Modernization Committee introduces bipartisan legislation with nearly 30 recommendations to help fix Congress

Today, the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress will introduce legislation (H.R. 756) that includes nearly 30 recommendations that were made by the committee and passed unanimously over the past year.

“The House should pass this resolution before they leave for the holidays,” said Issue One Executive Director Meredith McGehee. “These bipartisan recommendations will help make Congress more effective for the American people. Chairman Rep. Derek Kilmer (D-WA) and Vice Chair Rep. Tom Graves (R-GA) are modeling how Democrats and Republicans should work together to solve problems.” 

“While the Nation goes through the wrenching but important process of impeachment, further dividing the country, the Select Committee is a cornerstone for a recovery plan and reform for our shattered political system. The American people’s trust and faith in the Legislative Branch working to solve problems is essential; the Select Committee is making critical progress on this front,” said Issue One ReFormers Caucus Chair Amb. Tim Roemer (D-IN). 

From the Select Committee: 

Created by an overwhelming bipartisan vote at the beginning of the 116th Congress, the Select Committee was tasked to produce recommendations on rules to promote a more modern and efficient Congress; procedures, including the schedule and calendar; policies to develop the next generation of leaders; staff recruitment, diversity, retention, and compensation and benefits; administrative efficiencies, including purchasing, travel, outside services, and shared administrative staff; technology and innovation; and the work of the House Commission on Congressional Mailing Standards.

Since March the Select Committee has held 14 hearings and numerous Member and staff-level briefings and listening sessions to solicit ideas and recommendations for reforming the legislative branch. On a rolling basis throughout the year, the Select Committee issued recommendations and shared ideas for reform on a bipartisan basis. Last month, after widespread bipartisan support throughout Capitol Hill, the Select Committee and its work was extended through the end of the 116th Congress. The rule that created the Select Committee originally had it set to expire on February 1, 2020. The extension allows the Select Committee to continue its work proposing bipartisan reforms to make Congress work better for the American people.