hold on there's just too much going on in Congress lmao...
Requires Members of Congress to pass a civics exam.
Representative Hunt (unspecified party/state)
Introduced in House, awaiting committee review.
This bill proposes a constitutional amendment that would require anyone running for or serving in Congress to pass an exam demonstrating knowledge of the U.S. government system. It was introduced by Representative Hunt and has been sent to the House Judiciary Committee for review. If it moves forward, it would need significant support in both chambers and then state ratification to become law.
Introduced Jan 30, 2026
This bill is currently in the Committee stage. It was introduced in the House of Representatives on January 30, 2026, and referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. For it to progress, the committee must consider it and vote to send it to the full House for a vote. If it passes both the House and Senate by a two-thirds vote, it would then be sent to the states for ratification as a constitutional amendment.
If this bill becomes a constitutional amendment, anyone elected or appointed to Congress would need to demonstrate competence in U.S. government through a specific civics exam. Congress would be responsible for establishing, administering, and publishing the questions and answers for this exam. Additionally, because it's a constitutional amendment, the legislatures of three-fourths of the states would need to approve it before it takes effect, meaning your state representatives could vote on its ratification.
Supporters Say
Supporters might argue that requiring civics competence would ensure better-informed legislators.
Critics Say
Critics might worry it could create an unnecessary barrier to public service or be used for political gatekeeping.
Arguments in favor could highlight the importance of elected officials having a fundamental understanding of the system they govern, potentially leading to more effective governance. Concerns might arise about how 'competence' would be defined and tested, who would create the exam, and whether it could unfairly exclude otherwise qualified candidates or disproportionately affect certain groups. Some might also question the need for a constitutional amendment for this purpose.