Bill · H.R. 7431· House(119-HR-7431)
Congressional Civics Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 2/9/2026
- Last activity
- 2/9/2026 — Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Sponsored by
- Wesley Hunt
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Congressional Civics Act of 2026 implements a requirement for Members of Congress to demonstrate competence in American civics. This is done through an examination covering twenty specific historical and governmental topics. Congress is responsible for establishing and administering this exam for each ten-year census term. Under the act, a House may not seat an individual until they successfully complete the examination. If an individual fails to pass the exam within two weeks of their election or appointment, a vacancy will occur. Before these full requirements take effect, an interim version of the exam will apply to committee assignments.
Yes· 3 of 4
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+5
The bill requires the publication of examination questions and model answers in the journal of proceedings for public access.
Would students be better off under this?+2
The bill provides a free, accessible online platform for citizens to demonstrate knowledge of American civics.
Does this get reliable internet to more people?+1
The bill utilizes an internet platform to facilitate the administration of the civics examination.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Accessibility for Citizens: The examination can be taken by any citizen through an internet platform at their own discretion and convenience without any cost (Section 2(k)(2)).
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Transparency of Standards: The approved questions and model answers are required to be published in the journal of proceedings and made available to the public (Section 2(j)).
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Verification of Knowledge: Individuals who successfully complete the exam can receive a certificate that serves as conclusive proof of their success (Section 2(k)(4)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Risk of Vacancies: If an elected or appointed Member of Congress fails to complete the examination within two weeks of their election or appointment, a vacancy will arise (Section 2(c)).
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Barriers to Seating: A House of Congress is prohibited from seating an individual as a Member following an election or appointment until they demonstrate competence by passing the examination (Section 2(b)).
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Restrictions on Committee Work: Under the interim implementation, a Member of Congress may not be assigned to a committee or joint committee unless they have successfully completed the examination (Section 3(a)).
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Limited Attempts: An individual is limited to taking the examination no more than three times in a single calendar year (Section 2(l)).
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+5
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Students+2
- Education And Technology
- Improves Internet Access+1
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Voting Rights+1
- 2/9/2026
- Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Introduced in House