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This joint resolution would change the Constitution so the Senate could not end debate on most legislation unless at least three-fifths of senators agree. In simple terms, it would make it harder to use a vote to cut off debate and move to final action. The rule would not apply to presidential nominations, and debate could still end under existing Senate rules, by unanimous consent, or with support from three-fifths of all sworn senators. If Congress approves it and three-fourths of the states ratify it, the change would become part of the Constitution.
- It applies to measures and motions pending before the Senate, but not to presidential nominations.
- Ending debate would require either the Senate rules in effect on January 3, 2025, unanimous consent, or support from three-fifths of senators.
- This is a proposed constitutional amendment, so it would need approval by Congress and ratification by three-fourths of the states.
Official Summaries
This joint resolution proposes amending the Constitution to limit how the Senate may end debate on a measure or motion. Specifically, the proposed amendment provides that debate may only be brought to a close as provided under laws as in effect on January 3, 2025; by unanimous consent; or with the concurrence of at least three-fifths of all Senators.
The joint resolution provides that the amendment shall be valid when ratified by the legislatures of three-fourths of the states.
Under Article V of the Constitution, both chambers of Congress may propose an amendment by a vote of two-thirds of all Members present for such vote. A proposed amendment must be ratified by the states as prescribed in Article V and as specified by Congress.
Current Full Text
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.J. Res. 4 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. J. RES. 4
Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to
provide that debate upon legislation pending before the Senate may not
be brought to a close without the concurrence of a minimum of three-
fifths of the Senators.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
January 3, 2025
Mr. Fitzpatrick (for himself and Mr. Golden of Maine) submitted the
following joint resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the
Judiciary
_______________________________________________________________________
JOINT RESOLUTION
Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to
provide that debate upon legislation pending before the Senate may not
be brought to a close without the concurrence of a minimum of three-
fifths of the Senators.
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United
States of America in Congress assembled (two-thirds of each House
concurring therein), That the following article is proposed as an
amendment to the Constitution of the United States, which shall be
valid to all intents and purposes as part of the Constitution when
ratified by the legislatures of three-fourths of the several States:
``Article--
``The debate on any measure or motion pending before the Senate,
excluding Presidential nominations, shall not be brought to a close
except as provided under laws as in effect on January 3, 2025,
unanimous consent, or the concurrence of a minimum of three-fifths of
the Senators duly chosen and sworn.''.
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