Definition
A quorum call is a procedural motion in parliamentary bodies, particularly in the United States Senate, that requires the presence of a minimum number of members (a quorum) before business may continue. It is typically invoked to verify attendance, delay proceedings, or facilitate discussion of a pending matter.
Overview
In the U.S. Senate, a senator may request a quorum call when a question is pending on the Senate floor. The presiding officer then announces the call, and a clerk or official conducts a count of senators present. If a quorum—usually a majority of the Senate's 100 members, i.e., 51 senators—is not present, the business is postponed until the required number is assembled. While the rule is intended to ensure sufficient representation, it is often employed strategically to gain additional time for consultation, amendment drafting, or political maneuvering. Quorum calls differ from "quorum calls" in other legislatures, where the procedures and required numbers may vary.
Etymology/Origin
The term combines "quorum," derived from the Latin quorum meaning “of whom,” used in legal contexts to denote the minimum number of members needed to conduct business, and "call," indicating a summons or request. The phrase “quorum call” emerged in the 19th‑century legislative practice of the United States, reflecting the procedural language of parliamentary law.
Characteristics
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Verify that a legislative body meets its quorum requirement; can also be used to obtain additional time for deliberation. |
| Initiation | Typically requested by any member (in the Senate, any senator) through a formal motion. |
| Procedure | The presiding officer announces the call; a clerk records the presence of members; if quorum is met, business resumes; if not, the session is paused. |
| Duration | Usually brief, often limited to a few minutes, though some calls may extend longer if members are absent. |
| Strategic Use | Employed to delay voting on controversial measures, allow time for negotiation, or draw attention to attendance issues. |
| Legal Basis | Governed by the Senate’s standing rules (e.g., Rule 12 of the Standing Rules of the Senate) and comparable parliamentary rules in other bodies. |
Related Topics
- Quorum – The minimum number of members required to conduct business in a deliberative assembly.
- Motion to Suspend the Rules – A procedural request that may be used in conjunction with a quorum call to temporarily set aside standing rules.
- Filibuster – A prolonged speech that delays legislative action, sometimes preceded or accompanied by a quorum call.
- Point of Order – A procedural objection raised by a member, distinct from but occasionally related to quorum considerations.
- Parliamentary Procedure – The broader set of rules governing the conduct of meetings and legislative bodies.