<P> Some legislatures have abandoned the concept of a casting vote . For example, the Speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives formerly held a casting vote similar to that of the Speaker of the British House of Commons . Today, however, the Speaker simply votes as an ordinary member--and since an outright majority is necessary for a bill to pass, a tie is considered a defeat . </P> <P> Some legislatures have a dual approach . In the Australian Parliament, the Speaker of the House of Representatives may not vote in general debates but has a casting vote to decide a tie . The President of the Senate usually votes in general debates, commonly based on party lines . The President does not have a casting vote, and a tied vote in the Senate is resolved in the negative . The same arrangements exist with respect to the Speakers of the Canadian House and Senate . </P> <P> While having the same right to vote as any member of the House, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, to maintain the appearance of impartiality, typically does not vote unless doing so would make a difference . This is, in effect, a casting vote . </P> <P> In the Congress of the Philippines, the presiding officers, who are openly partisan, of the two chambers have different rules on casting votes in case of a tie . In the Senate, the President of the Senate votes last; therefore, if the motion is tied, it is lost . Meanwhile, the Speaker of the House of Representatives (or any presiding officer) does not vote unless there is a tie, which is rare; in this casting vote, the presiding officer usually votes based on the party line . </P>

Who breaks a tie in the house of representatives