What are the customary proceedings when the House of Representatives meets?
The Speaker calls the House to order, and the Sergeant at Arms places the Mace on the pedestal at the right of the Speaker’s platform. After the Chaplain offers a prayer, the Speaker recognizes a Member to lead the House in the Pledge of Allegiance. Then the journal of the previous day’s activities is approved, usually without being read. Next, the Speaker may recognize a few Members to speak briefly on matters of importance to them, for no longer than one-minute each. The House then is ready to begin or resume consideration of a bill, resolution, or conference report. The Committee on Rules provides information on the general parliamentary procedure.
