Bills of Congress February 19, 2025 by U.S. Congress

H.Con.Res.11 - Providing for a joint session of Congress to receive a message from the President. (119th Congress)

Summary

H.Con.Res.11 is a concurrent resolution providing for a joint session of Congress to receive a message from the President on March 4, 2025. The resolution was agreed to on February 19, 2025. It directs the House and Senate to assemble in the House of Representatives chamber at 9 p.m. to hear the President's communication.

Expected Effects

The immediate effect is the scheduling of a joint session of Congress. This allows the President to address both houses on a topic of national importance. The content of the President's message will determine the broader impact.

Potential Benefits

Facilitates direct communication between the Executive and Legislative branches.
Provides a platform for the President to address critical issues facing the nation.
Enhances transparency by allowing the public to witness the President's message.
Can foster a sense of national unity by bringing together members of Congress.
Allows for potential immediate response and action from Congress following the President's address.

Potential Disadvantages

Potential for political grandstanding or divisive rhetoric during the address.
The message's content could create or exacerbate partisan divisions.
Disruption of regular legislative business due to the joint session.
The event may be used for political gain rather than substantive policy discussion.
The cost of securing and organizing the event.

Constitutional Alignment

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The resolution aligns with the constitutional framework by facilitating communication between the Executive and Legislative branches. Article II of the Constitution outlines the President's duties, which implicitly include the power to communicate with Congress. Article I, Section 1 vests legislative powers in Congress, which benefits from receiving information from the President.