cosponsored

Cosponsored refers to a bill, resolution, or other legislative measure that has one or more additional sponsors aside from its primary author. A cosponsor publicly supports the measure and adds their name to the bill to indicate endorsement and help earn support.

In practice, a member who wants to support a bill may sign on as a cosponsor by submitting their endorsement to the appropriate legislative office or clerk. Once added, their name appears on the sponsor list and public records. The process and terminology can vary by legislative body, but the underlying idea remains the same: cosponsors signal backing from other members and help demonstrate broader legislative interest. Public disclosure of cosponsors is common and often updated as new sponsors are added.

The presence of cosponsors is typically used to gauge potential support for a bill, to influence committees, and to build momentum for floor action. While cosponsorship can indicate alignment with the bill’s goals, it does not bind the cosponsor to vote a certain way or guarantee passage. Campaigns for reasons of policy alignment, bipartisanship, or coalition-building frequently motivate cosponsorship, especially on high-priority or controversial issues.

While the term and practice are common in many legislatures, the exact rules, eligibility, and procedures for adding cosponsors differ across bodies. Some systems emphasize a formal process through committees or clerks, while others rely on mutual agreement or public announcements by members. Regardless of the specific mechanism, cosponsorship remains a mechanism to denote support and coordinate legislative action.