This resolution amends the House rules to permit certain resolutions to be privileged only if they are based on conduct which was the subject of an investigation and report by the appropriate committee of jurisdiction or if they are offered by direction of a party caucus or conference.This applies to a resolution (1) impeaching an officer of the government; (2) censuring, reprimanding, or expelling a Member, Delegate, or Resident Commissioner; or (3) causing a vacancy to occur in the office of the Speaker or in the position of a chair or ranking minority member of a committee.
Impact
The amendment to the House rules is expected to alter the procedural landscape of House operations concerning disciplinary actions against its members. By requiring that resolutions be substantiated by prior investigations, the bill seeks to prevent frivolous or opportunistic resolutions from being given expedited consideration. This may change how party leadership structures disciplinary actions, potentially making it more difficult for minority parties to initiate such measures without substantial backing.
Summary
HR78 proposes an amendment to the Rules of the House of Representatives, specifically targeting the conditions under which certain resolutions can be considered 'privileged.' A resolution will only gain privileged status if it is based on a conduct that has undergone investigation and report from the relevant committee or if it is initiated by the directive of a party caucus or conference. The intent behind this amendment is to ensure that resolutions reflecting serious disciplinary action, such as censure or impeachment, are adequately investigated before gaining privileged status, thus aiming to enhance the legitimacy of such proceedings.
Contention
Notable points of contention emerged around the implications of this resolution's passage. Proponents argue that it is necessary to instill a more rigorous process for addressing member misconduct, which could reinforce the integrity of the House. Critics, however, fear that this could be seen as a mechanism to protect members from legitimate scrutiny or to limit the effectiveness of minority party actions. Given the political climate, some may see this bill as a strategic maneuver to uphold party discipline, particularly in the context of contentious political situations.
Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to require a supermajority vote of Members present and voting to subject a Member, Delegate, or Resident Commissioner to the censure or disapproval of the House, or removal from committee membership.
Amending The Majority Caucus Leadership, Minority Caucus Leadership, And Chairs, Vice Chairs, And Members Of The Standing Committees Of The House Of Representatives Of The Thirty-third Legislature.
HOUSE RESOLUTION AMENDING THE RULES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FOR THE YEARS 2025 AND 2026 (Amends the House Rules to enable any member to have up to three (3) bills that are held for further study either substituted in committee or allowed to have a committee vote for placement on the floor calendar exclusively at the discretion of the Speaker.)
Relative to certain letters to be signed by the Speaker of the House on behalf of the House and sent to persons or groups in lieu of any resolutions on the subject.
A resolution to constitute the majority party's membership on certain committees for the One Hundred Nineteenth Congress, or until their successors are chosen.
HOUSE RESOLUTION AMENDING THE RULES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FOR THE YEARS 2023 AND 2024 (Amends the House Rules to enable any member to have up to 3 bills that are held for further study either substituted in committee or allowed to have a committee vote for placement on the floor calendar exclusively at the discretion of the Speaker.)
HOUSE RESOLUTION AMENDING THE RULES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FOR THE YEARS 2023 AND 2024 (Provides that members be limited to the introduction of 18 bills or resolutions during any legislative session with some exclusions.)
HOUSE RESOLUTION AMENDING THE RULES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FOR THE YEARS 2023 AND 2024 (Requires that the bill sponsor or another member of the House be present in order to formally present a bill to a committee before any testimony is taken on the bill.)
Citizen Legislature Anti-Corruption Reform of Congress Act or the CLEAN Congress Act This bill (1) requires bills, orders, resolutions, or votes submitted by Congress to the President to include only one subject that is clearly and descriptively expressed in the measure's title; and (2) makes ineffective any provision of law that excludes its application to a Member of Congress or to an employee in a Member's office.