Two Chambers, Two Roles

Congress is the legislative branch of the U.S. government. It is divided into the House of Representatives and the Senate, which must agree on most legislation before it becomes law.

• House: Represents people by district, with 435 total seats.
• Senate: Represents states equally, with two senators per state.

How a Bill Becomes Law (Simplified)

1. A member introduces a bill in the House or Senate.
2. Committees review, hold hearings, and vote on changes.
3. The full chamber debates and votes on the bill.
4. Both chambers must pass the same version.
5. The president signs it into law or issues a veto.

Committees Do the Heavy Lifting

Most policy work happens in committees and subcommittees. These groups specialize in topics like transportation, agriculture, or defense and shape the details of legislation.

Leadership and Agenda Setting

Congressional leaders schedule votes, negotiate priorities, and manage the flow of legislation. In the House, the Speaker is a central figure. In the Senate, party leaders guide floor activity.

Track Your Representatives

Want to see who represents you and when their terms end? Explore the interactive map.