Congressional Evidence-Based Policymaking Resolution
This concurrent resolution would establish the Commission on Evidence-Based Policymaking within the legislative branch. The 12-member commission would review and analyze how federal data can be used to build evidence for policymaking and make recommendations to Congress to promote evidence-based approaches. Its work is framed to align with the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act of 2018, including improving data access, openness, and the use of data in evaluating programs. The commission would also consider the potential creation of a congressional Chief Data Officer and ways to bring more data, privacy, and technical expertise into Congress. The commission would produce interim and final reports with recommendations, requiring a two-thirds majority of its members to adopt any recommendation. It would be funded through appropriations, with equal contributions from the House and the Senate. The initiative is non-binding (a concurrent resolution) and reflects a policy study and advisory process rather than new mandatory requirements on agencies.
Key Points
- 1Establishment and composition: Creates the 12-member Commission on Evidence-Based Policymaking within the legislative branch, with appointments split among the Speaker, the House minority leader, the Senate majority leader, and the Senate minority leader. Each group includes an academic researcher, a former Member or senior staffer, and an employee connected to a Congressional Data Task Force or similar agency.
- 2Eligibility and leadership: Current Members of Congress cannot serve on the Commission. Both the Speaker and the Senate majority leader must designate one co-chair.
- 3Scope of work: The Commission will study and recommend how to promote evidence-based policymaking in federal programs, improve data access (including for states), consider legal or regulatory changes to data access, incorporate outcomes measurement and rigorous impact analysis, and explore real-time, machine-readable data, as well as the potential creation of a congressional Chief Data Officer.
- 4Decision-making and reports: Recommendations require a two-thirds vote to be adopted. The Commission can issue interim reports and must submit a final report by the end of the 119th Congress.
- 5Staffing and accountability: A Director and up to 8 full-time and 4 part-time staff would support the Commission. The Commission is treated as a congressional employing office under the Congressional Accountability Act, and outside staff may be detailed to assist. Funding is authorized as necessary, with half from the House and half from the Senate.