Rep. Torres Announces Duty of Transparency Act, Legislation to Require Timely Notice for Extended Congressional Absences 

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Rep. Ritchie Torres (NY-15) announced he will introduce the Duty of Transparency Act, legislation that would require Members of Congress to give constituents timely notice of an extended absence from voting.

Under the bill, a Member facing a prolonged absence would be required to file a public notice stating that they will be out, roughly how long they expect to be away, and whether they are still able to perform their official duties. The requirement would apply to prolonged absences, not to routine or short-term leave. The notice would be made publicly available so that constituents are not left guessing about their representative’s status, and it would apply equally to all Members, regardless of party or chamber.

Currently, there is no general requirement that Members proactively disclose extended absences to the public. Constituents often learn that their representative has missed a significant stretch of votes only through news coverage, vote tracking websites, or word of mouth, sometimes well after the fact.

The legislation is intended to close that gap. By requiring a public notice when an extended absence begins or is expected, the bill would give constituents a timely and reliable source of information rather than relying on outside reporting or speculation.

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