Unanimous consent is a parliamentary procedure in Congress that bypasses the normal committee and floor schedule, allowing legislation or procedural motions to pass immediately if every present member agrees — meaning no member objects. If any single member objects, the request fails. In the House, the Speaker or presiding officer controls when members may seek recognition to make such requests. During a pro forma session, the presiding officer can close the session before recognizing any member who wants to make a unanimous consent request, effectively blocking the attempt entirely. Unanimous consent is used for uncontroversial business, expedited votes, and high-stakes longshot bids to pass consequential legislation when the regular floor calendar is unavailable.