I was debating with a friend that the Speaker can have an end run done to them with a discharge petition, basically forcing a bill to the floor for a vote.
He argues that the speaker has absolute authority and can simply change the rules at any time to do what they want when they want, ergo simply tank the discharge petition rules. I don't believe that. I know the speakers position is powerful but that they cannot stop a rule once it has been exercised.
I just wrote to Rep. McGovern (D-MA) as the Chairman of the House Rules Committee, but I thought I would seek wisdom here if there is any. I would presume once a rule has been enacted there is some legal precedent that it cannot now be changed, but I don't know.
Any thoughts?
Thanks for the help!
Regards,
Doug
He argues that the speaker has absolute authority and can simply change the rules at any time to do what they want when they want, ergo simply tank the discharge petition rules. I don't believe that. I know the speakers position is powerful but that they cannot stop a rule once it has been exercised.
I just wrote to Rep. McGovern (D-MA) as the Chairman of the House Rules Committee, but I thought I would seek wisdom here if there is any. I would presume once a rule has been enacted there is some legal precedent that it cannot now be changed, but I don't know.
Any thoughts?
Thanks for the help!
Regards,
Doug
