Hour Rule / One Hour Rule (CongressionalGlossary.com)

From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Hour Rule / One Hour Rule     House Session 2012-02-01     One-Hour Rule: Rules are considered in the House under the one-hour rule, with time controlled by a majority floor manager. The majority floor manager customarily yields thirty minutes to the minority floor … Read more

Appeal the Ruling of the Chair (CongressionalGlossary.com)

From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Appeal the Ruling of the Chair The right to appeal from a decision of the Chair on a question of order is derived from the English Parliament and is recognized under clause 5 of House Rule I, which dates from 1789. This right of appeal, … Read more

Precedents of the House of Representatives / Cannon’s / Deschler’s / Hinds’ / House Practice (CongressionalGlossary.com)

From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Precedents of the House of Representatives / Cannon’s / Deschler’s / Hinds’ / House Practice   House Parliamentarian discusses congressional precedent and rules with Foxx   Precedent: Previous ruling by a presiding officer that becomes part of the procedures of a chamber. Each chamber of … Read more

Previous Question (CongressionalGlossary.com)

From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Previous Question A nondebatable House (or House committee) motion, which, when agreed to, cuts off further debate, prevents the offering of additional amendments, and brings the pending matter to an immediate vote. A motion for the previous question, when carried, has the effect of cutting … Read more

Appeal (CongressionalGlossary.com)

From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Appeal photo credit: mikecogh 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 … Read more

Presiding Officer (CongressionalGlossary.com)

From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Presiding Officer photo credit: Wonderlane Senate: A majority-party senator who presides over the Senate and is charged with maintaining order and decorum, recognizing members to speak, and interpreting the Senate’s rules, practices and precedents. House: The Speaker is the presiding officer in the House of … Read more

Point of Order (CongressionalGlossary.com)

From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Point of Order photo credit: lightsinmotion An objection raised by a member, in committee or on the floor, that the chamber is departing from rules governing its conduct of business. The objector cites the rule violated, and the chair sustains the objection if correctly made. … Read more

Waiver Rule (CongressionalGlossary.com)

From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Waiver Rule: A special rule in the House that waives points of order against a measure or an amendment. In the House, the prohibition against motions to recommit concurrent resolutions on the budget under Section 305(a)(2) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 is typically … Read more