Rules of the United States House of Representatives
Overview
The United States House of Representatives is one of the two houses of the United States Congress, the bicameral legislature which also includes the United States Senate. The structure and operations of the House of Representatives are governed by a set of rules, procedures, and traditions. This article provides a comprehensive overview of these rules.
Composition and Elections
The House of Representatives is composed of 435 members, each representing a congressional district. Members are elected to two-year terms through a direct election process. The Apportionment Act of 1911 fixed the number of representatives at 435, and the Reapportionment Act of 1929 established a procedure for automatically reapportioning seats after each decennial census.
Leadership
The House is led by the Speaker, who is elected by the members of the House. The Speaker is second in the United States presidential line of succession, after the Vice President. Other leadership positions include the Majority Leader, Minority Leader, and the whips.
Rules and Procedures
The rules of the House of Representatives are outlined in the House Rules and Manual, which is published each new Congress. The rules cover a wide range of procedures, including how bills are introduced, debated, and voted on, as well as the roles and responsibilities of members and committees.
Introduction of Bills
Bills can be introduced by any member of the House. They are then referred to a Congressional committee, which reviews the bill and determines whether it should be brought to the floor for a vote.
Debate and Voting
Debate on bills is governed by the House Rules Committee, which sets the terms of debate, including how much time is allotted for discussion and whether amendments can be offered. Voting can be conducted through several methods, including voice vote, division vote, and roll call vote.
Committees
Committees play a crucial role in the legislative process. They are responsible for reviewing bills, conducting hearings, and making recommendations to the full House. The House has several types of committees, including standing committees, select committees, and joint committees.
Traditions
In addition to formal rules, the House also follows a number of traditions. These include the seniority system, which influences committee assignments and leadership positions, and the use of the Mace, a ceremonial symbol of the House's authority.