Bills of Congress May 20, 2025 by U.S. Congress

H.R.3507 - Legislative Accountability Act (119th Congress)

Summary

H.R.3507, the Legislative Accountability Act, aims to increase transparency in the legislative process. It requires committee chairs in the House and Senate to submit information regarding amendments and provisions included in reported bills and joint resolutions. This information includes the names of Members of Congress who submitted amendments or are responsible for specific provisions.

Expected Effects

The bill's passage would lead to greater public awareness of individual legislators' contributions to specific pieces of legislation. This could increase accountability and potentially influence voting behavior by making legislators' actions more visible. It could also lead to a more informed electorate.

Potential Benefits 4/5

* Increased transparency in the legislative process.
* Greater accountability for individual members of Congress.
* More informed public discourse on legislative matters.
* Potential for improved public trust in government.
* Clearer record of legislative contributions.

Most Benefited Areas:

Individual Liberties, Rights & Privacy ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Potential Disadvantages

* Potential for increased political grandstanding and credit-claiming.
* Possible administrative burden on committee chairs and staff.
* Risk of oversimplification of complex legislative processes.
* May not significantly impact legislative outcomes.
* Could lead to increased polarization if used for political attacks.

Constitutional Alignment 5/5

The bill aligns with the principles of transparency and accountability, which are implicit in the structure of the US Constitution. Article I, Section 5 requires each House to keep a journal of its proceedings and from time to time publish the same, excepting such parts as may in their judgment require secrecy. This bill builds on that principle. The bill also explicitly acknowledges the rulemaking power of each house of Congress, respecting the separation of powers.