This glossary defines common congressional terms you will see across LegiList bill pages, vote records, and committee activity. Each definition is short on purpose. Use linked explainers when you want full procedural detail.
A proposed change to a bill. See Amendments and Substitutes.
Legislation that provides legal authority to spend federal funds.
A law creating or continuing a program and setting policy terms; funding usually comes later through appropriations.
A legislative proposal introduced in the House or Senate that may become law.
Senate reconciliation rule limiting extraneous provisions. See Byrd Rule Explained.
A Senate vote to end debate on most matters, often requiring 60 votes.
A committee session where members debate and amend bill text before reporting it.
A temporary panel that resolves House and Senate differences on the same bill.
A measure used by both chambers that does not go to the President and does not become law.
A House procedure to force a bill out of committee to the floor. See Discharge Petition Explained.
A chamber-passed version of a bill prepared in final form before transmission to the other chamber.
The final version passed by both chambers and sent to the President.
Extended Senate debate used to delay or block action absent cloture.
The federal budget year running from October 1 through September 30.
Debate and voting by the full House or Senate, after committee action.
An informal notice signaling likely objection to quick floor action. See Senate Holds.
A measure requiring approval by both chambers and usually Presidential action; some can become law.
Session after elections but before the next Congress begins. See Lame Duck Sessions.
A late-stage House motion before final passage, often offered by the minority. See Motion to Recommit.
A package combining multiple measures or spending divisions into one large bill.
A procedural objection that claims a rule has been violated.
A bill signed by the President or enacted over veto and assigned a law number.
A budget process allowing certain fiscal legislation to pass the Senate by simple majority.
A recorded vote listing each member position. See Understanding Roll Calls.
A House rule from the Rules Committee setting debate and amendment terms for a bill.
The member who introduces a bill in their chamber.
A smaller unit of a standing committee focused on narrower jurisdiction.
House fast-track procedure with limited debate and no floor amendments. See Suspension of the Rules.
A procedure allowing action if no member objects. See Unanimous Consent.
Presidential rejection of a bill passed by Congress.
Congressional action to enact a vetoed bill with two-thirds support in both chambers.
Party leader responsible for vote counting, member communication, and floor strategy.
If a term appears in LegiList and is not listed here yet, start with the closest explainer in Learn and then open the related bill, law, committee, or vote record for context.