What is a common technique used by legislative committees that do not wish to pass a bill?

The technique of deferment is commonly utilized by legislative committees to avoid passing a bill. When a committee defers a bill, they effectively delay any decision on its passage, which can prevent it from advancing to the full legislative body. This option allows committees to set aside contentious or unwanted legislation without formally rejecting it, thus avoiding the political ramifications that might accompany a direct dismissal.

Deferment is particularly strategic because it can provide additional time for further discussions, revisions, or gathering of public opinion before a final decision is made, while also keeping the bill from progressing. This method can also serve as a tactic in politically charged situations, allowing members of the committee to sidestep a difficult vote.

Other techniques, such as amendments, involve changing the bill to make it more palatable or addressing concerns, which may lead to its passage. A filibuster is related to legislative procedures in which debate is extended to delay or prevent a vote, commonly associated with Senate procedures rather than committee actions. Rejection is the direct dismissal of a bill, which is more final than deferment. Therefore, deferment serves as an effective way for committees to manage legislative priorities without making an outright decision on a bill's fate.