A lengthy series of Senate votes is set to begin on President Donald Trump’s comprehensive tax, spending, and policy legislative package − an event known in Washington as a “vote-a-rama.” This political theater will involve numerous amendments aimed at adjusting key aspects of a measure that Trump considers his flagship second-term legislation, which he aims to sign into law by a self-imposed July 4 deadline. While it is unlikely that many amendments will pass to alter the bill significantly, this is a rare opportunity for senators to vote on a wide range of topics before the final approval of the entire legislative package.
Here’s a breakdown of what you should know about a vote-a-rama:
What is a vote-a-rama?
A vote-a-rama is a legislative gathering that originated from the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, as per the Senate’s website. Following a debate on a budget resolution or reconciliation bill, senators can propose an unlimited number of amendments, with each receiving a vote.
On June 28, Republicans offered varying perspectives on the significance of the amendment process. Senator Susan Collins of Maine indicated her intentions to propose revisions to garner her support for the package. Meanwhile, Senator Brian Moreno of Ohio portrayed a more partisan view of the impending amendment process. The Senate previously defined a vote-a-rama as a piece of legislation voted on 15 times or more in a day.
When was the first vote-a-rama?
The Senate attributes the inception of vote-a-rama to votes on a budget resolution cast on May 12, 1980. The term had been in unofficial use since 1992 but gained prominence after being quoted by Republican Whip Trent Lott of Mississippi in 1996.
How many vote-a-ramas have occurred?
The Senate has conducted 45 vote-a-ramas to date.
Which vote-a-rama had the most votes?
The vote-a-rama of March 13, 2008, holds the current record for the most amendments voted on, totaling 44.
How does a vote-a-rama function?
During a vote-a-rama, voting procedures differ from regular Senate order, with rules limiting debate on each amendment.
During a vote-a-rama in the Senate, opponents and supporters of amendments can speak for 30 seconds each, as permitted by former Senate aide Keith Hennessey. Senators take consecutive votes, with the option to reduce the voting window from 15 to 10 minutes. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a Republican from South Dakota, discussed plans to hold a series of votes on a tax relief and spending cuts package at the US Capitol on June 27, 2025. The package, known as the “One, Big Beautiful Bill,” aims to extend President Trump’s expiring tax cuts at a cost of $4.5 trillion while cutting healthcare for millions and adding $3 trillion to deficits over a decade.
Senators are not allowed to eat on the floor, but they can leave temporarily during proceedings. A unique exception allows them to drink milk, as demonstrated by a 1966 incident involving Senator Everett Dirksen. Additionally, senators have access to candy from “the candy desk,” currently overseen by Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma. This tradition began in 1965 when Senator George Murphy of California kept lozenges in the desk for his colleagues.
