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. 50 - 47. Record Vote Number: 217.
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 50–47
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
This resolution authorizes the Senate to consider a large group of nominations at once during an Executive Session. These nominations include various high-level positions across the federal government. The list includes ambassadors, judicial nominees, and officials for several government departments and agencies. By moving to consider them "en bloc," the Senate can process these many individuals together rather than one by one. This resolution was submitted by Mr. Thune and was considered and agreed to.
Yes· 3 of 9
- Scored +1
Would business owners be better off under this?
The bill includes nominations for leadership roles in labor and economic oversight.
- Scored +1
Would Native Americans be better off under this?
The bill includes a nomination for the Director of the Indian Health Service.
- Scored +1
Does this strengthen the rights of workers to organise?
The bill includes appointments to the National Labor Relations Board which oversees labor-management relations.
The opposite
- Scored -1
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The en bloc consideration of multiple nominations simultaneously may reduce the ability for individual public scrutiny of each nominee.
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 50 yes · 47 no
07/30/2026 · Roll call 217 · recorded as “On the Resolution S.Res. 817”
- 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 50 yes · 45 no
07/29/2026 · Roll call 214 · recorded as “On the Cloture Motion S.Res. 817”
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Filling Key Government Leadership Roles: The bill includes numerous nominations for essential positions such as United States Attorneys, U.S. Marshals, and various Assistant Secretaries (e.g., Calendar Number 729, 734, 866). Filling these roles can ensure that government agencies and legal systems continue to function and serve the public.
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Diplomatic Representation: The resolution contains many nominations for Ambassadors to various countries and international organizations (e.g., Calendar Number 729, 730, 757, 762). Having designated representatives can help manage international relations and the interests of the United States abroad.
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Judicial Appointments: The bill includes several nominations for Associate Judges in the Superior Court and District of Columbia Court of Appeals (e.g., Calendar Number 835, 836, 848). Filling these positions helps maintain the judicial system.
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Agency Oversight and Management: Numerous roles involving oversight and management are included, such as the Director of the Indian Health Service (Calendar Number 899) and the Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration (Calendar Number 870). These roles are vital for the administration of specific public services and security.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Lack of Individualized Scrutiny: Because the resolution authorizes "en bloc" consideration, the Senate is moving to consider all these nominations together in one group. This could potentially mean that the specific qualifications or potential issues of each individual nominee are not discussed or scrutinized separately.
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.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would business owners be better off under this? — The bill includes nominations for leadership roles in labor and economic oversight. Would Native Americans be better off under this? — The bill includes a nomination for the Director of the Indian Health Service.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to grow the economy? — Filling leadership roles such as the Council of Economic Advisers helps facilitate economic policy execution. Does this strengthen the rights of workers to organise? — The bill includes appointments to the National Labor Relations Board which oversees labor-management relations.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this better protect the country from computer attacks? — The bill includes a nomination for an Ambassador at Large for Cyberspace and Digital Policy. Does this strengthen ties with allied countries? — The bill includes multiple nominations for Ambassadors to various foreign nations and international organizations.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this invest in rural communities? — The bill nominates an Under Secretary of Agriculture for Rural Development.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The en bloc consideration of multiple nominations simultaneously may reduce the ability for individual public scrutiny of each nominee.
- Healthcare
- Does this make health care easier to get in general? — The bill nominates a Director for the Indian Health Service to lead healthcare delivery for Native Americans.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this change how police departments operate? — The bill includes nominations for several U.S. Marshals to serve in various federal districts.
No amendments submitted yet for this bill.
- 7/30/2026
- Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S4353, S4360)
- Passed/agreed to in Senate: Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 50 - 47. Record Vote Number: 217.
- Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 50 - 47. Record Vote Number: 217.
- 7/29/2026
- By unanimous consent agreement, debate and vote mandatory quorum required under Rule XXII waived.
- Cloture on the measure invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 50 - 45. Record Vote Number: 214. (CR S4323)
- Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S4323)
- By unanimous consent agreement, vote 7/30/2026.
- 7/27/2026
- Motion to proceed to executive session to consideration of measure agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote.
- Measure laid before Senate by motion. (consideration: CR S4276)
- Cloture motion on the measure presented in Senate. (CR S4276)
- 7/23/2026
- Submitted in Senate
- Submitted in the Senate Placed on Senate Executive Calendar under Over, Under the Rule. (text: CR S4272-4273)
- Placed on Senate Executive Calendar under Over, Under the Rule. Calendar No. 6.