Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute
An amendment in the nature of a substitute is an amendment that replaces all or a substantial portion of the text under consideration with a different version. It allows a chamber or committee to consider a revised proposal as a whole, subject to the rules governing the measure.
An amendment in the nature of a substitute is an amendment that replaces all or a substantial portion of the text under consideration with a different version. It allows a chamber or committee to consider a revised proposal as a whole, subject to the rules governing the measure.
Example: During consideration of H.R. 815 in 2024, Congress considered substitute text before enacting the emergency supplemental appropriations law as Public Law 118-50.
Common misconception: An amendment in the nature of a substitute is a separate bill that automatically replaces the original. It is an amendment to the pending measure and must be adopted under the applicable rules.
Sources: https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/815; https://www.house.gov/the-house-explained/the-legislative-process