What is the Senate?
The Senate is one of the two chambers of the United States Congress and is composed of 100 members, two from each state, who are elected to six-year terms. The Senate plays a crucial role in the legislative process, providing a check on the power of the House of Representatives and the President.
Roles and Responsibilities
The Senate has several key functions, including passing legislation, confirming presidential appointments, ratifying treaties, and conducting impeachment trials. Senators also serve on committees, where they hold hearings, conduct investigations, and draft legislation.
Examples of Senate Actions
- Passing Legislation: The Senate passed the Affordable Care Act in 2010, which expanded access to healthcare for millions of Americans.
- Confirming Supreme Court Justices: The Senate confirmed Justice Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court in 2020.
- Impeachment Trials: The Senate conducted impeachment trials of Presidents Bill Clinton and Donald Trump.
Case Studies
One notable case study is the confirmation of Justice Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court in 2018. The Senate held a contentious confirmation hearing, where allegations of sexual misconduct were raised against Kavanaugh. After a thorough investigation, the Senate ultimately confirmed Kavanaugh to the Court.
Statistics
As of 2021, the Senate is composed of 50 Republicans, 48 Democrats, and 2 Independents who caucus with the Democrats. The Senate is evenly divided, with Vice President Kamala Harris serving as the tie-breaking vote.
