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U.S. Senate | ORGANIZATION

 

The United States Senate is the upper house of the bicameral United States Congress, the lower house being the House of Representatives. The composition and powers of the Senate and the House are established in Article One of the Constitution (which does not use the terms "upper" and "lower"). Each U.S state is represented by two senators, regardless of population. This ensures equal representation of each state in the Senate. U.S. Senators serve staggered six-year terms. The chamber of the United States Senate is located in the north wing of the Capitol building, in Washington, D.C., the national capital. The House of Representatives convenes in the south wing of the same building.

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The US Capitol is seen through the columns of the Canadian Embassy on March 19, 2010 in Washington. The House of Representatives is expected to cast its verdict on a Senate bill on March 21 and a 'yes' vote would enshrine into law comprehensive health care reform, bringing coverage to 32 million Americans who currently lack insurance.

The US Capitol is seen through the columns of the Canadian Embassy on March 19, 2010 in Washington. The House of Representatives is expected to cast its verdict on a Senate bill on March 21 and a 'yes' vote would enshrine into law comprehensive health care reform, bringing coverage to 32 million Americans who currently lack insurance.

AFP 

US House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) holds his weekly briefing on March 19, 2010 on Capitol Hill in Washington. The House of Representatives is expected to cast its verdict on a Senate bill on March 21 and a 'yes' vote would enshrine into law comprehensive health care reform, bringing coverage to 32 million Americans who currently lack insurance.

US House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) holds his weekly briefing on March 19, 2010 on Capitol Hill in Washington. The House of Representatives is expected to cast its verdict on a Senate bill on March 21 and a 'yes' vote would enshrine into law comprehensive health care reform, bringing coverage to 32 million Americans who currently lack insurance.

AFP 

US House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) holds his weekly briefing on March 19, 2010 on Capitol Hill in Washington. The House of Representatives is expected to cast its verdict on a Senate bill on March 21 and a 'yes' vote would enshrine into law comprehensive health care reform, bringing coverage to 32 million Americans who currently lack insurance.

US House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) holds his weekly briefing on March 19, 2010 on Capitol Hill in Washington. The House of Representatives is expected to cast its verdict on a Senate bill on March 21 and a 'yes' vote would enshrine into law comprehensive health care reform, bringing coverage to 32 million Americans who currently lack insurance.

AFP 

US House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) holds his weekly briefing on March 19, 2010 on Capitol Hill in Washington. The House of Representatives is expected to cast its verdict on a Senate bill on March 21 and a 'yes' vote would enshrine into law comprehensive health care reform, bringing coverage to 32 million Americans who currently lack insurance.

US House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) holds his weekly briefing on March 19, 2010 on Capitol Hill in Washington. The House of Representatives is expected to cast its verdict on a Senate bill on March 21 and a 'yes' vote would enshrine into law comprehensive health care reform, bringing coverage to 32 million Americans who currently lack insurance.

AFP 

US House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) walks out after holding his weekly briefing on March 19, 2010 on Capitol Hill in Washington. The House of Representatives is expected to cast its verdict on a Senate bill on March 21 and a 'yes' vote would enshrine into law comprehensive health care reform, bringing coverage to 32 million Americans who currently lack insurance.

US House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) walks out after holding his weekly briefing on March 19, 2010 on Capitol Hill in Washington. The House of Representatives is expected to cast its verdict on a Senate bill on March 21 and a 'yes' vote would enshrine into law comprehensive health care reform, bringing coverage to 32 million Americans who currently lack insurance.

AFP 

US House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) holds his weekly briefing on March 19, 2010 on Capitol Hill in Washington. The House of Representatives is expected to cast its verdict on a Senate bill on March 21 and a 'yes' vote would enshrine into law comprehensive health care reform, bringing coverage to 32 million Americans who currently lack insurance.

US House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) holds his weekly briefing on March 19, 2010 on Capitol Hill in Washington. The House of Representatives is expected to cast its verdict on a Senate bill on March 21 and a 'yes' vote would enshrine into law comprehensive health care reform, bringing coverage to 32 million Americans who currently lack insurance.

AFP 

US Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi holds holds her weekly press conference on March 19, 2010 on Capitol Hill in Washington. The House was expected to cast its verdict on a Senate bill on March 21 and a 'yes' vote would enshrine into law comprehensive health care reform, bringing coverage to 32 million Americans who currently lack insurance.

US Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi holds holds her weekly press conference on March 19, 2010 on Capitol Hill in Washington. The House was expected to cast its verdict on a Senate bill on March 21 and a 'yes' vote would enshrine into law comprehensive health care reform, bringing coverage to 32 million Americans who currently lack insurance.

AFP 

US Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi holds holds her weekly press conference on March 19, 2010 on Capitol Hill in Washington. The House was expected to cast its verdict on a Senate bill on March 21 and a 'yes' vote would enshrine into law comprehensive health care reform, bringing coverage to 32 million Americans who currently lack insurance.

US Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi holds holds her weekly press conference on March 19, 2010 on Capitol Hill in Washington. The House was expected to cast its verdict on a Senate bill on March 21 and a 'yes' vote would enshrine into law comprehensive health care reform, bringing coverage to 32 million Americans who currently lack insurance.

AFP 

US Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (C) walks through the Capitol with aides and her security detail on March 19, 2010 in Washington. The House of Representatives is expected to cast its verdict on a Senate bill on March 21 and a 'yes' vote would enshrine into law comprehensive health care reform, bringing coverage to 32 million Americans who currently lack insurance.

US Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (C) walks through the Capitol with aides and her security detail on March 19, 2010 in Washington. The House of Representatives is expected to cast its verdict on a Senate bill on March 21 and a 'yes' vote would enshrine into law comprehensive health care reform, bringing coverage to 32 million Americans who currently lack insurance.

AFP 

WASHINGTON - MARCH 19:  House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) participates in her weekly news conference on Capitol Hill on March 19, 2010 in Washington, DC. Speaker Pelosi said that when the House passes the healthcare bill this Sunday, lawmakers will have assurance that the it will also be passed by the Senate.

WASHINGTON - MARCH 19: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) participates in her weekly news conference on Capitol Hill on March 19, 2010 in Washington, DC. Speaker Pelosi said that when the House passes the healthcare bill this Sunday, lawmakers will have assurance that the it will also be passed by the Senate.

Getty Images North America 

WASHINGTON - MARCH 19:  House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) participates in her weekly news conference on Capitol Hill on March 19, 2010 in Washington, DC. Speaker Pelosi said that when the House passes the healthcare bill this Sunday, lawmakers will have assurance that the it will also be passed by the Senate.

WASHINGTON - MARCH 19: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) participates in her weekly news conference on Capitol Hill on March 19, 2010 in Washington, DC. Speaker Pelosi said that when the House passes the healthcare bill this Sunday, lawmakers will have assurance that the it will also be passed by the Senate.

Getty Images North America 

WASHINGTON - MARCH 19:  House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) participates in her weekly news conference on Capitol Hill on March 19, 2010 in Washington, DC. Speaker Pelosi said that when the House passes the healthcare bill this Sunday, lawmakers will have assurance that the it will also be passed by the Senate.

WASHINGTON - MARCH 19: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) participates in her weekly news conference on Capitol Hill on March 19, 2010 in Washington, DC. Speaker Pelosi said that when the House passes the healthcare bill this Sunday, lawmakers will have assurance that the it will also be passed by the Senate.

Getty Images North America 

WASHINGTON - MARCH 19:  Rep.Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) listens to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) speak during her weekly news conference on Capitol Hill on March 19, 2010 in Washington, DC. Speaker Pelosi said that when the House passes the healthcare bill this Sunday, lawmakers will have assurance that the it will also be passed by the Senate.

WASHINGTON - MARCH 19: Rep.Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) listens to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) speak during her weekly news conference on Capitol Hill on March 19, 2010 in Washington, DC. Speaker Pelosi said that when the House passes the healthcare bill this Sunday, lawmakers will have assurance that the it will also be passed by the Senate.

Getty Images North America 

WASHINGTON - MARCH 19:  House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) stops to here a question while leaving her weekly news conference on Capitol Hill on March 19, 2010 in Washington, DC. Speaker Pelosi said that when the House passes the healthcare bill this Sunday, lawmakers will have assurance that the it will also be passed by the Senate.

WASHINGTON - MARCH 19: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) stops to here a question while leaving her weekly news conference on Capitol Hill on March 19, 2010 in Washington, DC. Speaker Pelosi said that when the House passes the healthcare bill this Sunday, lawmakers will have assurance that the it will also be passed by the Senate.

Getty Images North America 

WASHINGTON - MARCH 19:  House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) participates in her weekly news conference on Capitol Hill on March 19, 2010 in Washington, DC. Speaker Pelosi said that when the House passes the healthcare bill this Sunday, lawmakers will have assurance that the it will also be passed by the Senate.

WASHINGTON - MARCH 19: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) participates in her weekly news conference on Capitol Hill on March 19, 2010 in Washington, DC. Speaker Pelosi said that when the House passes the healthcare bill this Sunday, lawmakers will have assurance that the it will also be passed by the Senate.

Getty Images North America 

WASHINGTON - MARCH 19:  House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) participates in her weekly news conference on Capitol Hill on March 19, 2010 in Washington, DC. Speaker Pelosi said that when the House passes the healthcare bill this Sunday, lawmakers will have assurance that the it will also be passed by the Senate.

WASHINGTON - MARCH 19: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) participates in her weekly news conference on Capitol Hill on March 19, 2010 in Washington, DC. Speaker Pelosi said that when the House passes the healthcare bill this Sunday, lawmakers will have assurance that the it will also be passed by the Senate.

Getty Images North America 

WASHINGTON - MARCH 19:  House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) arrives at her weekly news conference on Capitol Hill on March 19, 2010 in Washington, DC. Speaker Pelosi said that when the House passes the healthcare bill this Sunday, lawmakers will have assurance that the it will also be passed by the Senate.

WASHINGTON - MARCH 19: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) arrives at her weekly news conference on Capitol Hill on March 19, 2010 in Washington, DC. Speaker Pelosi said that when the House passes the healthcare bill this Sunday, lawmakers will have assurance that the it will also be passed by the Senate.

Getty Images North America 

WASHINGTON - MARCH 19:  House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) participates in her weekly news conference on Capitol Hill on March 19, 2010 in Washington, DC. Speaker Pelosi said that when the House passes the healthcare bill this Sunday, lawmakers will have assurance that the it will also be passed by the Senate.

WASHINGTON - MARCH 19: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) participates in her weekly news conference on Capitol Hill on March 19, 2010 in Washington, DC. Speaker Pelosi said that when the House passes the healthcare bill this Sunday, lawmakers will have assurance that the it will also be passed by the Senate.

Getty Images North America 

WASHINGTON - MARCH 19:  House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) participates in her weekly news conference on Capitol Hill on March 19, 2010 in Washington, DC. Speaker Pelosi said that when the House passes the healthcare bill this Sunday, lawmakers will have assurance that the it will also be passed by the Senate.

WASHINGTON - MARCH 19: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) participates in her weekly news conference on Capitol Hill on March 19, 2010 in Washington, DC. Speaker Pelosi said that when the House passes the healthcare bill this Sunday, lawmakers will have assurance that the it will also be passed by the Senate.

Getty Images North America 

WASHINGTON - MARCH 19:  House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) participates in her weekly news conference on Capitol Hill on March 19, 2010 in Washington, DC. Speaker Pelosi said that when the House passes the healthcare bill this Sunday, lawmakers will have assurance that the it will also be passed by the Senate.

WASHINGTON - MARCH 19: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) participates in her weekly news conference on Capitol Hill on March 19, 2010 in Washington, DC. Speaker Pelosi said that when the House passes the healthcare bill this Sunday, lawmakers will have assurance that the it will also be passed by the Senate.

Getty Images North America 

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The US Capitol is seen through the columns of the Canadian Embassy on March 19, 2010 in Washington. The House of Representatives is expected to cast its verdict on a Senate bill on March 21 and a 'yes' vote would enshrine into law comprehensive health care reform, bringing coverage to 32 million Americans who currently lack insurance.

The US Capitol is seen through the columns of the Canadian Embassy on March 19, 2010 in Washington. The House of Representatives is expected to cast its verdict on a Senate bill on March 21 and a 'yes' vote would enshrine into law comprehensive health care reform, bringing coverage to 32 million Americans who currently lack insurance.

AFP 

US House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) holds his weekly briefing on March 19, 2010 on Capitol Hill in Washington. The House of Representatives is expected to cast its verdict on a Senate bill on March 21 and a 'yes' vote would enshrine into law comprehensive health care reform, bringing coverage to 32 million Americans who currently lack insurance.

US House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) holds his weekly briefing on March 19, 2010 on Capitol Hill in Washington. The House of Representatives is expected to cast its verdict on a Senate bill on March 21 and a 'yes' vote would enshrine into law comprehensive health care reform, bringing coverage to 32 million Americans who currently lack insurance.

AFP 

US House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) holds his weekly briefing on March 19, 2010 on Capitol Hill in Washington. The House of Representatives is expected to cast its verdict on a Senate bill on March 21 and a 'yes' vote would enshrine into law comprehensive health care reform, bringing coverage to 32 million Americans who currently lack insurance.

US House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) holds his weekly briefing on March 19, 2010 on Capitol Hill in Washington. The House of Representatives is expected to cast its verdict on a Senate bill on March 21 and a 'yes' vote would enshrine into law comprehensive health care reform, bringing coverage to 32 million Americans who currently lack insurance.

AFP 

US House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) holds his weekly briefing on March 19, 2010 on Capitol Hill in Washington. The House of Representatives is expected to cast its verdict on a Senate bill on March 21 and a 'yes' vote would enshrine into law comprehensive health care reform, bringing coverage to 32 million Americans who currently lack insurance.

US House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) holds his weekly briefing on March 19, 2010 on Capitol Hill in Washington. The House of Representatives is expected to cast its verdict on a Senate bill on March 21 and a 'yes' vote would enshrine into law comprehensive health care reform, bringing coverage to 32 million Americans who currently lack insurance.

AFP 

US House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) walks out after holding his weekly briefing on March 19, 2010 on Capitol Hill in Washington. The House of Representatives is expected to cast its verdict on a Senate bill on March 21 and a 'yes' vote would enshrine into law comprehensive health care reform, bringing coverage to 32 million Americans who currently lack insurance.

US House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) walks out after holding his weekly briefing on March 19, 2010 on Capitol Hill in Washington. The House of Representatives is expected to cast its verdict on a Senate bill on March 21 and a 'yes' vote would enshrine into law comprehensive health care reform, bringing coverage to 32 million Americans who currently lack insurance.

AFP 

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