Along with electing a Speaker and swearing in new members, the House adopted the rules that will govern how things are done in the next two years. This is referred to as the rules package and was presented to the House as House Resolution 5 (it does not need a presidential signature since it isn't a bill).
The Constitution mandates that each chamber makes its own rules for how to do business, that's what this is.
Here's a link to the resolution.
It begins by stating this:
At the beginning of a Congress, the House must not only constitute itself, but must also approve rules. A newly elected House typically adopts the rules of the previous Congress with specific amendments. The proposed rules are offered in the form of a House resolution, which is considered under “general parliamentary law” which is interpreted to include the rules of the previous Congress (CRS RL 30725).
And then proceeds with a summary of the how the rules of the 113th Congress are different from those of the 112th. Follow the link above to find the entire language of the resolution.
Since Republicans control the House, it contains provisions that reflect their goals and priorities. Example:
16.The Committee on Oversight and Government Reform is authorized to continue litigation to enforce a subpoena against the Attorney General regarding the “Fast and Furious” incidents.
For media coverage of the House Rules Package:
- Huffington Post.
