United States Constitution – Article I sec 5

Section 5 describes who sets the rules and procedures for each House.

Section 5

(clause 1)

Each House shall be the Judge of the Elections, Returns and Qualifications of its own Members, and a Majority of each shall constitute a Quorum to do Business; but a smaller Number may adjourn from day to day, and may be authorized to compel the Attendance of absent Members, in such Manner, and under such Penalties as each House may provide.

• Each House the final judge of the election of their members; whether they were legitimately elected and meet the qualifications.
• A chamber of Congress cannot do business without a simple majority of the members present, except:
  • for the business of adjournment or
  • to compel its members to show up to do business.
• Each house can determine the methods and penalties that can be used to compel attendance.