bill that it might be taken up in committee when there
were only a few persons present, but also on some occa-
sions, some of the chairmen have refused to bring UD the
bill for consideration bv the committee, so you-never
get an opportunity to cret a vote on it?
THE CHAIPJAN: Delegate James.
DELEGATE JAMFS: I would have to answer that
question by saying the committee chairman in the General
Assembly of Maryland has a relatively weak position compare(
with the Concrressional system. The ma-iority of the
committee simply can tell the committee chairman what to do
in the General Assembly of Maryland, and that is an absolute
! fact. He may be persuasive and have certain persuasive
authority, but the majority rules in those committees.
THE CHAIRMAN: Does any other delegate have
questions for the sponsor of the amendment?
Delegate Koss.
DELEGATE KOSS: Delegate James, isn't it true
that the committees of the General Assembly have the
authority at any point to declare either an executive ses-
sion or to specifically ask certain people to leave?