Relating to questions of privilege in the House of Representatives during the One Hundred Nineteenth Congress.
Summary
H. Res. 1034 proposes a change to the House rules regarding questions of privilege. Specifically, it increases the threshold for resolutions addressing the conduct of a Member, Delegate, or Resident Commissioner to require one-fifth of the House membership as cosponsors. This applies to resolutions offered by the Majority or Minority Leader, as well as announcements of intent to offer such resolutions.
Expected Effects
This resolution would make it more difficult to bring questions of privilege related to member conduct to the House floor. It raises the bar for consideration, potentially reducing the number of such resolutions debated. This could lead to fewer public discussions of alleged misconduct by members.
Potential Benefits
- Could reduce frivolous or politically motivated privilege resolutions.
- May streamline House proceedings by limiting debate on certain issues.
- Could encourage bipartisan cooperation to reach the cosponsorship threshold.
- Potentially protects members from undue harassment or politically motivated attacks.
Potential Disadvantages
- Could stifle legitimate concerns about member conduct from being addressed.
- May shield members from accountability for unethical or inappropriate behavior.
- Could limit the ability of individual members to raise important issues.
- Potentially reduces transparency regarding member conduct.
Constitutional Alignment
The resolution relates to the internal rules and procedures of the House of Representatives, which is within its constitutional authority under Article I, Section 5, Clause 2: "Each House may determine the Rules of its Proceedings". The resolution does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or protections.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).