is the upper chamber of the Federal Assembly or parliament of the Russian Federation. It is made up of two representatives from each of Russia’s federal constituent entities: one each from the legislative and executive bodies of regional authority.
The Council of Federation is a permanent body. Its sessions are held on an as-needed basis, but no less than twice per month. Members of the Council of Federation fulfil their duties on a permanent basis. Sessions of the Council of Federation are held in Moscow, from January 25 through July 15 and from September 16 through December 31.
The chamber’s main function is to exercise legislative powers. The Council of Federation examines federal constitutional laws and federal laws approved or passed by the State Duma.
It is mandatory for the Council of Federation to review federal laws passed by the State Duma on the following matters: the federal budget; federal taxes and duties; financial, currency, credit and customs regulation and money issue; ratification and denunciation of the Russian Federation’s international treaties; the status and protection of the Russian Federation’s state borders; and war and peace.
The Council of Federation is responsible, in particular, for approving the President of Russia’s executive orders on imposing martial law or declaring a state of emergency; deciding on the possibility of using the Russian Federation’s Armed Forces outside of Russia’s territory; calling an election of the President of Russia; and dismissing the President of Russia from office.
Members of the Council of Federation have immunity throughout their terms in office.