Self-executing rule

When considering a bill for debate, the House must first adopt a "special rule" for the debate as proposed by the House Rules Committee. The special rule is a resolution which specifies which issues or bills are to be considered by the House, how much time allotted for debate on such matters, and which proposed amendments will be allowed to be voted on. If the House votes to approve a rule that contains a self-executing provision, it simultaneously agrees to dispose of the separate matter as specified by the rule. For example, modifications or amendments can be approved while the underlying bill is also approved at the same time.

The procedure is often used to streamline the legislative process, although some legal scholars question whether the process is constitutional.

Uses

The first use of the self-executing rule, then known as a "deeming resolution," was in 1933.

From the 95th to the 98th Congresses (1977–1984) the self-executing rule was used eight times; it was then used 20 times under House Speaker Tip O’Neill (D) in the 99th Congress, and 18 times under Speaker Jim Wright (D) in the 100th. Under Speaker Newt Gingrich (R) there were 38 self-executing rules in the 104th Congress and 52 in the 105th (1995–1998). Under Speaker Dennis Hastert (R) there were 40 self-executing rules in the 106th Congress, 42 in the 107th and 30 in the 108th (1999–2007).

In March 2010, the procedure was one option considered, but then rejected, by Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D) and congressional Democrats to pass the Reconciliation Act of 2010 (H.R. 4872) and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (H.R. 3590), as part of President Obama's health care reform initiative.