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Equal Representation Act

12/3/2025, 9:06 AM

Summary of Bill HR 151

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.

Congressional Summary of HR 151

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.

Current Status of Bill HR 151

Bill HR 151 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since January 13, 2025. Bill HR 151 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on January 3, 2025.  Bill HR 151's most recent activity was Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held as of December 2, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 151

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
1
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
326
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
326
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 151

Primary Policy Focus

Government Operations and Politics

Potential Impact Areas

- Census and government statistics
- Citizenship and naturalization
- Congressional districts and representation
- Government information and archives
- Immigration status and procedures

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 151

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.
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.

Comments

Lana Coleman profile image

Lana Coleman

455

9 months ago

This bill is so sad.

Ariya Dickerson profile image

Ariya Dickerson

464

10 months ago

This bill is a total joke.