Description

The Congressional Deskbook is the definitive, practical guide to understanding how Congress truly operates-its people, pressures, procedures, and power structures. It offers a clear, accessible explanation of the daily realities of congressional life including the responsibilities of Members and staff.

Readers gain a comprehensive understanding of congressional organization, leadership roles, staffing structures, budgets and allowances, and the formal and informal rules that guide both the House and Senate. Detailed chapters walk through every stage of the legislative process, starting with bill drafting and referral to committees. The Deskbook explains how committees conduct hearings, markup legislation, and generate reports before measures move to the floor. It also outlines House and Senate floor procedures, including the use of calendars, rules, amendments, debate structures, and voting methods, culminating in conference committees and final passage.

Designed for clarity and real-world usefulness, the Congressional Deskbook includes practical examples, sample forms, schedules, glossaries, and discussion questions to help readers deepen their understanding. These tools make complex procedures easier to grasp and apply, whether for academic study, professional development, or on-the-job reference.

Clear explanation of the legislative process, budget process, and House and Senate business
Flowcharts for legislative and budget processes
Explanation of the electoral college and votes by states
Glossary of legislative terms
Relationship between budget resolutions and appropriation and authorization bills
Amendment tree and amendment procedures
How members are assigned to committees
Agenda for early organization meetings (after election, before adjournment)
Sample legislative documents with explanatory annotations
Bibliographic references throughout

This comprehensive guide to Congress is ideal for anyone who wants to know how Congress really works, including federal executives, attorneys, lobbyists, media and public affairs staff, government affairs, policy and budget analysts, congressional office staff and students.