Definition of Act of congress

An Act of Congress is a statute enacted by the United States Government which legally must be specifically empowered by the United States Constitution. An Act of Congress does not create power, but merely legislates how the existing power of the Constitution is to be used. An act is passed by reaching a majority present in both houses of Congress, so over 50% of present senators need to support it, as well as over 50% of present members of the House of Representatives.