Bill Summary
The "BRIDGE to Congress Resolution" aims to amend existing rules regarding how witnesses can participate in committee proceedings of the House of Representatives. Specifically, it eliminates the current restriction that allows witnesses to appear remotely only at the discretion of the committee chair. This change would enable witnesses to present their testimony via remote means without requiring prior approval from the chair, thereby promoting broader participation and accessibility in legislative processes.
Possible Impacts
The "BRIDGE to Congress Resolution" could affect people in several ways:
1. **Increased Accessibility for Witnesses:** By allowing witnesses to appear remotely without the discretion of the committee chair, individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those with disabilities or those living in remote areas, can participate in congressional proceedings. This could lead to a broader range of perspectives and experiences being shared, enhancing the quality of discussions.
2. **Cost and Time Efficiency:** Remote appearances can save time and money for witnesses who would otherwise need to travel to Washington, D.C. This can encourage more experts, activists, and ordinary citizens to share their insights and testimonies without the burden of travel expenses, thereby increasing citizen engagement in the legislative process.
3. **Enhanced Public Participation:** The elimination of restrictions on remote testimony could lead to greater public involvement in the legislative process. Individuals who might have felt discouraged by the logistical challenges of in-person appearances may now feel empowered to contribute their knowledge and experiences, potentially resulting in more comprehensive and representative policy-making.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 28 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. RES. 28
Eliminating the restriction that witnesses may appear remotely at
proceedings of committees of the House of Representatives only at the
discretion of the chair of the committee.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
January 9, 2025
Ms. Perez (for herself and Mr. Golden of Maine) submitted the following
resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Rules
_______________________________________________________________________
RESOLUTION
Eliminating the restriction that witnesses may appear remotely at
proceedings of committees of the House of Representatives only at the
discretion of the chair of the committee.
Resolved,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This resolution may be cited as the ``Bringing Real Ideas, Data,
and Genuine Experience to Congress Resolution'' or the ``BRIDGE to
Congress Resolution''.
SEC. 2. ELIMINATION OF RESTRICTION THAT WITNESSES MAY APPEAR REMOTELY
AT COMMITTEE PROCEEDINGS ONLY AT DISCRETION OF CHAIR.
Section 3(i)(1) of House Resolution 5, agreed to January 3, 2025,
is amended by striking ``at the discretion of the chair of the
committee and''.
<all>