Congressmen Jared Polis (CO-2) and Doug Lamborn (CO-5) have introduced H.Res. 1573 to amend the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives to prohibit bills with more than one subject.  The so-called “Single-Subject” rule is already a rule of both Chambers of the Colorado General Assembly. 

"One of the most frustrating things I face in representing the people of Colorado in Congress is voting on enormous "Christmas tree" bills with unrelated measures, some of which I support, some of which I oppose,” said Polis.  "The Colorado legislature gets their work done in a straight forward and transparent way thanks to the "single-subject rule" which requires each bill have a single legislative intent that is clearly described in its title.  It's time to apply some Colorado common sense to Washington, DC.” 

Mr. Lamborn added “This resolution would ensure that all House bills are transparent. That means lawmakers must put forward a bill that addresses a single issue, not this cobbling together of unrelated items. If something is important enough to warrant legislative action, it deserves to be fully and openly debated and voted on, not shoved into an unrelated bill and pushed through without a separate hearing. The people of Colorado, and the nation as a whole, deserve transparency in what laws are being passed by their elected representatives.” 

Single subject rules are healthy for democracy, allowing constituents to better hold their elected leaders accountable for votes on individual issues.  If adopted this rule change would become effective at the beginning of the 111^th Congress on January 3, 2011.

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