[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 159 (Thursday, October 29, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2663]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          INTRODUCING THE CONGRESS 2014 COMMISSION ACT OF 2009

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                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 29, 2009

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise to introduce the 
Congress 2014 Commission Act of 2009. This bill establishes a 
commission to study and make recommendations on the size of the House 
of Representatives, the method by which representatives are chosen, and 
opportunities for greater citizen participation in our democratic 
process.
  The fact of the matter is that the United States is the second least 
representative democracy in the world. The House of Representatives has 
not changed size in 99 years. During those 99 years the United States 
has added four additional states. During those 99 years the population 
of the United States has tripled. And yet, during those 99 years, the 
House has only rarely even considered increasing its size.
  The United States prides itself on the success of our democratic 
experiment, and as the world's first democratic Nation we claim the 
title of ``Leader of the Free World.'' Unfortunately, when it comes to 
democratic representation, we are not the leader. Indeed, we are second 
to last amongst the major democracies. Only India, with a population of 
almost 1.2 billion people, has a less representative government. 
Britain, France, Germany, Canada, South Africa, Japan, Australia, 
Nigeria, Brazil--all these countries have more representative 
legislatures than the United States.
  I am proud to represent almost 700,000 residents of Florida's 23rd 
Congressional District. I am pleased to devote my time and efforts 
working here in Washington on their behalf, and I do enjoy the 
opportunities that I have to connect directly with my constituents back 
home. But my counterparts in the countries I just mentioned represent 
far less people than I do, ensuring that their constituents not only 
have easier access to their representatives but also the ability to 
develop stronger personal relationships.
  Madam Speaker, 99 years is too long to go without making necessary 
improvements to our democratic process. Enlarging the House of 
Representatives is an essential step in that direction. An increase in 
the size of the House will have a profound impact on our political 
system. The benefits include greater access and personal interaction 
for our constituents, reduced campaign spending, smaller Congressional 
districts, and, most importantly, better representation for the 
American people.
  I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation.

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