Absence of a Quorum

ABSENCE OF A QUORUM

The absence of a quorum occurs when it is officially demonstrated that the number of Members required to conduct business is not present on the House or Senate floor. If a quorum call or roll-call vote demonstrates that a quorum is not present, no further debate or other business may be transacted, except a motion to adjourn or a motion to request or require the attendance of absent Members. In the House, the chair can count the Members who are on the floor to determine if a quorum is present. The presiding officer in the Senate usually does not have this authority.

In the Senate, a quorum call is called off by unanimous consent before all Senators' names have been called. The absence of quorum has not been demonstrated, and the Senate may resume its business.