Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to prohibit any person who has citizenship or nationality of, or otherwise owes allegiance to, a country other than the United States from serving as a Representative or Senator in Congress, a Judge of the Supreme Court or any inferior court, an Ambassador, public Minister or Consul, or any other officer of the United States which requires the advice and consent of the Senate, or the President or Vice President unless the person formally and permanently relinquishes such citizenship, nationality, or allegiance.
- Bill Number
- H.J.Res. 194
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Immigration
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-03: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-01T14:04:33Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation
This joint resolution proposes an amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The goal is to bar individuals with citizenship, nationality, or allegiance to any country other than the United States from holding specified federal positions, unless they formally and permanently give up those ties.
Key Provisions Outlined
- Section 1: Prohibits such individuals from serving as a Representative in Congress without relinquishment; takes effect on January 3 of the first odd-numbered year after ratification.
- Section 2: Applies the same prohibition to Senators; takes effect on January 3 of the first odd-numbered year after ratification and covers current terms once they end.
- Section 3: Extends the prohibition to judges on the Supreme Court or lower federal courts; effective six months after ratification.
- Section 4: Covers ambassadors, public ministers, consuls, and other Senate-confirmed officers; effective six months after ratification.
- Section 5: Applies to the President and Vice President; effective at noon on January 20 for the first term beginning after ratification.
- The amendment requires ratification by legislatures of three-fourths of the states within seven years of submission.
Significant Changes to Existing Law Introduced
Currently, the Constitution sets basic eligibility rules for these offices (such as age and citizenship requirements) but does not address dual citizenship or foreign allegiance. This amendment would add a new disqualification based on foreign ties, with an option for formal relinquishment to qualify.
Potential Impacts
- On government agencies: Could lead to vacancies or transitions among current officeholders with dual citizenship, affecting staffing in Congress, courts, and the executive branch.
- On citizens: Limits opportunities for naturalized citizens or those with foreign family ties to serve in top roles, unless they renounce other allegiances.
- On international relations: May signal stricter U.S. emphasis on sole allegiance, potentially influencing diplomacy or perceptions abroad regarding dual nationals.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Current and aspiring members of Congress, federal judges, ambassadors, and other Senate-confirmed officials.
- Candidates for President or Vice President.
- State legislatures, which must ratify the amendment.
- Individuals holding dual citizenship or foreign nationality who seek federal service.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Requires approval by two-thirds of both houses of Congress and three-fourths of state legislatures, following the standard process for constitutional changes.
- Raises questions about the definition of "allegiance" and how relinquishment would be verified in practice.
- Could affect the pool of eligible candidates for office, particularly among those with international backgrounds, while preserving the existing structure of checks and balances.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-03: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- 2026-06-03: Introduced in House
- 2026-06-03: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to prohibit any person who has citizenship or nationality of, or otherwise owes allegiance to, a country other than the United States from serving as a Representative or Senator in Congress, a Judge of the Supreme Court or any inferior court, an Ambassador, public Minister or Consul, or any other officer of the United States which requires the advice and consent of the Senate, or the President or Vice President unless the person formally and permanently relinquishes such citizenship, nationality, or allegiance. — issued 2026-06-03 — PDF (4 pages)