Expressing support for a comprehensive political reform plan.
Impact
If implemented, this resolution could significantly alter the landscape of political accountability in the U.S. by ensuring that lawmakers prioritize the interests of their constituents over the influences of wealthy donors and special interest groups. The introduction of term limits—specifically, 12 years for Congress members and 18 years for Supreme Court Justices—seeks to enhance democratic representation by reducing incumbency advantages and encouraging a more diverse and responsive Congress. This aspect addresses public concerns about the high rate of incumbency and the lack of alternatives for voters.
Summary
House Resolution 938 expresses support for a comprehensive political reform plan aimed at restoring public trust in government. Key components of the resolution include provisions that would prohibit Members of Congress from accepting contributions from political action committees and impose stricter regulations on lobbying activities. Additionally, the resolution advocates for a lifetime ban on lobbying for former Members of Congress and aims to prevent conflicts of interest related to stock trading by legislators by mandating that their investments be placed in blind trusts.
Contention
The notable points of contention surrounding HR938 include the feasibility and potential implications of enforcing such strict regulations on lobbying and campaign contributions. Critics may argue that these restrictions could limit legitimate engagement between lawmakers and organizations that aim to advocate for public welfare. Furthermore, there are concerns regarding the practicality of implementing term limits, as this could lead to a loss of experienced legislators in favor of newer representatives who may lack necessary experience. The discussion surrounding the ethical guidelines for Supreme Court Justices remains a hot-button issue, compounded by recent controversies involving financial disclosures among justices.
Public perception
Public opinion appears to be largely in favor of the measures outlined in HR938, with significant portions of the population expressing a desire for enhanced accountability and transparency in government. Surveys indicate that a considerable majority of Americans support stricter regulations against stock trading by members of Congress and the establishment of term limits for legislative positions. This push for reform is a direct response to an ongoing crisis of trust in governmental institutions, reflecting the electorate's desire for more responsible and transparent political leadership.
Expressing support for the recognition of October 26, 2023, as "Intersex Awareness Day", and supporting the goals and ideals of Intersex Awareness Day.
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Russian Federation's status as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council contravenes the spirit and purpose of the United Nations, that the rights and privileges it enjoys in that role be limited, suspended, or terminated, and that the Republic of India be appointed as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council with all the rights and privileges of the position.
Urges Congress to provide for joint session at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in honor of semiquincentennial of Declaration of Independence.
Removal of the Highway Plan and Building Restriction Line from Lot 9 in Square 5914 along the West Side of Congress Street, S.E., S.O. 22-01642, Act of 2024
Urging the Congress of the United States to propose and submit to the states for ratification a federal balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States and, in the event that Congress does not submit such an amendment on or before December 31, 2011, applying to Congress to call a convention for the specific and exclusive purpose of proposing an amendment to that constitution to provide, in the absence of a national emergency and on a two-thirds vote of Congress, for a federal balanced budget and requesting that the legislatures of each of the several states that compose the United States apply to Congress to call a convention to propose such an amendment.
A resolution recognizing the expiration of the Equal Rights Amendment proposed by Congress in March 1972, and observing that Congress has no authority to modify a resolution proposing a constitutional amendment after the amendment has been submitted to the States or after the amendment has expired.