Archive: News

Washington, DC - Today, members of the House Problem Solvers Caucus introduced a package of changes to the House Rules to make Congress work for the American people. The proposed rule changes reward openness and transparency, encourage a willingness to reach across the aisle, create debate on divisive issues, and empower lawmakers to find real solutions concerning our nation's most pressing matters.

"We've seen time and again how our common sense solutions get jammed up in a system built to empower the voices of a few extremists," said Caucus Co-Chair Congressman Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ). "Instead of letting obstructionists create roadblocks to bipartisan consensus, the American people deserve action on everything from infrastructure to immigration.

The package includes -- among others -- proposals to give fast-track priority consideration to bipartisan legislation and guarantees markups on bipartisan legislation from every Member of Congress.  To encourage consensus driven governing, the package would also replace the current 'Motion to Vacate the Chair'.

The Problem Solvers Caucus plans to work with other House Caucuses in the coming weeks to collaborate and help build consensus around House rules changes ahead of the next Congress.

For nearly two years, the 48 Members of the Problem Solvers Caucus have worked together finding bipartisan agreement on the toughest issues facing Congress. The Caucus proposed a health care compromise to help stabilize the individual marketplace; an agreement on our nation's DREAMERs and border security; support for gun and school safety legislation, and recommendations for a bipartisan infrastructure package.

However, their progress and bipartisan cooperation has often faced large obstacles for passage because of House Rules that enable a few Members to prevent bipartisan ideas from being brought to the House Floor.

"We care about reforming the institution, so that Congress is actually able to get things done for the people back home," said Caucus Co-Chair Representative Tom Reed (R-NY). "Due to the House floor being controlled by a select few, most Members of Congress are not able to bring their ideas and proposals to the House floor for a fair vote that would allow us to begin solving some of the most contentious issues facing our country today."

v14i30
v14i30