Votes on final passage lead to new laws for the nation. Before a major vote, Members are overwhelmed with differing opinions sent months, weeks, and sometimes even minutes prior to voting. Congressional offices receive mailbags full of letters, e-mails, faxes, and phone calls from constituents, all expressing a wide array of conflicting opinion. Members receive statements from expert witnesses testifying before congressional hearings. Special interest groups send them background material.
Congressional agencies provide reports and studies.
Colleagues in Congress send letters with recommendations, and the Administration weighs in with its position. There is no shortage of material on both sides of any issue before the Congress. The truth lies somewhere in between. More thought, study, and analysis goes into the all important decision of how to vote than is generally recognized. The process of making that decision is an individual one and cannot be easily categorized.