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. Leaders head discussions with their party caucus to formulate a common position on pending issues. Leaders negotiate agreements with the other party on when and how to consider specific bills on the floor. Leaders negotiate with the President or the other house of Congress as representatives of their chamber.