Analysis, reporting, and contributed commentary on Republican leadership, policy, and governance.
In Congress, the word “caucus” has two distinct meanings. It refers both to the formal party organizations within each chamber and to informal interest-based groups of members who share common…
The Republican National Committee (RNC) is the principal organization of the Republican Party at the national level. It is responsible for coordinating party strategy, fundraising, voter outreach, and organizing the…
The position of Senate Republican Leader (variously titled Floor Leader, Minority Leader, or Majority Leader depending on party control) has existed since 1925. Before that, Senate Republicans were led informally…
Since the founding of the Republican Party in 1854, the following Republicans have served as Speaker of the United States House of Representatives. The Speaker is the presiding officer of…
The United States Congress is composed of two chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate. Together they form a bicameral legislature, meaning both chambers must agree on legislation before…
The Senate Majority Leader is the most powerful member of the United States Senate and the chief spokesperson, strategist, and floor manager for the majority party. Unlike the Speaker of…
The filibuster is a procedural tool in the United States Senate that allows a minority of senators to delay or block legislation by extending debate indefinitely. Unlike the House of…
Budget reconciliation is a special legislative process that allows Congress to pass certain tax, spending, and debt limit legislation with a simple majority vote in the Senate — bypassing the…
Committee assignments determine which members of Congress serve on which committees — and in turn, which policy areas they can influence. The assignment process differs between the House and Senate…
The Senate Majority Whip is the second-ranking member of the majority party in the United States Senate. The Whip’s primary responsibility is to count votes, maintain party discipline, and ensure…