English Reference
adjective

congressional

adj.
US /kənˈɡɹɛʃənəɫ/ UK /kənɡɹˈɛʃənəl/ con·gres·sion·al

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate American English Law

    relating specifically to the United States Congress in Washington, D.C.

    relating specifically to the bicameral legislature of the United States federal government.

    Simple

    The president needs congressional approval before he can spend the money.

    In context

    The senator faced a congressional inquiry regarding the allocation of federal funds during the previous fiscal year.

    Usage

    Usually capitalized when referring to a specific session or committee.

They note how progressives pushing for economic justice and universal healthcare have won a string of impressive victories in mayoral elections and congressional primaries over the past year.

The Guardian· 15 Aug 2026

Chuang wrote that the Trump administration’s selection of the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington violated congressional measures requiring the General Services Administration to select one of three locations outside Washington.

The Guardian· 18 Aug 2026
This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Common
Updated