Congressional Reform Concepts
For Consideration By
A Joint Committee on the Congress of Tomorrow

The following recommendations are the result of conversations that have taken place among several groups and are intended to serve as a framework for short-term and long-term change.

Such a framework would be best achieved through the creation of a bipartisan, bicameral Joint Committee on a Modern Congress, patterned after those created during the last Century for a similar purpose.

APPROPRIATIONS

  • Enforce and strengthen restrictions on the inclusion of unauthorized programs in appropriations and legislating on appropriation bills (addressed in BPC recommendations)
  • Restore regular order to House-Senate conference by adhering to established procedures for appointment of conferees, convening of regular meetings and consideration of amendments.
  • Provide for the bundling of appropriations for floor consideration after July 1, but not more than four subcommittee bills at once.
  • Amend congressional rules to permit members to direct spending, on a project-by project basis to state and local entities within their state and strengthen ethics rules governing conflicts of interest, transparency and sponsorship identity related to such direct appropriations.

For the complete list of reform concepts, click here.