How many ways can an item of business referred to a committee be withdrawn?

How many ways can an item of business referred to a committee be withdrawn?

• A. One
• B. Two
• C. Three
• D. Four

Answer: (B)

When an item of business has been referred to a committee, there are two formal ways to remove it from the committee’s consideration. First, the person who moved the motion can withdraw it before the committee reports, with the assembly’s permission. This cancels the motion as it stands and stops the referral from moving forward. Second, the assembly can discharge the committee from further consideration of the matter, bringing it back to the floor for action or dismissal. These two distinct paths explain why there are two possible ways to withdraw such an item.

When an item of business has been referred to a committee, there are two formal ways to remove it from the committee’s consideration. First, the person who moved the motion can withdraw it before the committee reports, with the assembly’s permission. This cancels the motion as it stands and stops the referral from moving forward. Second, the assembly can discharge the committee from further consideration of the matter, bringing it back to the floor for action or dismissal. These two distinct paths explain why there are two possible ways to withdraw such an item.