Rules and Organization of the House

The Subcommittee on Rules and Organization of the House is a specialized panel within the House Committee on Rules that focuses on the internal mechanics of how Congress operates. Rather than addressing specific policy issues like healthcare or defense, this subcommittee handles the procedural and structural foundation of the House itself. Its jurisdiction covers House legislative processes, relations between the House and Senate, interactions between Congress and the courts, and the internal operations of the chamber. The subcommittee is also responsible for examining the committee structure and jurisdictional boundaries of all House committees, ensuring the legislative branch's organizational framework functions effectively. Led by Chair Michelle Fischbach (R-MN) and Ranking Member Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA), the six-member subcommittee holds hearings on proposed changes to House rules and procedures. Historically, the subcommittee has conducted Members' Day hearings where House members can offer suggestions for the opening day rules package, allowing the broader membership to participate in shaping the chamber's operational guidelines. Because only the full Rules Committee can report legislation to the House floor, this subcommittee's work prepares the groundwork for any changes to how the House conducts its business.