The Tool Boehner Used To Manage Congressional Dysfunction

The Tool Boehner Used To Manage Congressional Dysfunction

October 24, 2014, Law360

Covington partner Holly Fechner authored this piece on U.S. House of Representatives Speaker John Boehner’s strategic use of the Hastert Rule:

"U.S. House of Representatives Speaker John Boehner’s strategic use of an informal political and procedural tool — the Hastert Rule — allowed him successfully to navigate a treacherous political path of managing his divergent caucus, preserving his leadership position, and passing key legislation even when a majority of his caucus did not support it." 

"The Hastert Rule provides that the speaker will not schedule a bill for a floor vote unless a majority of the majority caucus favors the legislation. The Hastert Rule is not an official rule. It is a practice designed to protect the speaker’s control of the House and to ensure that no bills become law without broad support from the majority party. The rule also serves to strengthen the speaker’s position in negotiations with the Senate."