Congressional Civics Act of 2026 | ChamberLight

IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS

House BillHR 7431Congress

Congressional Civics Act of 2026

INTRO FEB 9· LAST ACTION FEB 9

READING

11MIN

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LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS

STEP 2 / 8

Introduced

In Committee

Reported

Passed House

Passed Senate

Conference

To President

Became Law

WHAT THE BILL DOES

AI-written

This bill matters because it aims to ensure that the people making laws for the country have a fundamental understanding of its history and governmental structure. If it becomes law (and the constitutional amendment it's based on also passes), it would fundamentally change the qualifications for serving in Congress, adding an intellectual hurdle beyond just winning an election.

For voters, this could mean more informed representatives, or it could raise concerns about adding unnecessary barriers to public service. If this bill and its underlying amendment don't pass, the qualifications for Congress would remain as they are, focusing on age, citizenship, and residency, without a formal knowledge requirement. It connects to ongoing debates about civic literacy and the effectiveness of government.

KEY PROVISIONS

4AI-extracted

PROVISION 01

Requires members of Congress to pass a civics examination covering U.S. government and history to be seated, if a related constitutional amendment is adopted.

This introduces a new, mandatory knowledge requirement for serving in Congress, changing eligibility beyond current constitutional criteria.

PROVISION 02

Specifies the examination will have 25 questions from 100 approved questions across 20 topics, and Congress will decide the content and passing score every 10 years.

This details the scope and process for creating the exam, ensuring it covers specific areas of civics and involves congressional oversight.

PROVISION 03

States that if an elected or appointed individual fails the exam and doesn't pass within two weeks, their seat will become vacant.

This creates a direct consequence for failing the exam, potentially leading to new elections or appointments.

PROVISION 04

Makes the examination available online for any U.S. citizen to take for free, maintaining a public database of those who pass.

This provision promotes broader civic engagement and transparency by allowing public participation and tracking of successful completers.

SPONSORSHIP

1 + 0

ACTION TIMELINE

2 EVENTS

FEB 9

Introduced in House

INTROREFERRAL

FEB 9

Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

INTROREFERRAL

BILL INFO

TypeHouse Bill

NumberHR 7431

Congress119th

StatusIn Committee

IntroducedFeb 9, 2026

Last actionFeb 9, 2026

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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · COMMITTEE ON HOUSE ADMINISTRATION · INTRODUCED FEB 9, 2026

House BillHR 7431Congress

Congressional Civics Act of 2026

INTRODUCED FEB 9, 2026· LAST ACTION FEB 9, 2026

PASSAGE CHANCES

—%

READING

11 min

COSPONSORS

COMPLEXITY

Moderate

Call my reps Congress.gov

LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS

STEP 2 OF 8

Introduced

In Committee

Reported

Passed House

Passed Senate

Conference

To President

Became Law

Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law

WHAT THE BILL DOES

AI-written

KEY PROVISIONS

AI-extracted

high

Requires members of Congress to pass a civics examination covering U.S. government and history to be seated, if a related constitutional amendment is adopted.

This introduces a new, mandatory knowledge requirement for serving in Congress, changing eligibility beyond current constitutional criteria.

med

Specifies the examination will have 25 questions from 100 approved questions across 20 topics, and Congress will decide the content and passing score every 10 years.

This details the scope and process for creating the exam, ensuring it covers specific areas of civics and involves congressional oversight.

high

States that if an elected or appointed individual fails the exam and doesn't pass within two weeks, their seat will become vacant.

This creates a direct consequence for failing the exam, potentially leading to new elections or appointments.

med

Makes the examination available online for any U.S. citizen to take for free, maintaining a public database of those who pass.

This provision promotes broader civic engagement and transparency by allowing public participation and tracking of successful completers.

DEADLINES & DATES

AI-extracted

An AI model extracted this from the bill’s official record and can make mistakes. Check the official text ↗ (opens in new tab)

Not later than June 30 of the year preceding the start of a census term

Appropriate congressional committees submit report on proposed questions, model answers, passing score, and rules for joint session.

Not later than March 31 of the year preceding the start of a census term

Member of Congress may submit questions and model answers to appropriate committees.

Not earlier than two months after the report submission and not later than October 31 of the year before the start of a census term

House and Senate meet in a joint session to consider and approve the examination.

PENALTIES & ENFORCEMENT

AI-extracted

An AI model extracted this from the bill’s official record and can make mistakes. Check the official text ↗ (opens in new tab)

TYPE	AMOUNT	WHO
administrative	Inability to be seated as a Member of Congress; seat becomes vacant if not passed within two weeks of election/appointment.	Individuals elected or appointed to be a Member of Congress

GLOSSARY

AI-written

Census Term: A period of 10 calendar years, starting on January 1st following a national population count (census).
Joint Session of Congress: When both the House of Representatives and the Senate meet together in a single gathering, usually for special events or to address specific matters.
Model Answer: The official correct response to a question on an examination, used to determine if a test-taker's answer is accurate.
House of Congress: Refers to either the U.S. House of Representatives or the U.S. Senate.
Appropriate Congressional Committees: Specific committees in the House (Committee on House Administration) and Senate (Committee on Rules and Administration) responsible for certain administrative and procedural matters.

ACTION TIMELINE

2 EVENTS

FEB 9

Introduced in House

INTROREFERRAL

FEB 9

INTROREFERRAL

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Committee Referrals

Committee on House AdministrationReferred

Feb 9, 2026

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Congressional Civics Act of 2026

LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS

WHAT THE BILL DOES

KEY PROVISIONS

SPONSORSHIP

ACTION TIMELINE

BILL INFO

READER REACTIONS

Discussion

Congressional Civics Act of 2026

LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS

WHAT THE BILL DOES

KEY PROVISIONS

DEADLINES & DATES

PENALTIES & ENFORCEMENT

GLOSSARY

ACTION TIMELINE

SPONSORS

READER REACTIONS

What do you think?

Discussion

MORE INFORMATION

Committee Referrals