Parliamentary Outreach Program

OBTAINING A RECORD VOTE ON THE HOUSE FLOOR

In the House (Quorum = 218)

    If few Members are present:

    "Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the grounds that a quorum is not present and make a point of order that a quorum is not present."

    (If 218 members are not present, a roll call vote is automatic); or

    "Mr. Speaker, I request the yeas and nays."

    (1/5th of the Members must stand in support of the request).

    If the Floor is crowded: (over 218 Members present)

    "Mr. Speaker, on that I request a recorded vote."

    (44 Members must stand in support of the recorded vote).

In the Committee of the Whole (Quorum = 100)

    If few Members are present:

    "Mr. Chairman, I request a recorded vote and, pending that, I make a point of order that a quorum is not present."

    (If 25 members stand in support, the point of order should be
    withdrawn, as the vote will be ordered).

    If the Floor is crowded: (over 100 Members present)

    "Mr. Chairman, I request a recorded vote."

    (25 Members must stand in support).