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The Senate voted 51-46 to start formal consideration of H.J.Res. 89. This procedural step allows the chamber to move forward with debating the resolution.
This vote was on a "Motion to Proceed" to House Joint Resolution 89 (H.J.Res. 89). A joint resolution is a form of legislation that, when passed by both the House and Senate and signed by the President, has the force of law. In the Senate, a "Motion to Proceed" is the formal mechanism by which the chamber decides what to work on next. It is not a vote on the final passage of the resolution itself, but rather a decision to put the proposal on the Senate floor for debate and potential amendments. The motion was agreed to with a bipartisan group of senators supporting the move to start debate. Because the vote passed, the Senate will now move into formal consideration of the resolution. Notably, both political parties were nearly evenly split on whether this proposal should be discussed at all.
The Senate will begin floor debate on H.J.Res. 89, where members may offer amendments before a final vote on passage.
Why it matters. This vote determined the Senate's immediate legislative agenda, overcoming significant opposition within both parties to bring H.J.Res. 89 to the floor.
Who’s affected. Legislators: Senators will now spend floor time debating and voting on the merits of H.J.Res. 89.
Democrats. The Democratic caucus was divided, with 24 members voting to proceed and 20 voting against.
Republicans. The Republican caucus was also split, with 26 members supporting the motion and 23 opposing it.
The Senate voted 51-46 to start formal consideration of H.J.Res.
89. This procedural step allows the chamber to move forward with debating the resolution.