This resolution streamlines House procedures for debating and voting on a bill, limiting debate time and precluding objections and amendments except for one potential amendment. It also modifies consideration of H.R. 1768 with a specified amendment process.
Frank Pallone
Representative
NJ-6
This resolution establishes the procedures for House consideration of H.R. 185, a bill focused on advancing responsible policies. It streamlines the process by precluding objections, adopting a specific amendment, and limiting debate to one hour. The resolution also allows for a motion to recommit the bill and modifies H.R. 1768 with a specified amendment.
House Sets Rules for Debate on H.R. 185, Streamlining Passage and Limiting Objections
This resolution sets the ground rules for how the House of Representatives will handle H.R. 185, "a bill to advance responsible policies." It's basically the playbook for getting this bill through the House, and it's designed to make things move quickly.
Laying Down the Law
This resolution does a few key things. First, it clears away any procedural roadblocks to even considering H.R. 185. Think of it like clearing the field before a game – no objections allowed. It also automatically adopts a revised version of the bill, so everyone's on the same page from the start. Then, it limits debate to just one hour, split evenly between the leaders of the Committee on Energy and Commerce (or whoever they designate).
Real-World Rollout
Imagine you're a small business owner, and this bill (H.R. 185) could affect your operations – maybe it changes regulations or introduces new reporting requirements. This resolution means the House will decide on this bill fast. The one-hour debate limit means there's less time for detailed discussion of potential impacts on businesses like yours. The removal of objections speeds up the process, but it also reduces opportunities to raise concerns.
There's also a twist with another bill, H.R. 1768. This resolution allows for a last-minute amendment to H.R. 1768, if it's submitted by the ranking minority member of the Energy and Commerce Committee. The amendment has to be printed in the Congressional Record at least a day ahead of time. If multiple are submitted, only the one that was submitted last is used. This could be a significant change slipped in, so it's something to watch. For example, if H.R. 1768 deals with energy efficiency standards, this amendment could alter those standards in a way that affects homeowners or construction workers – and it happens quickly, as part of the process for H.R. 185.
The Bottom Line
This is all about efficiency in the legislative process. It streamlines the path for H.R. 185, but that speed comes with trade-offs. Less debate and fewer opportunities for objections mean less scrutiny. While this can be good for getting things done, it also means potential impacts – both positive and negative – might not get the full airing they deserve. The amendment provision related to H.R. 1768 adds another layer of complexity, potentially introducing significant changes with limited debate.