The U.S. Senate is often referred to as the world's greatest deliberative body. And that is for good reason. The Senate Chamber-from its inception to its Golden Age to the present day-has been the setting for some of the most moving, decisive, and consequential debates in American history. But how does the Senate work? Senate Procedure and Practice not only answers this question, but also explains and illustrates why the Senate has worked so well for more than two hundred years.
This practical, real-world explanation focuses on the three pillars of legislative procedure: the Senate rules, the parliamentary interpretations of the Senate rules, and the statutes that impose procedural rules. This book is filled with fascinating stories and insights that highlight why a given rule is in place and how it is practiced. Now in its second edition, this book has been updated to discuss the impact the Democratic takeover has had on basic Senate procedures and practices, including the much-discussed Rule XXVIII.
About the Author: Martin B. Gold is a partner in Covington & Burling's Washington office and is cochair of the firm's Legislative Practice Group
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
