From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms

Simple Resolution

Simples! by James Cridland

A simple resolution deals with the internal workings of only one chamber or with nonbinding public-policy statements. Designated “S. Res.” or “H. Res.”, simple resolutions are used to express nonbinding positions of the Senate or House, or to deal with that chamber’s internal affairs, such as the creation of a special committee. Special rules from the House Rules Committee, the creation of a select and special committee, and funding resolutions for individual committees are in the form of simple resolutions. They do not require action by the other chamber. They are not sent to the president, and they do not become law.

Also see § 6.10 Types of Measures, § 6.90 Rules Committee and Special Rules, § 6.100 Consideration of a Special Rule on the House Floor, § 9.10 Types of Documents, in Congressional Deskbook; § 5.30 The Simple Resolution, in Legislative Drafter’s Deskbook.

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CongressionalGlossary.com, from TheCapitol.Net

Resolution/Simple Resolution: Sentiment of one chamber on an issue, or a measure to carry out the administrative or procedural business of the chamber. Does not become law. Designated as H. Res. or S. Res.

This definition is from our Glossary of Legislative and Congressional Terms. Perfect reference tool of Congressional jargon and procedural terms. Learn how to translate words that are used every day on Capitol Hill. Our legislative glossary is based on the Glossary in the Congressional Deskbook, by Michael Koempel and Judy Schneider.

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