Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HR58

Introduced
1/25/23  

Caption

Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to require the chair of a committee or subcommittee to recognize members at a meeting of the committee or subcommittee in the order in which they seek recognition.

Impact

By mandating that the chair recognizes committee members in a specified order, HR58 is expected to alter the current informal practices that often lead to perceived biases or inequities in committee hearings. This change could potentially enhance the democratic process within the legislative framework, providing all members, regardless of their seniority or political stature, a fair chance to engage in discussions. The impact of this resolution may lead to a significant shift in how committee meetings are conducted, fostering an environment of inclusiveness and respect for member input.

Summary

House Resolution 58 (HR58) proposes an amendment to the Rules of the House of Representatives specifically addressing the process by which committee chairs recognize members to speak during committee or subcommittee meetings. The resolution aims to institute a systematic approach, ensuring that members are recognized in the order they seek recognition, rather than at the discretion of the chair. This change is intended to promote fairness and transparency within committee proceedings, allowing for equitable opportunities for all members to contribute to discussions.

Contention

While the resolution seems straightforward, it may not be without contention. Some members may view the imposed structure as unnecessary, arguing that the current system allows chairs to exercise their judgment in recognizing members based on the context of the discussion. Conversely, advocates for HR58 underscore the importance of setting a clear procedural standard that curtails potential favoritism and arbitrarily controlled discussions by committee chairs. Thus, the resolution touches upon larger themes of authority, fairness, and democratic engagement within the legislative process.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HR38

Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to prohibit remote voting in meetings of committees and subcommittees and to require the chair of a committee or subcommittee to recognize members at a meeting of the committee or subcommittee in the order in which they seek recognition.

US HR168

Amending House Rules 43 and 45, further providing for standing committees and subcommittees and for powers and duties of standing committees and subcommittees.

US HR1

Adopting permanent rules for the House of Representatives, further providing for definitions, for order of business, for fiscal notes, for consideration of bills, for third consideration and final passage bills, for House and concurrent resolutions, for standing committees and subcommittees, for powers and duties of standing committees and subcommittees, for public hearings, for discharge of committees, for lay on the table and for previous question.

US HR21

Adopting permanent rules for the House of Representatives, further providing for questions of order, for supervision of Hall of the House and committee rooms, for members' and employees' expenses, for order of business, for general appropriation bill and non-preferred bills, for consideration of bills, for third consideration and final passage bills, for hospital and home appropriations or acquiring lands of the Commonwealth, for House and concurrent resolutions, for standing committees and subcommittees, for powers and duties of standing committees and subcommittees, for Committee on Rules, for discharge of committees, for lay on the table, for previous question, for members required to be present and vote and for financial interests in gaming entities, providing for vote by designation and further providing for Committee on Ethics.

US HR22

Provides relative to subcommittees of the Committee on Appropriations

US HB648

Provides relative to committees and subcommittees of certain public bodies

US HR78

Providing for a certain total number of members on certain select committees and subcommittees, and for other purposes.

US HR12

Establishing a Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government as a select investigative subcommittee of the Committee on the Judiciary.

US HR21

Adopting, with exceptions, the General Operating Rules of the House of Representatives (2021-2022) as the Rules of the House of Representatives for Special Session No. 1 (2023), further providing for supervision of Hall of the House and committee rooms, for debate, for time of meeting, for order of business, for standing committees, for powers and duties of standing committees and for Committee on Rules.

US SR1

Resolution; allowing public comment at committee and subcommittee hearings.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.