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The Senate narrowly passed House Joint Resolution 142 in a 49-47 vote, moving the measure forward in the legislative process.
This vote was held to decide whether to approve H.J.Res. 142. A joint resolution is a formal legislative proposal that, once passed by both the House and Senate and signed by the President, carries the full force of law, similar to a regular bill. This was a final passage vote in the Senate. Under the rules for this session, the measure required a simple majority of the senators present and voting to pass. With 96 senators casting a vote, 49 'yes' votes were required for the resolution to be approved. The resolution passed by a very slim margin of two votes. The outcome was notable for its bipartisan but fractured nature, as both the Democratic and Republican parties were split internally on whether to support the measure. Four senators did not cast a vote.
The resolution will be sent to the President to be signed into law or vetoed, provided it has already passed the House in the same form.
Why it matters. The resolution passed by the narrowest possible margin, demonstrating a lack of clear consensus in the Senate.
Who’s affected. Legislative process: The close vote suggests that the underlying issue remains highly contentious and may face further challenges in the future.
Democrats. The Democratic caucus was split, with 24 members voting in favor and 20 voting against.
Republicans. The Republican caucus was divided exactly in half among those present, with 24 voting for and 24 voting against.
On the Joint Resolution H.J.Res. 142
Feb 12, 2026
The Senate narrowly passed House Joint Resolution 142 in a 49-47 vote, moving the measure forward in the legislative process.