hoghouse attrib. connotating legislation that has been stripped of its original provisions and amended to accomplish a different purpose. Also as verb. Etymological Note: The history given in the last citation is plausible but unverified. (source:...
post-partisan adj.— «The challenges Mr. Schwarzenegger faces for being, as he calls himself, “post-partisan,” and pushing the legislation he craves, were evident Tuesday night in Sacramento when he addressed the Legislature. His plans for spending...
walk-around bill n.— «A “walk-around bill” is a term used to describe a piece of legislation sponsored by a senator or representative very late in the session, often to duck a contentious debate. Instead of filing those bills early in the session...
Ghostbusters law n.— «Connecticut has enacted legislation, sometimes referred to as a “Ghostbusters law,” that exempts sellers and their agents from having to voluntarily disclose deaths on the property, and might even cover rumors of a Casper in...
fill the tree v. phr. in the U.S. Congress, to take all available slots for amendments on legislation in order to block competing amendments. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
filling the tree v. phr.— «Dole has blocked action on the wage increase with a parliamentary maneuver known as “filling the tree,” which means no amendments may be made on pending legislation.» —“Gridlock vs. Checks and Balances GOP, Democrats...
