Definition
Bills or amendments introduced at the last minute with minimal debate or transparency, often bundled into massive spending bills as a vehicle for controversial provisions.
Example Usage
Environmental groups were outraged when a rider weakening pollution standards was slipped into the budget as midnight legislation.
Origin
From the practice of introducing bills literally at midnight or end-of-session
Fun Fact
Congress operates under time pressure at fiscal year ends, making midnight legislation a reliable tool for controversial provisions.
Source: U.S. legislative process terminology
Related Terms
Translate This Term
See “Midnight Legislation” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.
Try the Translator