New rules tilt balance towards lower house in constitutional amendments
Summary
The House of Representatives passed new rules allowing constitutional amendments to be certified by the Speaker based on a combined two-thirds majority of both houses, a change contested by experts as conflicting with constitutional norms requiring separate two-thirds approvals.
Key Points
- The House of Representatives passed new rules enhancing the Speaker's authority in constitutional amendments.
- The new rules allow certification of amendments if approved by a combined two-thirds majority of both houses, bypassing separate approval.
- Experts argue the provision contradicts established constitutional practices requiring separate two-thirds majorities in each house.
- The rules declare themselves a special federal law and include changes to impeachment motion handling and ministerial committee attendance.
