Debate and Motions on the House Floor: Allocation of Time

Debate and Motions on the House Floor: Allocation of Time

Debate and Motions on the House Floor: Allocation of Time

June 29, 2009 (98-827)

Summary

One of the most defining aspects of consideration of measures in the House and Committee of the Whole is that time is always controlled. There is virtually no circumstance under which a Member speaks on the floor without first knowing in advance how long has been allocated. Ranging from one minute or less to 60 minutes, debate limitations exist on all aspects of floor consideration.

This report, one of a series on legislative process, addresses time limitations associated with selected House floor procedures. Actions that are not debatable, such as the motion to adjourn, the motion to table, and the motion to rise, are not included.

Debate and Motions on the House Floor: Allocation of Time

One of the most defining aspects of consideration of measures in the House and Committee of the Whole is that time is always controlled. There is virtually no circumstance under which a Member speaks on the floor without first knowing in advance how long has been allocated. Ranging from one minute or less to 60 minutes, debate limitations exist on all aspects of floor consideration.

This report, one of a series on legislative process, addresses time limitations associated with selected House floor procedures. Actions that are not debatable, such as the motion to adjourn, the motion to table, and the motion to rise, are not included.

Table 1. Debate Limitations in the House and Committee of the Whole

Parliamentary Situation

Time Allocated

Comments

Suspension of the rules

40 minutes maximum, equally divided between majority and minority Members

If ranking committee Member supports the measure, another Member who opposes it can claim control of half time

Special rule

60 minutes maximum, unless previous question not ordered

30 minutes customarily yielded to minority floor manager for debate only

Motion to discharge a measure

20 minutes, equally divided between proponent and opponent

Conference report

60 minutes, equally divided between proponent and opponent

If minority floor manager supports the report, another Member may claim time, dividing it 20 minutes each for those two and the majority floor manager

Motion to instruct conferees

60 minutes, equally divided between proponent and opponent

Prerogative of minority party Member; if committee chair and ranking member support the motion, another Member may control one-third of time

Motion to recommit

10 minutes, unless majority floor manager asks that time be extended to one hour

Time equally divided between proponent and opponent

Amendments offered in Committee of the Whole (including pro forma amendments)

5 minutes, unless special rule allocates differently

Time cannot be reserved

Questions of personal privilege

60 minutes

Questions of privileges of the House

60 minutes, equally divided between proponent and opponent

Special orders

5 minutes until midnight; 60 minutes until midnight on Tuesday, or midnight (whichever comes first) on other days

Total time limited to 2 hours for majority and minority

Morning Hour debate

30 minutes per side; each Member reserves up to 5 minutes

Point of order/Parliamentary inquiry

Members may be heard at discretion of, and time controlled by, presiding officer

May be made in House or Committee of the Whole