At a Glance
- What it is: Changes to standing rules that govern subpoenas, hearings, and floor time.
- Why it helps: Sets the operating system for two years.
- Safeguards: Due process for witnesses and clear publication duties.
- Who is covered: Committees, witnesses, and the Clerk.
When to Use
- Organizing the House: The majority is setting rules for the new Congress.
- Bottlenecks: Important resolutions and subpoena enforcement are delayed.
- Transparency: You want publication clocks and dashboards that auto-update.
Explanation: Choose this tool when the listed conditions match your goal and other routes are too slow or too broad.
How it Works
- Draft rule text: Use plain sections with definitions, timelines, and venues.
- Secure votes: Work with leadership and the Rules Committee.
- Publish: Direct the Clerk to run a public docket with deadlines and outcomes.
- Review: Require a six-month report on results and recommended adjustments.
Explanation: These steps focus on speed, clarity, and a documented record the public can follow.
Simple Examples
- Guaranteed vote: Resolutions of inquiry shall receive consideration on the floor within 14 legislative days.
- Subpoena fines: Daily civil penalties begin after a short cure window with court review in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia.
- Docket: The Clerk maintains a dashboard listing subpoenas, cure dates, and enforcement actions.
Explanation: Examples show narrow, real world uses you can adapt quickly.
Risks and Mitigations
- Scope creep: Keep rules narrow and measurable.
- Legal challenge: Use settled venues and standard due process.
- Compliance gaps: Assign the Parliamentarian and the Clerk clear duties.
Explanation: Mitigations keep the tool fair and effective while reducing conflict and delay.
Copy Ready House Rule Provisions
Guaranteed Consideration. A resolution of inquiry reported by a committee shall be called up for consideration on the floor not later than 14 legislative days after reporting, with debate limited to one hour equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking member.
Subpoena Enforcement. When a subpoena return date passes without substantial compliance, the issuing committee shall provide written notice with a cure date no less than three calendar days after the notice. If substantial compliance is not achieved by the cure date, a civil penalty accrues for each calendar day until compliance or court relief. Venue for enforcement and review lies in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia.
Public Docket. The Clerk shall maintain a public docket listing each subpoena, notice, cure date, and enforcement action under House rules.