Kilmer Introduces Bipartisan Resolution to Create Congressional Modernization Competition
Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Representatives Derek Kilmer (WA-06), Joe Morelle (NY-25), and Mike Carey (OH-15) introduced a bipartisan resolution that would create a congressional modernization competition for students, enabling young people to contribute ideas for making Congress work better for the American people.
The proposed Congressional Modernization Competition is intended allow the House to both encourage students’ participation in civic life and provide Congress with additional recommendations to modernize and improve its work.
Rep. Kilmer, current Ranking Member of the Modernization Subcommittee of the House Committee on Administration, formerly served as the Chair of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress. The Select Committee passed over 200 bipartisan recommendations focused on improving Congress. Nearly two-thirds of those recommendations have been fully or partially implemented.
“President Kennedy once said that, in our democracy, we all ‘hold office.’ Getting young people involved in the effort to improve Congress will allow the next generation of leaders to be part of the solution,” said Rep. Derek Kilmer (WA-06). “This is a win-win. For one, research shows that participation in civic life at an early age allows students to build interest and skillsets that will keep them engaged citizens throughout their lives. In addition, Congress will benefit from thoughtful ideas to modernize and improve its work.”
“I am proud to join my colleagues and friends Rep. Kilmer, along with Rep. Carey in creating a Congressional Modernization Competition to help engage students’ participation in civic life. Modernization ideas should come from all backgrounds to ensure the institution lives beyond our time here in Congress. I look forward to ensuring the longevity of our democracy through thoughtful modernization efforts,” said Committee on House Administration Ranking Member Joe Morelle (NY-25).
“We don’t know where the next great idea will come from. As a member of the House Committee on Administration, we are always looking for ways to make Congress function more effectively. This bipartisan legislation will start a conversation between legislators and constituents about how to change Congress for the better,” said Rep. Mike Carey (OH-15).
“Good ideas for fixing ‘The People’s House’ can—and should—come from everywhere. The willingness to hear from a wide variety of stakeholders is a key part of what has made current congressional modernization efforts among the most successful in history. This competition will help ensure future generations are invested in building up our institutions and enhance Congress's ability to meet public expectations. We commend Reps. Kilmer, Carey, and Morelle for this effort to expand the range of voices involved in building a more efficient, effective, and transparent House of Representatives,” said J.D. Rackey, Senior Policy Analyst for Structural Democracy, Bipartisan Policy Center.
"Building confidence in Congress starts with engaging the communities it serves. This bipartisan proposal in the House not only fosters civic participation but also creates a platform for Americans to share ideas that can improve the institution. By inviting diverse voices to participate in the modernization of the People's House, Reps. Kilmer, Carey, and Morelle are promoting a more accessible and representative legislature that will strengthen the relationship between constituents and their elected leaders,” said Issue One Founder and CEO, Nick Penniman.
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