What is the process of bringing a bill out of committee for consideration without a committee report called?

The process of bringing a bill out of committee for consideration without a committee report is known as a discharge petition. This procedure is particularly significant in legislative contexts where a bill may be stalled in committee and there is a desire to advance it to the floor for debate and a vote. By utilizing a discharge petition, a certain number of members of the legislative body (in the U.S. House of Representatives, this typically requires the signatures of a majority of representatives) can bypass the committee's control, thereby facilitating a more direct pathway for the proposed legislation.

This mechanism underscores the balance of power within a legislative body, allowing members to assert their desire for discussion on a bill even when committee leadership may be reluctant to act. The discharge petition is a vital tool in a legislator's arsenal, promoting accountability and responsiveness to the majority's will. Understanding this process highlights the complexities of legislative procedures and the importance of various tactics that can influence lawmaking.