Lawmaker offers ‘one subject at a time’ bill

Rep. Tom Marino (R-Pa.) has reintroduced a measure requiring Congress to only debate bills that deal with a single subject.

Marino said the proposal would make legislation easier to understand, both for the public and lawmakers.

“First of all, the people need to see exactly how and what their representatives are voting on; and in a format that is simple, easy to read and in plain English, not ‘legalese,’ ” Marino said in a statement.

{mosads}The Pennsylvania Republican further argued that his constitutional amendment would eliminate massive bills that include various extraneous measures tucked into them.

“Congress has gotten in the habit of passing massive bills, containing multiple subjects, often with provisions not germane to the title or intent. If that is confusing to the American people, I guarantee it is confusing to many of my colleagues too,” Marino said in a statement.

Marino introduced the bill in the last Congress, but it did not move through committee or on the floor.

He also reintroduced a measure to establish term limits for members of Congress, which similarly has never received legislative action.