HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES : Rules of Operating Procedure

In its first major roll call vote during the opening week of the 103rd Congress, the House adopted its operating rules. The vote was 221 to 199. Although most of the procedural package was routine, several new rules, drafted by the Democratic majority, drew Republican criticism.

The empowering of delegates from the District of Columbia and four other non-states to vote on the House floor was hotly debated.

Also disputed was a new rule making it easier for committees to report bills in the face of high absenteeism. The definition of quorum is watered down so that panels can vote bills to the floor without having a majority of members simultaneously present for the roll call. Under the “rolling quorum” plan, committee members can drop by on their own schedule to vote.

Supporter Louise M. Slaughter (D-N.Y.) said the rules “will allow the House to operate more productively and effectively.”

Opponent Gerald Solomon (R-N.Y.) said “the American people thought last November they were voting for change. . . . This is business as usual.”

A yes vote was to adopt rules put forward by the Democratic majority for the 103rd Congress.

Voting Privilege for Delegates From Non-States

By a vote of 238 to 187, the House rejected a motion to prevent delegates from non-states from voting on the floor. The motion during the debate also sought to limit the terms of committee chairs. The five members who gain voting rights under new House rules are the resident commissioner of Puerto Rico and delegates from the District of Columbia, Guam, American Samoa and the Virgin Islands. Each can vote on most roll calls, but the yea or nay is nullified if it proves to be the numerical difference between approval or rejection of a measure.

Because Democrats hold the five seats, the change increases their strength in the House to 263 members, compared to 176 Republicans and one independent.

Henry J. Hyde (R-Ill.) called the voting proposal unconstitutional, adding, “What an abysmal way to begin the Clinton Administration.”

Ron de Lugo (D-Virgin Islands) said that “when Desert Storm came up, I could not vote,” yet three of his constituents died in the war with Iraq.

A yes vote opposed floor voting for members from the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam, D.C. and Puerto Rico.

Rules of Operating Procedure

How They Voted Yea Nay No vote Rep. Becerra (D) x Rep. Moorhead (R) x

Voting Privilege for Delegates From Non-States

How They Voted Yea Nay No vote Rep. Becerra (D) x Rep. Moorhead (R) x

Source: Roll Call Report Syndicate