To implement the proposed constitutional amendment requiring Members of Congress to demonstrate competence in American civics.

Sponsor: Wesley Hunt (Republican-TX)February 9, 2026

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Introduced

In Committee

Passed One Chamber

Passed Both Chambers

Signed into Law

Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Requires Members of Congress to pass a civics exam to serve and get committee assignments.

This bill would require Members of Congress to pass a civics exam to be seated in Congress and to receive committee assignments. It would also create a free online civics exam for all U.S. citizens. The requirement for seating would take effect if a related constitutional amendment is approved.

What Would Change

Today, there are no requirements for individuals elected or appointed to Congress to pass a civics exam to take their seat or receive committee assignments. This bill would change that by requiring Members of Congress to pass a civics exam to be seated (if a constitutional amendment is ratified) and to get committee assignments (starting with the 120th Congress). It would also create a free, public online civics exam for all U.S. citizens.

Key Provisions

Requires individuals elected or appointed to Congress to pass a civics exam to be seated, if a constitutional amendment is ratified.
Requires Members of Congress to pass a civics exam to receive committee assignments.
Creates a civics exam with 25 questions drawn from 100 approved questions across 20 topics on American history and government.
Lets any U.S. citizen take the civics exam online for free, up to three times a year.
Creates a public database of citizens who pass the exam and provides them with a certificate.
Requires congressional committees to propose exam questions, answers, and passing scores for Congress to approve.

View on Congress.gov

HR 7431 · 119th Congress · February 9, 2026 · AI Summary by gemini-2.5-flash · 8/10

To implement the proposed constitutional amendment requiring Members of Congress to demonstrate competence in American civics.

What Would Change

Key Provisions

Lobbying Activity