
Senate Procedure and Practice

Author: Martin B. Gold

Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Published: 2018-05-14

Total Pages: 327

ISBN-13: 153811206X

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

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.