Regarding consent to assemble outside the seat of government.

Bill Number

H.Con.Res. 1

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Congress

Status

Passed House

Latest Action

2025-01-06: Received in the Senate.

Last Updated

2026-07-10T15:13:23Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 1) provides formal consent for the U.S. Congress to assemble and conduct business at a location outside Washington, D.C., during the 119th Congress (2025–2026), if circumstances make it necessary for the public interest. It follows Article I, Section 5, Clause 4 of the U.S. Constitution, which allows each chamber of Congress (House and Senate) to meet elsewhere with the consent of the other chamber.

Key Provisions

• Authority to Relocate: The Speaker of the House and the Majority Leader of the Senate (or their designated representatives) may jointly decide to notify House and Senate members to assemble outside the District of Columbia.
• Consultation Requirement: This decision must involve consultation with the Minority Leader of the House and the Minority Leader of the Senate to ensure bipartisan input.
• Scope: The provision applies specifically to the 119th Congress and is triggered only if the leaders believe it serves the public interest (e.g., due to emergencies like security threats or disasters).
• Passage Details: The resolution passed the House on January 3, 2025, and requires Senate concurrence to take effect.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• This resolution does not amend or create new statutes; it is a procedural measure that fulfills the Constitution's requirement for inter-chamber consent to meet outside the capital.
• It updates and reaffirms the mechanism for the current Congress, potentially superseding or renewing similar provisions from prior sessions, but introduces no substantive legal alterations.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: Minimal direct impact, though it could affect coordination with executive agencies if Congress relocates, requiring adjustments to logistics, security, and communication protocols.
• On Citizens: Indirect benefits by ensuring Congress can continue functioning during crises, maintaining legislative oversight and government continuity without halting services or lawmaking.
• On International Relations: Negligible effects, as relocation would be domestic and temporary; it might signal U.S. preparedness for disruptions but is unlikely to influence foreign policy directly.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Congressional Leadership: Speaker of the House, Senate Majority Leader, and their designees hold decision-making power, while Minority Leaders provide consultative roles.
• Members of Congress: House and Senate members would receive notifications and potentially travel to alternative sites, affecting their operations and schedules.
• Congressional Staff and Support Entities: Entities like the Clerk of the House and security services may need to facilitate relocations.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Constitutional Compliance: Directly upholds the Constitution's allowance for flexible meeting locations, preventing disruptions to legislative quorum (the minimum number needed for official business) in emergencies.
• Political Flexibility: Enhances bipartisan consultation, reducing risks of partisan disputes over relocation, and demonstrates proactive governance amid potential threats like natural disasters or attacks.
• Legal Precedent: As a non-binding resolution (concurrent resolutions do not have the force of law but express congressional intent), it sets an internal procedural tone without enforceable changes, though it could influence future emergency protocols. No major controversies are evident from the text itself.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Fischbach, Michelle [R-MN-7]

Recent Actions

• 2025-01-06: Received in the Senate.
• 2025-01-03: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
• 2025-01-03: On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection. (text: CR H23)
• 2025-01-03: Passed/agreed to in House: On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection. (text: CR H23)
• 2025-01-03: Considered as privileged matter. (consideration: CR H23)
• 2025-01-03: Submitted in House
• 2025-01-03: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

• Regarding consent to assemble outside the seat of government. — issued 2025-01-03 — PDF (4 pages)