By agreement of both the Majority and Minority leadership, the House has instituted a “morning- hour” period for special order speeches, more commonly called “five-minute speeches.” On the first legislative day of the week, between 12:00 and 2:00 p.m., Members are recognized for up to five minutes for these speeches, alternating between Majority and Minority Members on a rotating basis. On the middle days of the week, the time set aside for Morning Hour is between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. There are no Morning Hour debates on the last legislative day of the week. Members designated by the leaders may speak for up to five minutes on any subject of their choice (except for the Majority and Minority Leaders and Minority Whip, who may speak for longer blocks of time).
Five-minute speeches may not be reserved in advance; they are allotted on a first-come, first-served basis. Republican Members may direct questions regarding five-minute speeches to their Cloakroom’s staff, and Democratic Members may contact the Floor staff of the Democratic Whip. The staff of these offices coordinate with the Chair to ensure their respective Members are recognized at the appropriate time.
Following morning-hour debate, the House recesses until the day’s appointed time of convening. If many Members deliver five-minute speeches and the full two hours is used, the recess may be relatively short.