Words in the news

Below are some key words used in this issue of Current Events.

Congress (page 2).

The United States Congress is the legislative branch of the federal government, instituted by Article I of the U.S. Constitution. Congress's primary responsibility is to write, debate, and pass bills, which are then passed on to the president for approval. Congress is made up of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Senate consists of two senators from each state, who serve six-year terms. Every two years, one third of the Senate is elected. The House of Representatives consists of 435 members apportioned among the states according to their population in the federal census. Representatives serve two 'terms. They are elected from congressional districts that are drawn up by the state legislatures. The House traditionally elects its presiding officer, the Speaker, by consensus of the majority party. The vice president of the United States is the presiding officer of the Senate, but the agenda is set by the majority leader. Each chamber has an equal voice in legislation, although revenue bills must originate in the House. The Senate must ratify all treaties by two-thirds vote; it also confirms presidential appointments.

Center for Disease Control and Prevention (page 2).

The CDC is the leading U.S. federal agency for protecting the health and safety of people at home and abroad. It is part of the Department of Health and Human Services. The CDC administers national programs for the prevention of communicable diseases; develops programs for handling environmental health problems; and conducts disease research. It works with other countries to help eliminate the spread of preventable disease.

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