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Is the motion to suspend the rules out of order when another member has the floor?

User SantyEssac
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Final answer:

The motion to suspend the rules is out of order when another member has the floor, as members must be recognized before making motions. Both the House and Senate have rules for conduct and require a two-thirds vote to expel members.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question you're asking pertains to the procedural norms of a formal meeting, such as those conducted within the United States Congress. When discussing whether the motion to suspend the rules is out of order when another member has the floor, it is crucial to understand that maintaining order during a meeting is essential to the proceedings. According to parliamentary procedure, a member must be recognized by the presiding officer before making any motion, including a motion to suspend the rules. If another member currently has the floor, a subsequent motion is indeed out of order until the first member finishes speaking or yields the floor.

Both the House of Representatives and the Senate have the autonomy to create and enforce their own rules, as mentioned in Section 5 Clause 2 of the U.S. Constitution. This clause allows each House to punish members for disorderly behavior and require a two-thirds vote to expel a member. For example, in the Senate, there is a provision for unlimited debate unless no one seeks further recognition, which could be an instance in which the rules might be suspended to expedite proceedings.

User Jon Ryan
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