GERALD B. H. SOLOMON
Chairman
Reserving the Right to Object
WHAT? A method of seeking information about a unanimous consent request.
Allows the reservation holder to ask questions about the requester's purpose or
intent. If you are satisfied by the requester's response, the reservation may
be withdrawn.
HOW? Assert your reservation immediately after the unanimous consent request is made by standing and saying:
Reserving the right to object, would the gentleman/gentlewoman please explain...
NOTE -- A request for regular order may be used to demand that a reservation holder either insist on his objection or that the objection be withdrawn. However, it remains within the Chair's discretion to determine how long a reservation may be held.
Points of Order
WHAT? An objection that the pending matter somehow violates a specific rule of the House.
WHEN? The objection must be raised as soon as the offending bill/amendment/motion is offered.
HOW? Rise to seek recognition and say:
Point of order, Mr. Speaker/Chairman. The bill/amendment violates rule ____, which... (The Member may only address the Chair, not other colleagues. Discussion is limited to the question of order; the merits of the underlying legislation may not be discussed).
NOTE -- While an objection must be timely raised, it is in order for a Member to reserve a point of order pending an explanation of the questioned matter. Calls for regular order are NOT appropriately used to raise points of order.
Parliamentary Inquiries
WHAT? A question to the Chair regarding the current proceedings.
HOW? Rise to seek recognition and begin::
Parliamentary inquiry, Mr. Speaker... (Then state your inquiry. NOTE -- A Member need not yield for a parliamentary inquiry. He may decline to yield for that purpose).
Questions of Privilege
WHAT? A matter which affects the safety, dignity, or integrity of the House; or which affects the rights, reputation, or conduct of an individual Member acting as a Representative.
WHEN? A question of privilege takes precedence over all motions except the motion to adjourn.
HOW? Questions of the Privilege of the House are brought through resolutions in the House. After a Member (other than the Majority or Minority Leader) has notified the House of an intent to bring a question of the privilege of the House, the Speaker must schedule its consideration within two legislative days. The resolution is subject to one hour of debate, split between the proponent and the Majority Leader or Minority Leader, or his designee.
Questions of Personal Privilege are raised by a Member from the floor (not by resolution) in the House. Debate is for one hour, controlled by the questioning Member.
WHY? Used to respond to actions which damage the integrity of the House or to public allegations of improper official conduct by its Members. Resolutions raising the privileges of the House may also direct action to restore its integrity. Questions affecting individual Members are used to rebut unfounded public allegations.
Rules of Decorum and Debate
MEMBERS SHALL:
Obtaining a Rollcall Vote On the House Floor
IN THE HOUSE (Quorum = 218)
If few Members are present:Obtaining Time to Speak on the Floor
Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the grounds that a quorum is not present and make a point of order that a quorum is not present. (If 218 Members are not present, a roll call vote is automatic); orMr. Speaker, I request the yeas and nays. (1/5 of the Members present must stand in support of the request).
If the Floor is crowded:
(over 218 Members present)Mr. Speaker, on that I request a recorded vote. (44 Members must stand in support of the recorded vote).
IN THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE (Quorum = 100)
If few Members are present:
Mr. Chairman, I request a recorded vote and, pending that, I make a point of order that a quorum is not present. (If 25 Members stand in support, the point of order should be withdrawn, as the vote will be ordered).If the Floor is crowded:
(over 100 Members present)Mr. Chairman, I request a recorded vote. (25 Members must stand in support).
HOW? Sit in the front row. The Speaker will recognize Members in turn, beginning at the center aisle, alternating between the majority and minority sides. Once recognized, walk to the well and say:
Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to address the House for one minute, and to revise and extend my remarks...
Debate on RULES, GENERAL DEBATE and AMENDMENTS CONTROLLED under a RULE
HOW? Request time (in advance, if possible) from the resolution/ bill/ amendment Manager.
WHEN? When the Manager yields, walk to a microphone and begin your remarks:
I thank the gentleman/gentlewoman for yielding. I rise in support of (or opposition to) the resolution/bill/amendment and ask unanimous consent to revise and extend...
Special Orders
WHEN? At the end of the day after all legislative business has been completed.
HOW? No earlier than one week in advance, Members may sign their names on the Special Order sheet at the Leadership Table for 5 minute orders or call the Cloakroom to have their names placed on the list for longer requests. Indicate the date and amount of time desired (from 5 to 60 minutes). The Speaker will recognize Members alternating between sides.
Offering & Speaking on Amendments Under the Five-Minute Rule
Offering Amendments under the 5-Minute Rule
WHEN? After the Clerk has read the text to be amended.
HOW? Give the Reading Clerk 15 copies of your amendment. To obtain recognition, stand and address the Chair by stating:
Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.
The Chair will direct the Clerk to read the amendment. You may interrupt by saying:
Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent that the amendment be considered as read and printed in the Record... (You will be recognized for five minutes after which you may extend your time by unanimous consent).
Speaking to Another Member's Amendment
WHEN? After the sponsor and chief opponent (who obtains time by rising in opposition to the amendment) have offered their statements.
HOW? Seek recognition as follows:
Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word... (You will receive five minutes and may extend your time by unanimous consent).
Obtaining a Separate House Vote on Amendments Adopted in the Committee of the Whole
WHEN? After the Committee has risen and the Speaker has asked if a separate vote is demanded on any amendment adopted in the Committee of the Whole.
HOW? Stand to gain recognition, then demand a separate vote on the specific amendment.
Obtaining a Recorded Vote on Final Passage
WHEN? After the House has returned from the Committee of the Whole and after the Clerk has finished reading the title (and after disposition of any motion to recommit).
HOW? Stand to gain recognition, then request a rollcall vote.
Inserting Statements in the Record
By Unanimous Consent or General Leave
WHY? (1)To insert a written statement in the RECORD after remarks actually made; or (2) to include remarks you would have made had debate time been available.
HOW? (1) Ensure the bill Manager has obtained General Leave for all Members; or (2) ask the Manager to yield for a unanimous consent request. If proceeding by unanimous consent, once recognized, say:
I ask unanimous consent to revise and extend my remarks in support of (or opposition to) the bill/amendment.
Give your signed, written statement to the Cloakroom staff or a Record Clerk.
Extensions of Remarks
HOW? Sign the sheet at the Leadership Table or call the Cloakroom staff to be placed on the list. Limited to two RECORD pages of extraneous materials unless the House grants unanimous consent to cover increased printing costs. Sign the front page & place the remarks in the Leadership Table file, or hand them to the Cloakroom staff or a Record Clerk.
WHEN? Extensions must be submitted no later than 15 minutes after adjournment.