Capitol_Hill-101: What is a “suspension vote” in the U.S. House of Representatives?

The House of Representatives frequently considers non-controversial bills under “suspension of the rules,” in an expedited process.

These “suspension bills”

• require a two-thirds majority vote to pass
• get 40 minutes of debate, and
• no amendments are allowed (except for technical corrections)

A protocol adopted in the 112th Congress (2011–2012) requires that bills that will be brought up under suspension of the rules must be available publicly electronically for three days before the vote.

For more information, see the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service report on “The Legislative Procedure on the House Floor.”