One year ago today I had the honor of being sworn in to serve in the United States House of Representatives. As we paused at the conclusion of my "Freshman Year" I have given serious thought to 12 key common sense changes we should implement in the next Congress. I didn't create this mess, but I am here to help clean it up.

We are here to represent our congressional districts and work for the American People. I pledged to the voters of Utah I would help change the way we do business in Washington D.C. To that end, I present the ideas below and ask for your support.

Thank you!
Jason Chaffetz (UT-3)

12 Action Items for the 112th Congress

12 Common Sense Changes for Congress That Would Make A Meaningful Difference

Sunlight

Committees post proceedings within 24 hours. Allow 72 hours for Bills and Conference Reports to be publicly online prior to a vote on the House Floor.

Action: Support H.Res. 835 (Lynn Jenkins R-KS freshman), H.Res. 554 (Brian Baird, D-WA, 214 co-sponsors)

Earmarks

No earmarks or pass-through funding for "for-profit" companies.

Action:Support H.R. 2512 (Jeff Flake R-AZ & Ron Kind D-WI)

Appropriations

No earmarks for those serving on Appropriations Committee.

Action: Chaffetz to introduce legislation

Transparency

C-SPAN broadcast all committee meetings, including the Rules Committee meetings. Exception for national security.

Action: Support H.Res. 869 (Charles Dent, R-PA, 78 co-sponsors) and Jason Chaffetz to introduce legislation.

Check & Balance

Allow the Minority in Oversight & Government Reform to have subpoena powers.

Action: Chaffetz to introduce legislation

Regular Order

Reinstitute open rules for appropriations bills, allowing for unlimited amendments and debate.

Action: Support Republican leadership in their efforts. Preserve this practice when Republicans are in the majority.

Balanced Budget Amendment

Congress has shown no fiscal discipline. We must do this.

Action: Support H.J.Res. 1 (Bob Goodlatte R-VA, 168 co-sponsors). Requires 3/5 majority for expenditures to exceed receipts and requires President to submit a balanced budget.

Disclosure

Ethics disclosures should include real estate holdings and associated loans. Further, 100% of all campaign donations should be disclosed with the FEC.

Action: Chaffetz to introduce legislation.

One-At-A-Time

No "Omnibus" bills

Action: Hold Representatives accountable by asking them not to support Omnibus bills.

Line-Item Veto

Implement a constitutional line-item veto

Action: Support H.R. 1294 (Paul Ryan R-WI) and H.R. 3964 (Jeb Hensarling R-TX)

Fire 'Em

If you work for the Federal Government and you don't pay your taxes, you're fired!

Action: Chaffetz to introduce legislation. Make it government wide, especially at the White House and on Capitol Hill.

Equality

No special carve-outs for Members of Congress

Action: Demand it on all bills

BONUS--Members of Congress must sleep on a cot in their office!