Terms Used In U.S. Code > Title 40 > Subtitle V > Chapter 157 > Subchapter III - Authorization of Appropriations

• Amendment: A proposal to alter the text of a pending bill or other measure by striking out some of it, by inserting new language, or both. Before an amendment becomes part of the measure, thelegislature must agree to it.
• Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
• Fiscal year: The fiscal year is the accounting period for the government. For the federal government, this begins on October 1 and ends on September 30. The fiscal year is designated by the calendar year in which it ends; for example, fiscal year 2006 begins on October 1, 2005 and ends on September 30, 2006.
• Majority leader: see Floor Leaders
• Minority leader: See Floor Leaders
• Ranking minority member: The highest ranking (and usually longest serving) minority member of a committee or subcommittee.
• Testimony: Evidence presented orally by witnesses during trials or before grand juries.