The speaker of the House, like the leader of any majority caucus in a legislative body, has a good deal of say over what proposals get to the floor for a vote. That power may not be absolute — in the House, for example, a majority of the members can sign a discharge petition to force a vote — but it is often quite extensive.
Indeed, few of the powers of legislative caucus leaders are more important. In some ways, for example, it’s easier to get a bill passed — and much easier to get one defeated — by controlling what’s in the bill that’s up for a vote than by twisting arms once the bill is there.
Comments