“Christmas Tree” Bill (CongressionalGlossary.com)
From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms
“Christmas Tree” Bill
“Christmas Tree” Bill: Informal nomenclature / jargon for a bill containing many 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.
Also see
- nongermane
- Rider
- § 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)
Courses
- Congressional Operations Briefing – Capitol Hill Workshop
- Congressional Dynamics and the Legislative Process
- Drafting Federal Legislation and Amendments
- Understanding Congressional Budgeting and Appropriations
- Advanced Legislative Procedure
Publications

Legislative Drafter’s Deskbook: A Practical Guide

Pocket Constitution

Citizen’s Handbook to Influencing Elected Officials: A Guide for Citizen Lobbyists and Grassroots Advocates

The Federal Budget Process
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