September 02, 2026

Chair Schneider Calls for Congressional Rules Changes in 2027 at House Rules Committee Hearing

New Dem Chair Brad Schneider (IL-10) called for reforms on prediction market use, proxy voting, bipartisan co-sponsors, and committee schedules

Today, New Democrat Coalition Chair Brad Schneider (IL-10) spoke at the House Committee on Rules’ Member Day Hearing on proposed rules changes for the 120th Congress.

During his testimony, Chair Schneider called for four specific House of Representative rules changes that would help “modernize the institution, improve Members' ability to serve their constituents, and foster greater public trust in Congress.”

Prohibit participation in prediction markets by Members of Congress and, where appropriate, congressional staff.
Restore proxy voting for very limited, special circumstances related to pregnancy, childbirth, and parental leave.
Encourage more collaboration across the aisle by permitting legislation to have two bipartisan lead sponsors.
Improve committee coordination and reduce conflicts by requiring committee meeting times to be posted on a shared scheduling system.

New Dems look forward to working with our colleagues on both sides of the aisle to strengthen the institution, restore public trust in Congress, and make our work more efficient to get stuff done for the American people.

You can read a full transcript of Chair Schneider’s remarks below:

Chairwoman Foxx and Ranking Member McGovern, thank you for inviting me to share my thoughts as the Committee on Rules prepares for the 120th Congress.

I am here as Chair of the New Democrat Coalition.

Our 114 Members represent 31 states, plus Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Our Coalition is committed to strengthening the effectiveness, transparency, and accessibility of the House of Representatives.

I am pleased to offer our support for several initiatives to reform House procedures and congressional conduct. We believe the following proposals would help modernize the institution, improve Members' ability to serve their constituents, and foster greater public trust in Congress:

First, the House must do more to reinforce public confidence and trust. One priority should be addressing actual, potential, and even perceived conflicts of interest to ensure congressional decision-making remains above reproach. I know the committee is already discussing how to address insider trading. We believe the House should also prohibit participation in prediction markets by Members of Congress and, where appropriate, congressional staff, consistent with similar ethics reforms adopted by the Senate.
Second, we propose restoring proxy voting for very limited special circumstances such as pregnancy, childbirth, and paternity or maternity leave. Carefully tailored proxy voting authority would allow Members to fulfill their constitutional responsibilities and ensure their constituents are represented while they navigate significant, time-limited, life events.
Third, we believe the House must do more to encourage collaboration across the aisle and better reflect the cooperative work that so often occurs during the legislative process. We propose permitting legislation to have two bipartisan lead sponsors, in line with H.Res. 501 the BUDS Resolution.
Lastly, require committee meeting times be posted on a shared scheduling system to improve coordination, reduce conflicts, and create a more predictable schedule for Members and staff. Rule X of the Rules for the 97th Congress mandated the use of a scheduling service by committees, though this requirement was struck in 1992.

For reference, in 1992 the cutting-edge handheld technology was the Palm Pilot. Outlook was introduced in 1997, and the first iPhone would not be introduced until 2007. Technology has come a long way in 34 years. We think it’s time for Congress to start to catch up.

We appreciate your consideration of these recommendations as you work to develop a vision for the House Rules Package in the 120th Congress. The New Democrat Coalition stands ready to work with you and our colleagues to advance reforms that strengthen the institution and improve the House's ability to serve the American people.

Thank you for your leadership and for your consideration of these recommendations.