Legal Definitions - Cordon rule

The Cordon Rule is a rule in the U.S. Senate that requires any committee reporting a bill amending current law to show in its report what wording the bill would strike from or insert into the current statute. This rule was proposed by Senator Guy Cordon of Oregon.

For example, if a committee is proposing a bill to amend a law that currently reads "All dogs must be on a leash in public parks," the committee must show in its report what wording the bill would strike from or insert into the current law. The report might say something like "The bill would strike the phrase 'in public parks' and insert the phrase 'in all public areas'."

The purpose of the Cordon Rule is to ensure transparency and clarity in the legislative process. By requiring committees to clearly show what changes they are proposing to current laws, the rule helps lawmakers and the public understand the potential impact of the proposed legislation.