Read the Bills Act

2/6/2025, 3:05 PM

Read the Bills Act

This bill establishes requirements for bills and resolutions to be introduced or considered by the Senate or the House of Representatives.

First, the bill requires any bill or resolution to cite the specific powers granted to Congress in the Constitution to enact all provisions in the proposed measure. Without this information, the measure may not be accepted by the Clerk of the House or the Secretary of the Senate or submitted for a final vote. Each measure must also set forth the current law such measure is amending and show the proposed modifications to the law (except where a complete section of law is stricken). 

Further, a vote on final passage of such measure may not occur unless (1) the full text of the measure is published at least seven days before the vote, (2) public notice of the calendar week during which the vote is scheduled to take place is posted at least six days before the Monday of such week, and (3) the full text of the measure is read verbatim to the assembled body in each chamber. Members must affirm in writing that they read the measure in full or were present throughout the reading before voting in favor of passing the measure (i.e., such requirements do not apply for a member who votes against passage).

The bill also authorizes a person aggrieved by a violation of the bill's provisions to sue for appropriate relief (such as an injunction against enacting the measure).

Bill 119 s 55, also known as the "Preserving Congressional Authority and Transparency Act," aims to uphold the constitutional authority of Congress and promote accountability and transparency in the legislative process. The bill seeks to address concerns about the balance of power between the legislative and executive branches of government.

One key provision of the bill is the requirement for all legislation to clearly state the constitutional authority under which it is being enacted. This is intended to ensure that Congress is acting within its constitutional limits and not overstepping its authority. Additionally, the bill includes measures to enhance transparency in the legislative process, such as requiring all bills to be made publicly available online for a minimum of 72 hours before a vote can be taken.

Furthermore, the bill includes provisions to strengthen oversight of federal agencies and ensure that they are held accountable for their actions. This includes requiring agencies to provide regular reports to Congress on their activities and spending, as well as establishing mechanisms for Congress to review and potentially overturn agency regulations. Overall, Bill 119 s 55 aims to promote a more accountable and transparent legislative process, while also reaffirming the constitutional authority of Congress. It seeks to ensure that lawmakers are acting within their constitutional limits and that the public is able to fully understand and participate in the legislative process.
Congress
119

Number
S - 55

Introduced on
2025-01-09

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

1/9/2025

Status of Legislation

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

Purpose and Summary

Read the Bills Act

This bill establishes requirements for bills and resolutions to be introduced or considered by the Senate or the House of Representatives.

First, the bill requires any bill or resolution to cite the specific powers granted to Congress in the Constitution to enact all provisions in the proposed measure. Without this information, the measure may not be accepted by the Clerk of the House or the Secretary of the Senate or submitted for a final vote. Each measure must also set forth the current law such measure is amending and show the proposed modifications to the law (except where a complete section of law is stricken). 

Further, a vote on final passage of such measure may not occur unless (1) the full text of the measure is published at least seven days before the vote, (2) public notice of the calendar week during which the vote is scheduled to take place is posted at least six days before the Monday of such week, and (3) the full text of the measure is read verbatim to the assembled body in each chamber. Members must affirm in writing that they read the measure in full or were present throughout the reading before voting in favor of passing the measure (i.e., such requirements do not apply for a member who votes against passage).

The bill also authorizes a person aggrieved by a violation of the bill's provisions to sue for appropriate relief (such as an injunction against enacting the measure).

Bill 119 s 55, also known as the "Preserving Congressional Authority and Transparency Act," aims to uphold the constitutional authority of Congress and promote accountability and transparency in the legislative process. The bill seeks to address concerns about the balance of power between the legislative and executive branches of government.

One key provision of the bill is the requirement for all legislation to clearly state the constitutional authority under which it is being enacted. This is intended to ensure that Congress is acting within its constitutional limits and not overstepping its authority. Additionally, the bill includes measures to enhance transparency in the legislative process, such as requiring all bills to be made publicly available online for a minimum of 72 hours before a vote can be taken.

Furthermore, the bill includes provisions to strengthen oversight of federal agencies and ensure that they are held accountable for their actions. This includes requiring agencies to provide regular reports to Congress on their activities and spending, as well as establishing mechanisms for Congress to review and potentially overturn agency regulations. Overall, Bill 119 s 55 aims to promote a more accountable and transparent legislative process, while also reaffirming the constitutional authority of Congress. It seeks to ensure that lawmakers are acting within their constitutional limits and that the public is able to fully understand and participate in the legislative process.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedA bill to preserve the constitutional authority of Congress and ensure accountability and transparency in legislation.

Policy Areas
Congress

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Summary2/10/2025

Read the Bills Act

This bill establishes requirements for bills and resolutions to be introduced or considered by the Senate or the House of Representatives.

First, the bill requires any bill or resolution to cite ...


Latest Action1/9/2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.