Definition

Verb (transitive) To return a bill, resolution, or other legislative measure to the full legislative body (such as a house or senate) after a committee has considered, debated, and potentially amended it. This action signifies the committee has completed its review and is recommending the measure for consideration by the entire body.

Usage

This verb is used specifically in a formal legislative or parliamentary procedure context. It describes the final action a committee takes on a piece of proposed legislation before it moves to the next stage. The subject is typically the committee.

Examples

• The Senate Finance Committee reported out the tax bill with several amendments.
• After weeks of hearings, the subcommittee finally reported the environmental legislation out.
• The bill died because the committee refused to report it out.

Advanced Usage

• The phrasal verb can sometimes be separated, with the object (the bill) placed between "report" and "out" (e.g., ).
• The action of "reporting out" usually implies the committee is sending the bill forward, but it does not necessarily imply unanimous support; it can be reported out with a negative recommendation.

Variants and Related Words

• Report (verb): In legislative contexts, "report" alone can mean to present or submit the findings or recommendations of a committee. "Report out" specifies the action of sending the bill the committee the larger body.
• Markup (noun): The process where a committee debates, amends, and rewrites a bill before voting to report it out.
• Discharge (verb): To extract a bill from a committee that has refused to report it out, forcing it to the floor for consideration.

Synonyms

• Advance (a bill)
• Send forward
• Return (to the floor)

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Report favorably: To report a bill out with a recommendation for passage.
• Report adversely/unfavorably: To report a bill out with a recommendation against passage.

Related Idioms/Phrases

• To clear committee: A common phrase meaning a bill has been voted on and reported out by a committee, clearing that procedural hurdle.

Verb

1. return a bill after consideration and revision to a legislative body