With regard to the various tools available to a Speaker, I was thinking of one thing. A long time ago, I found myself in a situation where it had been decided to not recognize someone until he apologized for using improper language. It was at the end of the second reading of a Bill, late in the afternoon. Everyone was getting ready to vote. It was the question and comments period, to be followed by the resumption of the debate. The only person to stand up was the person who could not speak.
“Is the House ready for the question?”
The points of order then began. Someone had stood, and I could scarcely say that I had not seen anyone. The Speaker must be given another tool than having to say that he or she has seen no one, when everyone watching on television could see the person standing. There is a problem. What is a poor Speaker to do? I experienced it, and I remember that I was quite uncomfortable.