Legal Definitions - concurrent resolution of Congress

A concurrent resolution of Congress is a formal agreement passed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate. These resolutions are typically labeled either "H.Con.Res." (House Concurrent Resolution) or "S.Con.Res." (Senate Concurrent Resolution).

Unlike a bill or a joint resolution, a concurrent resolution does not become law. It is not sent to the President for signature and therefore does not carry the force of law. Instead, it serves one of two main purposes:

• To express the official opinion or "sense" of Congress on a matter of public policy.
• To address internal operational matters concerning both chambers of Congress.

Here are some examples to illustrate how concurrent resolutions are used:

• Setting a Congressional Budget Framework: Each year, Congress passes a concurrent resolution on the budget. This resolution establishes overall spending limits and revenue targets for the federal government for the upcoming fiscal year. It acts as a blueprint or guide for subsequent appropriations bills, but it does not, by itself, appropriate any money or change any law.

  This illustrates the term because it is a statement of public policy (the nation's financial priorities) agreed upon by both chambers, but it does not have the force of law and is not signed by the President. It guides future legislative action rather than enacting it directly.

• Establishing Dates for Congressional Adjournment: When Congress decides to take a recess, such as for a holiday break or the end of a legislative session, both the House and the Senate must agree on the specific dates for adjournment. This agreement is often formalized through a concurrent resolution.

  This illustrates the term because it pertains directly to the internal operations and scheduling of both congressional chambers. It's an administrative decision that requires agreement from both sides but doesn't create new law or affect citizens outside of Congress's own schedule.

• Authorizing a Joint Session to Hear a Foreign Leader: If a head of state or other prominent foreign dignitary is invited to address both chambers of Congress, a concurrent resolution is often passed to formally authorize and set the arrangements for this joint session. This ensures that both the House and Senate agree on the protocol and timing for such a significant event.

  This illustrates the term because it is an agreement between the House and Senate on a matter of internal congressional procedure and protocol. It facilitates an important event within the legislative branch without creating new legal obligations or policy for the nation.