The Emperor in the People’s House

In a moment that stunned observers, Kyle Hilbert seized the presiding officer’s chair and rewrote the rule—on live vote. Here's how normal legislative order continues giving way to one-man control.

Hilbert took to the dais, personally assumed control of the presiding officer's chair, and lodged his own motion—something rarely, if ever, done from the chair—to "rescind" the failed reconsideration vote, a motion which, according to House Rules and precedent, was not valid. In doing so, he effectively devolved the House from an assembly of elected rep…