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8 plain-English definitions of the agencies, programs, laws and procedures that come up in bills and votes.
AI-AssistedWritten with AI from official sources. The official record always prevails. How we use AI.- Wage and Hour Division
- Agency
The Labor Department office that enforces federal minimum wage, overtime, child labor and family and medical leave laws.
- War Powers Resolution
- Law
A 1973 law that requires the president to notify Congress within 48 hours of sending forces into hostilities and to end their use within 60 days unless Congress authorizes it, with up to 30 more days to withdraw.
In Bills:H.Con.Res. 89H.Con.Res. 93
- Ways and Means Committee
- Congress
The House committee in charge of taxes, tariffs, Social Security and parts of Medicare. Under the Constitution, revenue bills must start in the House.
- Whip
- Congress
A party leader in the House or Senate who counts votes and works to keep the party's members together on key votes. Each party has a whip in each chamber.
- Wilderness Area
- Legal Term
Federal land that Congress has designated under the Wilderness Act of 1964 to be kept in its natural state, where roads, motor vehicles and most development are not allowed.
- World Bank
- International
An international institution that lends to and makes grants to developing countries for projects such as roads, schools and health care. The United States is its largest shareholder.
- World Health Organization
- International
The United Nations agency for international public health. The United States gave notice in January 2025 that it would withdraw.
- World Trade OrganizationWTO
- International
The international organization that sets rules for trade among its members and settles trade disputes between them.