Government Glossary

Reserved Bill Number

Short Definition

In recent Congresses, the resolution specifying House internal rules of procedure includes reserving bill numbers for.

Long Explanation

In recent Congresses, the resolution specifying House internal rules of procedure includes reserving bill numbers for assignment by the Speaker. In the 112th Congress (2011-2012) the practice was extended to reserve additional bill numbers for assignment by the Minority Leader. Resolutions with “Numbering of Bills” sections include: H.Res.5 [114], H.Res.5 [113], H.Res.5 [112], H.Res.5 [111], H.Res.6 [110], H.Res.5 [109], H.Res.5 [108], H.Res.5 [107]. In the Senate, some of the lowest bills numbers are reserved for leadership.

In practice, Reserved Bill Number is useful because it helps a visitor connect a word or phrase to government records, official decisions, public services, or civic responsibilities. When you see the term in an official source, ask which office has authority, what decision is being made, which deadline or rule matters, and where the public record can be checked.

Examples

Simple exampleA visitor sees “Reserved Bill Number” on an official page and uses the term as a clue about which agency, branch, rule, record, or service is involved.

Civic exampleA reader checks the official source, identifies who has authority, and follows related Guide pages when the term connects to a larger public issue.

Common Misconception

A common mistake is treating Reserved Bill Number as a slogan instead of a term connected to a specific public process. The safest approach is to ask what authority, document, deadline, office, or public record gives the term its meaning.

Related Terms

Legislative ProcessSenateHouseLegislation

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