Procedures of the United States House of Representatives

While the proscription on using electronic devices is more recent, some of the current House Rules originated in the early sessions of Congress.

After approval of the journal the members recite the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the start of legislative business.

If there are any limitations on time, the majority and minority leadership typically receive advance notice.

To deliver a one-minute speech, members go to the front row of seats on their party’s side of the Floor and sit down.

[7] When the chair announces that one minute has expired, the Member can finish the sentence underway but must then stop speaking.

The inserted material appears in a distinct typeface in the Congressional Record, typically italics.

[7] One-minute speeches have many uses in Congress, including allowing members to explain a new bill or a floor amendment they will offer later in the day.

Representatives also use one-minute speeches to deliver eulogies and tributes concerning individuals and organizations in their congressional district.

One minutes also provide Members with an opportunity to express their views on bills, policy issues, and local, national, and international events.

These members of Congress have little opportunity to shape the legislative process, and therefore rely on alternative mechanisms, such as one-minute speeches to represent their constituents.

On February 7, 2018, Representative Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) delivered the then-longest one-minute speech since at least 1909, speaking for eight hours and seven minutes.

After the conclusion of time for debate and after all amendments have been disposed of, the matter is usually voted upon by the full House, unless the rules permit and a member moves to recommit (or commit) the bill back to committee.

The Rules of the Democratic Caucus and the Republican Conference determine the nomination procedure of its own members.

Seniority on a Standing Committee is based on the order of the members on the election resolution as approved by the House.

Current House Rules also stipulate that a member cannot serve as chairman of the same standing committee or subcommittee for more than three consecutive Congresses (six years).