POINTS OF ORDER IN THE HOUSE

A point of order is an objection that the pending proposal or proceeding (bill, amendment, motion, etc.) is in violation of a rule of the House. The validity or cognizability of points of order is determined by the presiding officer. If a point of order is sustained against consideration, the offending bill or amendment is ineligible for consideration. If a point of order is sustained against a provision, the provision is stricken from the bill. Points of order may be waived by special rules or orders of the House.

How to Make a Point of Order on the House Floor

WHEN?

• The objection must be raised as soon as the offending bill/amendment/motion is offered or the offending provision is read.

HOW?

• The Member must rise to seek recognition and say:

“Point of order, Mr. Speaker/Chairman. The bill/amendment/motion violates clause ___ of House rule ____, which......”

(The Member may only address the Chair, not other colleagues. Discussion is limited to the question of order; the merits of the underlying legislation may not be discussed. Members may not revise and extend their remarks or add extraneous material on the point of order).

NOTE: While an objection must be timely raised, it is in order for a Member to reserve a point of order pending an explanation of an amendment. Calls for regular order are not appropriately used to raise points of order.