Bill · H.R. 157· House(119-HR-157)
CLEAN Congress Act
- Introduced
- 1/3/2025
- Last activity
- 1/3/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Brian Fitzpatrick
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "CLEAN Congress Act," aims to change how Congress handles legislation and law application. It prohibits any single bill, order, or resolution from containing more than one subject. These single subjects must be clearly described in the bill's title. Additionally, the act requires that laws apply equally to Members of Congress by removing specific exceptions for them or their employees. This change would apply to the One Hundred Nineteenth Congress and all following Congresses.
Yes· 3 of 5
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+5
The bill increases transparency by requiring that every bill or resolution address only one subject clearly stated in its title.
Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts?+2
The bill promotes legal equality by stripping away special legal exceptions for Members of Congress and their staff.
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?+1
The bill aims to reduce potential corruption by ensuring laws apply equally to all citizens and congressional officials.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Increased Legislative Clarity: Under Section 2(a), every bill or resolution must embrace no more than one subject, and that subject must be clearly expressed in the title. This ensures that legislative actions are focused and transparent.
-
Equal Treatment Under the Law: Section 3(a) states that any provision of law providing an exception for a Member of Congress or their employees shall have no effect. This is intended to ensure the equal application of laws to those serving in Congress.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Restrictions on Legislative Flexibility: Section 3(b) clarifies that the law does not apply to rules that allow Members or employees to carry out official duties tied directly to lawmaking, such as using the United States Capitol or its facilities. However, the bill limits the application of other legal exceptions for these officials.
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
- Improves Government Transparency+5Improves Due Process+2
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Low Income Households+1Good For Urban Residents+1
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Racial Equity+1
- 1/3/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Introduced in House