From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Regular Meeting Day Senate Rule XXVI requires that all committees designate at least one day a month on which it will meet to transact business. Additional meetings may be called by the chairman or by demand of a majority of a committee’s members. Also see … 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 Leave to Sit Permission for a committee to meet during the proceedings of the parent chamber. Under Senate Rule XXVI committees are forbidden to meet after the first two hours of the Senate’s daily session, and in no case after 2 pm while the Senate … Read more
From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Morning Hour / Morning Business The time set-aside at the beginning of each legislative day for the consideration of regular, routine business. The “hour” is of indefinite duration in the House, where a period is set aside at the beginning of the day for members … 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
From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Unanimous Consent Agreement / Time Limitation Agreement A device used in the Senate to expedite legislation by spelling out the process for considering a proposal. Much of the Senate’s legislative business, dealing with both minor and controversial issues, is conducted through unanimous consent or unanimous … Read more