Bill would speed Senate votes on certain Supreme Court responses

The bill sets special Senate steps for considering certain joint resolutions about Supreme Court decisions. The procedures cover Supreme Court decisions interpreting federal law or interpreting the Constitution in a way that diminishes an individual right or privilege previously protected by the Constitution. The resolution must be related to the decision and meet the bill's limits on its title, introduction date, and subject matter. Debate and related motions are limited to 10 hours, and only certain related amendments may be offered. A Senate resolution must be introduced within 10 days of session after the decision. A committee discharge motion may be made from 30 through 40 days of session after referral.

The bill directs the Senate to place qualifying House resolutions on its calendar without committee referral and use expedited floor procedures. This applies to a joint resolution received from the House about a decision interpreting federal law or diminishing a previously protected individual constitutional right or privilege. The House resolution must concern a covered Supreme Court decision. If one House resolution is considered under these procedures, the Senate may not proceed to another House resolution concerning that decision. The Senate must receive the House resolution within 40 days of session after the Court issues its decision.