Bill Summary
The resolution pertains to the consideration of bill H.R. 155, which aims to require states to allow unaffiliated voters to participate in primary elections for federal offices. The resolution lays out the procedures for how the House of Representatives will debate and vote on this bill. It states that once the resolution is adopted, the House will immediately begin consideration of H.R. 155, waiving all points of order against it, meaning there will be no procedural obstacles to its discussion.
The resolution specifies that an amendment (referred to as an amendment in the nature of a substitute) will be considered as adopted and that the bill, with this amendment, will be treated as read. There will be one hour of debate divided equally between supporters and opponents of the bill, followed by a single motion to recommit the bill. Additionally, it exempts the consideration of H.R. 155 from certain procedural rules, streamlining the legislative process for this bill.
Possible Impacts
The legislation outlined in the resolution regarding H.R. 155, which aims to allow unaffiliated voters to participate in primary elections for federal office, could affect people in several ways:
1. **Increased Voter Participation**: Allowing unaffiliated voters to vote in primary elections may lead to higher overall voter turnout. Individuals who do not affiliate with a particular political party may feel more included in the electoral process and thus more likely to engage in voting. This could result in primaries reflecting a broader range of voter preferences and opinions.
2. **Changes in Primary Election Dynamics**: By permitting unaffiliated voters to participate in primaries, the dynamics of the election could shift. Candidates may need to appeal to a wider base of voters rather than focusing solely on their party's core supporters. This could lead to more moderate candidates emerging, as they seek to attract both party-affiliated and unaffiliated voters.
3. **Impact on Political Parties**: Political parties may need to reassess their strategies and platforms in response to the inclusion of unaffiliated voters in primaries. This could result in changes in party policies, outreach efforts, and how they engage with the electorate. Additionally, parties might face pressures to reform their primary systems to ensure they remain competitive and relevant in a changing political landscape.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 731 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. RES. 731
Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 155) to require States to
permit unaffiliated voters to vote in primary elections for Federal
office, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
September 17, 2025
Mr. Fitzpatrick submitted the following resolution; which was referred
to the Committee on Rules
_______________________________________________________________________
RESOLUTION
Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 155) to require States to
permit unaffiliated voters to vote in primary elections for Federal
office, and for other purposes.
Resolved, That immediately upon adoption of this resolution, the
House shall proceed to the consideration in the House of the bill (H.R.
155) to require States to permit unaffiliated voters to vote in primary
elections for Federal office, and for other purposes. All points of
order against consideration of the bill are waived. The amendment in
the nature of a substitute specified in section 3 of this resolution
shall be considered as adopted. The bill, as amended, shall be
considered as read. All points of order against provisions in the bill,
as amended, are waived. The previous question shall be considered as
ordered on the bill, as amended, and on any further amendment thereto,
to final passage without intervening motion except: (1) one hour of
debate equally divided and controlled by Representative Fitzpatrick of
Pennsylvania or a designee and an opponent; and (2) one motion to
recommit.
Sec. 2. Clause 1(c) of rule XIX shall not apply to the
consideration of H.R. 155.
Sec. 3. The amendment in the nature of a substitute referred to in
the first section of this resolution is an amendment in the nature of a
substitute received for printing in the portion of the Congressional
Record designated for that purpose in clause 8 of rule XVIII dated at
least one day before the consideration of H.R. 155, if submitted by
Representative Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania. If more than one such
amendment is submitted, then only the last amendment submitted shall be
considered as adopted.
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