Advocacy Glossary
Rules Committee
What does Rules Committee mean?
The House Rules Committee sets the terms for debating most major bills on the House floor, including how long debate lasts and which amendments members may offer.
Why it matters for advocates
Before a major bill reaches the floor, the Rules Committee writes a special rule for it, and the full House votes on that rule first. Leadership controls the committee, so it is a key tool for steering what happens on the floor.
If you want an amendment considered, it usually has to be submitted to the Rules Committee and made in order. Otherwise it never gets a vote.
Related terms
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