Reforming the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives

The U.S. House of Representatives has become paralyzed by partisanship and concentrated power, with leadership often controlling debate, blocking legislation, and silencing Members. To restore democracy and transparency in lawmaking, this proposal restructures the House’s internal rules to ensure shared power, open debate, and public accountability.

Key Principles

Limit the Speaker’s Power:

• The Speaker serves as a neutral presiding officer, responsible for maintaining order—not controlling the legislative agenda.
• The Speaker may not block legislation, amendments, or debate.
• Their role is administrative, ensuring fair process and certification of the House’s will

Shared Leadership Between Parties:

• The Majority and Minority Leaders share legislative scheduling and floor management.
• Debate time and agenda setting are balanced between both parties.
• If the leaders disagree, items alternate between majority- and minority-sponsored measures

Fair and Open Committees:

• Committee memberships mirror party ratios in the House, with shared leadership between parties.
• All committee sessions—except those concerning classified material—must be open to the public

Universal Right to Introduce Legislation:

• Every Member, Delegate, and Resident Commissioner may freely introduce bills, resolutions, and amendments.
• No bill may be blocked based on party affiliation or sponsorship

Open Debate and Amendments:

• All amendments must be germane and pre-published.
• Debate on each amendment is equally divided between a supporter and an opponent.
• Leadership cannot block amendments or cut debate without bipartisan agreement

Restoring Decorum and Transparency:

• Members must adhere to respectful debate and refrain from personal attacks.
• All legislative business, schedules, and committee activities must be publicly available

Ensuring Member Rights:

• No rule may infringe on the constitutional rights of any Member.
• Questions of privilege affecting the dignity or integrity of the House receive prompt debate with equal time for both sides

These reforms would dismantle the entrenched “gatekeeping” power of party leadership and return the House to what it was meant to be: a representative body where all Members—regardless of party—can legislate, debate, and vote on behalf of the people.

This is how we make Congress functional again—open, balanced, and accountable to the people.