Joint Resolution

Basically equivalent to bills, joint resolutions pertain to more limited matters and are used for constitutional amendments and appropriations measures. Find Joint Resolutions using the same websites and databases used to search for Bills.

Citation

Follows the pattern:

[Congress number] [Chamber abbreviation] J. Res. [joint resolution number]

113 H. J. Res. 10 stands for the 10th House Joint Resolution of the 113th Congress (2013-2014)

112 S. J. Res. 23 stands for the 23rd Senate Joint Resolution of the 112th Congress (2011-2012)

Concurrent Resolution

Concurrent resolutions are used to express facts, opinions, principles, or purposes - jointly by both the House and Senate, for example,

• fixing the time for congressional adjournment
• appointing a joint committee
• sending a congratulatory message to a foreign country

Citation

Follows the pattern:

[Congress number] [Chamber abbreviation] Con. Res. [concurrent resolution number]

110 H, Con. Res. 7 stands for the 7th House Concurrent Resolution of the 110th Congress (2007-2008)

114 S. Con. Res. 3 stands for the 3rd Senate Concurrent Resolution of the 114th Congress (2015-2016)

Simple Resolution

A simple resolution is considered by only one chamber and is used for procedural matters and rules. For example, during the 100th Congress, the House of Representatives amended its rules to allow members to refer to the Senate as "the Senate" instead of as "the other body".

Citation

Follows the pattern:

[Congress number] [Chamber abbreviation] Res. [simple resolution number]

114 H. Res. 17 stands for the 17th House [simple] Resolution of the 114th Congress (2015-2016)

112 S. Res. 32 stands for the 32nd Senate [simple] Resolution of the 112th Congress (2011-2012)