Organizational Meeting for the 119th Congress

Committee on Rules

2025-01-16

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Source: Congress.gov

Summary

The House Rules Committee convened to adopt organizational rules for the 119th Congress, with Chair Virginia Foxx and Ranking Member Jim McGovern leading the session. Key issues included expanding debate time, protecting the 72-hour bill review rule, and preventing rules that would increase the deficit. Members debated amendments aimed at ensuring transparency, opposing Republican proposals to waive the 72-hour rule and eliminate deficit concerns. A bipartisan push emerged to uphold open deliberation, with McGovern advocating for fair tax policy and public access to legislation. Despite attempts to include deficit safeguards and enhance transparency, all amendments were ultimately rejected, preserving the current rule structure. The committee also confirmed subcommittee composition and staff authority to make technical changes during the session.

Participants

Transcript

Good morning.  Good morning.  How are you?  Good.  How are you doing?  OK. OK. A long time ago, I asked an elderly gentleman in the community, how are you?  He said, I'm not been taking nourishment.
So I thought it was a good line.  The committee will come to order.   We're meeting today to adopt the committee rules and other business related to the organization of the Rules Committee of the 119th Congress.  Before we begin the business before us today, I want to take a moment to welcome everyone to the Rules Committee.  I'm honored to be back at the Rules Committee and to have been appointed chair by Speaker Johnson.  I look forward to working with the esteemed members of the committee, especially Ranking Member Jim McGovern.   Many of our members have previously served on the committee, and I welcome you back.  For the majority, I welcome back Representatives Michelle Fischbach, Ralph Norman, Chip Roy, Aaron Houchin, Nick Langworthy, and Austin Scott.  For the minority, I welcome back Ranking Member McGovern, Representatives Mary Gay Scanlon, Joe Neguse, and Teresa Leger Fernandez.   who, when she says her name, it's just like music.  I wish I could say it the way she says it.  We'll be joined this Congress by two new members beginning their service for the majority on the Rules Committee.  I welcome Representatives Morgan Griffith and Brian Jack.  As you all know, the Rules Committee plays a critical role in facilitating the deliberation and amendment of major legislation in the House.   During the 118th Congress, the Rules Committee established a legacy in broadening the voices heard of all members from the highest of rank to the rank and file.  The committee implemented House Rules changes to create a more open, transparent, and accountable process for the American people.  Speaker Johnson has promised the American people to embark on a path marked by liberty, security, strength,
prosperity, and opportunity.  I look forward to fulfilling that promise.  As chair, I also intend for the Rules Committee to maintain the same collegiality that we have traditionally enjoyed.  The Rules Committee traditionally has not enforced the five-minute rule.  However, we'll review this practice and make changes if necessary.  We'll ensure that all points of view are heard and considered.   But I ask members of the committee to be respectful in the timing of their questioning to other committee members and to our witnesses.  I want to extend a particular welcome back to our ranking member, Mr. McGovern, and thank him very much for his kind words upon my appointment.  You have my deepest appreciation for your distinguished service on the committee.   I'm delighted you'll continue to serve with us as ranking member.  Before we proceed to the business before the committee, I yield to the ranking member for any opening remarks.
Well, thank you very much, Chairman Fox, and congratulations on your new role as chairman of the House Rules Committee.  You and I don't agree on much.  We probably can't even agree on what to have for lunch.  But while we rarely see eye to eye,   I can say that you are a committed, hardworking public servant who fights tirelessly for what you believe in and the people you represent, values that I share.  And we have served together on this committee in the past, leading me to believe that you appreciate the gravity of what it means to steer this committee, and I trust that you will be dedicated to upholding its traditions.  It is my hope that we can continue to foster an environment here where members may disagree on nearly everything,   but we can still treat each other with respect.  Yes, we have our work cut out for us, and at times, debates will surely be heated.  But it's our responsibility to set the standard for how committees can uphold civility and decency while completing our work for the American people, even when, and especially when, we disagree.  It's also great to see all of our committee colleagues here today.  Welcome back to those who are returning.   And welcome to our two newest members, Representative Griffith and Jack.  Buckle up.  You're in for a ride.

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