"Vote-aramas"

The process known as "vote-arama" (or "vote-a-rama" or "vote-a-thon") developed out of unique procedures under the Congressional Budget Act of 1974. After debate time has expired on a budget resolution or reconciliation bill, senators can introduce an unlimited number of amendments, and each is voted on in succession. The Senate has held as many as 44 votes in a row in this process.

Although the origins of the term vote-arama remain vague—anecdotal evidence suggests that it was used by Senate staff as early as 1992—the term gained public recognition in 1996. In May of that year, in the midst of the budget reconciliation process, Republican Whip Trent Lott (R-MS) referred to the rapid vote process as a "vote-a-rama" during Senate debate. The label stuck and is commonly used today, both in Senate debate and in news coverage.

There have been other occasions where senators have had numerous roll-call votes related to a piece of legislation, but those are not included here.