ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the linkage between restrictive rules and enacted policies in the House and Senate. It provides evidence on the legislative success of bills considered under special rules, but with a breakdown of the legislative outcome by rule type. The chapter also provides evidence regarding the majority party’s advantage in passing and defeating amendments allowed under special rules. It focuses on the evidence that illustrates the significance to the legislative process of majority party control over the Rules Committee. In the four Congresses of the post reform period, legislation that receives a rule for initial consideration was extremely likely to pass the House. The chapter shows the data that statistically significant differences exist between House minority and majority party support regardless of rule type. The Senate has no institution analogous to the powerful House Rules Committee or special rules that leaders can use to control minority challenges on the agenda.
