The Senate's

Publication Date: January 2005

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Author(s):

Research Area: Government

Type:

Abstract:

Treaties and nominations constitute the executive business of the Senate and are the subjects of the Senate’s Executive Calendar. When a Senate committee reports a treaty or nomination, it is said to be placed “on the calendar” and is eligible for floor consideration. It is not in order for the majority leader or any other Senator to move that the Senate proceed to the consideration of a treaty or nomination that is not on the calendar, though the leader could ask unanimous consent to do so. If a treaty or nomination is not on the calendar, either it remains in the possession of the committee to which it was referred, or it is being “held at the desk” by unanimous consent and awaiting a decision to refer it to committee or to bring it directly to the floor for consideration by unanimous consent. See [http://www.crs.gov/products/guides/guidehome.shtml] for more information on legislative process.