[Constitution, Jefferson's Manual, and the Rules of the House of Representatives, 113th Congress]
[113rd Congress]
[House Document 112-161]
[Jeffersons Manual of ParliamentaryPractice]
[Pages 204-205]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


 

                     sec. xxiv--bills, first reading


[[Page 205]]

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  This provision is obsolete, the practice under clause 8 of rule XVI 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.