Relating to a congress, especially the United States Congress.
Formed from "congress" + the adjective-forming suffix *-ional*. It keeps the original Latin idea of things connected to a formal "coming together" of lawmakers.
When you hear "congressional," think: this is something tied to the machinery of lawmaking. A "congressional hearing" isn’t about ears—it’s about Congress listening before it acts (or doesn’t).
‘Congressional’ historically modified institutions, committees, and records that were overwhelmingly male, reflecting formal and informal barriers to women’s political participation. Media and official language often assumed male officeholders as the norm.
Pair ‘congressional’ with gender-neutral role nouns (e.g., ‘congressional representative,’ ‘member’) and avoid defaulting to ‘congressman’ unless quoting historically.
["legislative","parliamentary (in other systems)","of Congress"]
Women have led influential congressional committees and caucuses, shaping policy on health, education, labor, and anti-discrimination despite underrepresentation.
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