Congressional debate

Abstract

Though the Congressional Record contains a detailed account of floor proceedings, it does not elucidate the purposes that inform or the procedures that influence the structure and substance of legislative debate. The differences derived from contrasting parliamentary environments are as important for understanding House and Senate deliberations as are their similarities. The core of congressional debate, around which most discussion revolves, is the amending process. This paper examines the nature of floor debate, describes the distinctive features and consequences of House and Senate proceedings and explains the rules and practices that govern the consideration of amendments.