Non-binding resolution

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A non-binding resolution is a motion adopted by a deliberative body that does not enact a law or a substantive rule, and is simply used to make known what the opinions of that body are in relation to a certain fact or event.

Contents

This type of resolution is often used to express the body's approval or disapproval of something that they cannot otherwise vote on, [1] due to the matter being handled by another jurisdiction, or being protected by a constitution. An example would be a resolution of support for a nation's troops in battle, which carries no legal weight, but is adopted for moral support.

Use

Non-binding resolutions are usually specific simple or concurrent resolutions that are not passed on to the executive branch to be signed into the law. [2] These resolutions differ from pure concurrent resolutions (that are used for various procedural requests such as adjourning sessions) in that they are designed to express formally, document opinions and not initiate a process.

These resolutions offer a means for elected officials to publicly air the concerns of their constituents [3] and are closely followed by major media outlets. Additionally, these resolutions can be used to state the position of the legislature, showing a preview of how they will vote on future legislation and budget allocations.

Notable historic uses

Canada

United Nations

United States

In the United States Congress, non-binding resolutions are frequently titled as a "Sense of Congress" resolution, if both houses pass the measure (a concurrent resolution), or as a "Sense of the Senate" or "Sense of the House" resolution, if the measure is passed by only one house (a simple resolution). [5] [6]

A "sense of Congress" clause may also be used within legislation to direct the actions which Congress wishes the executive to undertake, for example:

"It is the sense of Congress that the Secretary of Defense should take appropriate steps to provide for upgrading information technology systems for the reserve contingents ..." [15]

The legislatures of the 50 U.S. states also frequently adopt non-binding resolutions. For example:

See also

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References

  1. ↑ Holland, Joshua (2007-02-15). "It's Way Too Late for Nonbinding Resolutions on Iraq". AlterNet. Retrieved 2007-02-17.
  2. ↑ The Associated Press (2007-02-03). "What's a nonbinding resolution?". nwsource.com. Retrieved 2007-02-17.[ dead link ]
  3. ↑ Profita, Hillary (2006-06-16). "Why A Non-Binding Resolution Gets A Lot of Attention". cbsnews.com. Retrieved 2007-02-17.
  4. ↑ "Vote No. 466". House of Commons Chamber Business. Parliament of Canada. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 11 November 2012.
  5. ↑ McCormick, James M. (2014). American Foreign Policy and Process. Wadsworth. p. 322. ISBN   978-1-4354-6272-4. LCCN   2012955710.
  6. ↑ Serafino, Nina M.; Ekmektsioglou, Eleni G. (2018). "Congress and National Security". In Reveron, Derek S.; Gvosdev, Nikolas K.; Cloud, John A. (eds.). The Oxford Handbook of U.S. National Security. Oxford University Press. p. 161. ISBN   9780190680015. LCCN   2017043933.
  7. ↑ Heitshusen, Valerie; Beth, Richard S. (January 4, 2019). "Speakers of the House: Elections, 1913–2019" (PDF). CRS Report for Congress. Washington, D.C.: Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress . Retrieved March 18, 2019.
  8. ↑ "Vietnam War 1969–1975". The History Place. Retrieved 2007-10-11.
  9. ↑ Moore, Janet (1998-07-01). "Senate Passes Non-Binding Resolution To Reassure Taiwan". cnn.com. Retrieved 2007-02-15.
  10. ↑ "110th Congress, 1st Session H. CON. RES" (PDF). speaker.gov. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2007-09-27. Retrieved 2007-02-15.
  11. ↑ "U.S. House of Representatives Roll Call Votes 110th Congress, 1st Session". clerk.house.gov. 2007. Retrieved 2007-02-17.
  12. ↑ Toner, Robin; Michael Luo (2007-02-13). "House Democrats Unveil Measure Denouncing Iraq Buildup". The New York Times . Retrieved 2007-02-15.
  13. ↑ "H. Res. 224". 2009-03-12. Archived from the original on 2014-12-10. Retrieved 2009-03-14.
  14. ↑ McCullagh, Declan (March 11, 2009). "National Pi Day? Congress makes it official". Politics and Law. CNET News. Archived from the original on 2022-03-18. Retrieved 2009-03-14.
  15. ↑ Floyd D. Spence National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2001, Public Law 106-398, section 815
  16. ↑ "Legislative Documents".
  17. ↑ "Legislative Documents".
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