On the recordMarch 17, 2011
As you know, we are about to consider the rule. Members, if they are to vote on and understand it, need to know that they are waiving the rule. This is the statement of the Speaker of the House: ``I will not bring a bill to the floor that hasn't been posted online for at least 72 hours.'' Would the Speaker please clarify for the body that the 72-hour rule is either being waived or does not exist. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The period of time on which the rule is predicated is not a number of hours but, rather, a number of days, specifically calendar days other than weekends or holidays when the House is not in session. For the sake of brevity, the Chair will call these ``working days.'' Under clause 11 of rule XXI, an unreported measure may not be considered until the third working day on which it has been available to Members. For example, a measure that was publicly available in electronic form in consonance with clause 3 of rule XXIX as of Tuesday, March 15, 2011, would qualify on or after Thursday, March 17, 2011.
