Which body decides how debates occur in the House of Representatives?

The House Rules Committee plays a crucial role in determining how debates are conducted in the House of Representatives. This committee is responsible for establishing the rules that govern the debate for each piece of legislation. It decides the time allocated for debate, whether amendments can be made to the legislation, and if so, which amendments will be considered. The committee's decisions influence not only the flow of legislative discussions but also the overall strategy for how bills are presented and debated on the House floor.

Other options, such as the Senate Rules Committee and the Majority Leader, are related to legislative processes but do not have authority over the House's debate rules. The Senate Rules Committee is specific to the Senate and manages its operational procedures. While the Majority Leader has significant influence in shaping the legislative agenda and strategy within the House, they do not set the formal rules governing debates—that responsibility lies with the House Rules Committee. The Speaker of the House holds considerable power and can influence debate and legislative priorities; however, the Speaker’s role is distinct from the specific function of establishing the rules for debate overseen by the Rules Committee.