GAO Glossary of Terms and Definitions (September 2005)

Point of Order

An objection raised on the House or Senate floor or in committees to an action being taken as contrary to that body’s rules. In the House, for example, a point of order may be raised under Rule XXI objecting to an appropriation in an appropriation bill that was not previously authorized by law.

Many of the rules established in the Congressional Budget Act and related rules preclude the consideration of legislation that would violate totals in the budget resolutions, spending limits, or committee allocations. These rules are typically enforced through points of order. Points of order may be waived by a majority vote in the House. In the Senate, only points of order under the Budget Act may be waived (not points of order against actions that violate the Senate’s standing rules), but the waiver generally requires a three-fifths vote. (See also Concurrent Resolution on the Budget; Congressional Budget Act.)

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