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HomeHow to Conduct a Debate › The Committees

The Committees

The chairman of the committee of the whole, when the committee has risen, will say to the president of the main body, if it has concluded its business : "Mr. President: The committee of the whole has, according to order, gone through the business assigned to it, and asks leave to report." Leave being granted, he reports what has been done.

Or, not having concluded- "The committee of the whole has, according to order, considered the business assigned to it, and made progress therein, but not having time to conclude the same, asks leave to sit again."

Or, if rising from the want of a quorum- "The committee of the whole, has, according to order, considered proceeded to consider] the business assigned to it, but has risen for the want of a quorum." In putting the question for rising- "It has been moved and seconded that this committee do now rise and report [or report progress]. So many as are in favor," etc. All written reports are headed after a similar form. If from a standing committee, thus : "The committee on [insert name of committee) respectfully report." And then let the report follow.

If a special committee- The committee to which was referred [here state the special matter of reference), have considered the same, and respectfully report," etc. And all reports concluded with: "All of which is respectfully submitted."

A minority report is headed. "The undersigned, the minority of a committee to which was referred," etc. And concludes as in a majority report.

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