NPR

What Is The 'Regular Order' John McCain Longs To Return To On Health Care?

Regular order is not only a process but a state of mind. It implies not only procedures but also a presumption of at least some degree of bipartisanship.
On Tuesday on the Senate floor, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., called for a return to "regular order": the traditional legislative process, with more bipartisanship. / Mark Wilson / Getty Images

In an emotional return to the Senate floor Tuesday afternoon, Sen. John McCain admonished the leaders of his party for their managing of the health care bill and called instead for "regular order."

"Let's trust each other. Let's return to regular order," the Arizona Republican said. "We've been spinning our wheels on too many important issues because we keep trying to find a way to win without help from across the aisle."

That rather vague-sounding phrase — "regular order" — actually has a more concrete meaning, and it is highly relevant to

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