Upton Sets New Rules For Energy & Commerce Committee

Congressman Fred Upton (R-MI), right, Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee has set out new rules and practices to guide the Committee in the 112th Congress.

The adoption of Committee rules and unveiling of the new "Chairman's Policies" came during the panel's official organizing meeting for the 112th Congress, which included the adoption of Subcommittee jurisdictions and the formal appointment of Subcommittee leadership and full member rosters.

Changes to the Committee's rules include:

• Advance notice of at least three days before any committee meeting

• Availability of legislative text in advance of a markup

• Codifying the committee practice of posting record votes and information within 24 hours

• Permitting, but not requiring, the use of “stacked” or “rolled” votes

• Limiting the number of opening statements at hearings in order to increase the focus on, and time for, witness testimony and questioning

(House Energy & Commerce Committee)