How majority leaders use the amendment tree to close the Senate floor to amendments—and how a simple rule change could reopen the process.

A practical guide to identifying appropriations provisions that may run afoul of Rule XVI.

This piece explains why moving a minibus through the Senate often depends less on raw majority power than on unanimous consent.

How substantive disagreements can quickly become floor-management problems when senators don’t follow their own party rules.

Senate minorities only gain leverage when they are willing to use the tools available to them.

When rules constrain action, lawmakers look for ways around them.

Senate leaders use procedure to shape floor outcomes before debate even begins.

One point of order can derail an entire legislative strategy.

Rule violations matter—even if they aren’t always enforced.

Action on the Senate floor is essential

“It is difficult to make predictions, particularly about the future.” -Mark Twain

A step-by-step guide to what’s pending and how it got there.

Identifying rule violations gives senators leverage and/or hooks for amendments.

Amending measures in the Senate

Senate frequently violates Rule XVI.

Request matters more for senators than minibus.