This legislation, titled the "House Expansion Commission Act," establishes a commission to thoroughly study the current size of the House of Representatives. It notes that the House has been capped at 435 members since 1929, despite the U.S. population tripling, leading to an average congressional district representing nearly 800,000 constituents. The bill emphasizes concerns that this cap negatively impacts fair representation , the efficacy of the House, and members' ability to effectively serve their constituents. The Commission is tasked with examining various methods for expanding the House, such as the "Cube Root Law" or "Wyoming Rule," and assessing the cost implications and practical challenges related to offices, staff, voting, and funding. It will also investigate how other countries have expanded their legislative bodies and the historical context of past changes to the House's size. Furthermore, the study will consider how expansion might affect district size variance and underrepresented constituencies , as well as the House's ability to enact laws. Composed of 13 non-congressional members with expertise in relevant fields, the Commission must consult with various congressional support entities during its study. Within two years of its first meeting, the Commission is required to submit a comprehensive report to the President and Congress. This report will include detailed findings and specific proposals for expanding the House of Representatives, along with solutions for any identified challenges.
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Timeline
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Congress
House Expansion Commission Act
USA119th CongressHR-2797| House
| Updated: 4/9/2025
This legislation, titled the "House Expansion Commission Act," establishes a commission to thoroughly study the current size of the House of Representatives. It notes that the House has been capped at 435 members since 1929, despite the U.S. population tripling, leading to an average congressional district representing nearly 800,000 constituents. The bill emphasizes concerns that this cap negatively impacts fair representation , the efficacy of the House, and members' ability to effectively serve their constituents. The Commission is tasked with examining various methods for expanding the House, such as the "Cube Root Law" or "Wyoming Rule," and assessing the cost implications and practical challenges related to offices, staff, voting, and funding. It will also investigate how other countries have expanded their legislative bodies and the historical context of past changes to the House's size. Furthermore, the study will consider how expansion might affect district size variance and underrepresented constituencies , as well as the House's ability to enact laws. Composed of 13 non-congressional members with expertise in relevant fields, the Commission must consult with various congressional support entities during its study. Within two years of its first meeting, the Commission is required to submit a comprehensive report to the President and Congress. This report will include detailed findings and specific proposals for expanding the House of Representatives, along with solutions for any identified challenges.