The Hill 101: What do the buzzers mean?
... both chambers employ a system of bells (that sound more like buzzers) and lights (on clocks and displays throughout the Capitol Complex) that provide alerts to Members. Almost no one knows what...
View ArticleThe Hill 101: Where the Rayburn Am I?
Navigating Capitol Hill is hard. Signs and room numbers don’t always make sense. Tunnels and long marble halls throw off the even the best senses of direction. From constituents in town for a quick...
View ArticleCongressmen consider Modernizing Information Delivery
When in DC, attend a hearing. All right, maybe a hearing isn't quite as fun as the Smithsonian, but if you can attend a hearing on an issue you're passionate about it can be pretty rewarding. I've...
View ArticleLinks for What's Happening in Congress
Was just asked by a POPVOX reader for some help finding a source for "what's going on in Congress" each week.
View ArticlePOPVOX Resources for Congressional Staff
We at POPVOX think a lot about Congress and the staffers that make Congress go. Recently, a Congressional office asked us to share best practices for using POPVOX in their work. The following...
View ArticleDisrupting Lobbying Through Transparency
For many outside the startup world, the term "disruptive" may have negative connotations. It was not something you wanted on your report card. Certainly for two women -- one an Indian-born American...
View ArticleUnique Memorial Day Flag Etiquette (Half staff until noon)
Memorial Day is the only day in which flags are flown at half-staff for only part of the day -- to both honor the sacrifices of those who gave their lives and to inspire those who continue in their...
View ArticleThe Hill 101: There is no "Capitol Jail"
There is no Capitol jail.There is a tomb chamber under the crypt (beneath the star), which was meant to house Washington's body. Washington made arrangements to be buried at Mount Vernon. The tomb...
View ArticleContempt of Congress: It's Complicated
The history of Congressional contempt findings go back to the early days of Congress itself. Modern cases show that enforcement of contempt can be tough -- especially against a federal officer...
View ArticleCould Members force a vote on the DISCLOSE Act?
In both the House and Senate, the majority controls the agenda and the Leadership of the majority decides what does or does not come up for a vote -- with one exception: the discharge petition.
View ArticleUnique Memorial Day Flag Etiquette (Half staff until noon)
Memorial Day is the only day in which flags are flown at half-staff for only part of the day -- to both honor the sacrifices of those who gave their lives and to inspire those who continue in their...
View ArticleThe Hill 101: Discharge Petition
There actually IS one way that a bill can be brought for a vote even if it does not get reported out of committee and is not selected by Leadership: a discharge petition.If at least half of the...
View ArticleThe Hill 101: What is a "Continuing Resolution"
A continuing resolution, or a "CR" for short, is legislation that allows the federal government to keep operating and spending money when regular appropriation acts have expired and new authority has...
View ArticleThe Hill 101: Conference Committees
Conference committees are set up when the House and Senate have passed two different versions of a bill. Article 1, Section 7 of the Constitution requires that both chambers pass the exact same...
View ArticleThe Hill 101: Talking to Your Reps in the District
While town hall meetings are scheduled in August, much of the important summer legislative action takes place in July. Especially in years with midterm elections, July is an important month for...
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