Congress

Congress Legislative branch of the US federal government established by the US Constitution (1789). The first meeting of Congress took place in 1789 in New York City. Congress comprises the Senate (the Upper House) and the House of Representatives (the Lower House). The main powers of Congress include the right to assess and collect taxes, introduce legislation, regulate commerce, propose constitutional amendments, mint money, raise and maintain armed forces, establish lower courts and declare war. Legislation must be passed by both Houses and the President to become law. If the President uses his power of veto, Congress can still pass the bill with a two-thirds majority in each house. A resident commissioner from Puerto Rico, and delegates from Guam, the Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia complete the composition of Congress. The Senate can approve treaties and presidential appointments, and tries the president if he is impeached. The House of Representatives initiates all tax bills and has the power to impeach the president. The Constitution requires that Congress meet at least once every year, and the president may call special sessions. The preparation and consideration of legislation is largely accomplished by the 17 standing committees in the Senate and the 21 in the House of Representatives.