Definition
A parliamentary procedure where the entire chamber temporarily reorganizes as a committee to debate with relaxed rules, allowing unlimited amendments and faster proceedings. It's Congress pretending to be less formal while following elaborate rules about being informal.
Example Usage
The House resolved into Committee of the Whole to debate the spending bill, because apparently acting like a committee makes legislators more productive.
Origin
British parliamentary practice dating to the 17th century
Fun Fact
In Committee of the Whole, the regular Speaker steps down and a temporary chair presides, like a substitute teacher who everyone ignores slightly less than usual.
Source: House of Representatives procedural guides and parliamentary reference materials
Related Terms
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See “committee of the whole” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.
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