What is pigeonholing in government?

Pigeonholing in government refers to the practice of setting aside or ignoring a particular bill, proposal, or measure without any action being taken on it. This can happen in various legislative bodies, such as Congress or Parliament, where a bill may be shelved or stuck in committee without ever being brought to a vote.

Pigeonholing can occur for a variety of reasons, such as lack of support from key decision-makers, political maneuvering to avoid controversial issues, or simply a crowded legislative agenda that leaves certain bills behind. This practice can result in important issues being neglected or delayed, preventing them from being addressed in a timely manner.

Efforts to address pigeonholing include rules and procedures within legislative bodies that set deadlines for action on bills and measures, as well as mechanisms to prevent bills from being stalled indefinitely. It is important for lawmakers and government officials to ensure that all issues are given proper consideration and that the democratic process is not undermined by the practice of pigeonholing.