SPRINGFIELD – With each new General Assembly, the Illinois House of Representatives passes a Resolution establishing the Rules by which the chamber will operate.
Democrats currently hold a strong supermajority in the Illinois House, which gives them complete and total control over the legislative process. In the meantime, House Republicans have called for greater transparency, equity, and a fairer process for legislation that we introduce.
Following a Wednesday afternoon passage of the rules along party lines, House Republicans believe the rules adopted by the House, ensure that the failed old way of doing business will remain in place for at least two more years to come.
Members of the Republican caucus said they believe that the House Rules Committee will keep the same type of unilateral power that it exercised during the long-time reign of former Speaker Mike Madigan. They added that the House had a unique opportunity prior to today’s vote to start off this new General Assembly focused on good government and transparency. Unfortunately, the people of Illinois will be the ones to suffer from the failure of these House Rules to accomplish those goals.
House Republican Floor Leader Patrick Windhorst (R-Metropolis) spoke against the resolution during debate and suggested that a rule proposed by the House Republicans but rejected by the Democrats would have provided more transparency.