Number: RS21174
Title: Special Order Speeches and Other Forms of Non-Legislative Debate in the House
Authors: Betsy Palmer, Government and Finance Division 
Abstract: House of Representative debate rules limit the length of floor speeches and requires them to be germane to pending business. A series of unanimous consent practices have evolved, however, that permit Members to address the House for specified durations and at specified times on subjects of their own choosing, outside the consideration of legislative business. The principal forms of non-legislative debate used for these purposes are special order speeches, one minute speeches, and morning hour debate.
Pages: 3
Date: November 25, 2008