Wesley Hunt (R-TX)
Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States requiring Members of Congress to demonstrate competence in American civics.
A Republican resolution with no cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This joint resolution proposes an amendment to the United States Constitution. It would require Members of Congress to demonstrate competence in American civics. This examination would focus on the system of government under the Constitution. The process would occur every ten years following a census or enumeration. Additionally, the resolution states that no person can serve as a Representative or Senator without demonstrating this competence.
Yes
- Scored +3
Does this give the federal government more power?
The bill expands federal authority by establishing a new constitutional requirement for all members of Congress.
- Scored +2
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The bill requires the publication of examination questions and answers in the Journal of proceedings.
The opposite
- Scored -2
Does this protect the right to vote?
The mandate creates a new competency requirement that could serve as a barrier to entry for those seeking political office.
- Scored -1
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?
The requirement for a civics examination could present a time-intensive barrier for individuals with less economic flexibility.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Access to Certification: The bill ensures that any person who demonstrates competence receives certificates to prove it, which provides a formal record of their knowledge (Section 1).
-
Financial Accessibility: The examination process is required to be conducted without any cost to the person taking it (Section 1).
-
Opportunity for New Officials: If a person is elected or appointed without having demonstrated competence before their term begins, the House is required to afford them the opportunity to demonstrate competence through the examination or other legal means (Section 2).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Barriers to Serving in Congress: The bill stipulates that no person shall be a Representative or Senator unless they have demonstrated competence on the system of government under the Constitution (Section 2).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill expands federal authority by establishing a new constitutional requirement for all members of Congress. Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill requires the publication of examination questions and answers in the Journal of proceedings.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this protect the right to vote? — The mandate creates a new competency requirement that could serve as a barrier to entry for those seeking political office.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The requirement for a civics examination could present a time-intensive barrier for individuals with less economic flexibility.
- 1/30/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Introduced in House