Explanation of the Motion to Instruct the Conference on H.R. 6.

The motion to instruct on H.R. 6, the energy bill, will instruct conferees to resolve their differences on the provisions in the two bills dealing with electricity reliability standards by September 12.

These provisions, which are not controversial, and supported by utilities and regulators, would make the current system of voluntary standards mandatory and subject to penalty.

While the motion cannot force the provisions to reported separately, it would allow these important provisions to come to the Floor quickly under separate legislation, and allow the conferees on the energy bill to continue to consider the more controversial matters.

What is a Motion to Instruct?

"Following the motion to go to conference, but prior to the appointment of conferees, the Speaker will recognize a Minority Member, with preference given to the Minority Floor Manager, (if recognition is sought) to offer a motion to instruct House conferees. The motion is debatable for one hour, divided between the Majority and the Minority managers. If both support the motion, however, a third Member may demand time in opposition. All three Members are then recognized for one-third of the time. The motion to instruct conferees is not amendable unless the previous question is defeated. The instructions are not binding and they may not propose to do what the conferees could not otherwise do under the Rules of the House (e.g. exceed the scope of the conference). Additional opportunities to instruct occur when a conference report is recommitted or after 20 days if the conference has failed to report. The Member who wishes to offer a motion to instruct conferees after 20 days must notify the House one day in advance of offering the motion." 

-- U.S. House of Representatives, Committee on Rules, "Floor Procedure in the U.S. House of Representatives" (see, http://www.house.gov/energycommerce/rules/floor_man.htm).