Policy Rider

Definition

A policy provision attached to an unrelated bill, usually a spending measure, used to bypass normal legislative review by forcing an all-or-nothing vote.

Example Usage

Environmental groups protested the oil industry policy rider attached to the must-pass spending bill.

Origin

From 'rider' meaning something added or attached

Fun Fact

Policy riders are one of Congress's favorite ways to pass controversial measures without proper debate.

Source: U.S. legislative process terminology

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