unanimous consent – A Senator may request unanimous consent on the floor to set aside a specified rule of procedure so as to expedite proceedings.

From the Washing Post:

A bill that would overhaul the nation’s food-safety laws for the first time since the Great Depression came roaring back to life Sunday as Senate Democrats struck a deal with Republicans that helped overcome a technical mistake made three weeks ago and a filibuster threat that seemed likely to scuttle the legislation.

Food-safety measure passes Senate in Sunday surprise

Update: I didn’t realize that it now goes back to Congress. Please contact your congressional representative now. Here are the talking points.

Food “Safety” Bill Passes Senate by Agreeing to Set Aside Regular Procedures