Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Phil English (R-Pa.) is leading the charge in Washington to change U.S. House Rules to ensure Members of Congress can stay engaged with their district communities through volunteer and community leadership roles. 

Today, English unveiled the Congressional Leadership in Communities Resolution, a resolution to update current House Rules to boost the volunteer roles of Members of Congress and allow them to participate in local drives for charities or lead congressional contests for local students, among other volunteer activities.

“Families around the kitchen table in western Pennsylvania and throughout the rest of the country expect their elected representatives to act as leaders within their communities,” English said.  “However, under the current House Rules, lawmakers are faced with severe limitations in our role when it comes to local charity drives or other community activities.  The time has come for Congress to change its rules process so members can re-engage with their districts.”

Last Christmas, English wanted to participate in the Erie Marine Corp. Reserve’s “Toys for Tots” program for underprivileged children. However, due to the current House Rules, the Committee on Standards and Official Conduct told English that he was not permitted to have a drop-off box to collect donated toys outside of his office. 

In February, English attempted to organize a high school congressional essay contest in support of Earth Day. He also sought to launch a competition for schools in the 3rd Congressional District for schools to compete by creating projects that benefited the environment. Again, English was denied by the House Ethics Committee to advance these projects.

“The fact that House Rules have hindered us from participating in local charity, like Toys for Tots and barred us from conducting an essay contest to promote Earth Day is foolish,” English said.  “These are two of the most egregious examples on how current House rules make members more distant from their districts.”

The Congressional Leadership in Communities Resolution would change the House Rules to allow Members of Congress to sponsor and conduct competitions among students in their Congressional Districts as well as permit Members to allow charitable organizations to use facilities of their offices in support of charitable purposes.

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