Closed Rule / Modified Closed Rule / Special Rule / Open Rule (CongressionalGlossary.com)

From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Closed Rule / Modified Closed Rule / Special Rule / Open Rule In the House, under a closed rule, no amendments can be offered to the bill. Permits general debate for a specified period of time but permits no floor amendments. Amendments reported by the … Read more

A Guide to Voting on the House Floor (CongressionalGlossary.com)

There are four types of votes that occur in the House of Representatives. They are voice, division, yea and nay, and record votes. A voice vote refers to members calling out ‘yea’ or ‘nay’ whenever a question is put in the House. The Speaker will determine the outcome of the vote by the volume of … Read more

The Basics of Special Rules in the House of Representatives

When a measure comes to the House floor under means other than through certain routine measures, it may reach the floor as the result of a special rule. A special rule establishes guidelines for the consideration of the measure as well as time for general debate and any limits on the amendment process. photo credit: … Read more

Glossary of Legislative Terms: “Structured Rule”

Structured Rule: Another term for a modified open or modified closed rule.     Courses Congressional Operations Briefing – Capitol Hill Workshop Drafting Federal Legislation and Amendments Writing for Government and Business: Critical Thinking and Writing Custom, On-Site Training Drafting Effective Federal Legislation and Amendments in a Nutshell, Audio Course on CD Congress, the Legislative … Read more