This bill establishes the procedures for the House of Representatives to debate and vote on changes to the Controlled Substances Act concerning the regulation of fentanyl-related substances. It outlines specific rules for amendments, debate time, and motions related to the bill.
H. Griffith
Representative
VA-9
This resolution establishes the procedures for the House of Representatives to debate and vote on H.R. 27, a bill addressing the scheduling of fentanyl-related substances under the Controlled Substances Act. It sets time limits for debate, approves a specific amendment, and allows for one additional amendment and a motion to reconsider the bill. The resolution streamlines the process for considering this legislation.
| Party | Total Votes | Yes | No | Did Not Vote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Republican | 218 | 215 | 0 | 3 |
Democrat | 215 | 0 | 208 | 7 |
Fentanyl Bill Debate Rules Set: House Streamlines Process for H.R. 27
H.R. 27, a bill focused on fentanyl-related substances under the Controlled Substances Act, is moving forward with a specific set of debate rules. This procedural step sets the stage for how the House of Representatives will discuss and potentially amend the bill.
Fast-Tracked Debate
The House has laid down the ground rules for debating H.R. 27. All points of order against considering the bill and its provisions are waived, which essentially clears the path for it to move forward without procedural roadblocks. An amendment, detailed in part A of the Rules Committee report, has already been adopted. General debate time is capped at one hour, divided equally between the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce. This means a focused, time-limited discussion on the bill’s initial form.
Amendment and Final Steps
Beyond the initial debate, one additional amendment is allowed, as outlined in part B of the Rules Committee report. If offered by the designated member, this amendment gets its own 10 minutes of debate, split evenly. Finally, the bill will face one motion to recommit, which is a final chance for changes before a vote. Essentially, this structure allows for some targeted modifications but keeps the overall process streamlined.
Real-World Implications
While this is all procedural, it's important because it shapes how a potentially significant bill about fentanyl-related substances will be handled. The waiver of points of order means potential challenges are bypassed. The limited debate time could mean less scrutiny, but also faster action on a pressing issue. For example, if the underlying bill introduces stricter controls on certain substances, this procedural rule dictates how quickly those controls could potentially be enacted, impacting everyone from medical professionals to law enforcement, and individuals dealing with substance use.
It is important to note that these rules are specific to H.R. 27, and how it will play out depends on the details within the bill itself. However, the framework is set for a swift and structured legislative process.