John Culberson: “I make a point of order against the Grayson amendment on the ground that it constitutes legislation in an appropriation…”

“I make a point of order against the Grayson amendment on the ground that it constitutes legislation in an appropriation bill in violation of clause 2 of rule XXI. The amendment does seek to change existing statutory law in a bill designed to appropriate money by amending an existing provision, adding the word ``or incest'' to the list of exceptions contained in the statute. Making a determination whether incest has occurred is not currently required by this statutory provision and would result in a requirement that the new determination be made. So, therefore, the amendment falls outside of the standard of ``merely perfecting'' precisely because it requires a new determination that is not required under the current provision. The amendment expands the universe of exceptions, Madam Chairman, provided for in this section, and the existing determinations of whether the life of the mother is in danger or there has been a rape do not provide the information that would allow the determination that incest has occurred. As a result, the amendment violates clause 2 of rule XXI which states: ``An amendment to a general appropriations bill shall not be in order if changing existing law.'' I ask for a ruling from the Chair. The Acting CHAIR. Does any Member wish to be heard on the point of order?”