Plain Language Summary
# Read the Bills Act - Summary **What it would do:** This bill would establish new requirements for how Congress introduces and votes on legislation. It would require every bill to cite which specific powers in the Constitution allow Congress to pass it. Bills would also need to show the current law they're changing and what those changes look like. Additionally, the full text of any bill would need to be published at least seven days before a vote, and the text would need to be read aloud before final passage. **Who it affects:** This legislation would primarily affect Congress members and the legislative process itself.
It could also impact the public by potentially slowing down how quickly bills are passed and making the constitutional basis for laws more transparent. Citizens could theoretically use this information to better understand which powers Congress is claiming to justify new laws. **Current status:** The bill (S 55) was introduced in the 119th Congress by Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. It has not advanced further in the legislative process.
CRS Official Summary
Read the Bills ActThis bill establishes requirements for bills and resolutions to be introduced or considered by the Senate or the House of Representatives.First, the bill requires any bill or resolution to cite the specific powers granted to Congress in the Constitution to enact all provisions in the proposed measure. Without this information, the measure may not be accepted by the Clerk of the House or the Secretary of the Senate or submitted for a final vote. Each measure must also set forth the current law such measure is amending and show the proposed modifications to the law (except where a complete section of law is stricken). Further, a vote on final passage of such measure may not occur unless (1) the full text of the measure is published at least seven days before the vote, (2) public notice of the calendar week during which the vote is scheduled to take place is posted at least six days before the Monday of such week, and (3) the full text of the measure is read verbatim to the assembled body in each chamber. Members must affirm in writing that they read the measure in full or were present throughout the reading before voting in favor of passing the measure (i.e., such requirements do not apply for a member who votes against passage).The bill also authorizes a person aggrieved by a violation of the bill's provisions to sue for appropriate relief (such as an injunction against enacting the measure).
Latest Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.