Committee of the Whole

All members of a legislative body acting as one committee. Rules that govern committees would, therefore, apply, instead of the legislative body's usual procedures, resulting in expedited action. In the United States, a Committee of the Whole exists in the House of Representatives. The committee deliberates and debates legislation but cannot independently pass bills. Action is expedited because there is a smaller quorum requirement (100 members instead of a simple majority), a “five-minute rule” for debates (five minutes allowed to express support and five minutes allowed to express disapproval), and prohibition of the time-consuming motions “to adjourn, lay a measure on the table, recess, recommit, reconsider, or for the previous question.” The recommendations of the committee are reported to the full House by the committee chair. The House votes whether to pass or fail the bill or recommit it.