Use case examples demonstrating understanding of impact on short term and long term impacts for true debating. Here Here well done on authors and sponsors! Abstracts that are full in simple language to understand intent. Reid unconstitutionally sponsoring ACA and Pelosi stating not a tax, it passes “we need to pass it to find out what is in it” being declared unconstitutional & then bait and switch to be argued by Obama as a tax = great use case of complete unconstitutional across the board.
We should also add that they have to name it based on the actual use of the bill. For instance, instead of the “Inflation Reduction Act” they would have to call it the “Environmental Action Act.”
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Recommend change
(b) Quorum & Voting Requirement.
- Presence for Quorum and Voting: Members of Congress must be physically present in the chamber for the first annual session and for any special events scheduled by the speaker 30 days in advance.
An individual may be counted for quorum purposes and to cast votes on any bill or joint resolution by authenticated tele presence or in person.
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I definitely agree with single issue bills for Congress.
To directly determine new laws, no. The USA is a republic, not a democracy.
However, I think that having an official forum on which citizens may propose, refine, and vote to send bills to congress would be good. Make crowdsourced bills that get enough votes automatically go to congress for a vote.
Such a website would need to be for citizens only, and be squeaky clean though. Otherwise, rich crime families like the Rothschilds could flood congress with awful bills boosted by botfarms.
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I think the bill should be posted to the public at the same time it’s given to Congress 10 days before nothing on it. The votes of the people on a bill website or this one, should be looked at by those all voting in Congress beforehand with each member stating the votes of the people, for and against at the time they cast their vote.
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Wonderful idea! One page may not be enough, but there should still be a word limit or page limit and summary read at time of vote.
I think this could make it too easy for future Congress to reverse laws that don’t serve the agenda. I would rather make it possible for citizens to make a law subject to a national referendum where citizens can vote to remove a law. Rather than a popular vote, it should be by electoral vote.
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While the single-subject, one-page approach has merits, there are practical considerations that warrant thoughtful adjustments:
1. Complexity and Detail
Certain legislative initiatives, particularly those involving infrastructure, healthcare, or national defense, inherently require more detailed documentation. Simplifying language can help, but we must recognize that some projects and proposals demand a greater level of detail to ensure clarity and effective implementation.
2. Proportional Review Periods
Instead of strictly limiting bills to one page, a fair compromise would be to establish proportional review periods based on the length or complexity of the proposal. For example, a clear timeline could allow legislators adequate time to thoroughly review and assess larger bills without sacrificing transparency or accountability.
3. Single-Subject Flexibility
While a single-subject rule is valuable to maintain focus, it should allow for broader categories where necessary. For instance, a bill addressing roadway improvements should be comprehensive enough to encompass multiple projects across regions rather than fragmenting efforts into votes on individual miles of roadway.
4. Prevention of Hidden Provisions
A critical component of this approach is ensuring transparency by prohibiting unrelated or hidden appropriations. Measures must explicitly state all proposed actions and associated funding, avoiding scenarios where a roadway bill includes concealed appropriations for unrelated items, such as improvements to the legislative dining hall.
By maintaining the spirit of clarity, transparency, and accountability while allowing for necessary flexibility and proportional timelines, we can create a legislative process that is both efficient and adaptable to the complexities of governance.
This is why there should be single issue bills!!
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This bill would work perfectly with the bills I proposed:
Transparency on Congressional Bills and Votes
Check it out and give it a vote if you agree!
I’m not politically savvy. Just curious. I appreciate your kindness and your thoughtful answer. Thank you and have a wonderful day!
This is an absolute must in ensuring transparency with the American people whom by the way, each and every member of congress works for.
This is must going forward. It keeps issues transparent, keeps trash from getting passed when it otherwise wouldn’t, and it allows the American people to see exactly how congress members voted.
- Descriptive Naming and Categorization of Bills: - AI should determine the name of the bill based on the contents
Agree 100% Any new law or bill should be able to pass on its own merits. Not include riders to get votes.
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Agreed!
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I wrote a draft proposal for the same thing, we should merge our ideas. This is phenomenal, this could get real momentum. Great work!
Draft Proposal “One Issue, One Bill Act”
Title: One Issue, One Bill Act
Purpose: To ensure transparency, accountability, and focused legislative deliberation by requiring that all bills and resolutions introduced in Congress address only a single issue or subject.
Section 1: Short Title
This Act may be cited as the “One Issue, One Bill Act.”
Section 2: Findings and Purpose:
1.The legislative process is often hampered by the inclusion of unrelated provisions in bills, leading to a lack of transparency and accountability.
2.The practice of “bundling” multiple issues into a single bill prevents legislators from voting in accordance with their constituents’ wishes on each individual issue.
3.A “One Issue, One Bill” approach will promote clarity, reduce the potential for political maneuvering, and restore public trust in the legislative process.
Therefore, it is the purpose of this Act to mandate that all proposed legislation address only one issue or subject, thus allowing members of Congress to vote on each issue based on its own merits.
Section 3: Definitions
For the purposes of this Act:
“Single issue” means a matter or topic that is clearly related to one area of policy or public interest, without unrelated provisions or amendments.
“Legislative riders” refer to additional provisions, often unrelated, attached to a bill to secure passage or block other legislation.
Section 4: Requirements
1.Single-Issue Legislation: All bills, joint resolutions, and concurrent resolutions submitted to Congress shall address only one specific issue or subject.
No bill shall contain unrelated topics or amendments that do not directly pertain to the primary purpose of the bill.
Bills that address multiple aspects of a single overarching issue (e.g., healthcare reform, infrastructure improvements) may be permitted, provided that each section is germane to the primary subject matter.
2.Prohibition on Unrelated Riders:
No appropriations or authorization bill shall include riders unrelated to the primary focus of the legislation.
Any amendment introduced must be germane to the subject of the original bill.
3.Transparency and Accountability:
All bills shall have a clear, concise title that accurately reflects the content of the legislation.
A summary of the bill’s single issue must be provided, and it shall be publicly available at least 72 hours prior to any vote.
Section 5: Enforcement
1.Any bill that violates the provisions of this Act shall be subject to challenge by any member of Congress and may be struck down by a majority vote.
2.The House and Senate Parliamentarians are authorized to review and determine whether a proposed bill complies with this Act prior to it being introduced for debate.
Section 6: Effective Date
This Act shall take effect immediately upon its enactment.
Justifications for the Proposal
By requiring that each bill address only one issue, it becomes easier for the public, media, and legislators themselves to understand the content of the legislation. This transparency fosters greater accountability.
Unrelated riders are often used to secure votes through “pork-barrel” spending that benefits specific districts or interest groups. By prohibiting these riders, the legislation would prioritize merit over political bargaining.
Legislators would be forced to debate and vote on the merits of a single issue, making their positions clear to their constituents. This would also reduce the need for rushed votes on massive omnibus bills.
Public confidence in Congress is often undermined by the perception of backroom deals and political maneuvering. A “One Issue, One Bill” policy would demonstrate a commitment to ethical governance.
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The 1 Bill 1 Issue Act is a brilliant idea i have pondered for a very long time… i truly hope it gets introduced as a bill!
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Sounds like money laundering and theft to me.