Restoring Integrity in Democracy Resolution
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 471
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Congress
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-06-04: Referred to the House Committee on Ethics.
- Last Updated
- 2025-09-19T08:07:11Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This resolution, titled the "Restoring Integrity in Democracy Resolution," seeks to strengthen ethical standards in the U.S. House of Representatives by preventing conflicts of interest. It aims to ensure that members focus on public service without involvement in private business decisions that could influence their legislative duties.
Key Provisions
- Amendment to House Rules: The resolution modifies Rule XXIII of the House Rules, which outlines standards of conduct for members.
- New Prohibition: It adds a new clause (19) stating that no Member, Delegate, or Resident Commissioner (non-voting representatives from certain territories) may serve on the board of directors of any for-profit entity. (A "for-profit entity" refers to a business organization, like a corporation, that operates to generate profit for owners or shareholders.)
- Redesignation: Existing clauses 19 through 22 in Rule XXIII are renumbered as 20 through 23 to accommodate the new clause.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Prior to this, House Rules did not explicitly ban members from serving on for-profit boards, though other ethics rules (like those on financial disclosures and conflicts of interest) already restricted certain outside activities.
- This introduces a direct, blanket prohibition on such board service, closing a potential gap in current ethics guidelines without altering other rules on employment, investments, or non-profit board service.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The House Committee on Ethics would likely gain enforcement responsibilities, potentially increasing oversight and investigations related to members' outside affiliations.
- On Citizens: It could build public trust in Congress by reducing perceptions of undue corporate influence on lawmakers, though it might limit members' ability to draw on business expertise in policy-making.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, as this is an internal House rule, but it could indirectly enhance the U.S. image abroad by demonstrating commitment to anti-corruption measures.
- No broad effects on federal agencies or foreign policy, as this targets only House members' personal conduct.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- House Members and Representatives: Directly restricted in their ability to hold corporate board positions, potentially affecting their income or professional networks.
- Delegates and Resident Commissioners: Similarly prohibited, impacting non-voting members from U.S. territories like Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia.
- For-Profit Entities: Businesses may lose access to sitting lawmakers' insights or connections on their boards, possibly altering corporate governance in industries with political ties.
- Ethics Oversight Bodies: The House Committee on Ethics and the Office of Congressional Ethics would handle compliance and enforcement.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a House rule change (not a statute), it is enforceable internally by the House but could face challenges if perceived as overly restrictive on members' rights. It aligns with existing federal ethics laws (e.g., the Ethics in Government Act) but adds specificity.
- Constitutional: Potential questions under the First Amendment (free speech and association) or Speech or Debate Clause (protecting legislative activities), though courts generally defer to congressional self-regulation on internal rules.
- Political: Promotes transparency and reduces conflict-of-interest risks, which could appeal across party lines but might face opposition from members with business backgrounds. Introduced by a bipartisan group, it reflects ongoing efforts to reform congressional ethics amid public scrutiny of influence peddling.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (7)
Rep. Deluzio, Christopher R. [D-PA-17], Rep. Neguse, Joe [D-CO-2], Rep. Ryan, Patrick [D-NY-18], Rep. Scholten, Hillary J. [D-MI-3], Rep. Magaziner, Seth [D-RI-2], Rep. Levin, Mike [D-CA-49], Rep. Sykes, Emilia Strong [D-OH-13]
Recent Actions
- 2025-06-04: Referred to the House Committee on Ethics.
- 2025-06-04: Submitted in House
- 2025-06-04: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Restoring Integrity in Democracy Resolution — issued 2025-06-04 — PDF (2 pages)