A group of people and I have great interest in a particular foreign policy issue. We usually hear about congressional bills relating to this issue after they've been passed or just days before the vote. We're looking for a way to monitor upcoming legislation so we have enough time to visit or write our representatives about the specific upcoming bill before they vote.
205088
You can always go to the webpages for the U.S. House and Senate. Through those pages you can see the congressional schedule and the various bills under consideration.
187086
GO TO ABC NEWS AND SEE BECAUSE OF IT COMIN UP ON VOTING YEAR THE CONGRESS IS GETTIN (FINALLY) INTO THE GAME AND ALL AREAS ARE BEING LOOKED AT FOR THIS CAUSE PEOPLE ARE STARTIN TO GET HOT
669474
If you go to Congress.org you can get a listing of recent bill in Congress on both House and Senate.  It will also tell you how different representatives voted and what the final count was as well as a synopsis of what each bill is about.  I believe it also allows you to get info on state laws as well.  \n\nAnother great resource is the "Congress At Your Fingertips" directory.  It has all the contact info and more for every member of the House and Senate.  The book is printed by Capitol Advantage website www.capitoladvantage.com
334397
It's OK, but I would start by introducing the topic. "The idea of requiring potential voters to take and pass a test before being allowed to vote is a controversial one. My team and I concur that this is an unfair requirement which violates many American's constitutional rights."
469403
good question! \n\nyou know, I can't think of a better way to get a cross section of society's honest opinion on such a wide range of issues, even including various sponsored polls and surveys. I think even the yahoo guys themselves should consider bringing the \nY!A politics politics section to their attention because many people have had suspicions or seen evidence of politicians seeming out of touch with their voter's opinion through the years & not just in the west either.\n\nit would do them a lot of good (and no harm at all) to read some of the answers on Y!A, and even perhaps ask a few questions as well!\nY!A
630841
I personally don't want any one person to be able to make a bill into a law.  Hello, that is why we have the three branches of government so we don't have a dictatorship!!  Bad idea!!
337853
It's good to see what actually happens in Congress, instead of hearing about it through whatever filter.  Not great television most of the time, but interesting.  I like the speeches that get replayed that I may have missed before.
426664
Thank you for sharing your epiphany with modern day politics.  I once had the highest regard for our political powers based on what I learned from the history of our founding fathers as we all have learned and I have come to the same conclusion.  The reality of the matter is that politics is everything whether we like it or not. The stroke of a pen from a leader represents a decision for the masses even if the paperwork does not represent our thoughts and beliefs to the fullest extent. That is why we must stay on top of the game and elect our leaders as skillfully as possible.  Knowing your political roots and being able to distinguish between the issues is a self taught philosophy that your social standing forces you to entertain.  Be patient.  Be informed.  Inform others.  We shall overcome!!
595982
http://www.senate.gov/pagelayout/legislative/a_three_sections_with_teasers/votes.htm
518777
The latest vote that took over the House and Senate sent a big message to the politicians, and don't assume marches don't work. I  don't know if you were around during Viet Nam but marches did make a difference. It took time but they got the message. This has already gone on too long, so we can assume they are trying to figure a way out without losing face. Individually you write your congress person or Senator from you state and area. I have done that, make a copy of the letter and keep sending it off about every two to three weeks.
213233
Good idea, I think it is a time for a march on Washington. Congress seems to be getting weak on what they started. Letters and e-mail you congressmen and senators and let them know how you feel.
386575
Any Senator is entitled to speak on any bill before the Senate, But if they speak, and speak and speak for days, and then some other senator gets on his hind legs and does the same thing,followed by another and another, they can keep it going until the senate rises and the session is over without resolving the bill!..After that, its usually refered off to some commitee and never heard of again!..In Australia, this cannot be done anymore, because the Govt can move a vote on it!..They seldom do this though, for fear of govt members crossing the floor!
64071
i think that it is about time... too many of the decisions for military spending is up to Congress. my opinion is that a seperate board should be constructed to vote on new upgrades for the military.
266923
It Is?\n\nThe Senate is debating it on the floor next week.\nWrite your senator and tell them what you think.
626156
It is an issue in the past.  It was involved in the circumstances and political climate of its day, and there does not appear to be any sabotage intended.  It simply happened, in the open, up front.  There was nothing underhanded in that it was not ratified.
254628
I think so. Some of them will be on the negotiating committee with the House over the final Bill.  You can let them know which parts it's 'OK to drop' in negotiations.\n\nYou should also let them know your memory is longer than 2 years.  They are counting on this 'dying down' by 2008, or their personal term limits.\n\nI hope your frustration won't keep you from contacting your Congressmen particularly in the House.  The House has the opportunity to not even let the Bill get to conference and that is exactly what they did last year with a similar House Bill the Senate Bill is based on.\n\nIf they do negotiate it, they have the ability to refuse to let it out of conference if it isn't decent.\n\nHowever, right now the Speaker of the House is saying he doesn't even see it coming out of conference. All he has to do is REFRAIN from appointing committee members.
605282
Very interesting! I think you need to approach you state congressman and submit the idea to him/her. Sounds very reasonable to me.