Nomination / Confirmation (CongressionalGlossary.com)

From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Nomination / Confirmation   What Should Have Happened at the Brett Kavanaugh Hearings   Presidential appointments to office subject to Senate confirmation per the Constitution, Article II, Section 2. Although most nominations win quick Senate approval, some are controversial and become the topic of hearings … Read more

Hold (CongressionalGlossary.com)

From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Hold An informal practice by which a senator informs her floor leader that she does not wish a particular bill or other measure to reach the floor for consideration. The Majority Leader need not follow the senator’s wishes but is on notice that the opposing … 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

Unanimous Consent (CongressionalGlossary.com)

From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Unanimous Consent photo credit: levork Proceedings of the House or Senate and action on legislation often take place upon the unanimous consent of the chamber, whether or not a rule of the chamber is being violated. Unanimous consent is used to expedite floor action and … Read more