Hastings Introduces Legislation to Establish a Bipartisan Congressional Commission

Press Release

Today, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) introduced the Congress Commission Act of 2021, which would establish a bipartisan Congressional Commission to Strengthen Representative Democracy. The Commission would be mandated to analyze the current size of the House of Representatives, examine alternatives to the current method by which Members are elected, and study the impacts of gerrymandering on representation in the people's House. Joining Hastings as original co-sponsors are Representatives André Carson (D-IN), Seth Moulton (D-MA), and Barbara Lee (D-CA).

"As we enter into a new Administration and a new Congress, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the creation of the Congressional Commission to Strengthen Representative Democracy. My legislation will mandate such a commission to solemnly examine representation in the people's House and offer recommendations to address any shortcomings," said Hastings. "We have not addressed House membership in over a century, despite a growing population and an overwhelming amount of evidence illustrating the need for reform of the House of Representatives. This past year, Americans from coast to coast demanded change and turned out at the polls in record numbers. It is high time we examine representation to ensure the people's House truly reflects those we serve."

"The House of Representatives is called "The People's House' for good reason: It is supposed to represent Americans," said Rob Richie, CEO and President of FairVote. "Our electoral system is taking away from that goal, and it's time to look to foundational remedies to what's broken in our politics."

"I enthusiastically support Representative Hastings' bipartisan Congressional Commission to Strengthen Representative Democracy, which will study the size of the House and consider updates to our antiquated electoral system to make Congress more representative," said Cynthia Richie Terrell, Founder & Director of RepresentWomen, "because it is processes like these that are increasing the number of women elected to office in the 70 or so countries that rank above the United States in women's representation."

The Congress Commission Act of 2021 has been endorsed by FairVote; RepresentWomen; Union of Concerned Scientists' Center for Science and Democracy; Election Reformers Network (ERN); Kevin Johnson, Executive Director of ERN; and Ranked Choice Voting Resource Center.

BILL SUMMARY

The Congress Commission Act of 2021 mandates the establishment of a bipartisan Congressional Commission to Strengthen Representative Democracy. This commission will analyze the current size of the membership of the House of Representatives, considering the requirements for the institution to carry out its responsibilities entrusted to its members by the American people and the Constitution. The Commission will also examine Congressional representation and the impacts of the methods of electing House Members and the use of gerrymandering in the creation of single-member districts. Should the Commission determine that reform would make for a more representative body and provide a more inclusive in the voting process, it will explore alternatives to the current method of voting and adjustments to membership. Finally, a report enumerating any findings will be submitted to Congress and the President by the culmination of the 118th Congress, along with recommended legislative action to remedy any areas of concern discovered through the Commission's work.

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