with all the freedom of an ordinary committee, it is the practice to refer the matter to the “Committee of the Whole.”[1] If it is desired to consider the question at once, the motion is made, “That the assembly do now resolve itself into a committee of the whole, to take under consideration,” etc., specifying the subject. This is really a motion to “commit.” [See § 22 for its order of precedence, etc. ] If adopted, the Chairman immediately calls another member to the chair, and takes his place as a member of the committee. The committee is under the rules of the assembly, excepting as stated hereafter in this section. The only motions in order are to amend and adopt, and that the committee “rise and report,” as it cannot adjourn; nor can it order the “yeas and nays” [§ 38]. The only way to close or limit debate in committee of the whole is for the assembly to vote that the debate in committee shall cease at a certain time, or that after a certain time no debate shall be allowed excepting on new amend-
- ↑ In large assemblies, such as the U. S. House of Representatives, where a member can speak to any question but once, the committee of the whole seems almost a necessity, as it allows the freest discussion of a subject, while at any time it can rise and thus bring into force the strict rules of the assembly.
