Congress #4Their OTHER Powers

they don’t just make laws….The World Toilet Summit in Belfast, Northern Ireland, is one beneficiary of U.S. spending on so-called “pork”projects. Congress  allocated $13.5 million for the International Fund for Ireland, which helps fund the summit.

Let’s reflect on pork…“One man’s pork is another man’s economic

development. Take the Iowa Environmental / Education Project. It is intended as a tourist destination, with replicas of ecosystems, like a 4.5 acre indoor rain forest. Senator Charles E. Grassley (R-IA) secured $50 million for it, hoping it will infuse $120 million a year into Iowa’s flagging economy.

One reason such earmarks flourish is that they help create support for passing larger, sometimes controversial appropriations [giving out money] bills: It’s hard for any lawmaker to vote against a bill that has earmarks that would help his or her district.”

Republicans have said they will get rid of all earmarks. Good idea?

Legislative Powers• Congress today is said to be

polarized:–2 parties can’t agree

• This leads to gridlock: inaction in gov.

• How are members of Congress able to get their bills passed? –Logrolling–PORK!

Leg. Success

• Generally, Congress is successful with:–Narrow issues• Raising minimum wage

–Not successful in broad changes•Health Care

The Other Powers 1.1. OversightOversight:

– Congress controls the “purse strings” by appropriating funds

Oversight• Thus, they must make

sure that the $ is being spent appropriately:–Congressional Budget

Office–General Accounting

Office –Sunset Laws

2. Investigate

• Hold hearings on scandals –Ex. Steroids in baseball

3. Representation Power• How do you accurately represent your

constituents? –Delegate –Trustee

4. Impeach & Remove • President, VP, Judges can be impeached

(charged w/a crime) for treason, bribery, or other high crimes or misdemeanors

• HR approves the articles of impeachment • S holds the trial to determine removal• 2 presidents have been impeached, none

removed **CHECKS & BALANCES AT WORK**

Impeached!

Senate’s Powers

• Confirm Appointments–President nominates federal judges,

Cabinet secretaries, ambassadors, and others–S confirms

• Ratify Treaty–Pres negotiates treaty–S ratifies