Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • The legislative branch of the United States federal government: The United States Congress is the bicameral legislature, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives, responsible for making federal laws, declaring war, and overseeing the federal budget.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • The United States Congress passed a new infrastructure bill.
  • A joint session of the United States Congress was convened to certify the electoral vote.

Advanced Usage

• "Act of Congress": A statute or law formally enacted by the United States Congress.

  • The project required an Act of Congress to receive federal funding.

• "Before Congress": Referring to matters being presented for consideration or testimony being given to the legislative body.

  • The Secretary of Defense will appear before Congress next week.

Variants and Related Words

• Congress (noun): Often used as a shortened form to refer to the United States Congress in an American context.

  • Congress is in recess until January.

• Congressional (adj): Relating to the United States Congress.

  • The congressional committee issued its report.

• Congressperson / Congressman / Congresswoman (noun): A member of the United States House of Representatives.

  • Our congresswoman represents the district in Congress.

Synonyms

• The Legislature: The legislative body of the U.S. government.
• The Hill: A metonym for the United States Congress, referencing Capitol Hill where it meets.

Related Phrases

• To convene Congress: To formally bring the members of Congress together for a session.

  • The President has the power to convene Congress in special sessions.

• Power of the purse: The constitutional power of the United States Congress to authorize government spending.

  • Congress exercises its power of the purse through the appropriations process.

Noun

1. the legislature of the United States government