(Washington, DC) Today, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-Miramar) introduced the Congress 2014 Commission Act, to establish a commission to make recommendations on the appropriate size of the House of Representatives. (Please find attached a copy of the bill)

“The fact of the matter is that the United States is the second least representative democracy in the world.  The House of Representatives has not changed size in 99 years.  During those 99 years the United States has added four additional states.  During those 99 years the population of the United States has tripled.  And yet, during those 99 years, the House has only rarely even considered increasing its size,” said Hastings.

The commission will analyze the current size of the membership of the House of Representatives, considering the requirements for the institution to carry out its responsibilities in an effective manner under the challenges of the new century.  Furthermore, in determining if reform would make for a more representative body, the commission will explore alternatives to the current method of electing representatives.

The commission will also address electoral participation, investigating whether certain election reform measures would generate a higher participation rate.  Fostering a more representative body also includes discussing greater representation for the people of the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Unites States Virgin Islands, Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands.

Hastings further noted, “An increase in the size of the House of Representatives will have a profound impact on the American political system.  The benefits include greater access and personal interaction for our constituents, reduced campaign spending, smaller Congressional districts, and, more importantly, better representation for the American people.”

“The Congress 2014 Commission Act will produce practical solutions and bring the House of Representatives into the twenty-first century.  By working to provide greater representation to the people, we will enhance our spirited democracy and ensure that the United States leads the world in representative democracy.”

Congressman Alcee L. Hastings is Vice Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, a senior member of the House Rules Committee, and Co-Chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission.

Congress_2014_Commission_Act_10.09.pdf