How Congress Works

The following reports on Congress, its members, the legislative and budget process were developed by the Congressional Research Service as a resource for new Members of Congress, and provide a helpful reference to students of the U.S. government:

• Roles and Duties of a Member of Congress
• The First Day of A New Congress: A Guide to Proceedings on the House Floor
• The President's State of the Union Address: Tradition, Function and Policy Implications
• The Speaker of the House: House Officer, Party Leader and Representative
• Committee Types and Roles
• Membership of the 112th Congress (A Profile)
• Membership of the 111th Congress (A Profile)
• Congressional Oversight Manual
• Congressional Commissions: Overview, Structure and Legislative Considerations

The Federal Budget

• The Congressional Budget Process:  A Brief Overview
• FY12 Budget Documents:  Internet and GPO Availability
• Federal R&D Funding: FY2011

The Executive & Judicial Branches

• A Brief Overview of Rulemaking and Judicial Review

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WISE Webmaster: Chris Brantley, c.brantley@ieee.org
(Last Update: 11/21/11)