The names are familiar from the nightly news—the Senate Centrist Coalition, the Coalition (Blue Dogs), the Black Caucus. But what exactly are these groups, and what role do they play in congressional decision making? In Congressional Caucuses in National Policy Making Susan Webb Hammond describes and explains the role, activities, and influence of the groups known on Capitol Hill as "caucuses." Defined as voluntary groups of members of Congress that share interests, but which stand outside the formal legislative and policy making structure, caucuses are prime players in influencing policy and setting the legislative agenda. Over the past five Congresses, Hammond counts the formation of more than 250 caucuses, varying widely in size and membership. They can be organized into six categories: party affiliation, personal interest, national constituency, regional issues, state interests, and district industrial interests. Within the caucuses, members share information, coordinate legislative plans, seek ways to influence colleagues, and even strategize on agenda setting. While the caucuses can contribute to greater coordination, efficiency, and even effective policy planning, Hammond finds that they also tend to fragment the congressional system, because they serve as alternative sources of information, communication, and voting coalitions outside the formal structure of Congress. In fact, caucuses have survived recent attempts at elimination by doing away with legislative service organizations.
Read About Two Young Brothers who live on a ranch in Texas. Find out how longhorns spend the day. See if they seem to be a little bit like you. Get to know Gus and Buddy, two real live Texas longhorns.
The Webb School of Bell Buckle is the oldest continuously operating boarding school in the South. In Culleoka, Tennessee, in 1870, William Robert "Sawney" Webb Sr. founded the school, and classes were taught in the basement of a Methodist church. Webb's brother, John Maurice, joined as coprincipal in 1873. Having family ties to the town of Bell Buckle, the Webbs moved the school to its permanent home in 1886. With Sawney known for his drive and discipline and John known for his "saintly character, deep learning, and the gift of imparting it," according to Vanderbilt University professor emeritus Edwin Mims (Webb School class of 1888), the brothers were a powerful force in education and later became founding members of the Southern Association of Independent Schools. In addition to 10 Rhodes Scholars, the school has produced governors, university presidents, diplomats, CEOs, actors, artists, and several award-winning authors. The Webb School celebrates its sesquicentennial in 2020.
Read about two miniature donkeys, Jack and Jasmine, as they await the birth of their first foal. See if you learn anything new about donkeys and why they are so special. Get to know Jack, Jasmine, and baby Glory on their ranch in Texas
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