Establishing the Select Committee on Electoral Reform.
Impact
The committee is tasked with examining the current electoral methods utilized for electing Congress members and investigating potential alternatives that could enhance the accountability and functionality of Congress. Among the significant topics to be explored are the introduction of multi-member congressional districts, changes to the number of House representatives, and various voting methodologies including cumulative and fusion voting. The committee will also evaluate the barriers preventing states from experimenting with these varied electoral systems, particularly the existing requirement for single-member districts set forth by the Uniform Congressional District Act.
Summary
House Resolution 1573 establishes the Select Committee on Electoral Reform, aimed at addressing the declining approval of Congress. The resolution highlights the necessity for electoral reform in the U.S., referencing various reform methods such as proportional representation, ranked-choice voting, and redistricting reforms. The establishment of the committee reflects a growing sentiment among the populace that modifications to the electoral system could lead to improved political engagement and satisfaction with the electoral process.
Contention
While the intent behind HR1573 is to improve the electoral process and make it more inclusive, the discussions surrounding it may spark debate on the implications of electoral reforms. Proponents argue that changes such as implementing ranked-choice voting or establishing independent redistricting commissions would result in more representative outcomes and a more engaged electorate. Conversely, critics might view these reforms as unnecessary complications or as invasive to the established electoral framework, raising concerns about their execution and the readiness of states to adopt such significant changes.
This resolution establishes the House Select Committee on Electoral Reform to examine current methods of electing Members of Congress, consider alternative methods of election, and report appropriate recommendations to Congress and the President.Specifically, the committee must (1) determine how alternative methods of election would affect the responsiveness, accountability, and functionality of Congress; (2) conduct hearings to take testimony and receive evidence from appropriate expert witnesses; and (3) examine federal barriers to state experimentation with alternative electoral systems. The committee must consider alternatives to current methods that include adopting multi-member congressional districts with proportional representation; adjusting the total number of Members of the House of Representatives; adopting alternative methods of voting (e.g., ranked-choice voting); and holding open and nonpartisan primaries.The committee shall be made up of 14 Members of Congress appointed by the Speaker of the House, 7 of whom shall be appointed in consultation with the minority leader. The committee's co-chairs shall be designated by the Speaker and minority leader, respectively. The resolution provides that the committee must hold its first meeting within 30 days after all of its members have been appointed.The committee shall issue its final report to Congress and the President within one year after the committee's first meeting.
Establishing a Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government as a select investigative subcommittee of the Committee on the Judiciary.
Campaign finance: contributions and expenditures; provision related to officeholders raising funds when facing a recall; modify, and require candidate to establish a separate account used for recall purposes. Amends secs. 3, 11, 12, 21, 24 & 52 of 1976 PA 388 (MCL 169.203 et seq.) & adds sec. 21b.
Campaign finance: contributions and expenditures; funds donated to a candidate for recall efforts; require candidate to establish a separate account used for recall purposes. Amends secs. 3, 11, 12, 21, 24 & 52 of 1976 PA 388 (MCL 169.203 et seq.) & adds sec. 21b.
A concurrent resolution recognizing wild rice as sacred and central to the culture and health of Indigenous Peoples in Minnesota and critical to the health and identity of all Minnesota citizens and ecosystems and establishing a commitment to passing legislation to protect wild rice and the freshwater resources upon which it depends.