Why is the Speaker of the House able to stop a vote on a clean spending bill?

Question

The President claims that the House Speaker, John Boehner, is refusing to allow a vote on a so-called "clean spending bill" which many believe actually has the votes to pass (see for example http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-10-04/obama-tells-republicans-to-stop-shutdown-farce/4997874 ):

Mr Obama says there are enough Republicans willing to pass a spending bill immediately if House speaker John Boehner will allow a vote without partisan conditions attached - a so-called clean vote.

• Is there a mechanism whereby the house can force such a vote to take place against the will of the speaker?

For example, in a Westminster-style parliament, any member could immediately move a motion to suspend standing orders in order to bring on a vote to either pass the bill or remove the Speaker. This would however require an absolute majority of the house. Does such a mechanism exist in the U.S. House?

Answer 1

Article One of the United States Constitution States:

Each House may determine the Rules of its Proceedings, punish its Members for disorderly Behavior, and, with the Concurrence of two thirds, expel a member.

This is a common thing for many bodies which form to make discussions, and there can be as many 'rules' agreed upon by these bodies as there are 'rules' agreed upon for different types of rugby. In some ways the rules can be arbitrary, but generally they help to preserve order.

The Current House of Representatives have adopted Jefferson's Manual of Parliamentary Practice. Other's, like in the 2012 Republican primary caucuses adopted Robert's Rules of Order.

In Jefferson's manual, you will find your answer in section 14.

THE Speaker is not precisely bound to any rules as to what bills or other matter shall be first taken up, but is left to his own discretion, unless the House on a question decide to take up a particular subject. Hakew. 136.

In section 9:

A Speaker may be removed at the will of the House and a Speaker pro tempore appointed.

Answer 2

Is there a mechanism whereby the house can force such a vote to take place against the will of the speaker?

No. The House Amendment H.R. 368, to the Continuing Resolution bill specifically grants the Majority Leader or his designee that right. Even replacing him as in Mr.A would still require the will of the Speaker pro tempore, for this particular bill. Passing a different clean resolution might be possible, but this one specifically forbids it.

Resolved, That the House hereby (1) takes from the Speaker’s table the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 59) making continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2014, and for other purposes, with the House amendment to the Senate amendment thereto, (2) insists on its amendment, and (3) requests a conference with the Senate thereon.

SEC. 2. Any motion pursuant to clause 4 of rule XXII relating to House Joint Resolution 59 may be offered only by the Majority Leader or his designee.