Mass. House adopts resolution reaffirming friendship with Japan; schedules next informal session for Thursday at 11 a.m.

The Massachusetts House adopted a resolution reaffirming the Commonwealth's commitment to continue and strengthen its long history of friendship with Japan and set its next informal session for Thursday at 11 a.m., the chamber announced during a short session.

The committee on rules reported recommending that the resolution filed by Representative Sangiolo of Newton and other members be adopted. Representative Ken Gordon, who had guests in the chamber identified as Girl Scouts from Burlington, moved to suspend the rules to take up the resolution. A voice vote followed and the presiding officer announced, "The ayes have it," suspending the rules and allowing immediate consideration.

After the rules were suspended, the House put the question on adoption of the resolution. The presiding officer again announced, "The ayes have it," and the resolution was adopted by voice vote. The committee report recommending adoption was the only substantive floor explanation recorded in the transcript.

Following the resolution's adoption, the House took a brief recess. Mr. Mariano of Quincy presented an order that the House, when it adjourned, adjourn to meet Thursday next at 11:00 a.m.; the order was adopted by voice vote. Later in the session Mr. Wong of Saugus moved that the House adjourn; the presiding officer announced the ayes had it and the chamber stood adjourned to meet Thursday at 11 a.m. in an informal session.

The session also included a ceremonial pledge of allegiance at the start; there was no recorded debate, amendments, or roll-call vote on the resolution in the transcript provided.