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ARTICLE · 27 AUGUST 2024

Strike The Last Word

Thompson Coburn LLP
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A debate procedure used in Congress allowing any member five minutes to speak on an amendment under consideration. 

United StatesGovernment, Public Sector
Christopher Murray
Christopher Murray
Jack Jacobson
Jack Jacobson
James Conway
James Conway
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A debate procedure used in Congress allowing any member five minutes to speak on an amendment under consideration. 

On the Waterfront

The rules of both the House and Senate permit 10 minutes of debate for any amendment, with five minutes given to the member in support, and another five minutes to a member who wishes to speak in opposition.

Moving to strike the last word, however, allows other members to speak by proposing a pro forma amendment. This can occur during floor or committee debate. Once both the member in support and in opposition have spoken about a bill or amendment, another member can rise and state, "I move to strike the last word." They will then be given five minutes to speak. Any number of this type of amendment, which only exists to be recognized to speak and does not make substantive changes to the legislation, may be offered.

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