Advocacy Glossary

Unanimous consent

What does unanimous consent mean?

Unanimous consent is an agreement to skip normal procedure as long as no member objects. The Senate runs much of its daily business this way.

Why it matters for advocates

Setting the time for a vote, passing a noncontroversial bill, or limiting debate can all happen instantly by unanimous consent. A single objection stops it.

That is why one senator can have so much power. The threat of objecting is what gives a Senate hold its force.

The fastest way to put these terms to work: generate a one-page policy brief free at PolicyPage