From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Privilege / Privileged Questions / Question of Privilege Privilege relates to the rights of members of Congress and to relative priority of the motions and actions they may make in their respective chambers. The two are distinct. “Privileged questions” deal with legislative business. “Questions of … Read more
From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Riddick’s Senate Procedure Named after Senate Parliamentarian Emeritus Floyd M. Riddick, this Senate document contains the contemporary precedents and practices of the Senate. It is updated periodically by the Senate parliamentarian. An appendix contains suggested forms for various procedures, e.g., offering motions or filing conference … Read more
From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Quorum Call A call of the roll to establish whether a quorum is present — 218 in the House and 100 in the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union; a quorum in the Senate is 51. If any senator “suggests … Read more
From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Parliamentary Inquiry Parliamentary Inquiry regarding the New York Yankees – November 5, 2009 A question from the floor to the presiding officer by a member requesting a clarification of the procedural situation on the floor. Responses to parliamentary inquiries are not rulings of … Read more
From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Germane / Germaneness / Pastore Rule photo credit: mRio Pertaining to the subject matter of the measure at hand. All House amendments must be germane to the bill being considered. House Rule XVI, clause 7 specifies: 7. No motion or proposition on a subject different … Read more
From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Without Objection Senate Judiciary Committee w/Alberto Gonzales-7/24/07 Pt13 Used in lieu of a vote on non-controversial motions, amendments or bills that may be passed in either the House or Senate if no member voices an objection. Voting in the Senate is by voice, … Read more
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