[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 146 (Friday, October 17, 2003)]
[House]
[Page H9643]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRY

  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I have a parliamentary 
inquiry.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentlewoman will state it.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, my understanding is that we 
have called for the committee to rise and we are now in the full House 
under H.R. 3289.
  My inquiry is, are we about to enter into a discussion on a rule that 
will supersede the submitting, if you will, of amendments by Members of 
this body? My understanding is that we passed an open rule, and we had 
at least 100 or more amendments offered by Members from both sides of 
the aisle, many of them dealing with the quality-of-life issues of our 
troops, many of them dealing with the mental health issues with respect 
to the huge numbers of suicides, many of them dealing with bulletproof 
vests, but focusing on the intent of H.R. 3289, which is a supplemental 
that funds the actions in Iraq with respect to our troops, but also 
deals with the Iraqi reconstruction.
  My concern is whether or not debate is now going to cease because of 
this newly presented rule and the basis upon which the House now moves 
to implement a rule that supersedes the original rule that allowed us 
to have the opportunity to present our amendments.
  I believe the American people deserve an answer, Mr. Speaker.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair cannot give an advisory opinion on 
a hypothetical situation which may arise. The gentlewoman raises a 
proper question for debate during the debate on the rule.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. May I inquire as to the next step of the 
proceedings of this House with respect to H.R. 3289? Are we about to 
enter into a discussion on a rule eliminating debate?
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair is prepared to recognize a member 
of the Committee on Rules to call up a rule.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. I would appreciate very much if we would be 
able to get a answer. Is the Chair yielding to the Committee on Rules?
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair is prepared to recognize a member 
of the Committee on Rules.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Will we get an answer at that point whether 
debate will cease?
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. That is a proper question for debate on the 
rule.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. And we will get a proper answer as to 
whether debate will cease and desist? But the intent of the rule is to 
cease and desist our debate and to cut off debate on these amendments.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. That is a proper question for the debate on 
the rule.

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