This bill directs the House to form a joint committee with the Senate to notify the President that Congress is assembled and ready to receive communication. The committee will be composed of two members appointed by the Speaker of the House.
Steve Scalise
Representative
LA-1
This bill directs the House of Representatives to form a committee that will work with a Senate committee to notify the President that Congress is assembled and ready to receive communication. The committee will be composed of two members appointed by the Speaker of the House. The purpose of the committee is to formally inform the President that Congress is prepared to conduct business.
Congress Sets Up Committee to Receive Presidential Messages: Standard Procedure Kicks Off New Session
This bill kicks off the new congressional session by setting up a small, joint committee to let the President know Congress is officially in business. Specifically, it directs the Speaker of the House to appoint two members to a committee that will work with a similar group from the Senate. Their job? To inform the President that both the House and Senate have a quorum—meaning enough members are present to conduct official business—and are ready to receive any communications.
Getting Down to Business
This is basically the legislative equivalent of setting up your out-of-office reply and turning on your computer on the first day back at work. The bill formalizes the process where Congress tells the President, "We're here, we're ready, and you can start sending us stuff." It's a routine, procedural move that happens at the start of each new Congress.
Real-World Rollout
Think of it like this: when a new store opens, the staff unlocks the doors, turns on the lights, and puts up the 'Open' sign. This bill is Congress putting up its 'Open' sign for the President. For everyday folks – whether you're a barista, a construction worker, or a software developer – this doesn't change your day-to-day. But it's a necessary step to get the gears of government turning. It ensures that there's a clear line of communication between the folks making the laws (Congress) and the person who executes them (the President).
Potential Roadblocks?
Realistically, this is a smooth process. There are no major hurdles or controversies in telling the President that Congress is ready to get to work. It’s a standard part of the legislative process, designed to facilitate communication between the two branches. It also ensures that the business of Congress can start in an orderly way. It's more about setting the stage for the real action to come than anything else. It fits with existing procedures, ensuring no conflict and a streamlined start to the legislative session.