Constitutional Authority Statement Requirement
May 4, 2026
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The Frame
This requirement ensures that every piece of legislation introduced in the House is accompanied by a public explanation of its legal foundation in the U.S. Constitution.
Potentially affected actors named in the source documents. Mention is not a position.
Members of the U.S. House of Representatives
Members must provide a constitutional justification for every bill or resolution they introduce.
Last recorded activity May 4, 2026.
Next step not available in the current record.
Summary
Key Facts
- House Rule XII, Clause 7 requires members to submit a statement of constitutional authority for every bill or joint resolution introduced.
- The statement must identify the specific powers granted to Congress by the Constitution that allow for the enactment of the legislation.
- This specific record entry corresponds to Volume 172, Number 77 of the Congressional Record, dated May 4, 2026.
Why It Matters
This requirement ensures that every piece of legislation introduced in the House is accompanied by a public explanation of its legal foundation in the U.S. Constitution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do members of Congress have to submit these statements?
Does this document contain the actual text of a bill?
News Coverage
Discoveries
Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.
Standardized Legislative Transparency
The document reflects a consistent institutional adherence to transparency rules regarding the constitutional basis of federal lawmaking.
Connected Entities
Sources
www.govinfo.gov
Analysis Score
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- Controversy0Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
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