In the U.S. House of Representatives, a discharge petition allows members to initiate a floor vote on a measure despite leadership opposition if the petition secures support from a majority of House members.
November 18, 2025
high
procedural
Defines the discharge petition process and its majority threshold in the House.
A discharge petition is a procedural mechanism in the U.S. House of Representatives that can be used to force a floor vote on a bill.
November 17, 2025
high
procedural
Describes a House rule used to bring a bill to the floor without leadership approval.
A discharge petition in the U.S. House of Representatives requires 218 signatures to force a floor vote on a measure.
October 07, 2025
high
procedural
House procedural rule for bringing measures to the floor without leadership support.
Members of the U.S. House of Representatives can be sworn into office while the House is in recess.
October 07, 2025
high
procedural
Swearing-in of newly elected or appointed representatives can occur even when the chamber is not holding legislative sessions.
A House discharge petition can be used to force a vote in the U.S. House of Representatives to consider releasing committee-held files or other materials.
high
procedural
Discharge petitions are a House procedural mechanism to bring measures or actions to a floor vote despite committee or leadership opposition.