From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms
“Christmas Tree” Bill
“Christmas Tree” Bill: Informal nomenclature / jargon for a bill containing many riders / amendments unrelated, i.e, nongermane, to the bill’s subjects; usually refers to Senate measures. A bill on the Senate floor that attracts many, often unrelated, floor amendments. The amendments that adorn the bill may provide special benefits to various groups or interests, which may make the adorned bill easier to pass.
Also see
- Nongermane Amendment (CongressionalGlossary.com)
- Rider (CongressionalGlossary.com)
- § 6.220, Senate Amendment Procedure, in Congressional Deskbook
2017 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
More
- Christmas tree bill – Wikipedia
- “Christmas Tree Tax Exemption Act,” H.R.4205 (114th Congress)
- “Introduction to the Legislative Process in the U.S. Congress,” CRS Report R42843 (18-page PDF
) - “Senate Committee Rules in the 115th Congress: Key Provisions,” CRS Report R44901 (36-page PDF)
- “The Budget Reconciliation Process: Stages of Consideration,” CRS Report R44058 (16-page PDF)
- “The Amending Process in the Senate,” CRS Report 98-853 (38-page PDF)
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CongressionalGlossary.com, from TheCapitol.Net
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