How Unanimous Consent Agreements Regulate Senate Floor Action

Publication Date: April 2003

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Author(s):

Research Area: Government

Type:

Abstract:

The Senate often regulates consideration of a measure by means of a unanimous consent agreement, which is also called a “UC agreement” or “consent agreement.” A consent agreement typically regulates one or more of the following: (1) initiating consideration, (2) limiting time for debate, (3) offering amendments, (4) the use of motions, (5) concluding consideration, and (6) subsequent proceedings. A consent agreement also may affect consideration of more than one measure. For information on consent agreements generally, see CRS Report 98-225, Unanimous Consent Agreements in the Senate. For more information on legislative process, see [http://www.crs.gov/products/guides/guidehome.shtml].