Providing for a joint session of Congress to receive a message from the President.

Bill Number

H.Con.Res. 11

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Congress

Status

Passed Senate

Latest Action

2025-02-20: Message on Senate action sent to the House.

Last Updated

2026-07-10T14:58:31Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 11) establishes a specific date and time for a joint session of the U.S. Congress to convene and receive a formal address or communication from the President of the United States. It aligns with the constitutional tradition of the President delivering periodic updates, such as the State of the Union address, to both houses of Congress.

Key Provisions

• Directs the House of Representatives and the Senate to assemble jointly in the Hall of the House of Representatives.
• Sets the meeting for Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at 9:00 p.m.
• Specifies the purpose as receiving "such communication as the President of the United States shall be pleased to make to them," allowing the President to present information, policy proposals, or other messages.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• This resolution introduces no substantive changes to existing laws or statutes. As a concurrent resolution, it is a procedural measure that does not require presidential approval and carries no force of law; it simply coordinates congressional scheduling.

Potential Impacts

• On government agencies: Minimal direct impact, though it may prompt preparatory work by the White House, congressional staff, and security agencies (e.g., Capitol Police) for the joint session.
• On citizens: Indirect and symbolic; the event provides public insight into the administration's agenda, potentially influencing public discourse or media coverage, but has no immediate regulatory effects.
• On international relations: None directly, unless the President's communication addresses foreign policy, which could indirectly shape diplomatic perceptions.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Congress (House and Senate): Primary stakeholders, as the resolution mandates their joint participation and logistical coordination.
• President and Executive Branch: Benefits from a scheduled platform to communicate directly with lawmakers.
• Congressional support staff: Involved in event setup, security, and broadcasting arrangements.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Constitutional basis: Fulfills Article II, Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution, which requires the President to "from time to time give to the Congress Information of the State of the Union, and recommend to their Consideration such Measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient." This resolution operationalizes that duty without altering it.
• Legal implications: Non-binding and procedural; it does not create enforceable obligations but ensures orderly fulfillment of a traditional governmental function.
• Political implications: Reinforces the separation of powers by providing a formal venue for executive-legislative dialogue, potentially highlighting partisan dynamics during the address, though the resolution itself is neutral and bipartisan in nature.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Stauber, Pete [R-MN-8]

Recent Actions

• 2025-02-20: Message on Senate action sent to the House.
• 2025-02-19: Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S1038)
• 2025-02-19: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.
• 2025-02-11: Received in the Senate.
• 2025-02-11: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
• 2025-02-11: On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection. (text: CR H631)
• 2025-02-11: Passed/agreed to in House: On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection. (text: CR H631)
• 2025-02-11: Considered as privileged matter. (consideration: CR H630-631)
• 2025-02-11: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

• Providing for a joint session of Congress to receive a message from the President. — issued 2025-02-11 — PDF (4 pages)
• Providing for a joint session of Congress to receive a message from the President. — issued 2025-02-19 — PDF (1 pages)
• Providing for a joint session of Congress to receive a message from the President. — issued 2025-02-11 — PDF (2 pages)