and when the time so fixed for its consideration arrives, the
presiding officer shall lay it before the Senate.
Rule 15. Committee officers.
(a) Chair-ex-officio.--The Chair of each standing committee
shall be ex-officio a member of each subcommittee that may be
established as part of the standing committee, with the right to
attend meetings of the subcommittee and vote on any matter
before the subcommittee.
(b) Calling committee to order.--The Chair or, if authorized
by the Chair, the Vice Chair, shall call the committee to order
at the hour provided by these Rules. Upon the appearance of a
quorum, the committee shall proceed with the order of business.
Any member of the committee may question the existence of a
quorum.
(c) Chair control of the committee room.--The Chair or, if
authorized by the Chair, the Vice Chair, shall preserve order
and decorum and shall have general control of the committee
room. In case of a disturbance or disorderly conduct in the
committee room, the Chair or, if authorized by the Chair, the
Vice Chair, may cause the same to be cleared. The use of cell
phones and similar portable communication devices within any
Senate committee room by individuals other than members of the
Senate or their staffs is strictly prohibited.
(d) Chair's authority to sign documents and decide questions
of order.--The Chair shall sign all notices, vouchers, subpoenas
or reports required or permitted by these Rules. The Chair shall
decide all questions of order relative to parliamentary
procedure, subject to an appeal by any member of the committee.
(e) Vote of Chair, Vice Chair.--The Chair and Vice Chair
shall vote on all matters before such committee; Provided, That
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