Concurrent Resolution (CongressionalGlossary.com)

From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Concurrent Resolution A concurrent resolution, designated H. Con. Res. in the House or S. Con. Res. in the Senate, must be adopted by both houses but is not sent to the president for his signature and therefore does not have the force of law. A … Read more

Bills / Measure / Passed (CongressionalGlossary.com)

From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Bills / Measure / Passed A bill is the most commonly used form for legislation. A bill is prefixed with an H.R. in the House and with an S. in the Senate. A number assigned at the time of introduction signifies the order in which … Read more

Joint Resolution (CongressionalGlossary.com)

From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Joint Resolution A joint resolution, designated H.J. Res. or S.J. Res. Requires the approval of both houses and the signature of the president, just as a bill does, and has the force of law if approved. There is no practical difference between a bill and … Read more

Adjourn for More than Three Days (CongressionalGlossary.com)

From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Adjourn for More than Three Days Three Princesses found at MegaCon 2010 in Orlando, Florida. By Sam Howzit Under the Constitution (Article. I. Section. 5.), neither chamber may adjourn for more than three days without the approval of the other. Such approval is obtained in … Read more

Outlay (CongressionalGlossary.com)

From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Outlay photo credit: smudie Outlays are payments made (generally through the issuance of checks or disbursement of cash) to liquidate obligations. The issuance of checks, disbursement of cash, or electronic transfer of funds made to liquidate a federal obligation. Outlays also occur when interest on … Read more

Calendar of Business (CongressionalGlossary.com)

From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Calendar of Business An agenda or list of business eligible for floor consideration. Each chamber decides which measures are discussed, and in what order, in accordance with its rules and practices. The Senate has two calendars, the Executive Calendar for treaties and nominations, and the … Read more

Unfilled Customer Orders (CongressionalGlossary.com)

From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Unfilled Customer Orders photo credit: Sam Beebe / Ecotrust The dollar amount of orders accepted from other accounts within the government for goods and services to be furnished on a reimbursable basis. In the case of transactions with the public, these orders are amounts advanced … Read more

Filibuster / Unlimited Debate (CongressionalGlossary.com)

Filibuster / Unlimited Debate Creative Commons License photo credit: PatrickRohe When a senator is recognized to speak on a pending measure, few limitations are placed on her. Debate is generally unlimited on all pending measures. A senator may yield to another senator for a question, but the senator still controls the floor. One of the … Read more

Cloture / Rule XXII / Nuclear Option (Congressional Glossary)

From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Cloture / Rule XXII / Nuclear Option photo credit: Robbie1 Cloture is the process by which a filibuster can be ended in the Senate other than by unanimous consent. Cloture is the only procedure by which the Senate can vote to set an end to … Read more

Nongermane Amendment (CongressionalGlossary.com)

From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Nongermane Amendment photo credit: bfelice An amendment that would add new and different subject matter to, or may be irrelevant to, the bill or other measure it seeks to amend. Senate rules permit nongermane amendments in all but a few specific circumstances. The amending process … Read more