Equal Representation Act

3/6/2024, 11:08 AM
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
The Equal Representation Act, also known as Bill 118 s 3659, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main goal of this bill is to address the issue of unequal representation in the US House of Representatives.

The bill proposes to increase the number of seats in the House of Representatives from 435 to 437. This would be achieved by granting statehood to the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, each of which would be allocated one seat in the House. Currently, residents of the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico do not have voting representation in Congress, despite paying federal taxes and being subject to federal laws.

By granting statehood to these territories and increasing the number of seats in the House, the Equal Representation Act aims to provide more equal representation for all US citizens. Proponents of the bill argue that it is a matter of fairness and democracy to ensure that all Americans have a voice in their government. Opponents of the bill may argue that granting statehood to the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico could have political implications, as both territories are traditionally Democratic-leaning. However, supporters of the bill emphasize that the primary goal is to address the issue of unequal representation and ensure that all US citizens have equal access to representation in Congress. Overall, the Equal Representation Act is a significant piece of legislation that seeks to address a long-standing issue of unequal representation in the US House of Representatives. It will be interesting to see how this bill progresses through Congress and what impact it may have on the political landscape in the future.
Congress
118

Number
S - 3659

Introduced on
2024-01-25

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

1/25/2024

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
House to Vote
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
The Equal Representation Act, also known as Bill 118 s 3659, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main goal of this bill is to address the issue of unequal representation in the US House of Representatives.

The bill proposes to increase the number of seats in the House of Representatives from 435 to 437. This would be achieved by granting statehood to the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, each of which would be allocated one seat in the House. Currently, residents of the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico do not have voting representation in Congress, despite paying federal taxes and being subject to federal laws.

By granting statehood to these territories and increasing the number of seats in the House, the Equal Representation Act aims to provide more equal representation for all US citizens. Proponents of the bill argue that it is a matter of fairness and democracy to ensure that all Americans have a voice in their government. Opponents of the bill may argue that granting statehood to the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico could have political implications, as both territories are traditionally Democratic-leaning. However, supporters of the bill emphasize that the primary goal is to address the issue of unequal representation and ensure that all US citizens have equal access to representation in Congress. Overall, the Equal Representation Act is a significant piece of legislation that seeks to address a long-standing issue of unequal representation in the US House of Representatives. It will be interesting to see how this bill progresses through Congress and what impact it may have on the political landscape in the future.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedA bill to require a citizenship question on the decennial census, to require reporting on certain census statistics, and to modify apportionment of Representatives to be based on United States citizens instead of all persons.

Policy Areas
Government Operations and Politics

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Action1/25/2024
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.