HB157, titled the CLEAN Congress Act, would impose two main rules on legislation presented by Congress to the President. First, it would require that each bill, joint resolution, order, or vote contain only one subject, and that the subject be clearly and descriptively stated in the title. This is a single-subject requirement intended to prevent omnibus bills and unrelated provisions from being combined into one measure.
Second, the bill would bar special legal exceptions that apply only to Members of Congress or employees of congressional offices. Any existing law that creates such an exception would be rendered ineffective, except for provisions that are necessary for official legislative duties, such as access to the Capitol and related facilities. The bill defines “Member of Congress” to include Senators, Representatives, Delegates, and the Resident Commissioner.
Impact
If enacted, HB157 would change how Congress drafts and advances legislation by limiting measures to one subject and by requiring clearer bill titles. It would also override any statutory carve-outs that treat Members of Congress or their staff differently from other persons, while preserving exceptions tied directly to official duties. The practical effect would be to constrain omnibus legislation and reduce special treatment for congressional personnel under federal law.
Sentiment
The available context suggests the bill is framed positively as an anti-corruption and accountability reform, with its short title emphasizing a “Citizen Legislature” and “CLEAN Congress” theme. There are no recorded committee transcripts or votes in the provided material, so there is no evidence of formal opposition or support beyond the bill’s text and introduction. Overall, the bill appears to be presented as a reform measure aimed at transparency and equal treatment under the law.
Contention
The main potential points of contention are the single-subject requirement and the elimination of legal exceptions for Members of Congress and their staff. Supporters would likely view these provisions as anti-corruption and pro-transparency reforms, while critics may argue that a strict single-subject rule could make legislating less flexible and that removing congressional-specific exceptions could interfere with legitimate operational needs. The bill itself anticipates one such concern by preserving exceptions necessary for official and representational duties.
Citizen Legislature Anti-Corruption Reform of Congress Act or the CLEAN Congress Act This bill (1) requires bills, orders, resolutions, or votes submitted by Congress to the President to include only one subject that is clearly and descriptively expressed in the measure's title; and (2) makes ineffective any provision of law that excludes its application to a Member of Congress or to an employee in a Member's office.
Legislative and Congressional Redistricting and Legislative and Congressional Redistricting and Apportionment Commission (Fair Districts for Maryland Act)
Inaction Has Consequences Act This bill withholds the salaries of Members of a chamber of Congress that has not passed each of the annual appropriations bills before the beginning of the fiscal year, beginning with FY2024. Salaries are released on the earlier of (1) the date on which the chamber of Congress passes the bills, or (2) the last day of the Congress.
Citizen Legislature Anti-Corruption Reform of Congress Act or the CLEAN Congress Act This bill (1) requires bills, orders, resolutions, or votes submitted by Congress to the President to include only one subject that is clearly and descriptively expressed in the measure's title; and (2) makes ineffective any provision of law that excludes its application to a Member of Congress or to an employee in a Member's office.
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).