The House of Representatives’ rules set the procedures for how the lower chamber conducts business, debates legislation, and holds votes. At the beginning of each new Congress, the House adopts a rules package that governs its operations for the next two years.
One of the oldest committees in the House is the Committee on Rules, which was formed on April 2, 1789. Because the committee allows the House Speaker to maintain order of the lower chamber, it is sometimes referred to as “The Speaker’s Committee.”
The Rules Committee has changed significantly over time. It began as a temporary committee focused on general House rules, but today its main job is to set the conditions for debating major bills. It helps decide which bills reach the House floor, when they are considered, how long debate lasts, and which amendments may be proposed.
Some examples of House rules established by the Rules Committee include:
· “Preservation of order: The Speaker shall preserve order and decorum and, in case of disturbance or disorderly conduct in the galleries or in the lobby, may cause the same to be cleared.”
· “Discretion to vote: The Speaker is not required to vote in ordinary legislative proceedings, except when such vote would be decisive or when the House is engaged in voting by ballot.”
· “Voting: Every Member shall be present within the Hall of the House during its sittings, unless excused or necessarily prevented, and shall vote on each question put, unless having a direct personal or pecuniary interest in the event of such question.”
· “Official reporters: Subject to the direction and control of the Speaker, the Clerk shall appoint, and may remove for cause, the official reporters of the House, including stenographers of committees, and shall supervise the execution of their duties.”
