Reading the bill…
Our AI is translating this into plain English. Usually takes 10–15 seconds.
Back to Bills
SRES 7 · 119th CongressAdopted
A resolution fixing the hour of daily meeting of the Senate.
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 3, 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
Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S7; text: CR S7)
Plain-Language Summary
AI GeneratedThe Senate operates under standing rules that establish when daily sessions begin. Historically, the chamber has adjusted its meeting time through resolutions adopted at the start of each Congress, allowing flexibility in scheduling based on the needs and preferences of Senate leadership. The current practice requires a formal resolution to set the daily convening hour, which then remains in effect unless the Senate votes to change it or passes a new resolution in a subsequent Congress.
This resolution directs the Senate to establish 12 o'clock noon as the fixed hour for daily meetings, effective immediately upon adoption. The change applies to all regular Senate sessions unless the chamber votes to suspend or modify the schedule on a particular day. Senate leadership retains the authority to call special sessions at different times or to adjourn early as circumstances warrant, but the default start time becomes midday rather than any earlier hour.
The resolution takes effect upon passage and requires no funding or implementation by external agencies. The change affects only the Senate's internal operations and does not alter House procedures, committee schedules, or other legislative processes. Senators and staff will adjust their daily routines to accommodate the noon start time, which may shift when floor votes occur, when committee meetings can be scheduled, and when legislative business concludes each day. The resolution remains in force for the duration of the 119th Congress unless superseded by a subsequent resolution.
Key Provisions
- 1Establishes 12 o'clock noon as the fixed daily meeting time for the Senate unless otherwise ordered by the chamber.
- 2Permits the Senate to suspend or modify the noon start time on any particular day through a separate vote or motion.
- 3Allows Senate leadership to call special sessions at times other than noon as needed for legislative business.
★ Why this matters
The daily start time affects when Senate floor votes occur, when committee meetings can be scheduled, and when legislative business concludes. A noon start time shifts the Senate's work schedule compared to earlier meeting times, potentially affecting coordination with the House, media coverage of floor proceedings, and the timing of legislative announcements. The change is procedural and does not alter the Senate's legislative authority or the substance of any laws.
● Who this affects
Senators and Senate staff, who must adjust their daily schedules to the noon start time. House members and House staff, whose coordination with Senate floor activity may shift. Journalists and media organizations covering Congress, whose reporting schedules may change based on when floor votes and proceedings occur. Lobbyists and advocacy groups that track Senate activity in real time. Citizens following Senate proceedings through official broadcasts or news coverage.
Bill Text
View on Congress.govShow / hide bill text preview
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. RES. 7
Fixing the hour of daily meeting of the Senate.
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
January 3, 2025
Mr. Thune submitted the following resolution; which was considered and
agreed to
RESOLUTION
Fixing the hour of daily meeting of the Senate.
Resolved, That the daily meeting of the Senate be 12 o'clock
meridian unless otherwise ordered.
<all>