[House Rules Manual -- House Document No. 104-272]
[From the U.S. Government Printing Office Online Database]
[Page 192]
[DOCID:hrmanual-30]                         
 
                    sec. xxiv.--bills, first reading.

  When <<NOTE: Sec. 399. Obsolete requirements as to first reading of 
bills.>> a bill is first presented, the Clerk reads it at the table, and 
hands it to the Speaker, who, rising, states to the House the title of 
the bill; that this is the first time of reading it; and the question 
will be, whether it shall be read a second time? then sitting down to 
give an opening for objections. If none be made, he rises again, and 
puts the question, whether it shall be read a second time? Hakew., 137, 
141. A bill cannot be amended on the first reading, 6 Grey, 286; nor is 
it usual for it to be opposed then, but it may be done, and rejected. 
D'Ewes, 335, col. 1; 3 Hats., 198.

  This provision is obsolete, the practice under clause 1 of rule XXI 
now governing the procedure of the House of Representatives.