John Thune (R-SD)
An executive resolution authorizing the en bloc consideration in Executive Session of certain nominations on the Executive Calendar.
A Republican resolution with no cosponsors
Last activity — Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 46. Record Vote Number: 541.
Adopted
The chamber formally agreed to it, and for a resolution that is the finish line: what it says is now officially the chamber's position, rule or tribute.
Nothing more is needed. A resolution is how a chamber speaks for itself or sets its own rules, so adopting it is what puts it into effect. It is not a law, so there is nothing for the President to sign.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- Adopted by the Senate 51–46
A Senate resolution is the Senate speaking for itself: stating a position, honouring someone, or setting its own rules. Adopting it is the whole process. Once the Senate agrees to it, it is officially the Senate's word; it is not a law, so the House and the President have no part in it.
What this bill would do
S. Res. 412 is a resolution that allows the Senate to consider a large group of nominations together in one go, rather than one by one. This process is called "en bloc" consideration. The list includes 108 different people nominated for various government roles, such as ambassadors, attorneys, and agency secretaries. These nominations cover a wide range of departments, including State, Labor, Education, and Energy.
Yes· 3 of 6
- Scored +5
Does this strengthen ties with allied countries?
Filling numerous ambassadorships restores US diplomatic presence and strengthens international relations.
- Scored +5
Does this favour talking over confrontation abroad?
Appointing ambassadors to various countries directly improves official diplomatic engagement.
- Scored +3
Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?
Ensures the VA has necessary leadership to operate and serve veterans.
The opposite
- Scored -3
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
En bloc consideration reduces the individual scrutiny and transparent vetting of nominees.
What Congress actually voted on
2 recorded votes have been taken on this bill. One of them decided something; the rest moved it along.
- The Senate: the vote on whether to adopt the resolution A resolution is one chamber speaking for itself — setting its own rules, taking a position, honouring someone — and it never goes to the President. Agreeing to it is the whole decision. Passed 51 yes · 46 no
10/03/2025 · Roll call 541 · recorded as “On the Resolution S.Res. 412”
- The Senate: a vote to end debate and allow a final vote In the Senate, debate can continue indefinitely unless 60 senators vote to end it. This vote is that attempt. It decides whether the Senate may vote on the thing at all — not whether the thing passes. A failed cloture vote usually ends the matter without anyone ever voting on its merits. Cloture Motion Agreed to 53 yes · 46 no
10/01/2025 · Roll call 540 · recorded as “On the Cloture Motion S.Res. 412”
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Filling Government Vacancies: The resolution allows for the consideration of 108 nominations for positions across various agencies. This could lead to these roles being filled, which ensures that departments like the Department of Veterans Affairs (Calendar Number 86), the Department of Education (Calendar Numbers 164, 253, 310, 314), and the Department of Labor (Calendar Numbers 168, 169, 252, 255, 256, 313) have the leadership needed to operate.
-
Legal Representation: The resolution includes nominations for United States Attorneys in multiple districts, such as the Southern District of West Virginia (Calendar Number 374) and the District of Montana (Calendar Number 381), which ensures local federal law enforcement is led by an appointed official.
-
International Diplomacy: By moving forward with nominations for ambassadors to countries like India (Calendar Number 414), Bahrain (Calendar Number 415), and Jordan (Calendar Number 416), the U.S. can maintain its diplomatic presence and relations worldwide.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Reduced Individual Scrutiny: Because the resolution authorizes "en bloc" consideration of 108 nominations, it may reduce the amount of time and attention given to each individual nominee's qualifications before they are approved.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this favour talking over confrontation abroad? — Appointing ambassadors to various countries directly improves official diplomatic engagement. Does this strengthen ties with allied countries? — Filling numerous ambassadorships restores US diplomatic presence and strengthens international relations. Does this make trade with other countries easier? — Nominations for trade representatives and commerce officials facilitate international trade management. Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive? — Filling key leadership roles in the VA helps manage and deliver veteran benefits.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together? — Ensures the VA has necessary leadership to operate and serve veterans.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — En bloc consideration reduces the individual scrutiny and transparent vetting of nominees.
- Healthcare
- Does this help veterans get medical care? — Filling the General Counsel position at the Department of Veterans Affairs supports administrative stability in veterans' healthcare.
No amendments submitted yet for this bill.
- 10/3/2025
- Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S6929-6930)
- Passed/agreed to in Senate: Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 46. Record Vote Number: 541.
- Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 46. Record Vote Number: 541.
- 10/2/2025
- Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S6909-6916)
- By unanimous consent agreement, debate 10/3/2025.
- 10/1/2025
- By unanimous consent agreement, mandatory quorum required under Rule XXII waived.
- Cloture on the measure invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 53 - 46. Record Vote Number: 540.
- Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S6899-6903)
- By unanimous consent agreement, debate 10/2/2025.
- 9/29/2025
- Motion to proceed to executive session to consideration of measure agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote.
- Measure laid before Senate by motion.
- Cloture motion on the measure presented in Senate.
- 9/18/2025
- Submitted in the Senate. Placed on Senate Executive Calendar under Over, Under the Rule. (text: CR S6741)
- Placed on Senate Executive Calendar under Over, Under the Rule. Calendar No. 2.
- Introduced in Senate