Question

A member of the House of Representatives has introduced a bill to raise the minimum wage, but it has been in committee for 36 days and is unlikely to make it to the floor. Which of the following is the best course of action for the representative to take to get a vote on the bill?
A. Presenting a cloture motion
B. Placing a hold on the bill
C. Introducing a concurrent resolution
D. Filling for a discharge petition

Answer 1

Answer:

D. Filing for a discharge petition

Explanation:

The best course of action for the congressman to take is 'the filing for a discharge petition'.

Normally, when a bill is introduced by a member of the House of Representatives, the speaker sends the bill to the relevant committee who then deliberate on it, seek expert advice etc. After the deliberations, the bill is then sent to the house for debate and possible voting for onward movement to the senate if passed by the majority.

In the event that the bill is stalled in the committee, the sponsor can file for a discharge petition. A discharge petition involves bringing out a bill from the committee that has spent at least thirty (30) days, without waiting for a report from the committee. To successfully file for a discharge petition, the sponsor must garner at least two hundred and eighteen votes (218) votes which is a clear majority.