Appeal (CongressionalGlossary.com)

From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms

Appeal

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A member’s challenge of a ruling or decision made by the presiding officer of the chamber. In the Senate, when the chair rules on a point of order, any senator may appeal the ruling. The full Senate makes a final decision on the point of order by voting whether to sustain or reverse the ruling. If carried by a majority vote, the appeal nullifies the chair’s ruling.

In the House, the decision of the Speaker traditionally has been final; seldom are the appeals to the member to reverse the Speaker’s stand. To appeal a ruling is considered an attack on the Speaker.

See also

• Appeal the Ruling of the Chair
• Point of Order
• Presiding Officer
• Chapter 8.B. Nominations and Chapter 8.M. Rulings and Appeals of Rulings of the Chair in Congressional Procedure

More

• “Points of Order, Rulings, and Appeals in the Senate,” CRS Report 98-306 (7-page PDF)
• “Points of Order, Rulings, and Appeals in the House of Representatives,” CRS Report 98-307 (6-page PDF)
• “Congressional Budget Act Points of Order,” CRS Report 98-876 (8-page PDF)
• “Points of Order in the Congressional Budget Process,” CRS Report 97-865 (21-page PDF)

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