Priority recognition from the chair is generally given to members of the committee of jurisdiction, and by seniority on that committee. Recognition usually alternates between the parties. Debating an Amendment Amendments are debated under the five-minute rule, with the proponent and a member opposed being recognized to speak first. Pro forma amendments are merely a device to gain five minutes of time without having to offer an actual amendment. At the end of the five minutes, the pro forma amendment is considered withdrawn.
Unanimous consent is needed to speak longer than five minutes.
During debate under the five-minute rule, Members may yield to other Members, but they may not specify a particular amount of time. Members also are precluded from reserving any of the five minutes they are recognized for. A Member, usually the bill's floor manager, may ask that debate be limited on a specific amendment, a section of the bill, or the entire measure, if it has been read for amendment or is open to amendment at any point. An amendment to the base text is called a first-degree amendment. Such a first- degree amendment can be further amended by either a substitute or a perfecting amendment.