Bill Summary
The proposed resolution aims to amend the Standing Rules of the Senate to streamline the process for considering certain nominations. Specifically, it allows the Majority Leader to initiate a single motion to consider up to ten "covered nominations" collectively, instead of handling each nomination individually.
A "covered nomination" is defined as any nomination for a position that is not one of the highest-ranking executive roles, such as cabinet-level positions or judicial appointments to higher courts (like the Supreme Court). This amendment is intended to expedite the Senate's review process for these nominations, making it more efficient to address multiple nominations that come from the same Senate committee and are awaiting confirmation. The process for these en bloc considerations will be conducted similarly to that of a single nomination, maintaining orderly debate and voting procedures.
Possible Impacts
The resolution to amend the Standing Rules of the Senate to allow for en bloc consideration of certain nominations could impact individuals and groups in several ways:
1. **Increased Efficiency in Nominations Process**: By allowing the Majority Leader to move for en bloc consideration of multiple nominations, the Senate can expedite the confirmation process for various positions that fall under the category of "covered nominations." This may lead to quicker appointments in key government roles, which can benefit public service delivery and governance, potentially affecting individuals who rely on these services.
2. **Influence on Political Dynamics**: The ability to bundle nominations may shift the power dynamics in the Senate, particularly affecting how minority parties negotiate and respond to nominations. If several nominations are grouped together, it may pressure Senators to agree to confirm controversial nominees in exchange for support on those they favor. This could influence the representation of diverse viewpoints, impacting policies that affect various demographics.
3. **Potential for Reduced Scrutiny**: En bloc consideration may lead to less individual scrutiny of each nominee. This could result in the confirmation of individuals who might otherwise face opposition if considered separately. For people impacted by the decisions of these nominees (such as those in regulated industries or marginalized communities), this could mean that less qualified or controversial individuals are appointed to significant roles, affecting the efficacy and fairness of governance.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 379 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. RES. 379
Amending the Standing Rules of the Senate to authorize the Majority
Leader to move to proceed to the en bloc consideration of certain
nominations.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
September 9, 2025
Mr. Cornyn submitted the following resolution; which was referred to
the Committee on Rules and Administration
_______________________________________________________________________
RESOLUTION
Amending the Standing Rules of the Senate to authorize the Majority
Leader to move to proceed to the en bloc consideration of certain
nominations.
Resolved,
SECTION 1. EN BLOC CONSIDERATION OF CERTAIN NOMINATIONS.
Rule XXXI of the Standing Rules of the Senate is amended by adding
at the end the following:
``8.(a) In this paragraph, the term `covered nomination' means a
nomination to a position that is not a position--
``(1) at level I of the Executive Schedule under section
5312 of title 5, United States Code;
``(2) as a judge of a court of appeals of the United
States; or
``(3) as Chief Justice of the United States or as an
Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States.
``(b) It shall be in order for the Majority Leader to move to
proceed to the en bloc consideration of not more than 10 covered
nominations that were reported to the Senate by the same committee of
the Senate and placed on the calendar.
``(c) Consideration of a motion to proceed under subparagraph (b),
and the en bloc consideration of the nominations that are the subject
of the motion, shall be conducted in the same manner as if it were a
motion to proceed to the consideration of a single nomination.''.
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