Earmark Reform PDF Download

The Senate rule prohibits a vote on a motion to proceed to consider a measure or a vote on adoption of a conference report, unless the chair of the committee or Majority Leader certifies that a complete list of earmarks and the name of each Senator requesting each earmark is available on a publicly accessible congressional website 48 hours before the vote. [...] A manager's amendment is an amendment offered at the outset of consideration for amendment by a member of a committee of initial referral, under the terms of a special rule.8 Major legislation is typically brought up on the House floor by a special rule, which provides the terms for consideration of the measure, and may also limit consideration of floor amendments, specify the order for considerat [...] Argument concerning the adequacy of the list or the probity of a disclaimer is a matter that may be addressed by debate on the merits of the measure or by other means collateral to the review of the chair.15 Each committee, therefore, is left solely responsible for determining the contents of the list. [...] Senate Rule XLIV prohibits a vote on a motion to proceed to consider any committee-reported legislative measure (and any amendment included in the text of the reported bill) or non-reported Senate legislative measure, unless the chair of the applicable committee or the Majority Leader (or designee) provides certain certifications.18 Similarly, the Senate can not vote on adoption of a conference re [...] These points of order may also be waived if the Majority and Minority Leaders jointly agree that "such a waiver is necessary as a result of a significant disruption to Senate facilities or to the availability of the Internet."22 The Senate rule places restrictions on consideration of appeals of the chair's rulings on these points of order.