H.R. 2797 — House Expansion Commission Act

This section states congressional findings on the size of the House of Representatives, including its cap at 435 members since 1929 when the U.S. population was 123 million; current population of 346 million, resulting in average districts of nearly 800,000 constituents; projections of 829,000 constituents per district by 2050; and support for expansion, including H.R. 622 (118th Congress) to increase membership to 585.

This section directs the commission to study nine specified topics related to expanding the House of Representatives (currently 435 members), including its current size and fair representation; one-time versus recurring expansions; methods such as the Cube Root Law and Wyoming Rule; cost implications (e.g., offices, staff, voting); international comparisons; historical context of the 1929 Reapportionment Act (2 U.S.C. 2a); constitutional powers under Article I; district size variance; and effects on lawmaking. The section further requires the commission to consult with House administrative officials (e.g., Architect of the Capitol, Sergeant at Arms) and, within two years after its first meeting, to submit a report to the President and Congress containing proposals for House expansion, bolstering representation, and addressing challenges.

This section establishes a 13-member commission, with appointments required not later than 90 days after enactment as follows: (1) five members appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, (2) five members appointed by the House minority leader, (3) one individual appointed by the Senate majority leader who previously served in the House of Representatives, (4) one individual appointed by the Senate minority leader who previously served in the House of Representatives, and (5) one Chairperson appointed jointly by the Speaker and House minority leader. Commission members, who may not be sitting Members of Congress, serve for the life of the commission without pay but receive travel expenses; vacancies are filled in the same manner as original appointments; and appointments prioritize individuals with experience in politics, government, mathematics, or statistics. Seven members constitute a quorum (with fewer able to hold hearings), and the commission meets at the call of the Chairperson or a majority of its members.

This section establishes personnel authorities for the Commission, including (1) appointment of a Director by majority vote paid at not more than the Executive Schedule level IV rate, subject to appropriations; (2) appointment of staff by the Director (with Commission approval) or the Commission, exempt from competitive service and General Schedule classification and pay rules, with pay capped at Executive Schedule level IV (for Director appointees) or level V (for Commission appointees); (3) procurement of temporary and intermittent experts and consultants under 5 U.S.C. §3109(b); and (4) detailing of federal employees by agency heads without reimbursement, without affecting their civil service status.

This section authorizes the Commission to (1) hold hearings, sit and act at open times and places, take testimony, and receive evidence; (2) delegate such powers to any member or group of members; (3) secure directly from federal agencies any information necessary to carry out its duties, if disclosable under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA, 5 U.S.C. 552), with agency heads required to furnish it upon the chairperson's request; (4) receive administrative support services from the General Services Administration on a reimbursable basis; (5) accept voluntary uncompensated services, notwithstanding the federal antideficiency restrictions in 31 U.S.C. 1342; (6) use the U.S. mails in the same manner as other federal departments and agencies; and (7) enter contracts, to the extent funds are available, to acquire administrative supplies and equipment.