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Understanding Congress

How Congress Works

Explore the legislative branch of the U.S. government through interactive visualizations. Learn how laws are made, understand the differences between chambers, and discover who leads Congress.

How a Bill Becomes LawHouse vs SenateThe Committee SystemCongressional Leadership
  • Bill Journey
  • Chambers
  • Committees
  • Leadership
The Legislative Process

How a Bill Becomes Law

Follow the journey of legislation from idea to law through seven key stages

Tap any stage to learn more

Two Chambers

House vs Senate

Compare the two chambers of Congress and understand their unique roles

Category
House of Representatives
Senate
The Committee System

Congressional Committees

Committees are where the real work happens. They review bills, hold hearings, and shape legislation before it reaches the floor.

CongressCommitteesSubcommittees

Standing Committees

Permanent committees with legislative jurisdiction

House Ways and MeansSenate JudiciaryHouse Armed Services

Select & Special Committees

Temporary committees for specific investigations

Select Committee on the Climate CrisisSelect Committee on Intelligence

Joint Committees

Include members from both House and Senate

Joint Economic CommitteeJoint Committee on Taxation

Subcommittees

Specialized divisions within larger committees

Subcommittee on Health (Ways and Means)Subcommittee on Aviation (Transportation)
Explore Current Committees
Congressional Leadership

Who Leads Congress?

Understanding the hierarchy of power in both chambers

Top Leadership

Speaker of the House

House

The most powerful position in the House and second in presidential succession

President of the Senate

Senate

The Vice President serves as the presiding officer of the Senate

Party Leaders

Senate Majority Leader

Senate

The most powerful Senator, controlling the floor schedule

House Majority Leader

House

The second-ranking member of the majority party in the House

Senate Minority Leader

Senate

Leader of the minority party in the Senate

House Minority Leader

House

Leader of the minority party in the House

Party Whips

Senate Majority Whip

Senate

Counts votes and ensures majority party members vote together

House Majority Whip

House

Counts votes and ensures majority party members vote together

Senate Minority Whip

Senate

Counts votes and ensures minority party members vote together

House Minority Whip

House

Counts votes and ensures minority party members vote together

Meet Current Members of Congress

Ready to Explore Congress?

Now that you understand how Congress works, dive into the real data. Explore current legislation, meet your representatives, and track congressional activity.

Find Your RepresentativesBrowse Legislation