The U.S. Congress is the legislative branch of the federal government of the United States. It is divided into two chambers, the House of Representatives and the SENATE, which is also known as the upper house. The SENATE is composed of 100 members, two from each state, who are elected to serve six-year terms. The SENATE is responsible for debating and voting on proposed legislation, confirming presidential appointments, and ratifying treaties. The six-letter answer to the crossword puzzle is SENATE.