What is the difference between a special session and a regular session in Congress?
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A special session in Congress is a period of time when the Legislature convenes outside of its regular scheduled sessions. The main difference between a special session and a regular session lies in the circumstances under which they are called and their purposes.
A regular session, also known as a "normal" or "annual" session, is the standard period when Congress meets to conduct its legislative business. In the United States, the regular session of Congress begins on January 3rd of each year and continues until they adjourn, typically around the end of December. During this time, bills are introduced, debated, and voted upon to create new laws or amend existing ones.
On the other hand, a special session is called when there is an urgent or extraordinary matter that requires the immediate attention of Congress. Special sessions are typically called by the President of the United States or the state's governor in the case of state legislatures. The purpose of a special session is usually to address a specific issue or crisis that cannot wait for the next regular session. For example, a special session may be called to respond to a natural disaster, economic emergency, or to consider important legislation that needs immediate action.
To find out if there is a special session or regular session taking place in Congress, you can access various sources of information, including:
1. Official government websites: The official websites of Congress, the White House, or state legislatures often provide up-to-date information on sessions and special sessions.
2. News outlets: News organizations regularly report on sessions of Congress, including any special sessions that may be occurring.
3. Congressional calendars: Congress publishes calendars for both regular and special sessions, which outline the schedule of legislative activities.
4. Legislative tracking websites: There are several websites that track legislative activities and provide information on sessions and special sessions. Examples include Congress.gov, GovTrack.us, or state-specific legislative websites.
By referring to these sources, you can get accurate information about whether Congress is in a regular session or if a special session has been called to address a specific issue.