Bill · H.J.Res. 146· House(119-HJRES-146)
Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States requiring Members of Congress to demonstrate competence in American civics.
- Introduced
- 1/30/2026
- Last activity
- 1/30/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Wesley Hunt
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This joint resolution proposes an amendment to the United States Constitution. It would require Members of Congress to demonstrate competence in American civics. This examination would focus on the system of government under the Constitution. The process would occur every ten years following a census or enumeration. Additionally, the resolution states that no person can serve as a Representative or Senator without demonstrating this competence.
Yes
Does this give the federal government more power?+3
The bill expands federal authority by establishing a new constitutional requirement for all members of Congress.
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+2
The bill requires the publication of examination questions and answers in the Journal of proceedings.
The opposite
Does this protect the right to vote?-2
The mandate creates a new competency requirement that could serve as a barrier to entry for those seeking political office.
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?-1
The requirement for a civics examination could present a time-intensive barrier for individuals with less economic flexibility.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Access to Certification: The bill ensures that any person who demonstrates competence receives certificates to prove it, which provides a formal record of their knowledge (Section 1).
-
Financial Accessibility: The examination process is required to be conducted without any cost to the person taking it (Section 1).
-
Opportunity for New Officials: If a person is elected or appointed without having demonstrated competence before their term begins, the House is required to afford them the opportunity to demonstrate competence through the examination or other legal means (Section 2).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Barriers to Serving in Congress: The bill stipulates that no person shall be a Representative or Senator unless they have demonstrated competence on the system of government under the Constitution (Section 2).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+3Improves Government Transparency+2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Voting Rights-2
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Low Income Households-1
- 1/30/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Introduced in House