Definition
Legislation that requires approval from both chambers and usually the president's signature, functionally identical to a bill but with a fancier name. It's the legislative equivalent of putting on a suit for a Zoom call.
Example Usage
Congress passed a joint resolution authorizing military action, because 'bill' sounded too casual for declaring war.
Origin
Early U.S. Congressional practice distinguishing between types of legislative vehicles
Fun Fact
Constitutional amendments must be proposed as joint resolutions, but they're the one type that doesn't require presidential approval—a quirk that makes sense when you remember the Constitution is supposed to be above any one president.
Source: Congressional Research Service legislative process guides
Related Terms
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See “joint resolution” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.
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