Unanimous Consent Agreement
A unanimous consent agreement is a Senate agreement that sets the terms for considering a measure or conducting other business without requiring a formal vote on each term. It may set limits on debate, identify which amendments may be offered, or schedule a vote. Any senator may object to a request for unanimous consent before the agreement is reached.
A unanimous consent agreement is a Senate agreement that sets the terms for considering a measure or conducting other business without requiring a formal vote on each term. It may set limits on debate, identify which amendments may be offered, or schedule a vote. Any senator may object to a request for unanimous consent before the agreement is reached.
Example: In 1846, senators reached an agreement to end debate on the Oregon Treaty and proceed to a vote. The Senate Historical Office identifies the action as an early formal unanimous consent agreement.
Common misconception: A unanimous consent agreement means every senator supports the bill itself. Senators may agree to the procedure without agreeing on the underlying measure.
Sources: https://www.senate.gov/about/powers-procedures/rules-procedures/first-unanimous-consent-agreement.htm; https://www.senate.gov/about/research-tools/glossary.htm