[106th Congress House Rules Manual -- House Document No. 106-320]
[From the U.S. Government Printing Office Online Database]
[DOCID:hrulest-28]

[Page 198]

                     sec. xxiv--bills, first reading

  When <> a bill is first presented, the Clerk reads it at the table, and
hands it to the Speaker, who, rising, states to the House the title of
the bill; that this is the first time of reading it; and the question
will be, whether it shall be read a second time? then sitting down to
give an opening for objections. If none be made, he rises again, and
puts the question, whether it shall be read a second time? Hakew., 137,
141. A bill cannot be amended on the first reading, 6 Grey, 286; nor is
it usual for it to be opposed then, but it may be done, and rejected.
D'Ewes, 335, col. 1; 3 Hats., 198.

  This provision is obsolete, the practice under clause 8 of rule XVI
now governing the procedure of the House.