Political Quotes

“Section 8121 constitutes legislation because it requires that the Secretary determine what qualifies as ``semiprofessional,'' ``a sporting event,'' and ``mixed martial arts.'' These are not terms that current law requires that the Secretary know, thus, imposing these determinations upon the Secretary violates clause 2 of rule XXI. I ask for a ruling from the Chair. The Acting CHAIR. Does any other Member wish to be heard on the point of order? Seeing none, the Chair is prepared to rule. The gentleman from Mississippi makes a point of order that section 8121 proposes to change existing law in violation of clause 2(b) of rule XXI. Section 8121 is in the form of a limitation on funds in the bill. As recorded in Deschler's Precedents, volume 8, chapter 26, section 52, even though a limitation might refrain from explicitly assigning new duties to officers of the government, if it implicitly requires them to make investigations, judgments, or determinations not otherwise required of them by law, then it assumes the character of legislation and is subject to a point of order under clause 2(b) of rule XXI. The fact that a limitation may impose certain incidental burdens on executive officials does not destroy the character of the limitation as long as it is descriptive of functions and findings already required to be undertaken by existing law.…”