This vote was a procedural step to begin considering House Joint Resolution 61 (H.J.Res. 61). A joint resolution is a form of legislation that, if passed by both the House and Senate and signed by the President, has the force of law. By agreeing to this motion, the Senate has decided to prioritize this specific resolution for floor activity. A 'Motion to Proceed' is a standard tool used in the Senate to bring a bill or resolution to the floor for debate. Because the Senate has a busy schedule, members must vote to decide which items to focus on. It is important to note that voting 'yes' on this motion is a vote to talk about the proposal, not a final vote to pass it into law. The motion was agreed to with a narrow bipartisan majority of 51 to 43. Because the motion was successful, the resolution is now the official business before the Senate. Members will now begin formal debate, which may include offering amendments before a final vote on the resolution's passage is held.