Skip to content

David Hawkings’ Whiteboard: What’s a Whip?

By David Hawkings and Thomas McKinless

[jwp-video n=”1″]

When getting legislation passed — from continuing resolutions on government spending to health care overhaul bills — congressional leaders keep track of who may vote each way by their helpful sidekicks known as the whips. Ever heard the phrase, “whipping votes?” Roll Call senior editor David Hawkings explains the official and de facto job of this indispensable role on Capitol Hill. Editor’s Note: There are currently 238 Republicans in the House. Rep. Ron Estes was sworn in after filming to fill the vacancy left by Mike Pompeo in Kansas’s 4th District.

Recent Stories

Rock and Roll Call all nite (and political party every day) — Congressional Hits and Misses

Cuellar wins a key nod to regain a top House Appropriations post

Senate eyes NDAA passage next week amid aviation safety worries

FactChecking Trump’s economic speech

Historic preservation trust sues Trump over White House ballroom

Photos of the week | December 5-11, 2025