10 signatures reached
To: Members of the House Committee on Rules: specifically, Virginia Foxx, Jim McGovern, Michelle Fischbach, Mary Gay Scanlon, and Joe Neguse
ACT NOW TO PROTECT THE LAWFUL SEATING OF CONGRESS
Dear Members of the House Committee on Rules:
Following the November 3, 2026 election, the House will face the transition to the 120th Congress. Before that transition occurs, Congress should ensure that clear, nonpartisan procedures are in place for the lawful organization of the House.
The Constitution gives the House itself the authority to judge the elections, returns, and qualifications of its Members. It also gives each House the authority to establish its own rules of proceedings.
Our concern is whether existing procedures provide sufficient safeguards if questions arise during the transition involving state certification, credentials, the preparation of the House roll, quorum, or the organization of the new House. An administrative or organizational decision should not inadvertently substitute for a determination that belongs to the House itself.
We ask the Committee to review and establish advance safeguards for the organization of the 120th Congress, including procedures addressing:
• the handling and verification of credentials and the Clerk's roll;
• disputed elections, returns, or qualifications;
• quorum and the participation of Representatives-elect in the organization of the House; and
• the appropriate role of the House itself when a question concerning a Member-elect must be resolved.
These safeguards should be nonpartisan and apply regardless of which party controls the House.
The timing matters. The Rules Committee held a Member Day hearing on September 2, 2026, specifically to receive proposals for changes to the standing rules of the House for the 120th Congress.
We therefore ask the Committee to consider these safeguards before they are needed, obtain appropriate advice from the House Parliamentarian and congressional counsel, and establish clear procedures before the 120th Congress convenes.
The goal is simple: ensure that the organization of the House is governed by the Constitution, federal law, and established House procedures—not by an ad hoc decision made during a moment of organizational uncertainty.
We respectfully ask you to act now, while there is still time to establish those safeguards in advance.
Why is this important?
We care about this because we believe our votes should matter—and that the rules governing our government should be clear before anyone knows who will benefit from them.
Imagine voting for your Representative, watching your state certify the result, and then learning that a procedural decision could prevent that Representative from participating when the new Congress organizes. Whether that happened to a Democrat or a Republican, we would want the same safeguard in place.
This isn't about predicting the election or choosing sides. It's about making sure the rules are established before the outcome is known.
We don't wait for a fire to decide where the exits should be. We establish the safety procedures beforehand.
The House Rules Committee is already considering the rules for the 120th Congress. This is the moment to ask for clear, nonpartisan safeguards—while there is still time to put them in place.
We’re signing because we want the next Congress to begin with clear rules, respect for the voters, and constitutional process—not uncertainty or last-minute decisions.