Congressman Panetta, Problem Solvers Caucus Propose Changes to House Rules to “Break the Gridlock”

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-20) and his fellow members of the bipartisan House Problem Solvers Caucus introduced a package of changes to the House Rules to make Congress work for the American people. The proposed rule changes reward openness and transparency, encourage a willingness to reach across the aisle, create debate on divisive issues, and empower lawmakers to find real solutions concerning our nation's most pressing matters.

The package includes – among others – proposals to give fast-track priority consideration to bipartisan legislation and guarantees markups on bipartisan legislation from every Member of Congress. To encourage consensus driven governing, the package would also replace the current "Motion to Vacate the Chair." The full list of goals and proposals in "Break the Gridlock" can be found here.

The Problem Solvers Caucus plans to work with other House Caucuses in the coming weeks to collaborate and help build consensus around House rules changes ahead of the next Congress.

For nearly two years, the 48 Members of the Problem Solvers Caucus have worked together to find bipartisan agreement on the toughest issues facing Congress. The Caucus proposed a health care compromise to help stabilize the individual marketplace; an agreement on our nation's DREAMERs and border security; support for gun and school safety legislation, and recommendations for a bipartisan infrastructure package. However, their progress and bipartisan cooperation has often faced large obstacles for passage because of House Rules that enable a few Members to prevent bipartisan ideas from being brought to the House Floor.

"My constituents, and most Americans, continue to express their frustration with the gridlock that they see in Washington. The current House rules make it too easy for regular order to break down, which rewards partisanship and causes important bills to fail before they have a chance to be considered," said Congressman Panetta. "I was sent here to get things done. These simple changes will allow for more debate and votes, leading to more bipartisan bills and amendments to come to the House floor. We have an obligation to address the issues that are important to the American people. This helps us fulfill our responsibility and pass lasting solutions."

"We care about reforming the institution, so that Congress is actually able to get things done for the people back home," said Caucus Co-Chair Congressman Tom Reed (R-NY). "Due to the House floor being controlled by a select few, most Members of Congress are not able to bring their ideas and proposals to the House floor for a fair vote that would allow us to begin solving some of the most contentious issues facing our country today."

"We've seen time and again how our common-sense solutions get jammed up in a system built to empower the voices of a few extremists. Instead of letting obstructionists create roadblocks to bipartisan consensus, the American people deserve action on everything from infrastructure to immigration. These changes will pave the way to the House floor for bipartisan solutions and break the gridlock," said Caucus Co-Chair Congressman Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ).

To view remarks made by Congressman Panetta during the announcement of the proposal, please click here.

The Problem Solvers Caucus is a bipartisan group of Members of Congress who believe in attacking problems not people. The group meets once a week to talk about the most contentious issues facing our country today and listens to the views of both sides as to how to fix them.