What does Preamble of HR 2797 do?

This bill aims to establish a commission. The commission's purpose is to study and develop proposals for expanding the House of Representatives. The bill also includes provisions for 'other purposes'.

What does SHORT TITLE. of HR 2797 do?

This bill is formally titled the House Expansion Commission Act.

What does FINDINGS. of HR 2797 do?

This section outlines findings related to the size of the House of Representatives. The number of House members has been capped at 435 since 1929. The U.S. population has tripled since 1929, leading to a significant increase in the number of constituents per representative. The average congressional district currently represents approximately 800,000 constituents. Projections estimate that each district could represent around 829,000 constituents by 2050. There is a growing movement to increase the number of House members to improve public access, diversity, and constituent service. Representative Earl Blumenauer introduced House bill 622, the Restoring Equal and Accountable Legislators in the House Act, which proposes adding 150 seats to the House, bringing the total to 585.

What does ESTABLISHMENT. of HR 2797 do?

This section establishes a commission. The commission is formally named the 'U.S. House of Representatives Expansion Commission'.

What does DUTIES OF COMMISSION. of HR 2797 do?

This section establishes the duties of a Commission. The Commission is tasked with studying the current size of the House of Representatives and whether expansion could improve representation and Congressional function. The study includes examining various methods for expanding the House, such as the 'Cube Root Law' and 'Wyoming Rule'. The Commission must analyze the cost implications and logistical challenges of expanding the House, including impacts on offices, staff, and funding. The study will also consider how other countries with similar legislative structures have expanded their bodies. The Commission will investigate the historical context of past changes to the House's size, referencing the 1929 Census Act. The Commission is required to consult with various officials, including the Architect of the Capitol and the Clerk of the House. Within two years of its first meeting, the Commission must submit a report to the President and Congress, including proposals for expanding the House and addressing related challenges.

What does MEMBERSHIP. of HR 2797 do?

The Commission will consist of 13 members who are not current Members of Congress. Five members are appointed by the Speaker of the House, five by the House minority leader, one by the Senate majority leader (previously served in the House), and one by the Senate minority leader (previously served in the House). The Speaker and minority leader of the House jointly appoint the Chairperson. Members are appointed for the life of the Commission, and vacancies are filled in the same manner as the original appointment. Appointing authorities should prioritize individuals with practical experience or academic expertise in politics, government, mathematics, or statistics. Members generally serve without pay but are reimbursed for travel expenses. A quorum for the Commission is 7 members, but a smaller number can hold hearings. The Commission can meet at the call of the Chairperson or a majority of its members.

What does PERSONNEL OF COMMISSION. of HR 2797 do?

The Commission will have a Director appointed by a majority vote of the Commission. The Director's salary will be capped at the rate of basic pay for level IV of the Executive Schedule, contingent on appropriations. The Director, with Commission approval, and the Commission itself can appoint staff. Staff appointed by the Director cannot exceed the equivalent of level IV of the Executive Schedule pay, while staff appointed directly by the Commission cannot exceed level V. The Director can procure temporary services under section 3109(b) of title 5, United States Code. Federal agencies can detail personnel to the Commission to assist with its duties without reimbursement, and this will not affect the personnel's civil service status.

What does POWERS OF COMMISSION. of HR 2797 do?

The Commission is authorized to hold hearings and receive evidence to carry out the Act. Members or groups of members can take actions authorized by the Commission. The Commission can obtain information from federal agencies if it is publicly releasable under Title 5, Section 552 of the United States Code. The Administrator of General Services will provide administrative support services to the Commission upon request and on a reimbursable basis. The Commission may accept voluntary and uncompensated services. The Commission may use the United States mails. The Commission has the authority to enter into contracts for administrative supplies and equipment if funds are available.

What does TERMINATION. of HR 2797 do?

This section establishes the termination date for the Commission. The Commission will terminate 90 days after submitting a report under section 4(c).

What does AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. of HR 2797 do?

This section authorizes appropriations for carrying out the Act.

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House Expansion Commission Act — HR. 2797

Last updated: 4/9/2025 · Introduced: 4/9/2025

Author: Haley Stevens (D-MI)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill establishes a 13-member U.S. House of Representatives Expansion Commission to study and propose methods for expanding the House of Representatives.
The Commission will examine various expansion models, analyze cost and logistical challenges, and consider historical precedents and international examples.
Commission members will be appointed by the Speaker of the House, the House minority leader, and the Senate leaders, prioritizing individuals with expertise in relevant fields.
The Commission must submit a report to the President and Congress within two years, detailing expansion proposals and related challenges.
The Commission will terminate 90 days after submitting its report, and appropriations are authorized to support its activities.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 8 more.

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