PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration. (text of measure as introduced: CR S1662)
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Mar 13, 2014
Expresses the sense of the Senate that:
certain uses of electronic devices by Senators on the floor of the Senate are necessary and proper in the conduct of official Senate business, would not distract, interrupt, or inconvenience the business of Members of the Senate, and should therefore be permissible;
necessary and proper uses of electronic devices on the floor of the Senate do not include: (1) transmitting sound for any purpose other than through earphones or in such a manner as would not disturb proceedings on the floor of the Senate for the purpose of assisting a person with a disability; (2) using telephones or other devices for voice communication; or (3) using desktop computers, laptop computers, or other large devices;
the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration should consider an amendment to the Rules for the Regulation of the Senate Wing consistent with the principles stated above; and
any amendment to the Rules should take into account possible future changes in technology.
People & committees
Sen. Whitehouse, Sheldon [D-RI] · D–RI
Legislative record
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Referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration. (text of measure as introduced: CR S1662)
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Apr 7, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze S.Res.385 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
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