Rule
In congressional procedure, a rule is a formal direction that sets how a chamber will consider a measure or conduct its business. In the House, a special rule can set debate time, determine which amendments are allowed, and specify other terms for floor consideration.
In congressional procedure, a rule is a formal direction that sets how a chamber will consider a measure or conduct its business. In the House, a special rule can set debate time, determine which amendments are allowed, and specify other terms for floor consideration.
Example: The House Rules Committee may report a special rule for a bill before the House considers that bill on the floor. The rule itself is a procedural measure, separate from the underlying bill.
Common misconception: A House rule is the same as a federal statute. Chamber rules govern internal legislative procedure; a bill becomes federal law only after it completes the constitutional lawmaking process.
Sources: https://www.house.gov/the-house-explained/the-legislative-process; https://rules.house.gov/