OBTAINING A RECORD VOTE ON THE HOUSE FLOOR

IN THE HOUSE
(Quorum = 218)

If few Members are present:

Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the grounds that a quorum is not present and make a point of order that a quorum is not present. (If 218 Members are not present, a record vote is automatic);

OR:

Mr. Speaker, I request the yeas and nays.

(1/5th of the Members present must stand in

support of the request).

If the Floor is crowded:

(over 218 Members present)

Mr. Speaker, on that I request a recorded vote.

(44 Members, 1/5th of a quorum, must stand in support of the recorded vote).



IN THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
(Quorum= 100)

If few Members are present:

Mr. Chairman, I request a recorded vote and, pending that, I make a point of order that a quorum is not present.

(If 25 Members stand in support, the point of order should be withdrawn, as the vote will be ordered).

If the Floor is crowded:

(over 100 Members present)

Mr. Chairman, I request a recorded vote.

(25 Members must stand in support).
OBTAINING TIME TO SPEAK ON THE HOUSE FLOOR

One-Minute Speeches

WHEN? At the beginning or end of the day.

HOW? Sit in the front row. The Speaker will recognize Members in turn, beginning at the center aisle, alternating between the majority and minority sides. Once recognized, walk to the well and say:

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to address the House for one minute, and to revise and extend my remarks...



Debate on RULES, GENERAL DEBATE and AMENDMENTS CONTROLLED under a RULE

HOW? Request time (in advance, if possible) from the resolution/bill/amendment Manager.

WHEN? When the Manager yields time, walk to a microphone and begin your remarks:

I thank the gentleman/woman for yielding. I rise in support of (or opposition to) the resolution/bill/amendment and ask unanimous consent to revise and extend...



Special Orders

WHEN? At the end of the day after all legislative business has been completed.

HOW? No earlier than one week in advance, Members may sign their names on the Special Order sheet at the Leadership Table for 5 minute special orders or call the Cloakroom to have their names placed on the list for longer requests. Indicate the date and amount of time desired (from 5 to 60 minutes). The Speaker will recognize Members alternating between sides.



OFFERING AND SPEAKING ON AMENDMENTS UNDER THE FIVE-MINUTE RULE

Offering Amendments under the 5-Minute Rule

WHEN? After the Clerk has read the text to be amended.

HOW? Give the reading Clerk a minimum of 10 copies of your amendment. To obtain recognition, stand and when recognized by the Chair, state:

Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

The Chair will direct the Clerk to read the amendment. You may interrupt by saying:

Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent that the amendment be considered as read and printed in the Record... (You will be recognized for five minutes after which you may extend your time by unanimous consent).



Speaking to Another Member's Amendment

WHEN? After the sponsor and chief opponent (who obtains time by rising in opposition to the amendment) have offered their statements.

HOW? Seek recognition by offering a "pro forma" amendment as follows:

Mr. Chairman I move to strike the last word... (You will receive five minutes to speak and may extend your time by unanimous consent).



Obtaining a Separate Vote on Amendments Adopted in the Committe of the Whole

WHEN? After the Committee has risen and the Speaker has asked if a separate vote is demanded on any amendment adopted in the Committee of the Whole.

HOW? Stand to gain recognition, then demand a separate vote on the specific amendment.
OBTAINING A RECORDED VOTE ON FINAL PASSAGE

WHEN? After the House has returned from the Committee of the Whole and after the Clerk has finished reading the title (and after disposition of any motion to recommit).

HOW? Stand to gain recognition, then request a record vote.



INSERTING STATEMENTS IN THE RECORD

By Unanimous Consent or General Leave

WHY? (1)To insert a written statement in the Record after remarks actually made; or (2) to include remarks you would have made had debate time been available.

HOW? (1)Ensure the bill Manager has obtained General Leave for all Members; or (2) ask the Manager to yield for a unanimous consent request. If proceeding by unanimous consent, once recognized, say:

I ask unanimous consent to revise and extend my remarks in support of (or opposition to) the bill/amendment.

Give your signed, written statement to the Cloakroom staff or a Record Clerk.



Extensions of Remarks



HOW? Give remarks to the Cloakroom or sign the form provided on the Leadership Tables. Be sure that the remarks include the Member's original signature and typed signature for identification.

WHEN? Extensions must be submitted by 5 P.M. or 15 minutes after adjournment (whichever is later).

NOTE--If the material exceeds 2 pages of the Record, it must be submitted to GPO in advance for a cost estimate.