The essential differences between the Senate and the House are size, purpose and terms. The House is composed of 435 members, based on population. The Senate has 50 members, which is 2 from each state. A term in the House of Representatives is 2 years, whereas the Senate has 6-year terms. The House has the responsibility of creating all spending bills and the impeachment process. The Senate gives "advice and consent" to treaties and is responsible for the trying of an impeached person.
The Senate has been using the filibuster to block legislation since the 1850s. Because the Senate is considerably smaller than the House, they are the only chamber to maintain the ability to debate a subject as long as the Senator speaking feels necessary. The only way the Senate can end a filibuster was with "cloture," or a 2/3 majority vote used to end debate. Cloture is almost impossible, so in 1975 that number was changed to 3/5 of the Senate, or 60 out of the 100 members.
A bill in question would go to a committee made up of both members, where the differences would be worked out. It would then be sent back to both Chambers for approval.
Factors that influence how a member of Congress votes:
1. Constituency calls, emails, and letters from the electorate.
2. Personal feelings.
3. Information gathering.
4. The opinions of experts in the field.
5. Political ramifications.
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