Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to limit the privileged status of a motion causing a vacancy in the Office of Speaker to motions offered by direction of not fewer than 112 Members from the majority party or 112 Members from the minority party.
Impact
The proposed changes in HR826 may significantly impact the dynamics of the House, particularly how leadership is managed during times of political tension. By requiring a higher threshold of support to initiate a motion to vacate the Speaker’s chair, the bill could reduce the chances of impulsive or politically motivated vacancies. This could foster a more stable leadership environment, giving the Speaker more authority and time to govern without frequent challenges to their position. However, it may also limit members' ability to hold leadership accountable under certain circumstances.
Summary
House Resolution 826 (HR826) is a legislative proposal aimed at amending the rules governing the House of Representatives, specifically concerning the procedural handling of motions that can lead to a vacancy in the Office of the Speaker. The resolution seeks to impose a new limitation which stipulates that such motions must be initiated by a minimum of 112 members, either from the majority or minority party. This change is intended to formalize the process surrounding leadership stability in the House and address concerns over the frequency and uncontested nature of such motions.
Contention
There are some points of contention associated with HR826. Supporters argue that it will promote unity and discourage frivolous motions that distract from legislative business. Critics, however, may view this procedural change as an erosion of checks and balances within the House, potentially protecting incumbents at the cost of accountability. The alteration in how vacancies at the Speaker's position are handled may also spark debates about the balance of power between majority and minority parties, emphasizing the need for procedures that allow for swift action when necessary without compromising stability.
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.
Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives 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.
Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to prohibit Members, officers, and employees of the House from serving on the board of directors of any entity which receives funding from, or is affiliated with or owned or controlled by, the United Front Work Department of the Chinese Communist Party, any other element of the Chinese Communist Party, or any foreign adversary, and for other purposes.
To provide that reimbursement of Members of Congress by the House of Representatives for expenses incurred in connection with official duties are not subject to tax.
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Russian Federation's status as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council contravenes the spirit and purpose of the United Nations, that the rights and privileges it enjoys in that role be limited, suspended, or terminated, and that the Republic of India be appointed as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council with all the rights and privileges of the position.
Prohibiting Members of the House of Representatives from bringing or displaying a flag of a foreign nation on the floor of the House, and for other purposes.
A resolution to constitute the majority party's membership on certain committees for the One Hundred Eighteenth Congress, or until their successors are chosen.