Legal Definitions - joint resolution of Congress

A joint resolution of Congress is a type of legislative measure that requires approval from both the House of Representatives and the Senate. In most cases, once passed by both chambers, it is then sent to the President for signature, at which point it becomes law, much like a bill.

Joint resolutions are often used for specific, temporary, or unusual legislative purposes. They are designated by "H.J.Res." (House Joint Resolution) or "S.J.Res." (Senate Joint Resolution) followed by a number.

There is one significant exception to this process: a joint resolution proposing an amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Such a resolution requires a two-thirds affirmative vote in both the House and the Senate, but it is *not* sent to the President for signature. Instead, it is transmitted directly to the states for ratification. It becomes effective only when three-quarters of the states have approved it.

Here are some examples illustrating how a joint resolution of Congress might be used:

• Declaring a National Day of Observance:

  Imagine Congress wants to officially recognize a specific date each year as a "National Day of Service and Remembrance" to honor first responders. They could introduce a joint resolution in both the House and Senate. If this resolution passes both chambers by a simple majority vote and is then signed by the President, it would become law, formally establishing the national observance. This demonstrates a joint resolution being used for a specific, often symbolic, legislative act that carries the full force of law after presidential approval.

• Providing Emergency Funding (Continuing Resolution):

  Suppose the federal government's fiscal year is ending, and Congress has not yet passed all the necessary annual appropriations bills to fund government operations. To prevent a government shutdown, Congress might pass a "continuing resolution." This is a type of joint resolution that temporarily authorizes federal agencies to continue operating and spending money at current levels for a specified period. Once passed by both the House and Senate and signed by the President, this joint resolution ensures government services can continue without interruption while a full budget is finalized. This illustrates its use for urgent, temporary legislative needs that require the President's signature to become effective.

• Proposing a Constitutional Amendment:

  Consider a scenario where there is widespread public and political support to amend the U.S. Constitution to establish a national right to privacy. Members of Congress could introduce a joint resolution proposing this amendment. For this resolution to advance, it would need to be approved by a two-thirds vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Crucially, this particular joint resolution would *not* go to the President. Instead, it would be sent directly to the states. If three-quarters of the states then ratify the proposed amendment, it would become part of the U.S. Constitution. This example highlights the unique process for constitutional changes, where a joint resolution bypasses presidential approval and instead relies on state ratification.