consent calendar

Definition

A schedule of non-controversial bills that can be quickly passed without debate, typically by unanimous consent or voice vote. The legislative express lane for matters too boring to argue about.

Example Usage

The bill renaming the post office was placed on the consent calendar and passed in under two minutes without discussion.

Origin

U.S. House of Representatives procedural terminology

Fun Fact

The consent calendar was created to save time, but members can still object to a bill's placement on it, often for pure spite or leverage in unrelated negotiations.

Source: House legislative procedures

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