Do you know why we have 435 representatives in the House?
In 1929, after a decade of debate, Congress gave up fulfilling its constitutionally mandated responsibility to reapportion the House — passing the Permanent Apportionment Act of 1929, which effectively capped representation at 435.
Since the Act was passed, the population has tripled, but the number of representatives has remained the same. In 1929, a representative served about 220,000 people in their district. Now that number is nearly 800,000 people per district.
As a result, Americans lack access to and accountability over Congress. This issue threatens the heart of self-government and requires the urgent attention of citizens and policymakers alike.
THE CASE FOR ACTION
Five Reasons why 435 is the wrong number.
Congress is supposed to provide oversight of the executive branch, yet the executive branch dwarfs the legislative branch, making proper oversight nearly impossible. As a result, Congress increasingly delegates its own responsibility, making Congress weak and unable to represent the people.
Congress is overwhelmed.
2. Americans lack access to and accountability with their representatives.
With nearly 800,000 constituents per member, meaningful contact between citizens and their elected officials has become vanishingly rare. Most Americans have never contacted their rep, and many who have received little more than a form response.
3. Large districts increase the cost of campaigning, increasing the influence of donors at the expense of constituents.
It costs nearly $3 million to win a congressional seat. Representatives are forced to spend more time with donors than constituents. Increasing the number of reps and shrinking the districts would decrease the influence of big money and special interests.
4. Lack of representation stifles political diversity, cementing a two-party rule.
This has led to the current gerrymandering wars. Shrinking districts and increasing the number of representatives incentivize parties and candidates to focus on providing ample representation for the district rather than fighting to change district lines to win power.
5. Lack of political representation leads to populist politics and weak leadership.
A lack of genuine political representation leads people to radicalization at the extremes — the predictable result of a system that leaves millions without a real voice. Uncapping the house allows all the voices in America to be heard and informed, strengthening the relationship between the people and their representatives and rebuilding trust in government. It incentivizes good leadership by making government about responsibility over power.
It doesn’t have to be this way
You can take action. Join the coalition.
Our mission & Timeline
The goal for 2026 is to get America talking about this during the midterm elections. We need policymakers and voters who understand the responsibility of the moment.
The goal of Project No Cap is to secure Congress's repeal of the Permanent Apportionment Act of 1929 — before it is too late.