Status of Legislation

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

Purpose and Summary

Equal Representation Act

This bill requires any questionnaire used in the decennial census to include a checkbox or other similar option for respondents to indicate whether the respondent and each household member is (1) a U.S. citizen, (2) a U.S. national but not a citizen, (3) a non-U.S. national (alien under federal law) lawfully residing in the United States, or (4) a non-U.S. national unlawfully residing in the United States.

The Department of Commerce must make public the number of persons in each state, disaggregated by each of these four categories.

The bill also requires that the statement sent by the President to Congress indicating the number of persons in each state (related to the reapportionment of U.S. Representatives) exclude noncitizens.

Bill 119 hr 151, also known as the Citizenship Question and Apportionment Act, aims to make significant changes to the way the decennial census is conducted in the United States. The bill proposes to require a citizenship question to be included on the census questionnaire, a move that has sparked controversy and debate among lawmakers and the public.

In addition to the citizenship question, the bill also calls for reporting on certain census statistics, although the specifics of what these statistics entail are not clearly outlined in the bill. This reporting requirement could potentially provide valuable data on the demographics of the US population, but critics argue that it may also be used to target specific groups or communities.

One of the most controversial aspects of the bill is its proposal to modify the apportionment of Representatives based on United States citizens instead of all persons. This would mean that only citizens would be counted when determining the allocation of seats in the House of Representatives, potentially disenfranchising non-citizens and altering the political representation of certain states and communities. Overall, Bill 119 hr 151 raises important questions about the role of citizenship in the census and the apportionment of political power in the United States. Supporters argue that it is necessary to ensure accurate representation and protect the rights of citizens, while opponents raise concerns about potential discrimination and the exclusion of certain groups from the political process. The bill is currently under consideration in Congress, and its fate remains uncertain as lawmakers continue to debate its implications.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedTo 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.

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Summary3/18/2025

Equal Representation Act

This bill requires any questionnaire used in the decennial census to include a checkbox or other similar option for respondents to indicate whether the respondent and each household member is (1) a U...


Latest Action1/13/2025
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E21)