Parliamentary Outreach Program

APPOINTING AND INSTRUCTING CONFEREES

  • One valid motion to instruct conferees is in order before the Speaker names conferees. A motion to instruct conferees is a Minority prerogative, and may not be amended unless the previous question is rejected. If the two managers from either party both support the motion, an opponent can claim one-third of the first hour of debate. Instructions are not binding and must be within the authority of the conferees under the rules of the House. In other words, a motion to instruct conferees must not instruct them to violate the rules of the House.

  • The Speaker appoints House conferees immediately after the House decides to go to conference or after the House disposes of the motion to instruct.

  • If necessary, the chairman of the House conferees makes a motion authorizing them to close one or more conference meetings. That motion requires a record vote of the full House.