joint resolution

American  

noun

1. a resolution adopted by both branches of a bicameral legislative assembly and requiring the signature of the chief executive to become law.

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joint resolution British  

noun

1. a resolution passed by both houses of a bicameral legislature, signed by the chief executive and legally binding

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joint resolution Cultural  

1. A measure approved by both houses of the United States Congress and signed by the president. Similar to an act of Congress, the joint resolution is used to approve or initiate foreign policy actions, to grant a single appropriations proposal, and to propose amendments to the Constitution.

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Etymology

Origin of joint resolution

An Americanism dating back to 1830–40

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

joint resolution

The Senate and House would need to adopt a joint resolution of disapproval by a two-thirds veto proof majority to stop it.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 2, 2026

The joint resolution that the House and Senate passed the previous week had, by nature, no binding effect.

From Slate ● Jun. 29, 2026

Both chambers of Congress would need to pass a joint resolution to undo it.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 19, 2025

It can only be lifted by another joint resolution.

From Seattle Times ● Mar. 8, 2024

Copy of the grant for the site of the Monument under the joint resolution of Congress.

From History of the Washington National Monument and of the Washington National Monument Society by Frederick Loviad Harvey