Vocabulary Terms and Definitions for Chapter 13 - Twyman-Whitney ...

Minority LeaderThe floor leader of the House or Senate who represents the political power of the minority partypigeonholeTo kill a bill by refusing to take action on it or pass it out of a committee in CongressrecessTo take a temporary break in a legislative session.resolutionA formal statement by Congress expressing a legislative decision or opinion.riderAn amendment added to a bill that has nothing to do with the subject of a bill.RulesThis congressional committee is the "traffic cop" of the House of Representatives, because its consent is necessary fora bill to be taken from the House calendar, it can take bills out of order, schedule bills for debate, and set a time limitfor debate and adding amendments.sanctionsA way for the government to punish or show disapproval of another nation’s actions or policies, often in the form ofeconomic and trade restrictionsselectA temporary congressional committee created for a specific purpose that will not be handled by a standing committee.seniorityLength of service, whether in Congress or on a committeespecial sessionAn emergency congressional meeting called by the President when Congress is adjourned or in recessSpeakerThe leader who presides over the House of RepresentativessponsorThe member of Congress who introduces a billstandingA large, permanent congressional committee that deals with bills about particular subjects (such as agriculture)subcommitteeA smaller division of a large standing congressional committeetableTo make a parliamentary motion to kill a bill.whipThe assistant floor leader for both major political parties in Congress.