What role do whips play in Congress?

Whips in Congress serve a critical role primarily focused on communication and member tracking. They are responsible for ensuring that party members are informed about important votes and party positions, and they gauge where members stand on various issues. By maintaining this line of communication, whips can help leaders predict which way votes might go, as well as encourage party unity.

Whips also track attendance and voting behavior, making them essential in securing the necessary votes for legislation to pass. Their ability to effectively communicate with members and manage party discipline is a key function that shapes the legislative process. While drafting legislation, leading debates, and scheduling votes are important functions in Congress, these tasks typically fall to lawmakers and the leadership rather than the specific responsibilities of whips.