US House of Representatives
Legislation:
The House of Representatives initiates and passes federal legislation. While both the House and the Senate need to agree on the bill for it to become law, certain types of bills, especially those related to government revenue and appropriations, must originate in the House.
Budget and Appropriations:
One of the most critical roles of the House is to oversee government finances, including the creation of the budget and the appropriation of funds for federal agencies and programs. This power is rooted in the Constitution, which mandates that all bills raising revenue must start in the House.
Impeachment:
The House has the exclusive power to impeach federal officials, including the president. Impeachment is the process by which charges are brought against a government official. If the House votes to impeach, the case then goes to the Senate for a trial.
Oversight and Investigations:
The House conducts oversight of federal agencies and programs to ensure they are operating efficiently and according to the law. This function is often exercised through committee hearings and investigations.
Representation and Constituent Services:
Representatives serve the people of their individual districts by addressing their concerns, advocating for their interests at the national level, and assisting with federal services, like navigating government benefits or resolving issues related to immigration.
Ratification of Treaties and Confirmation of Appointments:
While the Senate takes the lead in ratifying treaties and confirming presidential appointments, the House occasionally plays a role in matters that require broad congressional approval, such as international trade agreements and decisions related to war powers.
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Genuine Case Studies
Congressman John Lewis and the First Step Act (2018):
- John Lewis, a late member of the House, was a strong advocate for criminal justice reform. He supported the First Step Act, which was signed into law on December 21, 2018. While not a direct intervention in a specific judicial case, his advocacy helped enact legislation that benefits individuals by reforming sentencing laws, reducing recidivism, and improving conditions in federal prisons. This law has helped address issues faced by constituents dealing with the federal criminal justice system.
Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler and the Preventing Maternal Deaths Act (2018):
- Jaime Herrera Beutler advocated for the Preventing Maternal Deaths Act, which became law on December 21, 2018. As a result of personal experience and constituent advocacy, she pushed for this legislation that established state committees to better understand maternal mortality and propose solutions to prevent deaths during childbirth. This initiative arose from issues constituents faced with healthcare systems, which is a form of systemic advocacy rather than direct judicial intervention.
Congresswoman Jackie Speier and Military Justice Improvement Act (proposed in 2013, reintroduced in subsequent sessions):
- Jackie Speier has been an advocate for the Military Justice Improvement Act, which aims to transfer the decision to prosecute serious crimes in the military from the chain of command to independent military prosecutors. While not yet law, her persistent efforts were sparked by numerous constituents who are military service members facing sexual assault and seeking justice. Her legislative efforts aim to improve the military judicial process, influenced by constituent experiences.
Congressman Chris Smith and International Megan’s Law (2016):
- Chris Smith spearheaded International Megan’s Law, signed into law on February 8, 2016. This law requires the notification of foreign governments when an American sex offender travels abroad. It originated from constituent concerns about the potential for sexual predators to exploit international travel to evade law enforcement. Again, while this is a legislative action, it impacts judicial-like processes involving monitoring and tracking individuals convicted of sexual offenses.
