Treaty ratification — the Senate-only path
The Constitution gives the Senate alone — not the House — the role of advising and consenting to treaties (Article II § 2). Treaties need 2/3 of senators voting yes (with quorum present). The President signs the treaty; the Senate votes on whether to consent; the President then ratifies and exchanges instruments. Treaty votes are rare but high-stakes.
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Step 1 — Negotiation + signing
The executive branch negotiates and signs the treaty. Signing alone does not bind the U.S. — Senate consent is required.
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Step 2 — Senate Foreign Relations Committee
The treaty is referred to Foreign Relations, which holds hearings, takes expert testimony, and reports it to the floor with or without reservations.
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Step 3 — Floor vote
Threshold: 2/3 of senators present and voting. Reservations + understandings + declarations may be added by simple majority before the final consent vote.
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Step 4 — Ratification
After Senate consent, the President ratifies and exchanges instruments with the other party. Only then does the treaty bind the U.S.