Modern Years (1945-2000)
The popular Senate drama of the early 1950s was Wisconsin Senator Joseph McCarthy's investigations of alleged communists. After years of unchallenged power, McCarthy fell as a result of producing little hard evidence for his claims while the claims themselves became more elaborate, even questioning the leadership of the United States Army. McCarthy was censured by the Senate in 1954.
Prior to World War II, Senate majority leader had few formal powers. But in 1937, the rule giving majority leader right of first recognition was created. With the addition of this rule, the Senate majority leader enjoyed far greater control over the agenda of which bills to be considered on the floor.
During Lyndon Baines Johnson’s tenure as Senate leader, the leader gained new powers over committee assignments.
Read more about this topic: History Of The United States Senate
Famous quotes containing the words modern and/or years:
“In an age robbed of religious symbols, going to the shops replaces going to the church.... We have a free choice, but at a price. We can win experience, but never achieve innocence. Marx knew that the epic activities of the modern world involve not lance and sword but dry goods.”
—Stephen Bayley (b. 1951)
“Sam Tostin: You know I spent a lot of years disliking women. But I don’t dislike you.
Major Hayward: Don’t you?
Sam Tostin: You’re different. You’re not a woman. You’re more than that. You’re a mechanic.”
—Stanley Shapiro (1925–1990)