R

The independent agency that runs retirement, disability, unemployment and sickness benefit programs for railroad workers and their families.

Dividing the 435 House seats among the states again after each census, based on population.

In the Congress Guide →

An appointment the president makes while the Senate is in recess, without Senate confirmation. It lasts until the end of the Senate's next session.

In the Congress Guide →

Redrawing the boundaries of congressional and state legislative districts, usually after each census, so districts have about equal populations.

When a committee sends a bill back to the full chamber with its recommendation, often with amendments and a written report, so it can be considered on the floor.

In the Congress Guide →

A law that cancels money Congress previously provided. The president can propose rescissions under the Impoundment Control Act, but they take effect only if Congress passes them.

In Bills:H.R. 4

The member of the House who represents Puerto Rico, elected to a four-year term. Like the delegates, the resident commissioner can serve on committees but cannot vote on passing bills.

The USDA agency that runs the federal crop insurance program with private insurance companies.

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A vote in which each member's position, Yea, Nay, Present or Not Voting, is recorded by name. The House usually votes electronically; in the Senate the clerk calls each senator's name.

In the Congress Guide →

The process agencies use to write regulations. Under the Administrative Procedure Act, an agency usually publishes a proposed rule, takes public comments and then issues a final rule.

In Bills:S.J.Res. 31S.J.Res. 13

The House committee that writes the special rules setting the terms of debate and amendment for most major bills before they reach the floor.

In the Congress Guide →

A second election between the top finishers, held when no candidate wins the share of the vote required, often a majority.

The USDA agency that makes and guarantees loans and grants for housing and community facilities, such as clinics and fire stations, in rural areas.

The USDA agency that makes loans and grants for rural electricity, water and wastewater systems, telecommunications and broadband.