Lawmakers Proposed New Congressional Absence Rules

The Duty of Transparency Act seeks to mandate disclosures for extended absences of elected officials.

Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Legislative Policy

Bold flat-color editorial illustration showing a stylized stone column and dome silhouette against a solid background, representing Congressional institutional policy. — Legislators have introduced the Duty of Transparency Act, a proposal requiring members of Congress to disclose reasons for absences exceeding 21 days. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should Congress pass rules requiring disclosure of long member absences or mandate term limits?

Legislators have introduced the Duty of Transparency Act to require members of Congress to disclose the reasons for and duration of absences lasting longer than 21 days. This move follows a series of high-profile, long-term absences by aging members and declining public approval ratings.

Why it matters

Lawmakers are responding to growing concerns over the age of elected officials and a perceived lack of accountability regarding legislative attendance. Proponents argue that the current system fails the public and that reform is essential to maintain democratic integrity.

The Duty of Transparency Act mandates that members report extended absences exceeding 21 days, with status updates required every 30 days. The legislation addresses historical data points like Dianne Feinstein's 91 missed votes and Tom Kean Jr.'s 116-day absence.

The players

Seth Moulton

He is a U.S. Representative who introduced the Duty of Transparency Act to increase accountability.

Ritchie Torres

He is a U.S. Representative who co-sponsored the Duty of Transparency Act.

Dianne Feinstein

She was a U.S. Senator whose 91 missed votes in 2023 highlighted concerns about congressional absenteeism.

Mitch McConnell

He is a U.S. Senator who experienced a months-long absence from the chamber following a fall.

Chuck Grassley

He is a U.S. Senator who is currently 93 years old, highlighting the discussion around the average age of members.

The details

The proposal includes suggestions by John Martin to use the 25th Amendment as a blueprint for replacing incapacitated members. This legislative effort follows instances such as Ben Ray Lujan's 2022 stroke and Kay Granger missing over 76 percent of votes during her final months in office.

Ben Ray Lujan experienced a stroke in 2022.
Dianne Feinstein missed 91 votes during 2023.
Concerns regarding age and health affected the 2024 presidential bid.
A May 2026 Marist poll showed 8 in 10 Americans favor age caps.
The Duty of Transparency Act was introduced in July 2026.

Political Context

Opponents may argue that such mandates infringe upon the independence of individual offices or could be exploited for political gain against aging members. Critics often point to the difficulty of passing constitutional amendments, noting only 27 have been successful in U.S. history.

This policy change would provide taxpayers with greater visibility into the work performance and availability of their elected representatives. It serves to hold members accountable for their attendance and ensures constituents remain informed if their district lacks representation.

The takeaway

The ongoing push for transparency highlights the tension between legacy political structures and a modern public that increasingly demands age-based accountability. Voters should monitor whether these disclosure requirements translate into actual changes in congressional representation.