Congress is the nation’s legislative branch, with a unique constitutional role as the voice of the people. It enacts laws that affect all Americans, funds federal programs and services, and oversees the executive branch. Congress also holds hearings and other activities to help inform the legislative process. The Congress has two sessions per year, with the first session beginning on March 4 of odd-numbered years and ending at noon on March 3 of even-numbered years. For more information about Congress, see our About Congress page.
A bill in Congress has to pass both houses of the United States House of Representatives and the Senate before becoming law. The bills are posted on a schedule called the congressional calendar, which indicates when each chamber will take action on the legislation. The schedule is published daily by 8:00 a.m. when the House and the Senate are in session.
Program for Friday:
The Speaker called the House to order at 1 p.m. The House recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
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