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American Morning

Ask CNN: Why Does Congress Use `Yea' and `Nay,' Not `Yes' and `No'?

Aired May 17, 2001 - 10:26   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ANNOUNCER: A CNN viewer wants to know: Why does Congress use "yea" and "nay" instead of "yes" and "no" to express their approval or dissent?

WILLIAM SCHNEIDER, CNN SENIOR POLITICAL ANALYST: Well, the term "yea"s and "nea"s actually comes out of the United States Constitution. Right there in article I, section 5, clause 3: "The yeas and neas of the members of either House on any question shall, at the desire of 1/5 of those present, be entered on the journal.

Now, "yea" and "neas" are traditional English usage. Remember, when the Constitution was written, the United States had only recently declared its independence from Britain. Taking a vote by "yea"s and "nea"s is really a special procedure spelled out in "Robert's Rules of Order." The chairman states the question, the clerk calls the role, and each member rises and either votes in favor by saying "yes," or "aye."

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Mr. Gramm of Texas.

SEN. PHIL GRAMM (R), TEXAS: Aye.

SCHNEIDER: Or votes against by saying "no."

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Mr. Hollings.

SEN. FRITZ HOLLINGS (D), SOUTH CAROLINA: No.

SCHNEIDER: Then the final result is announced.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The vote on this bill is 60 aye, 34 nay.

SCHNEIDER: The term "yea"s and "nay"s refers to the tallies, not to the word people use when they vote.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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