rules and procedure addendum.pdf

7/30/2019 Rules and Procedure Addendum.pdf

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YMCA COLLEGE YOUTH IN GOVERNMENT

INAUGURAL NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

RULES & PROCEDURE

ADDENDUM


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COMMITTEE PROCEDURE

NOMINATION HEARING

Executive nominations (Cabinet and Supreme Court) are subject to the advice and consent of theSenate, and therefore nomination hearings must held for all nominees before they can be confirmed

by a vote of the Senate.

The Senate Committee on the Judiciary (Supreme Court Justices) and the Senate Committee on

Cabinet Nominations (Cabinet Members) will conduct these hearings.

Each nominee will have 2 minutes to present prepared remarks to their respective committee

regarding their qualifications and views on relevant issues and topics. Due to time constraints, allnominees will present their remarks before questioning will begin. After all nominees have presented

their remarks, the remaining time (around 30 minutes in each committee) will be allocated for

questions from Members of the committee to any of the nominees.

At the conclusion of the hearing, the Chair will accept a motion to report each of the nomineesfavorably to the Senate floor for confirmation votes.

Please remember that the Senates duty of advice and consent should not be construed as a tool toblock the confirmation of nominees. These hearings are held to gather information on the

background and views of nominees. If there is a truly concerning issue with any nominee, Senators

have the right to vote against reporting them for confirmation, but they should only exercise thatright if the nominee is truly unfit to serve.

CHAIR: This committee will come to order. We will now proceed to the firstorder of business on the committee calendar, which is the consideration

of Presidential nominations to the (US Supreme Court/Cabinet).

The committee calls the first nominee on the calendar. Is the nominee

present and prepared to testify?

NOMINEE: Present with prepared remarks.

CHAIR: The gentleman/woman from (college) is recognized for 2 minutes.

NOMINEE Thank you Mr./Mdm. Chair.

Nominee gives testimony

If the witness finishes early:

CHAIR: The chair absorbs the balance of time for

questioning and the committee thanks the

nominee for his/her testimony.

If time expires:

CHAIR: The nominees time has expired. The committee

thanks the nominee for his/her testimony

CHAIR: The committee calls the next nominee on the calendar. Is the nominee

present and prepared to testify?

The Chair repeats this until all nominees have presented their remarks. Once all nominees havepresented, t he Chair opens t he floor to questi ons from Members of th e committee.

CHAIR: The chair will now entertain questions from members of the committee.Please limit your questions to one per recognition.

Committee Members raise their placards to be recognized at the

discretion of the Chair.

CHAIR: The chair recognizes the gentleman/woman from (College).

Repeat when recognizing each Member

MEMBER: Thank you, Mr./Mdm. Chair.

The Committee Member asks one question, and addresses thewitness as Rep./Sen. (Last Name).

Questioning continues until 5 minutes before the scheduled end of the nomination hearing.

CHAIR: Time has now expired for questioning.

The chair will now entertain motions to report the nominees to Senate,beginning with the first nominee on the calendar.

MEMBER: I move that calendar nominee (#) be reported favorably to the Senate

for confirmation.

CHAIR: It has been moved that calendar nominee (#) be reported favorably to

the Senate. All those in favor say AYE.(Listen for responses). All

those opposed say NO.(Listen for responses).

In the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it. The nominee is reportedlyfavorably to the Senate for confirmation.

These motions should continue until all nominees have been reported favorably. If there is anominee who does not receive the requisite votes to be reported, the position is left vacant until the

President refers a new nominee to the committee at a later time.

Once a decision has been reached on all nominees, the Chair should ask for a motion to adjourn.

CHAIR: The Chair will now entertain a motion to adjourn the committee.

MEMBER: Mr./Mdm. Chair I move that we adjourn.

CHAIR: It has been moved that we adjourn. All those in favor say AYE.(Listen

for responses). All those opposed say NO.(Listen for responses).

In the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it. This committee is

adjourned.


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COMMITTEE PROCEDURE

BILL HEARINGThe committee procedure for bill hearings follows a simple format: scheduled witnesses (Bill

Sponsor, Cabinet Member, Witnesses in Favor and Opposition) testify before the committee andallow Members of the committee to question them on the issues surrounding the legislation.

Each round of testimony is 2 minutes long, followed by 3 minutes of questioning from Members ofthe committee.

If the Chair determines that the committee calendar allows for extended speaking times (in a case

where there are only 2-3 bills on the calendar), the chair may accept a motion from the committee

to extend time only for questioning as many minutes as he/she sees fit.

If questioning time is extended, it must be extended equally for all scheduled witnesses.

CHAIR: This committee will come to order. We will now proceed to the first

order of business on the committee calendar, which is testimony on

H.R./S. (#).

The committee calls the first witness. Is the sponsor of the bill present

and prepared to testify?

BILL SPONSOR: Present with prepared remarks.


BILL SPONSOR: Thank you Mr./Mdm. Chair.

Bill Sponsor gives testimony


CHAIR: The chair thanks the sponsor and absorbs the

balance of time for questioning.

If time expires:

CHAIR: Time has expired for this round of testimony.

CHAIR: The chair will now entertain 3 minutes of questions from members of

the committee. Please limit your questions to one per recognition.

Committee Members raise their placards to be recognized at thediscretion of the Chair.

CHAIR: The chair recognizes the gentleman/woman from (College) for aquestion.

Repeat when recognizing each Member.


The Committee Member asks one question, and addresses thewitness as Rep./Sen. (Last Name).

CHAIR: Time has expired for this round of questioning. The committee thanks

the bill sponsor for his/her testimony.

The committee will now proceed with our next witness. Is the member

of the Cabinet present and prepared to testify?

CABINET MEMBER: Present with prepared remarks.

CHAIR: The (Cabinet Title) is recognized for 2 minutes.

CABINET MEMBER: Thank you Mr./Mdm. Chair.

Cabinet Member gives testimony


CHAIR: The chair thanks the (Cabinet Title) and absorbs

the balance of time for questioning.

If time expires:


CHAIR: The chair will now entertain 3 minutes of questions from members of

the committee. Please limit your questions to one per recognition.




Repeat when recognizing each member


The Committee Member asks one question, and addresses the

witness as (Cabinet Title) (Last Name).


the (Cabinet Title) for his/her testimony.

The committee will now proceed with our next witness. Is the witness in

favor present and prepared to testify?

WITNESS (F): Present with prepared remarks.

CHAIR: The gentleman/woman from (College) is recognized for 2 minutes.

WITNESS (F): Thank you Mr./Mdm. Chair.


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Witness in Favor gives testimony


CHAIR: The chair thanks the witness and absorbs the

balance of time for questioning.

If time expires:


CHAIR: The chair will now entertain 3 minutes of questions from Members of the

committee. Please limit your questions to one per recognition.






The Committee Member asks one question, and addresses thewitness as (Title) (Last Name).


the witness for his/her testimony.

The committee will now proceed to our next witness. Is the witness in

opposition present and prepared to testify?

WITNESS (O): Present with prepared remarks.


WITNESS (O): Thank you Mr./Mdm. Chair.

Witness in Favor gives testimony


CHAIR: The chair thanks the witness and absorbs thebalance of time for questioning.

If time expires:


CHAIR: The chair will now entertain 3 minutes of questions from Members of the

committee. Please limit your questions to one per recognition.

Committee Members raise their placards to be recognized at thediscretion of the Chair.

CHAIR: The chair recognizes the gentleman/woman from (College) for a

question.



The Committee Member asks one question, and addresses the

witness as Title or Mr./Ms. (Last Name).


the witness for his/her testimony.

If there is a minute or more of unused time remaining, the Chair has the right to call additional

witnesses to testify from those in the audience who have not yet spoken.

Additional wit nesses should alt ernate between those in favor and those in opposition, beginn ing with

those in favor.

Additional wit nesses should be g iven no less than 30 seconds to testify, w ith 30 seconds for brie f

questioning by Members of the committee.

If the Chair determines that the committee calendar allows for extended hearings (in a case where

there are only 2-3 bills on the calendar), the Chair may call additional witnesses for full 2-minute

testimony (no longer) followed by 3 minutes of questioning.

Once all witnesses are heard on a bill and time for the hearing has expired, the chair will move on to

the next order of business for the committee, or the next bill on the calendar.

CHAIR: Time for testimony and questioning on H.R./S. (#) has now expired.The committee thanks all witnesses for their gracious testimony and

responses.

The Chair should record the names of all witnesses that

appeared before the committee during the hearing on theCommittee Report, as well as the date of the hearing. The Chair

may then proceed to hearing the next bill on the calendar.

CHAIR: We will now proceed to the next order of business on the committee

calendar, which is testimony on H.R./S. (#).

Please return to the beginning of the hearing script and use the same procedure for each bill on the

calendar.

Once all bills have been heard, the Chair should ask for a motion to recess until markups.

CHAIR: The Chair will now entertain a motion to recess until the committee

returns for markups on referred bills.

MEMBER: Mr./Mdm. Chair I move that we recess until markup commences at

(check agenda time).

CHAIR: Without objection, so moved. This committee is in recess until (check

agenda time).


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COMMITTEE PROCEDURE

BILL MARKUP

The committee procedure for markup involves considering each bill referred to the committeecalendar. Consideration includes opening statements, amendments (of varying types), and the

question of reporting the bill to the House or Senate.

Important: Committees do not actually amend bills; instead a committee votes on which

amendments it will recommend to the House.

Opening Statements should be no longer than 1 minute, unless the calendar allows for extendingtime (in a case where there are only 2-3 bills on the calendar). In this case, the Chair may accept a

motion to extend statements to no longer than 3 minutes.

During markup, amendments do not require a motion to be considered. All speakers on amendments

are given 2 minutes to speak.

Amendments can only occur in two degrees: first-degree (an amendment to the original bill this

can also in the form of a germane substitute that replaces the current bill with a new one) and

second-degree (an amendment to the amendment). In the case of a second-degree amendmentbrought up during amendment debate already in progress, simply re-start and finish the amendment

procedure for the second-degree amendment before returning to the original.

After all amendments are heard, the Chair will accept a motion to report the bill favorably to the

House or Senate. If the bill fails to be reported, it is killed in committee. If the bill is reported, it isreported with no change, as amended, or with an amendment in the form of a substitute if one

of the amendments adopted during markup was such.

In the House, the bill is reported to the House Committee on Rules. In the Senate, the committee

report is introduced on the floor of the Senate by the Majority Manager (Chair or other Member if

Chair was minority) for consideration of the bill by the Senate.

CHAIR: This committee will come to order. We will now proceed to the first

order of business on the committee calendar, which is the considerationof H.R./S. (#).

The Chair will now entertain motion to waive the rules and have the bill

read for the first time by title only.

MEMBER: Mr./Mdm. Chair, I ask unanimous consent that the rules be waived and

that H.R./S. (#) be read for the first time by title only.

CHAIR: Without objection, so moved. Will the clerk please read the title of the

bill.

The Member designated as clerk reads the title of the bill.

CHAIR: The Chair will now entertain opening statements by Members of thecommittee on H.R./S. (#). Please limit your statements to 1 minute*.



*If the calendar allows for extended speaking time, the Chair

may allow for statements longer than 1 minute but no longerthan 3 minutes.

CHAIR: The chair recognizes the gentleman/woman from (College).



The Committee Member gives an opening statement.

Once all Members have been given the opportunity for openingstatements, the Chair will entertain a motion to read the bill for a

second time and begin the amendment process.

CHAIR: The Chair will now entertain a motion to waive the rules have the bill

considered as read for the second time and open to amendment at anytime.

MEMBER: Mr./Mdm. Chair, I ask unanimous consent that the rules be waived and

that H.R./S. (#) be considered as read for the second time and that the

bill be open to amendment at any time.

CHAIR: Without objection, so moved. The bill is considered as read for thesecond time, and amendments are now in order.

Members with amendments raise their placards to be recognized

at the discretion of the chair.

The Chair will begin the amendment process by recognizing the

sponsor of the first amendment submitted on the bill.

CHAIR: For what reason does the gentleman/woman seek recognition?

MEMBER: Mr./Mdm. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

The Chair should recognize the sponsors of all amendmentssubmitted to the desk prior to the start of Markup before

recognizing any amendments from the floor.

CHAIR: The Clerk will read the amendment.

CLERK: The text of the amendment is as follows:

The amendment should be read by page and line (ex: Page #,Line #, insert/strike/replace)


MEMBER: Thank you Mr./Mdm. Chair

The Member presents the amendment.

If the Member finishes early


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MEMBER: I yield back the balance of my time.

If time expires:

CHAIR: Thank you, your time has expired.

CHAIR: Are there any members wishing to speak in opposition of theamendment?



CHAIR: The chair recognizes the gentleman/woman from (college).

Repeat when recognizing each member

MEMBER: Thank you, Mr./Mdm. Chair. I rise to speak in opposition of the

amendment




If time expires:


CHAIR: Are there any other members wishing to speak in favor of thisamendment?



MEMBER: Thank you, Mr./Mdm. Chair. I rise to speak in favor of this amendment.




If time expires:


CHAIR: Are there any other members wishing to speak in opposition of this

amendment?



MEMBER: Thank you, Mr./Mdm. Chair. I rise to speak in opposition of thisamendment.




If time expires:


The Chair continues to recognize Members in favor and in opposition until all Members who wish to

speak have spoken, ending with the Chair asking for speakers in opposition. At that point, the Chair

may entertain a motion for the previous question on the amendment.

CHAIR: The Chair will now entertain a motion for the previous question on the

amendment.

MEMBER: Mr./Mdm. Chair, I move the previous question.

CHAIR: The motion on the floor is to move the previous question. All in favor

say AYE (Listen for responses). All opposed, say NO.

If the motion fails, debate on the amendment continues. If the

motion carries, proceed to voting on the amendment.

CHAIR: It is in the opinion of the chair that the ayes have it. The previous

question has been moved.

The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman/woman

from (college). All in favor please say AYE.(Listen for responses). Allopposed, please say NO(Listen for responses).

It is in the opinion of the chair that the (ayes/nos) have it.

After the vote is taken, if a Member is in doubt, he/she can ca llfor a record vote.

MEMBER: Mr./Mdm. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

CHAIR: The gentleman/woman from (college) demands a

recorded vote. This requires a one-fifth vote of thecommittee. All in favor please say AYE.(Vote).

All opposed, please say NO.

The motion (carries/fails)

If the motion carries, proceed to a recorded

vote where members are called on one by

one to vote on the amendment. The Clerktakes down the vote on the Committee

Report.

CHAIR: The amendment (is adopted and recommended/fails).

If the amendment passed without a recorded vote, the

amendment is simply listed on the Committee Report.


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CHAIR: Are there any other amendments?

After completion of debate on the first submitted amendment,

repeat the process first for all amendments submitted before

markup began, and then for any submitted during the markup.The Chair makes this distinction when selecting the nextindividual to speak.

CHAIR: For what reason does the gentleman/woman seek recognition?

Once all amendments are heard, the Chair will entertain a motion to report the bill to the

House/Senate.

CHAIR: Hearing no further amendments, this question is on agreeing to the bill

If amendments were adopted in markup:

as amended, or

with one amendment in the nature of a substitute

All those in favor, say AYE.(Listen for responses). All those opposed,

say NO.(Listen for responses).

In the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it. The bill (as amended) isagreed to, and the motion to reconsider is laid on the table.

This is not a vote of support for the bill, just agreeing to the

version in the markup. The motion to reconsider is just a

parliamenta ry device to allow Members to reconside r if they sochoose (rarely done).

CHAIR: I move that the bill (as amended) be reportedly favorably to the

House/Senate. All those in favor, say AYE(Listen for responses). All

those opposed, say NO.(Listen for responses).

In the opinion of the chair, the (ayes/nos) have it and the motion is

(agreed to/not agreed to).

After the vote i s taken, if a Member is in doubt, he/she can cal l

for a record vote (follow earlier procedure.)

Without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on the table.

Again, this is mainly just a pa rliamentar y device.

If the motion fails, the bill is killed.

If the motion passes, the bill and committee report are sent tothe House Committee on Rules (House) or the committee report

is introduced on the floor by the Chair or Majority Manager

(Senate).

After considera tion of a bill ha s concluded, the Ch air may then proceed to consideration of the nextbill on the calendar.

CHAIR: We will now proceed to the next order of business on the committee

calendar, which is testimony on H.R./S. (#).

Please return to the beginning of the hearing script and use the same

procedure for ea ch bill on the ca lendar.

Once all bills have been considered, the Chair should ask for a motion to adjourn.

CHAIR: The Chair will now entertain a motion to adjourn the committee.

MEMBER: Mr./Mdm. Chair I move that we adjourn.

CHAIR: Without objection, so moved. This committee is adjourned.


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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES


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DAILY ORDER OF BUSINESS

THE HOUSE IS CALLED TO ORDERA resolution adopted on the first day of session sets the daily hour of meeting.

The Speaker of the House opens the session each day by calling the House to order.

SPEAKER: The House will come to order. The Chaplain is recognized fortodays prayer.

PRAYER IS OFFERED BY THE CHAPLAIN

The position of House Chaplain will be filled on a volunteer basis each day. Members should sign up

with the Clerk of the House.

HOUSE CHAPLAIN: (Gives Prayer)

APPROVAL OF THE JOURNALThe Speaker announces his or her approval to the House immediately after the Chaplain offers the

prayer. The Journal is notthe Congressional Record.

SPEAKER: Without object, The Journal of the House is approved.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG

The Speaker recognizes a Member to lead the Pledge of Allegiance

MEMBER: (Leads Pledge)

ONE-MINUTE SPEECHES

Members may make Short speeches (300 words or less) before or after legislative business each

day. Any Member may seek recognition to make a speech on a subject of his/her choice. One-

minute speeches are often focus on coordinated policy topics, but are not limited to such topics.

To give a one-minute speech, a Member should go to the front row of seats on the floor and sit

down. The Speaker will recognize Members in turn. When recognized, the member should stand to

seek recognition and address the Chair by saying:

SPEAKER: For what reason does the Gentleman/woman from (college) seek

recognition?

MEMBER: Mr./Mdm. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to address the

House for one minute and to revise and extend my remarks.

SPEAKER: Without objection, so ordered.

MEMBER: Thank you, Mr./Mdm. Speaker

The Member may then proceed to the Well to give the speech. The Chair will tell the Member when

the one-minute has expired at which time the Member may finish the sentence, but no more.

POINTS OF ORDER

It is not proper at any time for a Member to refer to the audience or visitors because of RuleXVII, which states that a Member must always address the Chair and only the Chair.

It is acceptable to refer to actions taken by the Senate, which are a matter of public record,but it is improper to characterize Senate action or inaction and to make reference to Senators

It is inappropriate to address the President directly (Members must always address theChair), but it is improper to refer to the President in a personally offensive manner.

SPECIAL RULES FOR BILLS

Every piece of legislation, except privileged matters such as the budget resolutions and conference

committee reports, need a rule to be adopted before the bill can be called up, debated and

amended. A rule, also known as a special rule, is simply a resolution that sets the terms for

debate and amendment.

A special rule is important because it controls what the House can and cannot do regarding the bill

itself. The House Committee on Rules reports special rules to the House. They require adoption by

the full House by a simple majority vote in order to go into effect.

Special rules are adopted in the form of simple House resolutions and only apply to the consideration

of the legislation specified in the special rule. There are 4 types of special rules:

Open Rule

Permits general debate for a certain period of time (one, two or three hours or more depending on

the importance of the legislation and the legislative schedule) and allows any member to offer an

amendment that complies with the standing rules of the House under the 5-minute rule.

Modified Open Rule

Permits general debate for a certain period of time and allows any Member to offer a germane

amendment under the 5-minute rule subject only to an overall time limit on the amendment

process.

Structured/Modified Closed Rule

Permits general debate for a certain period of time, but limits the amendments that may beoffered to only those designated in the special rule (such as those recommended during markup)

or precludes amendments to a particular portion of a bill, even though the rest of the bill may be

completely open to amendment.

Closed Rule

Permits debate for a certain period of time, but allows no amendments to be offered to the bill.

BILL CONSIDERATION & AMENDMENTS

Following adoption of the special rule on a bill, the House may proceed to consideration of bills and

any amendments allowed by the special rule.

END OF LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS FOR THE DAYA motion to adjourn closes the business of the day. It is wise to check the agenda and make sure of

the time at which the House will adjourn.


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RULE CONSIDERATION

After the Rul es Committee members have agreed on the proposed rule, the Commi ttee reports t herule to the House. The process for considering a rule in the House is as follows, with the Speaker

specifying the order of recognition of rules for the House Calendar:

CHAIR: For what purpose does the gentleman/woman from (College) seek recognition?

The Rules Chair, or Majority Manager (if the Rules Chair was in the

minority on the Rule vote), calls up the rule for consideration

RULES: Mr./Mdm. Speaker, I call up House Resolution (#) and ask for its immediate

adoption.

CHAIR: The clerk will report the title of the resolution

CLERK: H. Res. (#) to (resolution title)

CHAIR: The House will be in order. Members are advised to take their conversationsfrom the floor.

The chair now recognizes the gentleman/woman from (College) for 10 minutes.

RULES: Thank you, Mr./Mdm. Speaker

The Majority Manager presents his/her opening statement no more than

5 minutes. When the statement is complete, he/she should yield the

balance of their time to any member of the Rules Committee

I yield the balance of my time to any opposition.

If a speaker rises in opposition, the Speaker will recognize him/her for

the remainder of the time yielded. If no speaker rises, the Speaker will

order the previous question

CHAIR: Without objection, the previous question is ordered. The question of adoptingthe rule is now before the House. All in favor say AYE. All opposed say NO.

It is the opinion of the chair that the (ayes/nos) have it. The rule (is/is not)

adopted.

Upon adoption of the rule, the House may proceed to consideration of the legislation.

If the rule is defeated, the bill is not prejudiced for future consideration. The Rules Committee canreport another rule providing for consideration of that initial bill.


BILL CONSIDERATION

CHAIR: For what purpose does the gentleman/woman from (College) seek

recognition?

MAJ. MANAGER: Mr./Mdm. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution (#), I call up H.R.

(#), the (short title) Act and ask for its immediate consideration.

CHAIR: The clerk will report the title of the bill.

CLERK: H.R. (#), a bill to (long title)

CHAIR: The House will be in order. Members are advised to take their

conversations from the floor.

Pursuant to House Resolution (#), the gentleman/woman from (College)and the gentleman/woman from (College) each will control (amount of

debate time).

The chair now recognizes the gentleman/woman from (College).

MAJ. MANAGER: Mr./Mdm. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all members have 5legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include

extraneous materials on H.R. (#) currently under consideration.

CHAIR: Without objection, so ordered.

MAJ. MANAGER: Mr./Mdm. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

CHAIR: The gentleman/woman is recognized

The Majority Manager presents his/her opening statement. When

the statement is complete, he/she states:

MAJ. MANAGER: I reserve the balance of my time.

CHAIR: The gentleman/woman from (College) reserves, the gentleman/woman

from (College) is recognized.

MIN. MANAGER: Mr./Mdm. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

CHAIR: The gentleman/woman is recognized

The Minority Manager presents his/her opening statement. Whenthe statement is complete, he/she states:

MIN. MANAGER: I reserve the balance of my time.

CHAIR: The gentleman/woman from (College) reserves, the gentleman/woman



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At this point, t he Floor Managers can begin yi elding time t o

Members who asked to speak during debate on the bill.

Managers can yield as little as 30 seconds or any other

increment of time up to the amount allotted to their side for

debate. Managers can also allow Members to decide how muchtime they use by yielding as much time as he/she mayconsume or by offering more time if he/she runs out.

MAJ. MANAGER: Thank you Mr./Mdm. Speaker. I yield (amount of time) to the

gentleman/woman from (College).

CHAIR: The gentle man/woman from (College) is recognized for (amount oftime specified).

MEMBER: Thank you, Mr./Mdm. Speaker (gives speech)

If Member doesnt use all of time he/she was yielded:


CHAIR: The gentleman/woman yields back.

If the Members time expires:

CHAIR: The gentleman/womans time has expired.

CHAIR: The gentleman/woman from (College) reserves (MAJ. MANAGER), the

gentleman/woman from (College) is recognized (MIN. MANGER).

MIN. MANAGER: Thank you Mr./Mdm. Speaker. I yield (amount of time) to the

gentleman/woman from (College

CHAIR: The gentle man/woman from (College) is recognized for (amount of

time specified).

MEMBER: Thank you, Mr./Mdm. Speaker (gives speech)

If Member doesnt use all of time he/she was yielded:


CHAIR: The gentleman/woman yields back.

If the Members time expires:

CHAIR: The gentleman/womans time has expired.

This process continues until either time for debate on both sides has expired OR until there are nomore speakers on either side. Managers may also yield themselves the final portion of their sides

time for a closing statement when recognized by the Chair.

MAJ. MANAGER: Thank you Mr./Mdm. Speaker, I am prepared to close, and yield myself

the balance of my time.

Once all time for general debate has elapsed, the Chair will review the guidelines for amendments in

the special rule on the bill. If amendments are NOT allowed, the Chair will go directly to the previousquestion ordered on the bill by the rule.

CHAIR: All time for general debate has expired.

Pursuant to House Resolution (#), the previous question is ordered onthe bill. The question is on engrossment and third reading of the bill by

title only. All those in favor, say AYE. All those opposed say NO.

In the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it.

A motion to recommit with or without instructions is now in order.

If a member of the minority wishes makes a motion to recommit

with or without instructions, the Chair will recognize it and hold a

vote.

CHAIR: For what reason does the gentleman/woman from

(College) seek recognition?

MEMBER: I move to recommit H.R. (#)

Without instructions (kill the bill)

With instructions for the committee to report the

bill back to the House forthwith with the following

amendment (the Clerk reads the amendment).

CHAIR: The question is on the motion to recommit(with/without instructions) H.R. (#). All in favor

say AYE. All opposed say NO.

In the opinion of the chair the (ayes/nos have it).

The motion (carries/fails).

If the motion carries without instructions, the bill is

killed. If the motion carries with instructions, thebill is reported back to the House for debate on the

amendment (follow amendment procedure).

If the motion to recommit is not made or fails, the Chair

recognizes the Majority Manager for a motion to suspend the

rules and pass the bill.

MAJ. MANAGER: Mr./Mdm. Speaker, I move that we suspend the rules and pass H.R. (#)

CHAIR: The question is, will the House suspend the rules and pass H.R. (#) All

those in favor please say AYE. All those opposed please say NO.

In the opinion of the chair, the (ayes/nos) have it.

MIN. MANAGER Mr./Mdm. Speaker, on that I demand a recorded vote. (5 Members

must rise in support)


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recorded vote. Are there 5 Members in favor?

(Seeing/Not Seeing) 5 votes in support, the

motion (carries/fails).

If the motion carries, proceed to a recorded votewhere members are called on one by one to vote.

The Clerk records the final vote.

CHAIR: By a vote of (#) in favor and (#) in opposition, the bill (passes/fails.)


Consideration of the bill is complete. If the bill passes, the Clerk engrosses the bill by recording the

final vote and sending the bill jacket with all amendments to the Secretary of the Senate.

ON VOTING PRESENT

Clause 1 of Rule III dictates that each Representative must be present in the Hall of the Houseduring its sessions "unless excused or necessarily prevented" and "shall vote on each question put,

unless he or she has a direct personal or pecuniary interest in the event of such question."

It has been ruled that only the Member can decide whether such a conflict exists and not even the

Speaker will question his or her judgment, nor can any other Member challenge his or her vote on

such grounds.

The Member should let his/her conscience be his/her guide. If the Member believes he/she has such

a conflict, he/she can vote "present" on the record vote.


AMENDMENTS

If amendments are allowed by the rule, the Chair will announce that the bill will be considered as

read, the amendment procedure specified in the rule will be in order. Amendments are debated

under the 5-minute rule unless otherwise specified, meaning all speakers on all amendments have 5minutes to speak within the time parameters set by the rule.

CHAIR: All time for general debate has expired. Pursuant to House Resolution

#, the bill will be considered as read and amendments are now in order.

If there are specific amendments listed in the rule, the Chair willrecognize the amendment sponsors in order. If there are no

amendments specified, the Chair will recognize a Member from

the floor.

CHAIR: For what reason does the gentleman/woman from (College) seekrecognition?

MEMBER: Mr./Mdm. Speaker, I have an amendment on the desk.

CHAIR: The Clerk will designate the amendment.

The Clerk will designate the amendment with an overall House

number (H.AMDT.#) that begins with the first amendment

brought up for consideration on the first bill and continues all the

way through the last amendment on the last bill, as well as a

bill-specific amendment number (A00#) that designates theorder of amendments considered on the bill itself.

CLERK: The text of the amendment is as follows:

The amendment should be read by page and line (ex: Page #,

Line #, insert/strike/replace)


The Member presents the amendment.



If time expires:


At this point, t he chair will recognize a speake r in opposition ofthe amendment.

CHAIR: For what reason does the gentleman/woman from (College) seek

recognition?


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MEMBER: Mr./Mdm. Speaker, I rise in opposition of the amendment.


MEMBER: Thank you Mr./Mdm. Speaker. (Gives Speech)



If time expires:


After one speake r has spoken in opposition, the cha ir will

recognize any speaker wishing to speak for or against the

amendment for as much time as the special rule allows.

To speak, these speakers must offer a pro forma amendment

as a device to get time without proposing an amendment by

moving to strike the requisite number of words. Once they are

finished speaking their pro forma amendment is considered to be

withdrawn.

CHAIR:For what reason does the gentleman/woman from (College) seekrecognition?

MEMBER: Mr./Mdm. Speaker, I move to strike the requisite number of words.




If time expires:


Once debate time on an amendment has expired (if the rule specifies) or if there are no more

speakers wishing to speak, the Chair will put the question on the amendment before the House:

CHAIR: All time for debate on this amendment as expired. The question is on

the amendment offered by the gentleman/woman from (College.) Allthose in favor say AYE.(Listen for responses). All those opposed say

NO.(Listen for responses).


After the vote i s taken, if a Member is in doubt, he/she can cal l

for a record vote.

MEMBER: Mr./Mdm. Chair, I demand a recorded vote. (5

delegates must rise in support for the recordedvote to be taken)


recorded vote.


motion (carries/fails)

If the motion carries, proceed to a recordedvote where members are called on one by

one to vote on the amendment. The Clerk

takes down the vote.

CHAIR: The amendment (is adopted/fails).

Follow the amendment procedure for as many amendments allowed by the rule. Once all

amendments have been heard, revert back to the top Page 3 of the Bill Consideration procedure,

with one edit:

CHAIR: All time for debate on amendments has expired.

Continue using procedure on Page 3 of Bill Consideration.


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CONFERENCE COMMITTEES

In order for a bill to be presented to the President for signature, it must pass both the House andSenate in the exact same form. Sometimes differences between the two bodies are resolved by

amendment. The House will agree to the bill as passed by the Senate with an amendment and the

Senate will subsequently concur with that amendment.

Another device used for reaching agreement between the two Houses is often, but not always, aconference committee. A bill may be sent to conference by unanimous consent. If objection is heard,

the bill may be sent to conference by motion. Clause 1 of Rule XXII provides that a motion to

request or agree to a conference with the Senate is in order if the Majority Manager of thecommittee with jurisdiction over the legislation makes the motion.

If the committee has not authorized such a motion, a special rule may be required to go toconference. Therefore, it is in the prevailing sides interest to conclude committee mark-ups with a

motion to authorize the Chairman in advance to take all steps necessary to proceed to conference

when that stage of the process eventually is reached.

Conferees are named by the Speaker and usually include Members of the committee of jurisdictionand the sponsor(s) of the legislation.

When an agreement is reached in conference, it comes back to the House in the form of aConference Report, which the House must consider and approve. The rules also require that a

majority of the House conferees sign the conference report. After that time, it becomes privileged

and can be called up at any time.

Debate on a conference report takes up to one hour, the time divided between the Majority Manager

and the Minority Manager, unless the Majority and Minority Manager both support the conference

report. In that case, one-third of the debate time will be given to an opponent of the conference

report who makes such a demand.

Before adoption of the conference report, a motion may be in order to recommit the conference

report to the conference committee, either with instructions or without instructions, although no

separate debate time is allowed on either motion. Such a motion is only in order if the Senate has

not yet acted on the conference, and the instructions in the motion to recommit are not binding

because the House cannot bind Senate conferees. A Member qualifies to offer the motion if he or sheopposes the conference repot.

If the House is first to act and the motion to recommit is adopted, the conference must meet again

and a new conference report must be filed prior to consideration of the measure again

Following debate on the conference report and in the absence of a motion to recommit or upon thedefeat of such a motion, a vote then occurs on adoption of the conference report. A conference

report may not be amended on the Floor.


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!



SENATE


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SENATE

DAILY ORDER OF BUSINESS

THE SENATE IS CALLED TO ORDERA resolution adopted on the first day of session sets the daily hour of meeting.

The President Pro Tempore traditionally opens the session each day by calling the Senate to order,followed by the opening prayer (During the Organizational Session, the Vice President will preside):

PRO TEMPORE: The Senate will come to order. The Chaplain is recognized

for todays prayer.

PRAYER IS OFFERED BY THE CHAPLAIN

The position of Senate Chaplain will be filled on a volunteer basis each day. Senators should sign upwith the Secretary of the Senate.

SENATE CHAPLAIN: (Gives Prayer)

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The President Pro Tempore (or the VP in the Org. Session) leads the Pledge of Allegiance.

PRO TEMPORE: Leads Pledge of Allegiance.

ADMINISTRATION OF OATH OF OFFICE (ORG. SESSION ONLY)

During the First Session, the VP will administer the oath of office to all Senators.

Please follow the instructions of the VP as the oath is administered.

LEADER SPEECHES (THURSDAY ORG SESSION): PRO TEMPORE

At the beginning of the day, leaders are recognized for speeches concerning the days agenda.

During the Org. Session, the VP will recognize the Pro Tempore for his/her opening address.

VICE PRESIDENT: The Chair recognizes the gentleman/woman from

(college).

PRO TEMPORE: Thank you, Mr./Mdm. President.(Gives speech). Mr.

President, I yield the floor.

MORNING HOUR (THURSDAY ORG SESSION): EXECUTIVE CALENDAR

Each time the Senate convenes after an adjournment, a new legislative day begins. On each newlegislative day, Senate rules provide for a "Morning Hour" during which routine "morning business"

can occur.

In the Morning Hour of the First Session of Assembly, following the Pro Tempore, the Chairmen ofthe Senate Committees on Judiciary and Cabinet Nominations will present the committee reports of

the Presidents nominees for Supreme Court and Cabinet positions for a confirmation vote.

PRO TEMPORE: The Chair recognizes the gentleman/woman from

(College).

COMMITTEEE CHAIR: Thank you,Mr. President, I am pleased to report that the

Committee on (The Judiciary / Cabinet Nominations) has

favorably reported the nominations of (#) nominees forpositions on the (Cabinet/Supreme Court). I request

unanimous consent that the nominations of (read each

name and their calendar number designation) be put up

for confirmation.

PRO TEMPORE: Without objection, so ordered.The question is on theconfirmation of the nominees reported by the

gentleman/woman from (College). All in favor say AYE.

All opposed say NO.

In the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it. The

nominations are confirmed by unanimous consent.

The process is repeated for the remaining committee chair (either Judiciary or Cabinet Nominations).

Following the nominations, the Senate will also approve various administrative resolutions presented

by Senators selected by the Pro Tempore.

The Senate will adjourn before lunch and committees in the afternoon, and will reconvene on Friday

morning. On Friday evening, the Senate will recess to avoid the Morning Hour on Saturday andcontinue with unfinished business from Friday until adjourning sine die that evening.

LEADER SPEECHES (FRIDAY): COMMITTEE CHAIRS

Following the Call to Order, Prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance on Friday morning, the CommitteeChairmen will be recognized at the beginning of the day for speeches concerning the days agenda.

Those who wish to speak should seek recognition from the President Pro Tempore by approaching

the well. When they are finished, they should yield the floor. The President Pro Tempore can thenrecognize another Senator.

PRO TEMPORE: The Chair recognizes the gentleman/woman from

(college).

SENATOR: Thank you, Mr./Mdm. President. (Gives speech). Mr.

President, I yield the floor.

MORNING HOUR (FRIDAY): COMMITTEE REPORTS

In the Morning Hour for Friday, following the Committee Chair speeches, the Committee Chairs will

use the hour to report bills from their committees.

COMMITTEE MEETINGS DURING FLOOR ACTIVITIES

To minimize conflicts with floor activities, a committee may not meet, without unanimous consent,

on any day until the Senate has been session for 30 minutes, or during the last 30 minutes of theSenate session.


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UNANIMOUS CONSENT & AGREEMENTS

The Senate conducts much of its business by unanimous consent. The Senate's small size, few rules,and informality encouraged the rise of this practice. A single objection of "I object" by any Senator

blocks a unanimous consent request. There are two general types of unanimous consent

Simple Unanimous Consent Requests: Deal with noncontroversial matters, such assenators asking unanimous consent to dispense with the reading of amendments.

Complex Unanimous Consent Agreements: Establish specific procedure for consideringbills and amendments. The Majority Managers and Committee Chairs broker theseagreements. Two fundamental objectives of these accords are to limit debate and to structure

the amendment process.

UNLIMITED SPEAKING TIME & AMENDMENTS

All senators have two freedoms that, so far as is known, no other legislators worldwide possess:

Unlimited Debate Unlimited ability to offer amendments, relevant or not, to legislation under consideration.

If no senator holds the floor, any senator seeking recognition has a right to be recognized. The Pro

Tempore shall recognize the Senator who shall first address him/her, and then that Senator mayspeak for as long as he or she wishes - but only twice a day on the same question until he/she

yields the floor. Once recognized, a senator can move to call up any m easure or offer any

amendment or motion.

No debatable question can come to a vote if senators still wish to speak, unless otherwise specified

by a unanimous consent agreement. Senators who oppose a pending bill or other matter may speakagainst it at indefinite length, or delay action by offering numerous amendments and motions.

FILIBUSTERS

Senators protect their rights by objecting to unanimous consent requests to waive rules. A filibusterinvolves using such tactics to convince the Senate to alter or withdraw a bill from consideration.

The only procedure Senate rules provide for overcoming filibusters is cloture, which cannot be voteduntil after it is proposed in a Cloture Petition signed by 8 Senators and presented to the Pro

Tempore. Cloture requires the support of three-fifths of all senators. If the Senate invokes cloture on

a bill, amendment, or other matter, its further consideration is limited to 10 minutes.

BILL CONSIDERATION & AMENDMENTS

The Senate President Pro Tempore has responsible for scheduling with the Majority Managers of bills

reported out of committee. The Pro Tempore may carry out this responsibility by recognizing aspecific Majority Manager in the order in which committee reported their bills. That Manager then

moves that the Senate proceed to consider a reported bill.

During debate, the Majority Manager receives preferential recognition, meaning that if at any pointthe floor has been yielded, the Majority Manager receives recognition before other Senators.

This motion to proceed may be offered in a non-debatable form, but for legislative business itusually is debatable. Whenever possible, therefore, the Majority instead calls up bills using complex

unanimous consent agreements. If senators object to unanimous consent to take up a measure,

they are implicitly threatening to filibuster a motion to consider it.

SENATE

UNANIMOUS CONSENT AGREEMENTS

To set parameters on debate and amendments on a specific measure, Majority Floor Managers seek

unanimous consent agreements that limit the exercise of these rights during consideration of aspecified bill. If any senator objects, the Senate cannot impose such an agreement, but once it is

accepted, the Senate cannot change it unless another unanimous consent agreement is passed.

Unanimous consent agreements limiting the time for debate place the time provided under the

control of the Majority and Minority Floor Mangers. Other Senators then may speak only if a Manager

yields them part of the time he or she controls.

Unanimous consent agreements also may require that amendments to a measure be germane, or

may prohibit all amendments to a measure except those it specifically identifies from the reporting

committee.

Responsibility for negotiating Unanimous Consent agreements falls on Majority Floor Manager of the

reporting committee (the Chair or another Senator if the Chair was in the minority). It is the

responsibility of the Manager to ensure that unanimous consent will be achieved for the agreement.

SAMPLE UNANIMOUS CONSENT AGREEMENT

Ordered, That at a time to be determined by the Majority Leader with concurrence of the committeechairmen, the Senate proceed to immediate consideration of S. (#), a bill to (insert title); provided

that

Examples

the only amendments in order be the following, the text of which is at the desk: (listamendments

only (#) amendments will be considered no amendments will be considered during debate

Ordered further, That there be (#) hour(s) for debate equally divided (or divided differently inanother fashion) on each of the amendments (if there are any) and (#) hour(s) of general debate on

the bill; further, following the disposition of amendments and the use of yielding back time, the bill

as amended, be read a third time and the Senate proceed to a vote on passage without any

intervening action or debate; further, that no points of order be waived by virtue of this agreement.


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SENATE

BILL CONSIDERATION

Following a committee's vote to order a measure reported favorably, it is the duty of the

committee's chairman to report the measure promptly to the Senate.

The Constitution requires a majority of senators to be present for the Senate to conduct business. If

a senator suggests the absence of a quorum, and a majority of senators do not respond to their

names, the Senate can only adjourn, recess, or attempt to secure the attendance of additionalsenators.

5 votes of those present can order the yeas and nays also known as a roll call vote or a recorded

vote. Ordering the yeas and nays means that the vote will be by roll call and recorded by the

Secretary. Otherwise, votes are taken by voice vote.

The Senate usually begins consideration of most measures WITHOUT first having reached a time

agreement. This allows consideration to proceed while the Floor Managers try to arrange unanimous

consent agreements to limit debate. The Senate Pro Tempore grants recognition, when the floor is

yielded and the Manager is the first to address the Pro Tempore, to Majority Managers based onwhen bills were reported for committees to the Senate floor:

MAJ. MANAGER: Mr./Mdm. President,I ask unanimous consent to call up S. (#), the(Short Title) Act and ask for its immediate consideration.

PRO TEMPORE: Without objection, so ordered.

If a Senator objects, he/she must simply state I object on theFloor when unanimous consent is asked.

PRO TEMPORE: Seeing objection, unanimous consent is not

given.

The Majority Manager can then move to call up the measure

through a debatable motion.

MAJ. MANAGER: Mr./Mdm. President, I move to call up S.

(#), the (Short Title) Act and ask for its

immediate consideration.

PRO TEMPORE: The question before the Senate is on the

consideration of S. (#). The question is

debatable are there any Senators wishingto speak in opposition?

Since the motion to proceed to consideration of a bill isdebatable, Senators can choose to filibuster or hold the floor and

prevent consideration. Cases like these demonstra te the need f or

negotiating Complex Unanimous Consent Agreements.

Opposing Senators can hold the floor or oppose additional

motions to proceed to consideration as long as they wish.

If, however, the motion carries, or no Senator objects to the

initial request for unanimous consent to proceed, the bill is called

up for consideration.

PRO TEMPORE: The Secretary will report the title of the bill.

SECRETARY: S. (#), a bill to (long title)

PRO TEMPORE: The Chair recognizes the gentleman/woman from (College).

Floor consideration of a measure begins with opening statements by the Majority and Minority Floor

Managers, and often by other senators. The managers are the Chair (Majority Manager) and the

designated Ranking Member (Minority Manager) of the reporting committee, unless the chair is inthe minority, in which case he/she serves as the Minority Manager and the Member as Majority.

Debate on the consideration of the bill continues as long as Senators wish to speak (or wish tocontinue debate to avoid going to a vote). The Senate Pro Tempore must recognize the first Senator

to address him/her after another Senator has yielded the floor.

This process continues until:

A Senator offer s an amendmen t The Majority Manager secures a Unanimous Consent Agreement A Senator asks for unanimous consent to move the pr evious question and vote on the bill

The last option is unlikely to pass without objection from those in the minority, which is why

securing a Unanimous Consent Agreement is so important to completing consideration of a bill.

If an amendment is offered and the motion carries, please go to amendment procedure.

Most likely, the Majority Manager will call up a Unanimous Consent Agreement, and the parameters

of the debate through to a final vote on passage will be outlined by the Agreement.

MAJ. MANAGER: Mr./Mdm. President, I ask unanimous consent for the adoption of the

time agreement reached on consideration of S. (#).

PRO TEMPORE: Without objection, so ordered.

As long as there are no objections, t he agreemen t goes into

effect. If there is an objection, debate continues and theagreement must be re-negotiated with those in opposition.

Unanimous consent agreements limiting the time for debate

place the time provided under the control of th e Majority and

Minority Floor Mangers. Other Senators may speak only if a

Manager yields them part of the time he or she controls.

PRO TEMPORE: Pursuant to the time agreement, the gentleman/woman from (College)(MAJ. MANAGER) and the gentleman/woman from (College) (MIN.

MANAGER) each will control (amount of debate time).


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PRO TEMPORE: The chair now recognizes the gentleman/woman from (College).

MAJ. MANGER: Mr./Mdm. President, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

PRO TEMPORE: The gentleman/woman is recognized.

The Majority Manager presents his/her opening statement. Whenthe statement is complete, he/she states:

MAJ. MANAGER: I reserve the balance of my time.

PRO TEMPORE: The gentleman/woman from (College) reserves, the gentleman/woman


MIN. MANAGER: Mr./Mdm. President, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

PRO TEMPORE: The gentleman/woman is recognized

The Minority Manager presents his/her opening statement. When

the statement is complete, he/she states:

MIN. MANAGER: I reserve the balance of my time.

PRO TEMPORE: The gentleman/woman from (College) reserves, the gentleman/womanfrom (College) is recognized.

At this point, t he Floor Managers can begin yi elding time t o

Senators who asked to speak during debate on the bill.

Managers can yield as little as 30 seconds or any otherincrement of time up to the amount allotted to their side for

debate. Managers can also allow Senators to decide how much

time they use by yielding as much time as he/she may

consume or by offering more time if he/she run outs.

MAJ. MANAGER: Thank you Mr./Mdm. President. I yield (amount of time) to the


PRO TEMPORE: The gentle man/woman from (College) is recognized for (amount of

time specified).

SENATOR: Thank you, Mr./Mdm. President (gives speech)

If Senator doesnt use all of time he/she was yielded:

SENATOR: I yield back the balance of my time.

PRO TEMP: The gentleman/woman yields back.

If the Senators time expires:

PRO TEMP: The gentleman/womans time has expired.

PRO TEMPORE: The gentleman/woman from (College) reserves (MAJ. MANAGER), thegentleman/woman from (College) is recognized (MIN. MANGER).

MIN. MANAGER: Thank you Mr./Mdm. President. I yield (amount of time) to the


PRO TEMPORE: The gentle man/woman from (College) is recognized for (amount of

time specified).

SENATOR: Thank you, Mr./Mdm. Speaker (gives speech)

If the Senator doesnt use all of time he/she was yielded:

SENATOR: I yield back the balance of my time.

PRO TEMP: The gentleman/woman yields back.

If the Senators time expires:

PRO TEMP: The gentleman/womans time has expired.

This process continues until either time for debate on both sides has expired OR until there are no

more speakers on either side. Managers may also yield themselves the final portion of their sides

time for a closing statement when recognized by the Pro Tempore.

MAJ. MANAGER: Thank you Mr./Mdm. President, I am prepared to close, and yield myself

the balance of my time.

The Managers give their closings.

PRO TEMPORE: All time for general debate has expired.

Once all time for general debate has elapsed, the Pro Tempore will review the guidelines for

amendments in the unanimous consent agreement.

If the Unanimous Consent Agreement allows for consideration of amendments, please go to the

Senate Amendment Procedure page, and return to this point once amendments have been heard.

If amendments are NOT allowed, the Pro Tempore recognizes the Majority Manager.

MAJ. MANAGER: Mr./Mdm. President, pursuant to time agreement on S. (#), I ask

unanimous consent that the previous question be ordered on the bill,

that the bill by read for a third time by title only and proceed to finalpassage.

PRO TEMOPRE: Without objection, so ordered.

The only way a Senator can object to procedures outlined inUnanimous Consent Agreement adopted by the Senate is by

objecting and introducing a new Unanimous Consent Agreement.

This situation is rare, as any new agreement will raise objectionsfrom the Senators considering the passage of the bill.

MAJ. MANAGER: Mr./Mdm. President, I move that S. (#) do now pass.

PRO TEMPORE: The question is, will the Senate pass S. (#). All those in favor please

say AYE. All those opposed please say NO.

In the opinion of the chair, the (ayes/nos) have it.


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MIN. MANAGER Mr./Mdm. President, on that I demand a recorded vote. (5 Members

must rise in support)

PRO TEMP: The gentleman/woman from (college) demands a

recorded vote. Are there 5 Senators in favor?



If the motion carries, proceed to a recorded vote

where members are called on one by one to vote.

The Secretary records the final vote.

PRO TEMPORE: By a vote of (#) in favor and (#) in opposition, the bill (passes/fails.)


Consideration of the bill is complete. If the bill passes, the Secretary engrosses the bill by recording

the final vote and sending the bill jacket with all amendments to the Clerk of the House.

SENATE

AMENDMENTS

Amendments a re in order a t all times in t he Senate, a lthough it is v ery rare tha t a motion to

consider an amendment will pass outside of a unanimous consent agreement. The same procedure is

used for both, with the exception that the time agreement may place strict restrictions on whichamendments can be considered and for how long.

The Pro Tempore will only recognize the sponsors of those amendments specified in the timeagreement if the time agreement places such restrictions.

The first amendments to be considered are those recommended by the reporting committee. If the

committee has proposed many amendments, the manager often obtains unanimous consent that

these amendments be adopted, but that all provisions of the measure as amended remain open to

further amendment.

MAJ. MANAGER: Mr./Mdm. Speaker, I have an amendment on the desk.

PRO TEMPORE: The Secretary will designate the amendment.

The Secretary will designate the amendment with an overallSenate number (S.AMDT.#) that begins with the first

amendment brought up for consideration on the first bill and

continues all the way through the last amendment on the last

bill, and also designate the amendment as SA-#.

SECRETARY: The text of the amendment is as follows:

The amendment should be read by page and line (ex: Page #,

Line #, insert/strike/replace)

If under a time agreement, the Pro Tempore recognizes the

Majority Manager and Minority Manager for specific amounts oftime. If under a time limitation, senators may make no motions

or points of order, or propose other amendments, until all the

time for debating the amendment has been used or yielded back.

If not, the Pro Tempore simply recognizes the Senator proposingthe amendment and debate continues with unlimited time and

recognition of the first Senator asking for recognition.

PRO TEMPORE: Pursuant to the time agreement, the gentleman/woman from (College)

(MAJ. MANAGER) and the gentleman/woman from (College) (MIN.

MANAGER) each will control (amount of debate time).

Please refer to the time agreement procedure found in the

Senate Bill Consideration script.

Once debate time on an amendment has expired per the time

limitations of the agreement, or if there are no more Senatorswishing to speak, the Pro Tempore will put the question on the

amendment before the Senate:


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PRO TEMPORE: All time for debate on this amendment as expired. The question is on

the amendment offered by the gentleman/woman from (College.) All

those in favor say AYE.(Listen for responses). All those opposed say

NO.(Listen for responses).


After the vote is taken, if a Member is in doubt , he/she can ca ll for a

record vote.

MIN. MANAGER: Mr./Mdm. President, I demand a recorded

vote. (5 Members must rise in support)

PRO TEMP: The gentleman/woman from (college)

demands a recorded vote. Are there 5

Senators in favor?



If the motion carries, proceed to a recorded vote where members

are called on one by one to vote. The Secretary records the final

vote.

PRO TEMPORE: The amendment is (adopted/fails).

Follow the amendment procedure for as many amendments allowed by the time agreement, or for

as many as are successfully moved by Senators from the floor. Once all amendments have been

heard, revert back to the top Page 3 of the Bill Consideration procedure, with one edit:

PRO TEMPORE: All time for debate on amendments has expired.

Continue using procedure on Page 3 of Bill Consideration.

SENATE

CONFERENCE COMMITTEES

A bill cannot become a law of the land until it has been approved in identical form by both houses of

Congress. Once the Senate amends and agrees to a bill that the House already has passedor the

House amends and passes a Senate billthe two houses may begin to resolve their legislativedifferences through an exchange of amendments or by way of a conference committee.

Differences between versions of most noncontroversial bills and some major bills that must bepassed quickly are reconciled through the exchange of amendments between the houses. The two

chambers may send measures back and forth, amending each others amendments until they agree

to identical language on all provisions of the legislation.

Each chamber has only two opportunities to amend the amendments of the other body because both

chambers prohibit third-degree amendments.

The Senate normally takes action on an amendment of the House only when there is an expectationthat the amendment may be disposed of readily, typically by unanimous consent. In the absence of

such an expectation, the Senate will generally proceed to conference in order to negotiate a

resolution to any serious disagreements with the House rather than resolve them on the floor.

If the Senate does not accept the Houses position (or the House does not agree to the Senates

position), one of the chambers may propose creation of a conference committee to negotiate and

resolve the matters in disagreement between the two chambers. The Senate gets to conference with

the House by adopting this standard motion:

SENATOR: "Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to move that the Senate insist on itsamendments (or disagree to the House amendments), request a conference

with the House on the disagreeing votes thereon, and that the Chair be

authorized to appoint conferees."

The Pro Tempore formally appoints the Senates conferees, while the Speaker names the House

conferees. Conferees are traditionally drawn from the committee of jurisdiction, but conferees

representing other Senate interests may also be appointed.

There are no formal rules that outline how conference meetings are to be organized. The conference

leaders from each chamber resolve the choice of who will chair the conference. The decision onwhen and where to meet and for how long are a few prerogatives of the chair, who consults on these

matters with his or her counterpart from the other body.

Once the two chambers go to conference, the conferees resolve disagreements through a conferencereport, signed by a majority of Senate conferees and House conferees. Both chambers must agree to

the conference report before it is cleared for presidential consideration.

In the Senate, conference reports are usually brought up by unanimous consent at a time agreed to

by the Pro Tempore. Conference reports are privileged, and a non-debatable motion can be made to

take up the conference report. Approval of the conference report itself is subject to extended debate,but conference reports are not open to amendment.

Almost all of the most important measures are sent to conference, but these are only a minority of

the bills that the two houses pass each


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PRESIDENTIAL ACTION


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PRESIDENTIAL ACTION

BILL ENROLLMENT

After the Senate and House resolve any disagreements concerning a bill or joint resolution, all the

original papers are transmitted to the Clerk/Secretary of the originating chamber for enrollment. The

Clerk/Secretary has the measure printed on parchment, and signed by the Speaker of the House andby either the Vice President or the President Pro Tempore of the Senate. The enrolled bill then goes

to the President for his approval or veto.

PRESIDENTIAL ACTION

APPROVAL OR VETO

Pursuant to Article 1, section 7 of the Constitution, every bill passed by the House of

Representatives and the Senate, shall, before it becomes a Law, be presented to the President of the

United States.

For the Assembly, if the President approves and signs the measure within 10 hours, it becomes law.The 10-hour period begins on midnight of the day the president receives the measure. For example,

if the president were to receive an enrolled measure on Friday, January 18, the first hour of the 10-

hour period would be 12:00AM 1:00 AM on Saturday, January 19.

Within these 10 hours, the President will call a meeting of the Cabinet to deliberate and discuss the

pending legislation. Members of the Cabinet will make their formal recommendations, and the

President will adjourn the meeting.

If the president objects to a measure, he may veto it by returning it to its chamber of origin together

with a statement of his objections, again within the same 10-hour period. Unless both chamberssubsequently vote by a 2/3 majority to override the veto, the measure does not become law.

If the president does not act on a measureapproving or vetoing itwithin 10 hours, the fate of the

measure depends on whether Congress is in session. If Congress is in session, the bill becomes lawwithout the president's approval. If Congress is not in session, the measure does not become law.

Presidential inaction when Congress is not in session is known as a Pocket Veto. Congress hasinterpreted the use of the pocket veto to be limited to the final, sine die adjournment of the

originating chamber.


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