What is the role of Congressional caucuses?

[TechBear_Seattle]

The Black Caucus, the Hispanic Caucus.... Are they just social associations, or do they wield effective power?

[beaconess]

1. They enable members to advance similar issues and causes

They aren't all based on ethnicity. There are the Children's Caucus, Bicycle Caucus, Reading Caucus, Recycling Caucus, Pell Grant Caucus, Minor League Baseball Caucus and dozens more.

Some caucuses are more powerful than others, for various reasons. The Congressional Black Caucus is probably the most powerful for a number of reasons: 1) the geographic and demographically diverse makeup of the members; 2) the members' strong commitment to the issues and activities of the caucus; 3) the fact that this particular caucus and its members are often under attack and, thus, the group has become an essential support structure for black members; 4) the members are overwhelmingly smart, savvy and know their way around the political ring.

[TechBear_Seattle]

2. Got it. Thanks! n/t