Megan Suzanne Lynch
Analyst on Congress and the Legislative Process
When the Rules Committee reports a resolution on the order of business, commonly called a “rule” or “special rule,” the committee usually has two purposes in mind: first, to make it in order for the House to consider a measure that was reported by another committee; and second, to establish the terms under which the House will debate, amend, and vote on that measure. Before reporting a special rule, the Rules Committee typically holds a hearing at which members appear as witnesses to discuss both questions: whether the House should consider the bill at issue; and, if so, how the bill should be considered. Unlike the hearings held by other House committees, only members testify before the Rules Committee on proposed special rules. For more information on legislative process, see http://www.crs.gov/products/ guides/guidehome.shtml.
The first and primary witnesses at a Rules Committee hearing almost always are the chairman and ranking minority member of the committee (or committees) that considered the bill. Subcommittee leaders also may testify. In addition, other interested members of the House often request the opportunity to appear as witnesses during the hearing on a proposed special rule. There are at least four reasons why a member may make such a request.
Date of Report: November 17, 2010
Number of Pages: 5
Order Number: 98-313
Price: $19.95
Follow us on TWITTER at http://www.twitter.com/alertsPHP or #CRSreports
Document available via e-mail as a pdf file or in paper form.
To order, e-mail Penny Hill Press or call us at 301-253-0881. Provide a Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover card number, expiration date, and name on the card. Indicate whether you want e-mail or postal delivery. Phone orders are preferred and receive priority processing.
Analyst on Congress and the Legislative Process
When the Rules Committee reports a resolution on the order of business, commonly called a “rule” or “special rule,” the committee usually has two purposes in mind: first, to make it in order for the House to consider a measure that was reported by another committee; and second, to establish the terms under which the House will debate, amend, and vote on that measure. Before reporting a special rule, the Rules Committee typically holds a hearing at which members appear as witnesses to discuss both questions: whether the House should consider the bill at issue; and, if so, how the bill should be considered. Unlike the hearings held by other House committees, only members testify before the Rules Committee on proposed special rules. For more information on legislative process, see http://www.crs.gov/products/ guides/guidehome.shtml.
The first and primary witnesses at a Rules Committee hearing almost always are the chairman and ranking minority member of the committee (or committees) that considered the bill. Subcommittee leaders also may testify. In addition, other interested members of the House often request the opportunity to appear as witnesses during the hearing on a proposed special rule. There are at least four reasons why a member may make such a request.
Date of Report: November 17, 2010
Number of Pages: 5
Order Number: 98-313
Price: $19.95
Follow us on TWITTER at http://www.twitter.com/alertsPHP or #CRSreports
Document available via e-mail as a pdf file or in paper form.
To order, e-mail Penny Hill Press or call us at 301-253-0881. Provide a Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover card number, expiration date, and name on the card. Indicate whether you want e-mail or postal delivery. Phone orders are preferred and receive priority processing.
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