US SENATE

The United States Senate is one chamber of the bicameral United States Congress; it is the upper house, and the U.S. House of Representatives is the lower house. Together, the Senate and the House of Representatives have the power to make, pass, or reject federal laws under the First Amendment of the Constitution. The Senate has exclusive authority to confirm U.S. presidential appointments, ratify or reject treaties, and to decide guilt or acquittal in impeachment cases brought by the House of Representatives. The Senate and the House of Representatives provide a system of checks and balances over the powers of the executive and judicial branches of government. The structure and powers of the Senate are defined by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, in effect since March 4, 1789. Each of the 50 states is represented by two senators who serve staggered six-year terms, for a total of 100 members.

Committee Agenda: Consideration of Legislative Proposals to Reform the United States Immigration System

Level: Upper Intermediate

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