[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 8365]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




INTRODUCING A BILL TO ESTABLISH A COMMISSION TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS ON 
THE APPROPRIATE SIZE OF MEMBERSHIP OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND 
                THE METHOD BY WHICH MEMBERS ARE ELECTED

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                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 28, 2005

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce 
legislation that addresses an important issue I have pursued through 
several Congresses. This bill forms a commission to examine how we, the 
people, may be best served by our representational democracy. This 
commission would analyze the current size of the membership of the 
House of Representatives and examine alternatives to the current method 
of electing Representatives.
  Mr. Speaker, this legislation encapsulates an important idea whose 
time has come. We are one of the most underrepresentative democracies 
in the world. As a country that holds itself up as the standard bearer 
for the democratic process, we must continue to ensure our democracy 
gives all citizens an equal and meaningful voice in our government.
  As events of the past few years have made clear, we are facing an 
electoral crisis. Voter turnout continues to fall as people lose more 
and more faith in the democratic process. We owe it to our constituents 
and each American citizen to closely examine all available options for 
ensuring maximum participation in this great democracy of ours.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation. As 
Members of Congress, we have all taken an oath to protect and defend 
the Constitution. Part of our duty is to keep the promise of a true 
representational democracy as envisioned by our forefathers. This 
legislation furthers that goal. That is why I look forward to working 
with my colleagues and moving this legislation forward.

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