§015s. (CB) Self-Executing Rule

Cyclopedia of Congressional Budget Law

Self-Executing Rule

Summary

The term self-executing rule indicates resolution that, upon its adoption, approves a separate legislative measure without that measure directly being considered or voted on. Such a resolution is a type of “special order of business” (the formal term for a “rule”) that ordinarily provides the terms, such as time allowed and method amendment, for the consideration of a bill or resolution coming to the House floor. The most common form of a “self-executing rule” is for the adoption of an amendment to the measure for which it is providing such terms.

In practical terms, the Committee on Rules will meet on a bill or resolution and report the rule providing for its consideration. Included in the text of the rule will be language that the amendment “shall be considered as adopted. ” The amendment itself will typically be printed in the Rules Committee Report on the rule in which the self-executing language is placed. The amendment might also be in the form of a substitute as recommended by the Committee of jurisdiction, or as sent to the House by the Senate.