H.Con.Res.1 - Regarding consent to assemble outside the seat of government. (119th Congress)
Summary
H.Con.Res. 1 is a concurrent resolution passed by the House of Representatives regarding the location of Congressional sessions. It allows the Speaker of the House and the Senate Majority Leader (or their designees), after consulting with the Minority Leaders, to convene Congress outside of Washington, D.C. if the public interest warrants it. This resolution applies specifically to the 119th Congress.
Expected Effects
This resolution grants flexibility to Congress in choosing its meeting location. It could lead to sessions being held in different parts of the country, potentially in response to emergencies or for symbolic purposes. The decision-making power rests with the Speaker and Majority Leader, with consultation from the Minority Leaders.
Potential Benefits
- Allows Congress to convene in locations more relevant to specific issues or crises.
- Could improve public engagement by holding sessions in different states.
- Provides a contingency plan for situations where Washington, D.C. is inaccessible.
- Demonstrates responsiveness to national events or emergencies.
- May foster a greater sense of national unity by bringing Congress closer to the people.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased costs associated with travel and logistics.
- Could be perceived as a political stunt if not used judiciously.
- May create logistical challenges for staff and media.
- Raises questions about accessibility for all members of Congress and the public.
- Could set a precedent for frequent relocation, disrupting normal operations.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
This resolution aligns with Article I, Section 5, Clause 4 of the Constitution, which grants each house of Congress the power to determine the rules of its proceedings. The resolution specifies that the decision to assemble outside of the District of Columbia must be made jointly by the Speaker of the House and the Senate Majority Leader, after consultation with the Minority Leaders, ensuring some level of bipartisan input. There are no apparent conflicts with other constitutional provisions.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).