Advocacy Glossary
Discharge petition
What does discharge petition mean?
A discharge petition is a way for a majority of the U.S. House, 218 members when every seat is filled, to force a bill out of committee and onto the floor without leadership's approval.
Why it matters for advocates
Leaders and committee chairs normally decide which bills get votes. A discharge petition goes around them. Once enough members sign, the bill can be brought up for a vote.
They rarely succeed, but a petition gaining signatures is a strong signal. Sometimes the threat alone pushes leadership to act.
Related terms
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