Regarding consent to assemble outside the seat of government.
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Would authorize Congress to meet outside Washington, D.C., during the 119th Congress if the Speaker of the House and the Senate Majority Leader jointly determine it is in the public interest.
What this bill would do
What it would do
This concurrent resolution would authorize the Speaker of the House and the Senate Majority Leader — or their designees — to notify members of both chambers to assemble at a location outside the District of Columbia during the 119th Congress. The two leaders would have to act jointly, and would first be required to consult with the House and Senate Minority Leaders. The resolution invokes the authority granted by Article I, Section 5, Clause 4 of the Constitution, which permits Congress to adjourn to another place with the consent of both chambers. It makes no other change to congressional operations.
Key provisions
- 1Would authorize the Speaker and Senate Majority Leader, acting jointly after consulting Minority Leaders, to convene Congress outside Washington, D.C., if they deem it in the public interest.
Who would be affected
Members of the House of Representatives and the Senate, as well as the Speaker of the House, the Senate Majority Leader, and both chambers' Minority Leaders, who are the decision-makers named in the resolution.
Why it matters
If the public interest required it — for example, during a national emergency — this resolution would give congressional leadership the legal basis to convene Congress somewhere other than Washington, D.C., without needing to pass additional authorization at that moment.
Legislative status & sources
Latest action
Received in the Senate.
Official CRS summary
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This concurrent resolution authorizes Congress to assemble at a place outside Washington, DC, during the 119th Congress if the Speaker of the House and the Senate Majority Leader agree that it is in the public interest. The concurrent resolution provides that the Speaker of the House and the Senate Majority Leader shall act jointly after consultation with the House and Senate Minority Leaders.
Legislative subjects
Congress; Congressional operations and organization