Chapter 8 Summary

Norris, the Republican Representative from Nebraska, was best known for three incidents. He intended to limit the power of the Speaker of the House, Joe Cannon, by proposing that the entire House of Representatives be required to study and amend a resolution, rather than just allow the Speaker to appoint a committee. He planned to do the same with the Rules Committee, which was instrumental in the House agenda and was dominated by the Speaker. Norris won. Cannon resigned.

In 1917, Norris opposed President Wilson's Armed Ship Bill. Norris orchestrated a filibuster that prevented the bill from passing two days before a new Congress was to be elected. Wilson claimed he could arm ships without the bill's passage. Norris was vilified for acting against the President. Norris offered to resign in a recall election but the Governor did not authorize such a recall election...