Number: RS22637
Title: House Committee Hearings: The "Minority Witness Rule"
Authors: Christopher M. Davis, Government and Finance Division 
Abstract: House Rule XI gives the minority party members of committees the right to have witnesses of their choosing called to testify on at least one day of any hearing scheduled by the majority. The rule has primarily served as an incentive to the majority party to see that the minority viewpoint is represented at hearings. While the minority has a right to have witnesses testify on one hearing day, the committee majority maintains control over the scheduling, scope, and duration of that testimony.
Pages: 3
Date: April 4, 2007