How Clout Really Works in Congress By David Clarke and CQ Staff Posted August 9, 2009 at 12:00am Facebook Twitter Email Reddit Bipartisan Influence Clout for Senate Newcomers Recent Stories ‘Oligarchy is taking shape’: Biden issues warnings as he bids nation goodbye Democrats: Bessent avoided Medicare tax on hedge fund earnings Vought gets chilly reception from Senate Homeland Security Democrats Could a stock trading ban for Congress get new life in the Trump era? Attorney general pick avoids missteps at confirmation hearing Some stick around: Appointed senators and their fates