Reps. Cleaver, Kim Introduce BUDS Resolution to Bolster Bipartisan Collaboration in Congress

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) and Young Kim (R-CA), along with Representatives Derek Kilmer (D-WA), William Timmons (R-SC), Dean Phillips (D-MN), and Mike Carey (R-OH), 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.

“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 Congressman 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.”

“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.”

“In my neck of the woods, we know that when folks sit down and work together, we can achieve great things,” said Rep. Kilmer. “The BUDS Resolution isn’t just about modernizing congressional rules – it’s about modernizing our mindset and creating an environment where bipartisanship isn’t the exception but the rule. By allowing dual sponsorship of legislation across party lines, we’re not just talking about bipartisanship – we’re structuring it into the very fabric of how Congress operates.”

“Bipartisanship is happening all the time in Congress. One thing we can do to show the American people we are working together is implementing dual sponsorships. This change will promote more bipartisan policy solutions and help modernize the legislative process,” said Rep. William Timmons (SC-04).

“I’m on a mission to inspire a new era of collaboration in Congress,” Congressman Phillips said. “As other political leaders focus on division, my staff and I will always pursue common ground for the common good. Pleased to join likeminded colleagues in paving the way for bipartisanship.”

“Working across the aisle to deliver real results for my constituents is my biggest priority in Congress,” said Congressman Carey. “This legislation will make it easier to identify bipartisan measures and build support for their passage.”

“There is much more bipartisan collaboration in Congress than Americans see on the news, but it flies under the radar partly because there is no way for members to share equal credit for working together. This resolution from Rep. Cleaver (D-MO) and Rep. Kim (R-CA) fixes that by amending House rules to allow bills to have two sponsors, provided that each is from a different political party. With this change, it will be much clearer to constituents when their representatives put divisive politics aside to achieve bipartisan legislative wins. Bipartisan co-sponsorship was a key recommendation from the House Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress and this resolution will make it a reality,” said Michael Thorning, Director of Structural Democracy, Bipartisan Policy Center.

“Fostering a legislative process that encourages bipartisanship and collaboration helps lay the foundation for effective governance and sustainable progress for the American people,” said Taylor J. Swift, senior policy advisor for Demand Progress. “This legislation will substantively help increase the incentives and reduce challenges for lawmakers to work across the aisle from the very beginning.”

“The Modernization Committee was right to pass a recommendation encouraging the House to allow bipartisan bills to have two lead sponsors. Addressing the nation’s significant governance challenges will require lawmakers to work together on bipartisan legislation. I applaud Representative Cleaver and Kim for sponsoring legislation to enact this recommendation,” said Dan Lips, Head of Policy, Foundation for American Innovation.

“We thank Rep. Cleaver for recognizing the need for legislation that encourages greater bipartisanship in Congress. The [Joint Sponsorship legislation] is a step in the right direction to incentivize Members of Congress to work with their partners across the aisle to propose bold policy solutions on behalf of the American people,” said Elise Wirkus, Legislative Director at Issue One.

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.

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.