Washington, DC— Today, U.S. Representatives Young Kim (CA-40) and Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), along with Reps. Derek Kilmer (WA-06), William Timmons (SC-04), Dean Phillips (MN-03), and Mike Carey (OH-15), introduced the Building Unity Through Dual Sponsors (BUDS) resolution to bolster bipartisan collaboration in Congress.
While current rules of the House of Representatives only allow for one lawmaker to serve as a sponsor of legislation, the BUDS Resolution would formally change the rules of the House of Representatives to authorize two Members of the chamber to serve as joint sponsors of a bill, resolution, or joint resolution if they are from opposing political parties.
“Bipartisanship isn’t a bad word – it’s more important than ever. Congress must be able to come together and find common ground to get things done for the American people,” said Rep. Kim. “Since day one, I have fought to break through the partisan gridlock, bring some commonsense to Washington, and get things done. The BUDS Act reflects this commitment and aims to encourage more bipartisanship and ensure we focus on delivering results for our constituents over petty infighting. I am proud to introduce this commonsense bill with Rep. Cleaver and am hopeful we can get this across the finish line.”
“As a member of the recent Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress, one of my highest priorities was finding ways to strengthen bipartisan collaboration among the people’s representatives—because that is what the American people want to see from their elected officials,” said Rep. Cleaver. “This simple yet important resolution, taken from our work on the Modernization Committee, would not only foster bipartisan partnerships in the People’s House—which leads to better governance for the American people—but it will also help the public better understand which lawmakers are truly committed to working across the aisle for the betterment of their communities. I want to thank Representative Kim for co-leading this bipartisan resolution, and I look forward to working with her, our co-sponsors and endorsing organizations to facilitate more cooperation in Congress.”
The BUDS Resolution is endorsed by Bipartisan Policy Center Action, Demand Progress, Foundation for American Innovation, and Issue One.
Official text of the BUDS Resolution is available HERE.
During her time in Congress, Rep. Kim has:
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Had more than 30 bills pass the House and 13 signed into law;
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Helped nearly 5,000 constituents receive vital assistance from federal agencies and returned $22 million to taxpayers;
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Visited hundreds of small businesses and public events; and,
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Recognized 70 Vietnam-era veterans for their service.
Rep. Kim’s record has consistently been ranked among the most bipartisan in Congress. Her Legislative Effectiveness Score from the Center for Effective Lawmaking was the highest among House Republican freshmen, one of ten that was “exceeding expectations”, and one of the most effective in foreign affairs issues. She was named a Common Ground Champion, ranked as the most bipartisan freshman by the Lugar Center and McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University and according to data by Quorum Analytics, and received the Bipartisan Policy Center’s Legislative Action Award.
