The House passed a resolution Friday to create a bipartisan committee aimed at modernizing the chamber’s operations.
The 418-12 vote came after both parties lauded the proposal, which would “modernize and improve the way Congress operates.”
The creation of the special committee comprised part of the House rules package for the 116th Congress, in which Democrats assumed the majority on Thursday.
“It is a truly bipartisan way to consider ideas on how to promote a more modern and efficient Congress and procedures to develop the next generation of leaders, increase staff diversity and improve technology and innovation,” said House Rules Committee Chairman Jim McGovern, D-Mass.
The panel will study ways to improve rules and procedures, and the schedule and legislative calendar. It will also look for ways to improve staff recruitment and diversity, which has been criticized by outside groups.
The panel is tasked with reporting recommendations for changes to Congress, which would have to pass with a two-thirds majority.
“I expect this committee to actually produce really substantive proposals,” said Rep. Tom Cole, Okla., the top Republican on the House Rules Committee, said.
