The Powers of Congress

Write laws, declare war, monitor federal agencies

Congress has many powers, including the power to assess and collect taxes; to regulate commerce, both interstate and foreign; to coin money; to establish post offices; to establish courts inferior to the Supreme Court; to declare war and to raise and maintain an Army and Navy. Another power vested in Congress is the right to propose amendments to the Constitution, whenever two-thirds of both chambers decide it necessary.

The House of Representatives is granted the power of originating all bills for the raising of revenue.

Under the Constitution, the Senate is granted certain powers not given to the House of Representatives. The Senate must approve some high-level presidential appointments. It must also concur in treaties with foreign countries by a two-thirds vote.

Committees – the legislative engines

Committees are the engines of the congressional lawmaking machinery. The 24 Senate and 24 House standing committees take initial jurisdiction over legislation and can move, stall or stop it. Without committee approval, a bill has little chance of reaching the full House or Senate for consideration.

The membership of the standing committees of each chamber is chosen by a vote of the entire body; members of other committees are appointed under the provision of the legislation establishing them.

Power committees

Representatives and senators generally seek membership on committees related to their personal interests, background and the economic interests of their districts or state. Many, however, particularly if given an opportunity early in their careers, will choose the powerful appropriations committees that control the flow of money to programs authorized by other committees, and to the Senate Finance and the House Ways and Means committees that consider tax legislation. The House and Senate budget committees, which now allow Congress to compete with the White House in establishing national priorities through a national budget, are also attractive to most members. The House Budget Committee is unique in its rotation requirements. No one may serve more than two terms (four years) in a 10-year period.