A resolution providing for sufficient time for legislation to be read.
Summary
S. Res. 18 is a Senate resolution aimed at slowing down consideration of legislation so that members have more time to read it before it can be brought up for action. It would make it out of order for the Senate to consider most measures until a waiting period has passed based on the length of the text: one session day for every 20 pages, plus one additional session day for any remaining pages under 20. The rule would apply to bills, resolutions, conference reports, amendments between the Houses, treaties, and other matters.
The resolution also creates a point of order that any Senator may raise if a measure is considered too soon. A motion to table that point of order would not be allowed, and waiving the rule would require a three-fifths vote of the Senate, with up to three hours of debate on the waiver motion. The measure is framed as a Senate rules change under the chamber’s constitutional authority to set its own proceedings.
Impact
If adopted, the resolution would change Senate procedure rather than federal substantive law. It would impose a mandatory delay before floor consideration of most legislative items, giving Senators and staff more time to review lengthy measures and potentially reducing the speed of action on large bills, amendments, and conference reports. It would also strengthen procedural enforcement by allowing any Senator to object and by requiring a supermajority to waive the waiting period.
Sentiment
There is no recorded committee debate or vote history in the provided materials, so no direct support or opposition is documented. Based on the text alone, the resolution reflects a reform-minded concern about transparency, deliberation, and legislative readability. The overall tone is procedural and institutional rather than partisan.
Contention
The main point of contention is likely to be the tradeoff between deliberation and legislative efficiency. Supporters would view the measure as a safeguard against rushed lawmaking and unread legislation, while opponents may argue it would slow the Senate, create additional procedural hurdles, and be difficult to use in time-sensitive situations. The supermajority waiver requirement and the prohibition on tabling the point of order are the most restrictive features and would likely be the focus of any disagreement.
Providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J.Res.4) proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to provide that debate upon legislation pending before the Senate may not be brought to a close without the concurrence of a minimum of three-fifths of the Senators.