Final answer:
A rule that prohibits amending a bill on the floor of Congress is referred to as a closed rule. This rule is determined by the House Committee on Rules which sets the stipulations for debate and amendments to the bill before it reaches the floor for consideration.
Step-by-step explanation:
A rule that prohibits amending a bill when it is on the floor of Congress for consideration is often referred to as a closed rule. When a bill reaches the floor of the House of Representatives, the House Committee on Rules determines the rules of debate, including the stipulations about the amendments. If they establish a closed rule, no further amendments may be made to the bill during floor debate. This is distinct from an open rule, where amendments can be proposed and debated on the floor.
During the markup stage in committee, before reaching the floor, amendments can be proposed and voted on. If the committee agrees to advance the bill, it's printed and sent to the respective chamber. In contrast, the Senate does not have a similar rules committee, but the use of filibusters and cloture motions can effectively limit the amendment process by requiring a supermajority to advance legislation, reflecting a de facto rule on amending bills during floor consideration.