Proposed Constitutional Amendment: Ensuring Congressional Accountability & Diligence
1. Why This Amendment is Needed
Recent incidents—including members falling asleep during floor sessions and exploiting proxy vote provisions for absenteeism—expose a troubling lack of accountability in Congress sec.gov+15cbsaustin.com+15riponsociety.org+15. Lawmakers are earning pay while not fulfilling duties, undermining public trust and the democratic process.
2. Amendment – “Congressional Duty & Attendance Amendment”
Section 1 – Mandatory Physical Presence
Congressmembers must be physically present during all in-session votes and debates. Proxy voting is permitted only for:
• Childbirth or adoption (parent or spouse)
• Immediate family death
• Illness (supported by medical certification)
Section 2 – Proxy & Remote Voting
During excused absences, members may use remote video voting. No delegation allowed; votes must be cast directly.
Section 3 – Attendance Enforcement & Penalties
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Any unexcused absence, or being caught inactive (e.g., sleeping), results in:
• No pay or benefits for each missed session
• Formal warning after 5 unexcused absences
• Expulsion eligibility after 10 unexcused absences during a session
Section 4 – Cleaner Budget Procedures
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No non-budget bills or executive nominations may be considered unless the annual budget is passed by October 1.
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Vacations/Sessions postponed until budget approval.
Section 5 – Enforcement & Reporting
The House and Senate Sergeant-at-Arms publicly report attendance weekly. The GAO audits compliance annually. Missing quotas result in lost compensation and expulsion referrals.
3. Additional Provisions
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Define “asleep” as lack of active participation during votes. Documented with audio or video before a warning.
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Uphold the Quorum Clause and prohibit misuse of proxies everycrsreport.comreuters.comjournals.law.harvard.edu.
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Align with the 27th Amendment to suspend pay changes mid-term fox9.com.
✅ Benefits for Democracy & Public Trust
| Issue | Benefit of Amendment |
|---|---|
| Accountability | Ensures lawmakers fulfill duties |
| Work Ethics | Discourages absenteeism & dereliction |
| Public Confidence | Reinforces credibility of Congress |
| Legislative Focus | Prioritizes national budget over politics |
This amendment transcends partisan divides—supporters of fiscal responsibility, voter accountability, and democratic integrity can unite behind it.
By rooting attendance in the Constitution, we raise the bar for legislative responsibility. This amendment restores Congress’s duty to the American people—no exemptions.
