Legislative FAQs

The legislative process can be complicated. This page is to help you understand what Congress does and how a bill becomes a law so you can play a more active role in our democracy.

• What does a Member of Congress do?
• How does a bill become a law?
• What is the difference between the House of Representatives and the United States Senate?
• What is happening on the house floor right now?
• How can I access the congressional record of what has been said on the floor of the House of Representatives?
• When is congress in session?
• What is the district work period?
• What if I need help with a federal agency?
• What Services Can Congressman Hare provide constituents?

What Does a Member of Congress do?
Currently there are 435 Members of the U.S. House of Representatives and 100 U.S. Senators (two from each state). Each Member of the House of Representatives represents approximately 700,000 people who are organized into Congressional districts by state. Congressional Representatives are responsible for expressing the views, concerns and desires of the people of their District in the United States Congress. Part of this responsibility is writing and voting on bills; assisting constituents with problems they have before the federal Agencies/Departments; allocating and prioritizing federal funding; and making decisions that impact the communities across the country. All bills must pass both the U.S. House and Senate before they can go to the President to be signed into law.

In order to do the job well, I meet with constituents in my Washington, DC office and spend every weekend traveling around Illinois, listening to the concerns and ideas of the people I represent about how to improve their lives and the well-being of our country. I also take this time to explain what is happening in the federal government.   [Top]

How Does a Bill Become a Law?
In the simplest terms, a bill becomes a law after it passes the House of Representatives and the Senate and is signed by the President.  For more detailed information on how a bill becomes a law, visit the Library of Congress' "From a Bill to a Law." The Clerks' office also provides a guide to the legislative process as it specifically relates to the House of Representatives. Or, click here for the Congressional Research Service's "Overview: The Legislative Framework in the House;" or here for the "Legislative History: A Basic Guide for Constituents."   [Top]


What is the Difference between the House of Representatives and the United States Senate?
The U.S. Congress is made up of two "houses": the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate.  There are 435 members of the House and 100 members of the Senate.  Each state gets two Senators, regardless of how many people live in that state. The number of Representatives each state gets, however, is based on the number of people that live in the state. Senators serve for six-year terms. Representatives serve for two-year terms. There are also some things that only Members of the House or only members of the Senate can do. For example, only Senators can vote on whether or not to confirm the president's nominees for judgeships or other appointments. If you are from Illinois, your Senators are Richard "Dick" Durbin and Barack Obama.

Click here and choose "Illinois" in the dropdown menu to see the other Members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation. Or here to read the "Congressional Profile."   [Top]


What is the District Work Period?
District work periods - sometimes referred to as recesses - occur throughout the year, usually near federal holidays. The longest work period occurs annually in August when Congress takes leave for the entire month. These are times when the Congress is not in session and the Members are able so spend time in their districts meeting with their constituents.

Click here to download the calendar for 2008 to see when the house is in session or on recess.  [Top]