RICHMOND, VA –– Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) released the following statement Wednesday on Senate Amendments to House Bill 259:

“Today, Senate Amendments to House Bill 259 were brought before the Virginia House of Delegates. A point of order was raised on the germaneness of those amendments. As Speaker of the House, it is my responsibility to make rulings on such questions when they arise.

“The Senate Amendments presented were not germane to the original legislation. House Bill 259, as unanimously passed by the House of Delegates last year, made technical adjustments to House legislative districts. The amendments offered by the Senate, however, made substantive and far-reaching changes to Senate legislative district lines.

“As Speaker, I have consistently ruled amendments or substitute legislation which significantly departs from, changes or alters the purpose and intent of the original legislation as non germane, in accordance with the rules of the House of Delegates.

“While I respect the prerogative of the Senate and its members to deal with issues before that body, this legislation is in violation of House rules and the principles by which I have lead this body over the last 10 years.

“This is not a decision I made lightly. I am committed to upholding the honor and traditions of both the office of Speaker, the institution as a whole and the Commonwealth of Virginia.

“It is my hope today that we can refocus on the issues facing the Commonwealth. Jobs, K-12 Education and transportation will require all of our attention and energy over the final weeks of this legislative session.”

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I am pleased the House of Delegates has advanced House Bill 2313, which lays the foundation for a long-term solution to Virginia’s transportation funding needs.

Transportation is perhaps the largest and most complex public policy challenge the Commonwealth has seen in a generation. I appreciate the support and good faith efforts of members on both sides of the aisle who have presented thoughtful ideas as we have worked to address this issue. In the days and weeks to come, I will continue to seek and will continue to need their input.

We have made substantial progress on transportation this year. I believe we have the core parts of a plan that is economically and politically practical. And I am confident that we can work together to deliver the kind of result that Virginians want and deserve. I urge our colleagues in the Senate to adopt a measure and put this legislation into conference, so we can work on crafting a final bill that can pass both chambers.