Rules Masthead

OBTAINING A ROLLCALL VOTE ON THE HOUSE FLOOR

In the House (Quorum = 218)

If few Members are present:

"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); or

"Mr. Speaker, I request the yeas and nays."
(1/5th of the Members 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(If 25 members stand in support, the point of order should be withdrawn, as the vote will be ordered).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).