joint resolution

American  

noun

1. a resolution adopted by both branches of a bicameral legislative assembly and requiring the signature of the chief executive to become law.

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joint resolution British  

noun

1. a resolution passed by both houses of a bicameral legislature, signed by the chief executive and legally binding

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joint resolution Cultural  

1. A measure approved by both houses of the United States Congress and signed by the president. Similar to an act of Congress, the joint resolution is used to approve or initiate foreign policy actions, to grant a single appropriations proposal, and to propose amendments to the Constitution.

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Etymology

Origin of joint resolution

An Americanism dating back to 1830–40

Example Sentences

It wasn’t until 1941, however, that the holiday’s date was codified in law, when Franklin Roosevelt signed a joint resolution of Congress mandating its celebration on the fourth Thursday of November.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 25, 2025

Both chambers of Congress would need to pass a joint resolution to undo it.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 19, 2025

Featuring nine pieces of legislation and a joint resolution, the package appears impressive at a glance; there are new rules governing energy costs, power-transmission incentives, and protection against grid attacks.

From Slate • Apr. 27, 2023

"If Congress were to pass this joint resolution, the President would veto it," it said.

From Reuters • Apr. 24, 2023

In the previous February Congress had passed the joint resolution proposing the Fifteenth Amendment.

From The Reconstruction of Georgia Studies in History, Economics and Public Law, Vol. 13, No. 3, 1901 by Woolley, Edwin C.