    [Constitution, Jefferson's Manual, and the Rules of the House of Representatives, 111th Congress]
    [111st Congress]
    [House Document 110-162]
    [Jeffersons Manual of ParliamentaryPractice]
    [Pages 201-202]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

                         sec. xxiv--bills, first reading

    [[Page 202]]

    is the first time of reading it; and the question will be, whether it
    shall be read a second time? then sitting down to give an opening for
    objections. If none be made, he rises again, and puts the question,
    whether it shall be read a second time? Hakew., 137, 141. A bill cannot
    be amended on the first reading, 6 Grey, 286; nor is it usual for it to
    be opposed then, but it may be done, and rejected. D'Ewes, 335, col. 1;
    3 Hats., 198.

    Sec. 399. Obsolete requirements as to first reading of
    bills.

      When  a bill is first presented, the Clerk reads it at the table, and
    hands it to the Speaker, who, rising, states to the House the title of
    the bill; that this

      This provision is obsolete, the practice under clause 8 of rule XVI
    now governing the procedure of the House.