What’s it like being a member of Congress? DVD Clip? What did you think?

A typical day? 8:30 AM: Breakfast with former member 9:30: Science Committee Hearing 10:00: Private briefing by NASA officials for afternoon subcommittee hearing 12:00 Photo Opportunity 1:00 Lunch with visiting friend 1:30: Commerce Committee; Subcommittee markup session of pending legislation 2:00 House convenes (meets) 3:00 Meeting with NRA for pending legislation 4:30 Meeting with members from Sierra Club interest group 5:00 Briefing by the commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics on the uninsured (health) 5:30: Reception/fundraiser for the President 6:00: Reception/fundraiser for fellow member from the same state 6:30: Cajun food reception sponsored by Louisiana member 7:00: Wine-tasting reception on behalf of the California Wine Industry

BUSY! Can you relate to this?

Or this?

Party Membership as of 4-5-2011 112th Congress HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES: (2011-2013) 435 Total Majority Party Rep: 242 Minority Party Dem: 193 Independent (0) Source: http://artandhistory.house.gov/house_history/partyDiv.aspx 112th Congress (2011-2013) SENATE: Majority Party: Democrat 51 Minority Party:  Republican 47 Other Parties: Independent 1 Independent Democrat 1 Source: http://www.senate.gov/pagelayout/history/one_item_and_teasers/partydiv.htm

U.S. Capitol Building, a.k.a. Capitol Hill, the hill… Have you been here?

112th Congress TIMELINE Started January 3rd, 2011 Consists of two sessions This is one of two that is currently in progress The 112th Congress will end January 2013. Pay and Benefits: House Leadership Speaker: $223,500 Majority Leader $193,400 Minority Leader $193,400 Reps. $174,000 Senate Leadership V.P. $230,700 Majority Leader $193,400 Minority Leader $193,400 Sen. $ 174,000

Congressional Leaders House Majority Leader (R) John Boehner (OH) Senate Majority Leader (D) Harry Reid (NV)

Demographics, House of Rep. 109th Congress (These are not current) From 109th Congress Average Age: 55 Education: 281 with Masters or higher Previous Occupations: Agriculture, Business, Education, Law, Real Estate…. Women in Congress 68 Blacks 42, Latino 24, Asian 4, …. Roman Catholic 129, Baptist 65, Jewish 26, Mormon 11, Muslim ? Military Service, 109

Demographics, Senate 109th Congress (These are not current) Average age 60 Education, advanced degrees, Masters or higher, 78 Military Service, 31 Previous occupations: Agric. 5, Business 30, Education 12, Law 58, Real Estate 3 Women in Congress, 14 Blacks 1, Latino 2, Asisan 2, …. Religion: Roman Catholic 24, Methodist 12, Baptist 7, Jewish 11, Mormon 5

Our leadership from MN Michelle Bachmann District 6 Representative Elected November, 2006 www.house.gov Al Franken assumed office July 1st, 2009 Amy Klobuchar Elected 2006 Preceded by Mark Dayton, now MN governor www.senate.gov

Michelle Bachmann

Presidential Hopeful. Many factual errors when speaking. How has the press labeled her? Many factual errors when speaking.

Senate Al Franken Amy Klobuchar

In the news. Recount, then eventually became our Senator. Finally we are fully represented! He took office July 1st , 2009.

Their role in impeachment? House This is where the charges are brought forward Impeach means “accused” or “formal accusation” Presidents, Judges, Senators, and Governors have been impeached… Senate This is where the trial takes place for the accused. The judge is the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court (John Roberts Jr.) Since 2005 Appointed by George W. Bush, 2003

Impeachment Trials Andrew Johnson William Jefferson Clinton

Impeachment? Who is this? From Illinois? Former Governor Blagojevich, Impeached and removed from office. Accused and found guilty of trying to gain political favors during the process of choosing a replacement for Senator Obama.

What are the powers of Congress ? Article I, Section 8: This is an abbreviated list Make laws Tax Borrow $$ Rules for naturalization Coin $$ Standard of weights and measures Copyrights and Patents Army and Navy Declare War These are the main powers that are enumerated in Article I.

1. How will you vote? Vote for or against? Why? Things to consider: Bill: Lockheed, world’s largest defense contractor wants to build a large factory in your district. Vote for or against? Why? Things to consider: What does my political party think? What do my voters think? What is best for the country? How do I feel? Jobs? Environmental impact? Other…..?????

2. How will you vote? Vote for or against? Why? Things to consider: Bill: Disposal of Nuclear Waste in Rural portions of District 6. Vote for or against? Why? Things to consider: What does my political party think? What do my voters think? What is best for the country? How do I feel? Jobs? Environmental impact? Other…..?????

The issue?

3. How will you vote? For or Against, Why? Things to consider: Bill: Longer waiting period for handguns requested after a school shooting in your district. Things to consider: What does my political party think? What do my voters think? What is best for the country? How do I feel?