Congressional Deskbook: The Practical and Comprehensive Guide to Congress, Sixth Edition

By Judy Schneider and Michael Koempel

Book Overview

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 businessFlowcharts for legislative and budget processesExplanation of the electoral college and votes by statesGlossary of legislative termsRelationship between budget resolutions and appropriation and authorization billsAmendment tree and amendment proceduresHow members are assigned to committeesAgenda for early organization meetings (after election, before adjournment)Sample legislative documents with explanatory annotationsBibliographic 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.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1587332086
• ISBN13: 9781587332081
• Release Date: May 2012
• Publisher: Sunwater Institute
• Length: 616 Pages
• Weight: 3.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 8.5" x 11.0"