pro forma session

Definition

A brief legislative meeting with no real business conducted, held solely to prevent the chamber from officially adjourning and thus blocking recess appointments or pocket vetoes. It's political theater where everyone admits they're just going through the motions.

Example Usage

The Senate held a pro forma session lasting 38 seconds, just long enough for one senator to gavel in and out to an empty chamber.

Origin

Latin phrase meaning 'for the sake of form'

Fun Fact

In 2012, the Supreme Court ruled that pro forma sessions count as real sessions, invalidating President Obama's recess appointments and proving that even pretend work is still work.

Source: Senate procedural precedents and constitutional law cases

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