Resolution of Congress

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A Resolution of Congress is a statement issued by the House of Representatives or the Senate individually to regulate the administrative or internal business of the respective chamber, or to express facts or opinions on non-legislative matters. A Resolution of Congress is also referred to as a Simple Resolution, in contrast to a Joint Resolution of Congress or a Concurrent Resolution of Congress. Resolutions are identified by the abbreviations "H.Res." for Resolutions of the House, or "S.Res" for resolutions of the Senate and an identification number. Resolutions of Congress are not signed by the president and do not have the force of law. The United States Senate webpage provides examples for when simple resolutions may be used, such as “to express the sentiments of a single house, such as offering condolences to the family of a deceased member of Congress, or it may give ‘advice’ on foreign policy or other executive business.”

[Last updated in April of 2021 by the Wex Definitions Team]