Quorum Report makes an important point:
A clarification on the choices that lay ahead today.
House rules do not provide for any kind of Calendar or sequence of bills to be considered. Ironically, this may be the one time the Speaker's power to recognize is absolute. According to one parliamentary aficionado, what happens today will depend on whom, if anybody, Straus chooses to recognize for a Motion to Suspend. The Motion will require 2/3s.
The Speaker has not yet announced his intentions
Meanwhile, the Senate adjourned yesterday with upwards of 30 bills still to be considered. Since they had suspended their deadline rules earlier in the week, they are free to work pending the recognition of the chair.
Republican Speaker, Joe Straus has already filed and stated his intent to be Speaker for the 82nd Legislative session.
You may remember last session when former Speaker Tom Craddick stated the Speaker of the Texas House had absolute power and could recognize members for a motion at his discretion. During this session, Speaker Straus has made the same claim to prevent key legislation to come to the floor during the legislative slow down last week.
Maybe that's how he got the new nickname Straddick?
Regardless, there is less than a day left in the 81st session. Speaker Straus is the sole person responsible for any bill that lives or dies today. Keep that in mind as you watch the session, read tweets, hear bills pulled up, or read blogs and newspapers.
Speaker Straus is calling the shots today and his future and the future of Texas are in his hands.
Update: The Statesman proves the point. |
