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

July 25, 2018

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker and the 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 status quo in Washington is failing the American people," said Rep. Smucker."Too often, gridlock stands in the way of delivering real results for our constituents. This proposal, if adopted, would make the House work more efficiently and effectively, and give our constituents a louder voice in Congress. I'm proud of the work the Problem Solvers Caucus has done on this proposal and will work with my colleagues to implement these reforms so that Congress works better for the American people."

"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 Representative 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 commonsense 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).

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 try to find bipartisan agreement on the toughest issues facing Congress. However, their progress and bipartisan cooperation has often faced large obstacles for passage because the status quo often prevents bipartisan ideas from being brought to the House Floor.

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.

The Caucus is co-chaired by Rep. Tom Reed (R-NY) and Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ).

Issues:Congress