Gag Rule (Noun)
Meaning
A rule for limiting or ending debate in a deliberative body.
Classification
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents.
Examples
- The Senate imposed a gag rule to limit further discussion on the contentious bill, much to the dismay of the minority party.
- In an effort to speed up the legislative process, the Speaker of the House introduced a gag rule to cut off debate after a certain number of hours.
- The proposed gag rule was met with fierce resistance from lawmakers who felt it would stifle their ability to represent their constituents.
- The parliamentarian ruled that the gag rule was out of order, allowing the debate to continue uninterrupted.
- After weeks of contentious debate, the conference committee finally agreed to impose a gag rule to bring the negotiations to a close.