How many votes are needed in the House to pass legislation under the "suspend the rules" procedure?

To pass legislation under the "suspend the rules" procedure in the House of Representatives, a two-thirds majority of those present and voting is required. This procedural rule is used to facilitate the quick passage of uncontroversial bills or motions without the need for a lengthy debate or the potential for a filibuster. The requirement for a two-thirds majority ensures that there is significant bipartisan support for the item being considered, reflecting a broader agreement among members rather than just a simple majority.

In contrast, the other options involve different voting thresholds which do not apply to the "suspend the rules" mechanism. A simple majority refers to more votes in favor than against but is insufficient for suspending the rules, while a simple plurality would require only a relative majority, which is not stringent enough for this particular procedure. A three-fourths majority is typically associated with amendments to the Constitution or other specific scenarios, making it inapplicable in this context. Thus, understanding the requirement for a two-thirds majority is critical for navigating legislative procedures in the House.