Our founders built a system of checks and balances to slow the growth of government and prevent the tyranny of the majority. The ultimate power in this system of government is held by the people, who were given the tools by our Founders to hold those they elect as their representatives accountable for their actions. Government exists to be the servant of the people, not their master.

Unfortunately, the metrics used to hold Congress accountable are often flawed. Rather than using the scale of how well elected representatives represent the views of the people, the scale is often currently measured in bills passed, dollars spent, and programs created. This must change.

We will stand committed to our principles and fight to renew the drive for a smaller, less costly, and more accountable government. We will promote and advance solutions that get people working again, stop out-of-control spending, repeal and replace the government takeover of health care, make Congress more open and transparent, and keep our nation secure at home and abroad.

We will ensure that bills are debated and discussed in the public square by publishing the text online for at least three days before coming up for a vote in the House of Representatives. No more hiding legislative language from the minority party, opponents, and the public. Legislation should be understood by all interested parties before it is voted on.

This promise was fulfilled on January 5, 2011.
All legislative text must be posted online for 3 days prior to voting. Visit rules.house.gov for current legislation being considered by the House.

Adhere to the Constitution
For too long, Congress has ignored the proper limits imposed by the Constitution on the federal government. Further, it has too often drafted unclear and muddled laws, leaving to an unelected judiciary the power to interpret what the law means and by what authority the law stands. This lack of respect for the clear Constitutional limits and authorities has allowed Congress to create ineffective and costly programs that add to the massive deficit year after year. We will require each bill moving through Congress to include a clause citing the specific constitutional authority upon which the bill is justified.

This promise was fulfilled through requirements added to the Rules of the House of Representatives, adopted on January 5, 2011.
Resolution Adopting Rules for the 112th Congress [PDF]

Make It Easier to Cut Spending
By forbidding amendments on spending bills, Democrats denied lawmakers the opportunity to tighten Washington's belt and slash wasteful and duplicative programs. Structure dictates behavior, so we will let any lawmaker — Democrat or Republican — offer amendments to reduce spending.

This promise continues to be fulfilled every week on the House floor.
Visit majorityleader.gov/YouCut to vote on the latest spending cut proposals.

Advance Legislative Issues One at a Time
We will end the practice of packaging unpopular bills with "must-pass" legislation to circumvent the will of the American people. Instead, we will advance major legislation one issue at a time.

At the same time, we will serve as a check and a balance against any schemes that are inconsistent with the priorities and rights of the American people: