http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/house/281077-house-gop-seeks-to-avoid-more-unexpected-floor-fightsMay 24, 2016, 02:16 pm
House GOP changes rules to thwart Dems
By Cristina Marcos
Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) is changing the rules of how the House will consider spending measures to try to prevent Democrats from offering surprise amendments that have recently put the GOP on defense.
House Republican leaders have been blindsided multiple times by Democrats offering politically volatile amendments to appropriations bills. And, starting as soon as next month, Ryan will make it harder for the minority party to attempt to embarrass the majority.
Ryan announced at a House GOP conference meeting Tuesday morning that members will now have to submit their amendments ahead of time so that they are printed in the Congressional Record, according to leadership aides.
The change will not yet be in effect for the appropriations bill up this week for the Energy Department and water infrastructure projects. But lawmakers will have to abide by the requirement, which before now was merely optional, starting with the next appropriations bill after the Memorial Day recess.
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