Congressional Practice and Procedure: A Reference, Research, and Legislative Guide

Title

Congressional Practice and Procedure: A Reference, Research, and Legislative Guide

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Description

Tiefer has brought under one cover the contributions of many political writers, and practicing senators and representatives. His 12-page introduction reveals the extent of his reliance on their works. The subtitle summarizes the totality of his coverage of the subject. . . . Tiefer's experiences in various positions serving senators and representatives as well as in his present positions at Georgetown University Law Center and as deputy general counsel of the House of Representatives have enabled him to examine thoroughly the procedures and practices in the detailed complexity of everyday life in the US Congress. Choice

Tiefer's Congressional Practice and Procedure is the most current, complete, and scholarly treatise on the subject . . . a comprehensive, detailed, well-organized, and thoroughly researched guide. . . . Its thirteen heavily footnoted chapters are full of anecdotes and historical examples, some of them as current as Vice President Quayle, which weave together the formal, the historical, and the political aspects of congressional rules and functioning. . . . Advanced students thirsting for a sophisticated guide through the complexity and detail of congressional procedure will find it rewarding. RQ

In national decisions on crucial issues such as taxing and spending, health, economic regulation, defense, civil rights, and many other policy areas Congress occupies a commanding position. And, while many observers know generally how Congress proceeds, only a few insiders understand the complexities of the process. Congressional Practice and Procedure systematically examines Congressional procedure beginning with a perspective on how procedure and power play off each other. Tiefer explains how Congress structures itself, including the vital processes of appointing members, and referring bills, to choice committees and follows the progress of bills through various committee and subcommittee processes. Tiefer discusses House floor procedure, the roles of the Speaker and other leaders, the intricacies of the complex special rules, and focuses on the strategies of majority and opposition floor managers. The book describes the delicate balance between the Senate leadership and powerful individual Senators, leadership perogatives and unanimous consent agreements, and discusses at length the revolution in filibusters and cloture in the 1970s and the 1980s. The author also discusses conference committees and the all-important budget-appropriations process.

Meticulously documented with two thousand detailed textual footnotes to official, journalistic, and academic sources and an extensive bibliography, this authoritative and scholarly reference will be of immediate value to practicing attorneys, lobbyists, trade associations, and government relations specialists. Libraries, academicians and political science researchers will find it immensely useful as a major source of material on Congress.

ISBN

978-0313263552

Publication Date

6-15-1989

Publisher

ABC-CLIO/Greenwood

City

Santa Barbara, CA

Keywords

Politics & Government, United States, Legislative Branch, Political Science, Government

Disciplines

Law | Legislation | President/Executive Department

Congressional Practice and Procedure: A Reference, Research, and Legislative Guide


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