Members review the expenditures and implementation of government programs. Members respond to scandals and crises by serving on investigatory panels. Floor Work Members participate in floor debate, requiring knowledge of both the substance of the issue under consideration and the parliamentary rules of procedure. Members offer amendments to bills and debate the substance of amendments offered by colleagues. Members cast floor votes on motions, amendments, and the question of final passage of legislation.
Members prepare and deliver floor statements during legislative debates.
Members prepare, and sometimes deliver, statements for the Congressional Record on a wide variety of topics. Members plan legislative and political strategy with their colleagues. Members lobby one another and attempt to organize voting blocs. Congressional Leadership Leaders persuade fellow Members to vote with their party. Leaders take head counts to help predict the outcome of upcoming votes.