PERSONAL REQUESTS

Clause 1 of Rule VIII allows Members to be absent and excused on grounds of necessity which can include a death in the family, illness or official business. Requests for leaves of absence should be made through the Cloakroom and are signed by the appropriate party Leader. They are laid before the House each evening and made a part of the Congressional Record. It is generally a good idea to use this device since Federal statutes require docking the pay of Members who are absent without leave -- although the law has not been enforced.