Congress is the legislative branch: two chambers, working together and separately, to write, debate, and pass the nation's laws.
The House and Senate are built differently on purpose. This page is the starting point for understanding how they divide the work, where they meet, and which records to check for either one.
In republican government, the legislative authority necessarily predominates.
James MadisonTwo Chambers, One Congress
Each chamber has its own rules, culture, and pace, and each has a fuller page of its own. Start here for how a chamber works, or jump straight to House or Senate content.
The House
435 voting members, apportioned by population, serving two-year terms. Originates revenue bills and holds the sole power to impeach.
The Senate
100 senators, two per state regardless of population, serving staggered six-year terms. Confirms nominees and ratifies treaties.
How a Bill Becomes a Law
A real process, moving through both chambers and the President in sequence — the clearest example of how Congress's two halves connect.
The people are the only sure reliance for the preservation of our liberty.
Thomas JeffersonDifference Between The House and The Senate
Congressional Leadership
Each chamber elects its own leadership, one set for the House and a separate set for the Senate.
House Leadership
- Speaker of the HousePresides over the chamber and sets the legislative agenda.
- Majority LeaderManages the majority party's floor strategy.
- Majority WhipCounts votes and helps secure support on key measures.
- Minority LeaderLeads the minority party's floor response.
Senate Leadership
- President of the SenateThe Vice President, who may cast a tie-breaking vote.
- President Pro TemporePresides in the Vice President's absence.
- Majority LeaderControls the Senate floor schedule.
- Minority LeaderOrganizes the minority party's floor response.
Find Your Members of Congress
Choose a state to see its full congressional delegation — both House representatives and both senators — along with contact information, congressional work, and public resources.
Official Links
Use these sources to check current text, records, deadlines, forms, votes, rules, or public notices.
Congress.gov
Bill text, amendments, actions, sponsors, and public laws.
House.gov
Official House membership, schedules, and chamber information.
Senate.gov
Official Senate membership, schedules, and chamber information.
GovInfo
Official publications, Federal Register materials, and congressional documents.
