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119-hr-2797119th Congress

House Expansion Commission Act

Sponsored By: Representative Stevens, Haley M. [D-MI-11]

Introduced

Summary

This bill would establish a temporary independent commission to study proposals for expanding the size of the U.S. House of Representatives. It directs a focused review of representation, feasibility, logistics, and costs tied to any change in House membership.

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  • Voters and underrepresented communities: Would study whether a larger House would reduce district sizes and improve representation for underrepresented constituencies.
  • Commission membership and timeline: Creates a 13‑member panel of non‑Members with appointments split among House leaders and two former Representatives, must report recommendations within 2 years of its first meeting, and terminates 90 days after the report.
  • Federal operations and costs: Requires consultation with the Architect of the Capitol, the General Services Administration, Sergeant at Arms, and House administrative offices, allows staff details and contracting, and authorizes appropriations “such sums as may be necessary.”

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.

Two-year study and final report

The commission would study how to expand the House fairly and effectively. It would review one‑time vs. recurring expansions, methods like the Cube Root Law and the Wyoming Rule, and costs and logistics such as offices, staffing, voting, and support services. It would compare U.S. history and other countries, and assess effects on Article I powers and underrepresented groups. The commission must consult key House officials and experts. A report with proposals would be due within 2 years of the first meeting. The commission would end 90 days after it submits that report.

Create a panel on House expansion

This bill would set up a 13‑member independent commission to study growing the U.S. House. Members could not be sitting Members of Congress and must be appointed within 90 days of enactment. The Speaker would appoint 5, the House minority leader 5, the Senate leaders 1 each (both former House Members), and the Speaker and House minority leader would jointly pick the Chair. Members would serve without pay but would get travel and per diem. Seven members would make a quorum, and a smaller number could still hold hearings.

Staffing, pay caps, and funding

If enacted, the commission would choose a Director by majority vote. The Director’s pay would be capped at the Executive Schedule level IV rate, subject to available funds. The commission could hire staff outside normal federal hiring rules, with pay caps at Executive Schedule levels IV and V. It could accept volunteers, get staff on temporary detail from agencies, and request GSA support on a reimbursable basis. Congress would be allowed to fund the commission with “such sums as necessary,” subject to later appropriations.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Stevens, Haley M. [D-MI-11]

MI • D

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Scanlon, Mary Gay [D-PA-5]

    PA • D

    Sponsored 4/17/2025

  • Rep. Adams, Alma S. [D-NC-12]

    NC • D

    Sponsored 3/5/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

View on Congress.gov
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