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SRES 2 · 119th CongressAdopted
A resolution informing the House of Representatives that a quorum of the Senate is assembled.
Latest updateJan 3, 2025
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment by Unanimous Consent.
Congress
Sponsor
John Thune
Introduced
January 3, 2025
Latest action
January 6, 2025
Legislative Progress
How far this bill has traveled through Congress
Introduced
Committee
Passed Chamber
Passed Both
President
Enacted
Introduced
Bill filed in chamber
Committee
Reviewed & reported
Passed Chamber
House or Senate vote
Passed Both
House & Senate agree
President
Sent to White House
Enacted
Signed into law
Latest Action
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Plain-Language Summary
AI GeneratedAt the start of each new Congress, the Senate and House of Representatives must formally notify each other that they have assembled enough members to conduct official business. This procedural requirement stems from the Constitution, which mandates that each chamber maintain a quorum—a minimum number of members present—before taking legislative action. Historically, this notification has been a routine ceremonial step that occurs during the opening days of a new congressional session to establish that both chambers are ready to function.
This resolution directs the Secretary of the Senate to inform the House of Representatives that a quorum of the Senate is assembled and that the chamber is prepared to proceed with legislative business. The Secretary of the Senate, the chief administrative officer of the upper chamber, carries out this notification by transmitting an official message to the House. The resolution itself requires no new funding, creates no new agencies, and imposes no substantive policy changes—it is purely a procedural mechanism to satisfy constitutional and parliamentary requirements.
The resolution takes effect immediately upon passage and agreement by the Senate. No implementation timeline or funding is required, as the Secretary of the Senate performs this notification as part of routine administrative duties. The effect is ceremonial and procedural: once the House receives this notification, both chambers can formally begin their legislative work for the new Congress. This resolution has no downstream effects on existing programs or markets, as it serves solely to establish the procedural foundation for the Senate's operations during the 119th Congress.
Key Provisions
- 1Directs the Secretary of the Senate to notify the House of Representatives that a quorum of the Senate is assembled.
- 2Establishes that the Senate is ready to proceed to business and conduct legislative activities.
★ Why this matters
This resolution enables the Senate to formally begin its legislative work by confirming to the House that enough members are present to conduct official business. Without this notification, the Senate cannot legally proceed with votes, committee work, or other parliamentary functions. The resolution satisfies constitutional requirements that both chambers maintain a quorum before taking action.
● Who this affects
Members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives are directly affected, as this resolution establishes the procedural foundation for their legislative activities. The Secretary of the Senate carries out the notification duty. All Americans are indirectly affected, as this procedural step enables Congress to function and conduct the nation's legislative business.
Bill Text
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<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. RES. 2
Informing the House of Representatives that a quorum of the Senate is
assembled.
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
January 3, 2025
Mr. Thune submitted the following resolution; which was considered and
agreed to
RESOLUTION
Informing the House of Representatives that a quorum of the Senate is
assembled.
Resolved, That the Secretary inform the House of Representatives
that a quorum of the Senate is assembled and that the Senate is ready
to proceed to business.
<all>