Preservation of Order

Clause 2 of House Rule I

One of the oldest rules of the House are those which authorize the Speaker to maintain order and decorum in the House and to call a Member to order when he has transgressed the rules of the House "in speaking or otherwise." Hence, the Chair enforces the rules of decorum at its prerogative.

Clause 2 of rule I states that:

"The Speaker shall preserve order and decorum and, in case of disturbance or disorderly conduct in the galleries or in the lobby, may cause the same to be cleared."