Earmark – To set aside funds for a specific purpose, use, or recipient.

Effective Dates – Provisions of an act that specify when the entire act or individual provisions in it become effective as law.

Electronic Voting – Since 1973, the House has used an electronic voting system to record the yeas and nays and to conduct recorded votes. Members vote by inserting their voting cards in one of the boxes at several locations in the chamber. They are given at least fifteen minutes to vote. The House also uses the electronic system for quorum calls. The Senate does not have electronic voting.

Enabling Act – A law that permits a government official or agency to take specific action.

Enacting Clause – Key phrase in bills stating, “Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives …” A successful motion to strike it from legislation kills the measure.

Engrossed Bill – The official copy of a bill or joint resolution as passed by one chamber, including the text as amended by floor action, and certified by the Clerk of the House or the Secretary of the Senate (as appropriate).

Enrolled Bill – The final official copy of a bill or joint resolution passed in identical form by both houses. An enrolled bill is printed on parchment.

Entitlement Program – A federal program under which individuals, businesses, or units of government that meet the requirements or qualifications established by law are entitled to receive certain payments if they seek such payments. Major examples include Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, unemployment insurance, and military and federal civilian pensions. The amount spent is not controlled by annual congressional appropriations.

Ethics Rules – Several rules or standing orders in each house that mandate certain standards of conduct for members and congressional employees in finance, employment, franking, and other areas.

Executive Business – The Senate term for nominations and treaties the President has submitted to it for approval, under the Senate’s “advice and consent” authority.

Executive Communication – A message to Congress from the President or other executive branch official.

Executive Document – A document, usually a treaty, sent by the President to the Senate for approval. It is referred to a committee in the same manner as other measures.

Executive Order – A unilateral proclamation by the President that has a policy-making or legislative impact.

Executive Privilege – The assertion that presidents have the right to withhold certain information from Congress. Presidents have based their claims on: (1) the constitutional separation of powers; (2) the need for secrecy in military and diplomatic affairs; (3) the need to protect individuals from unfavorable publicity; (4) the need to safeguard the confidential exchange of ideas in the executive branch; and (5) the need to protect individuals who provide confidential advice to the President.

Executive Session – A Senate meeting devoted to the consideration of treaties and nominations. Also, a synonym for a committee meeting that is not open to the public.

Expenditures – The actual spending of money, as distinguished from the appropriation of it.