Accurate, Focused Research on Law, Technology and Knowledge Discovery Since 2002

The Origination Clause of the U.S. Constitution: Interpretation and Enforcement

CFR report via LC – The Origination Clause of the U.S. Constitution: Interpretation and Enforcement, October 1, 2020: “…Article I, Section 7, clause 1,of the U.S. Constitution is known as the Origination Clause because it provides that “All Bills for raising Revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives.” The meaning and application of this clause has evolved through practice and precedent since the Constitution was drafted. This report also describes the various ways in which the Origination Clause has been enforced. Given the fact that originating revenue measures is the House’s prerogative, it falls to the House to enforce this provision of the Constitution most frequently. The House’s primary method for enforcement is through a process known as “blue-slipping.” Blue-slipping is the term applied to the act of returning to the Senate a measure that the House has determined violates its prerogatives. This is done by voting on a privileged resolution. Less typically, the House may choose to enforce its prerogative by taking no action on the disputed Senate measure or referring it to committee. The Senate may also address whether a measure contravenes the Origination Clause, including raising a point of order against its consideration. As a question of constitutional interpretation, the question would be submitted directly to the Senate for its determination. Such a question would be debatable and decided by majority vote. As a question of constitutional interpretation, the Supreme Court mayalso havea role in enforcing the Origination Clause…”

Sorry, comments are closed for this post.