Restoring Regular Order in Congress

In recent years, the effectiveness and bipartisanship of the House of Representatives have been undermined by the increasing concentration of power in the hands of party leadership, often at the expense of regular legislative processes. The result has been a breakdown in the democratic principles that should guide our legislative branch, with critical decisions made behind closed doors rather than through open debate and discussion.

To restore trust in Congress and to ensure that all voices are heard, I am committed to supporting a return to regular order in the House of Representatives. Regular order refers to the traditional processes by which legislation is introduced, debated, amended, and passed in a transparent and democratic manner. This includes:

1. Committee Process: Ensuring that all bills go through the proper committee process where they can be thoroughly reviewed, debated, and amended by members with expertise in the relevant areas. This allows for more informed and effective legislation, rather than hastily drafted bills that bypass the normal procedures. Any bills that make it out of committee should get a floor vote – no matter what.
2. Open Debate: Promoting open and robust debate on the House floor, allowing all representatives, regardless of party affiliation, to voice their opinions and propose amendments. This is essential for fostering bipartisanship and reaching consensus on complex issues.
3. Respecting Minority Rights: Upholding the rights of the minority party to participate meaningfully in the legislative process, including the ability to offer amendments and debate legislation. This ensures that the interests of all Americans are represented, not just those of the majority party.
4. Transparency: Committing to transparency in the legislative process, including making all committee hearings and floor debates publicly available and ensuring that the legislative text is accessible to the public well before votes are taken. This allows citizens to hold their representatives accountable and to participate more fully in the democratic process.
5. Leadership Accountability: I vow to only support party leadership that is committed to these principles of regular order. Leadership that circumvents the democratic process for political expediency undermines the very foundation of our democracy.

By returning to regular order, we can jumpstart the effectiveness of the House of Representatives, increase bipartisanship, and restore the American people’s faith in their government. It is time for Congress to do the people’s business in a way that is open, transparent, and truly representative of all Americans. This commitment to regular order is not just about process—it’s about ensuring that our democracy works for everyone.