3. The third form of committee is the “committee of the whole.” It embraces the entire assembly. When the assembly wishes to go into committee, a motion to that effect is made, seconded, and put; if carried, the chairman nominates a person as chairman of the committee, who takes his seat at the secretary’s table. The chairman of the assembly must remain at hand in readiness to resume his seat when the committee shall rise. The secretary does not record the proceedings of the committee, but only their report. A special secretary must be appointed for their use.
The following are the main points of difference between the “committee of the whole” and the assembly:
1. The previous question cannot be moved, but the committee may rise and thus stop debate.
2. The committee cannot adjourn; it may rise, report progress, and ask leave to sit again.
3. In committee a member may speak as often as he can get the floor; in the assembly, but once.
4. The committee cannot refer a matter to another committee.
5. The chairman of the assembly can take part in committee proceedings.
6. The committee has no power to punish its members, but can report them.
When the committee is prepared to close, a motion is made and seconded that it rise; if carried, the chairman leaves his seat, the chairman of the assembly takes his usual place, and the committee report is given in the same form as from a special committee.