5 things to know about rule changes in the 118th Congress

1. Require support from three-fifths of members to pass tax increases

The new House rules establish an “increased threshold for tax rate increases.” Specifically, rule XXI of the House rules was amended to read “a bill or joint resolution, amendment, or conference report carrying a Federal income tax rate increase may not be considered as passed or agreed to unless so determined by a vote of not less than three-fifths of the Members voting, a quorum being present.”

Previously, tax rate increases would only require the support of a simple majority of House members. With 435 members in all, the new rules would require the approval of 261 members in order to pass a tax increase.