BACKGROUND
Stevens chairs the Appropriations committee, the largest committee in the Senate, with 28 members and the place where the "buck stops" in the Senate. Its 13 subcommittee chairmen are referred to as 'Cardinals' in deference to their stature since this committee determines the final allocation by Congress of all federal funds in the Budget. The committee collaborates extensively with lobbyists and other Congressional committees.

PREMISE OF THE SUIT
Diamonds are members of the U.S. Senate. There are two Senators for each state in the union, regardless of population. After working out differences in conference with House, the Senate passes the legislation that becomes the "law of the land." The most powerful Senators are the majority leadership and the committee chairs, which are always members of the majority party. Chairmen of the subcommittees of Appropriations are known as 'Cardinals' due to the power they wield over the allocation of federal funds. Senators serve for six-year terms and are in power because you voted for them.

LINKS
www.senate.gov/%7Estevens/bio.htm
www.senate.gov/pagelayout/reference/e_one_section_
no_teasers/org_chart.htm