A rider is a nongermane amendment to a bill or an amendment to an appropriation bill that changes the permanent law governing a program funded by the bill. [1, 2] Riders are often used by members of Congress to advance controversial measures without building specific coalitions in support of them. [2] By combining measures, legislative leadership can force members to accept a measure that might not survive alone because they want the entire bill to pass. [3]
Key Facts
- Definition: A rider is a nongermane amendment to a bill or an amendment to an appropriation bill that changes the permanent law governing a program funded by the bill.
- Purpose: Riders are often used by members of Congress to advance controversial measures without building specific coalitions in support of them. They allow measures to move through the legislative process by combining them with other measures in order to increase their chances of passing.
- Controversy: Riders can be controversial because they may introduce provisions that are unrelated to the original legislation. They can be used to introduce unpopular provisions or to advance measures that might not survive on their own.
- Veto Power: When a rider is attached to a bill, the executive (such as the President in the United States) must either accept the riders or reject the entire bill. This can constrain the veto power of the executive.
- Examples: Riders have been used in various contexts. For instance, a rider to a bill relating to military and veteran construction projects was used to stop net neutrality. Another example is the Hyde Amendment, which has been attached to Appropriation Bills to prevent Medicaid from paying for most abortions.
Riders can be controversial because they may introduce provisions that are unrelated to the original legislation. [2] They can be used to introduce unpopular provisions or to advance measures that might not survive on their own. [2] When a rider is attached to a bill, the executive (such as the President in the United States) must either accept the riders or reject the entire bill. [4] This can constrain the veto power of the executive. [4]
Examples of Riders
Riders have been used in various contexts. For instance, a rider to a bill relating to military and veteran construction projects was used to stop net neutrality. [5] Another example is the Hyde Amendment, which has been attached to Appropriation Bills to prevent Medicaid from paying for most abortions. [5]
Sources
- “Glossary.” U.S. Senate: Glossary, www.senate.gov/about/glossary.htm. Accessed 13 Dec. 2023.
- “Rider (Legislation).” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 31 Jan. 2024, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rider_(legislation). Accessed 13 Dec. 2023.
- Krutz, Glen S., and Samuel C. Patterson. Hitching a Ride: Omnibus Legislating in the U.S. Congress. Ohio State University Press, 2001, pp. 5-6.
- Dubois, Philip L. Lawmaking by Initiative: Issues, Options and Comparisons. Algora, 1998, p. 126.
- “What the Heck Is a ‘Rider’?” American Lung Association, www.lung.org/blog/what-is-a-rider. Accessed 13 Dec. 2023.
FAQs
What is a rider to a bill?
A rider is a nongermane amendment to a bill or an amendment to an appropriation bill that changes the permanent law governing a program funded by the bill.
Why are riders used?
Riders are often used by members of Congress to advance controversial measures without building specific coalitions in support of them. By combining measures, legislative leadership can force members to accept a measure that might not survive alone because they want the entire bill to pass.
Are riders controversial?
Yes, riders can be controversial because they may introduce provisions that are unrelated to the original legislation. They can be used to introduce unpopular provisions or to advance measures that might not survive on their own.
What is an example of a rider?
One example of a rider is the Hyde Amendment, which has been attached to Appropriation Bills to prevent Medicaid from paying for most abortions.
How does a rider affect the executive’s veto power?
When a rider is attached to a bill, the executive (such as the President in the United States) must either accept the riders or reject the entire bill. This can constrain the veto power of the executive.
Are riders legal?
The legality of riders depends on the specific rules and procedures of the legislative body in question. In some cases, riders may be prohibited or restricted.
How can riders be prevented?
Riders can be prevented by adopting rules that prohibit or restrict their use. For example, some jurisdictions may have rules that require riders to be germane to the original legislation.
What are the arguments for and against riders?
**Arguments for riders:**
– Riders can be used to advance important measures that might not otherwise pass.
– Riders can help to ensure that important issues are addressed in a timely manner.
Arguments against riders:
- Riders can be used to introduce unrelated and controversial provisions into legislation.
- Riders can be used to bypass normal legislative procedures and debate.