Number: 98-314 Title: Suspension of the Rules in the House: Principal Features Authors: Elizabeth Rybicki, Government and Finance Division Abstract: "Suspension of the Rules" is a procedure that the House of Representatives often uses on the floor to act expeditiously on relatively noncontroversial legislation. This procedure is governed primarily by clauses 1 and 2 of House Rule XXVII. When a bill or some other matter is considered "under suspension," floor debate is limited, all floor amendments are prohibited, and a two-thirds vote is required for final passage. Pages: 3 Date: September 9, 2008