Senate Floor Procedure: A Summary

Publication Date: January 2001

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Author(s):

Research Area: Government

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Abstract:

The floor procedures of the Senate reflect a complex interplay among constitutional requirements, standing rules, formally established precedents, recognized customs and conventions, and practices that can be adapted and applied in different ways, from day to day and from one bill to the next. In particular, the Senate frequently sets aside its standing rules and conducts business under the terms of unanimous consent agreements that organize and expedite its work. Among the Senate’s most noteworthy floor procedures are those that create opportunities for extended debate and delay, giving rise to the possibility of filibusters, and the right of Senators to offer non-germane amendments to most of the bills the Senate considers. These two characteristics of the Senate’s rules affect other aspects of Senate practice, as the Senate deals with the potential uncertainties attributable to non-germane amendments and the implications of actual and threatened filibusters. The result is a unique system of procedure that often makes it difficult to anticipate what matters the Senate will consider on the floor, and when and how the Senate will transact its legislative and executive business.