Procedures of the United States House of Representatives

The United States Constitution gives the House the power to decide its own rules for how it operates. This means that every time a new Congress of the United States begins, it can create or change its rules. The courts have said that each new Congress does not have to follow the old rules from the past.

Today, the way the United States House of Representatives works is guided by three main things: the Constitution, the special rules the House makes for itself, and a book called Jefferson's Manual. These help decide how members discuss ideas, vote, and make important decisions for the country.

Rules of the House

Before the United States House of Representatives approves its rules, it follows general rules and Jefferson's Manual, but these only become official once the members of the current Congress agree to them. Usually, a new Congress keeps the rules from the one before and changes them if needed.

The rules for the United States House of Representatives are prepared by the Clerk of the House. In December 2016, during the last month of the 114th Congress, the House decided to print updated rules for the 115th Congress.

House Floor

Rules of Decorum

When members are on the floor of the House of Representatives, they must follow certain rules about their behavior. For example, they cannot leave or cross the hall while the Speaker is speaking, cannot pass between the Chair and a member who is speaking, and cannot wear hats unless they are for religious reasons. They also cannot use mobile devices in a way that disrupts the meeting, stay by the Clerk's desk during roll calls, or smoke.

Members are also not allowed to draw attention to people in the galleries above the floor. This means they cannot talk about visitors sitting there.

Daily business

Each day, the Speaker calls the House to order. Then, the Chaplain offers a prayer, and the Speaker and House approve the journal from the day before. After this, members say the Pledge of Allegiance, and then legislative business begins.

Order of priority of business

The House usually follows a specific order each day, though this can change. The order is:

1. Prayer by the Chaplain.
2. Reading and approval of the Journal.
3. The Pledge of Allegiance.
4. Fixing references for public bills.
5. Handling business on the Speaker's table.
6. Finishing unfinished business.
7. Considering bills brought up by committees.
8. The State of the Union address.
9. Orders of the day.

Speaking on the Floor

After the prayer, journal approval, and the Pledge of Allegiance, the Speaker may let members give short speeches called one-minute speeches. Members ask to speak, and the Speaker decides who can speak and for how long. These speeches can last one minute, but sometimes longer for top leaders. Members can use these speeches to explain new bills, honor people or groups, or share their views on important issues.

Introducing a bill

Any member can introduce a bill by placing a signed copy in a special place called the "hopper" at the Clerk's desk. Others can join as co-sponsors, but they do not need to sign the bill. The Clerk assigns a number to the bill and sends it to the right committees for review.

House floor action on a bill

When a bill is ready, it goes on the House Calendar. The House may set rules for how much time can be used to discuss it. Supporters and opponents of the bill usually control the discussion time. If changes to the bill are allowed, they are debated and voted on. After discussion and any changes, the whole House usually votes on the bill. Sometimes, a member can suggest sending the bill back to committee for more work.

Committees

Main article: List of House Committees

Committees are very important groups in the House of Representatives. They look closely at bills, which are ideas for new laws, and help decide what changes should be made. There are three types of committees: standing committees, select committees, and joint committees.

Standing committees are the main ones and are set up when the House makes its rules. The leaders and members of these committees are chosen by the two big groups in the House, the Democrats and the Republicans. Each committee has a chairman and a ranking member who help manage the work. Committees also have staff members to help with research and other tasks.