September 26, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 156 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Page H8041]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      REQUEST TO CONSIDER S. 820, DEBBIE SMITH REAUTHORIZATION ACT

  Mrs. WAGNER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee 
on the Judiciary be discharged from further consideration of S. 820 to 
bring justice to victims of sexual assault, the Debbie Smith 
Reauthorization Act, and ask for its immediate consideration in the 
House.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Brindisi). Under guidelines consistently 
issued by successive Speakers, as recorded in section 956 of the House 
Rules and Manual, the Chair is constrained not to entertain the request 
unless it has been cleared by the bipartisan floor and committee 
leaderships.


                        Parliamentary Inquiries

  Mrs. WAGNER. Mr. Speaker, I have a parliamentary inquiry.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentlewoman will state her parliamentary 
inquiry.
  Mrs. WAGNER. Mr. Speaker, this has not been consistently. This is the 
first time this has been UCed.
  I understand the guidelines just cited, Mr. Speaker; however, seeing 
no objection from leadership or committee members on either side of the 
aisle, does that constitute clearance and allow the Chair to entertain 
my motion under the rules of the House?
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. A unanimous consent request for the 
consideration of that measure would have to receive clearance by the 
majority and minority floor and committee leaderships. The Chair is 
unaware of such clearance. Therefore, the Chair cannot entertain that 
request at this time.
  Mrs. WAGNER. Mr. Speaker, I have a further parliamentary inquiry.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentlewoman will state her parliamentary 
inquiry.
  Mrs. WAGNER. Again, seeing no objection on either side of the aisle, 
and since this is dealing with grants for DNA testing and rape kits, 
can the Chair advise what is required pursuant to section 956 of the 
House rules to allow my motion to be considered to protect victims of 
sexual assault.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. As the Chair previously advised, that 
request cannot be entertained absent appropriate clearance.
  Mrs. WAGNER. Mr. Speaker, I urge that the Speaker and the majority 
leader schedule the bill on the floor immediately to protect victims of 
sexual assault.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentlewoman has not been recognized for 
debate.

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