On the recordJune 5, 2012
The amendment proposes to increase an appropriation not authorized by law, and therefore is in violation of clause 2(a) of rule XXI. Although the original account funding for the Corps of Engineers-- Civil--Department of Army--Operations and Maintenance is unauthorized, it was permitted to remain in the bill pursuant to the provisions of the rule that provided for the consideration of this bill. When an unauthorized appropriation is permitted to remain in a general appropriations bill, an amendment merely changing that amount is in order, but the rules of the House apply a ``merely perfecting standard'' to the items permitted to remain and do not allow the insertion of a new paragraph--not part of the original text permitted to remain--to increase a figure permitted to remain. I would further say the account contains funding for projects not entirely authorized. The amendment cannot be construed as merely perfecting, and therefore, Mr. Chairman, I ask that the Chair rule the amendment out of order. The Acting CHAIR. Does any other Member wish to be heard on the point of order?
