IRVINE, Calif. — A bill introduced to Congress by U.S. Rep Katie Porter, D-Calif., would track how members spend their time.

“The American people deserve to know how Congressmembers are working on their behalf — or not,” Porter said in a news release. “Increasing transparency on how we spend our time will empower Americans to better hold Congressmembers accountable when they prioritize meeting with special interests over everyday people. I’m proud to champion legislation that will make the government work better and help earn back the people’s trust.”

Porter has previously said that she wants to show voters that government works and has steadily introduced legislation she believes will improve accountability. Among her stated goals is campaign finance reform.

The fundraising process for members of Congress has long been a point of debate as many are required to aggressively raise money not just for their campaign but for their colleagues as well.

Critics say the often substantial time used for fundraising can detract from members’ ability to serve constituents. High-profile members like Porter, or others with strong fundraising networks, often have ample donation commitments even before the reelection campaign begins. But representatives in less wealthy districts or who have not built national profiles like Porter can be forced to spend more time boosting for campaign dollars. 

The fundraising structure has long been criticized by Harvard law professor Lawrence Lessig, who has suggested reforms that would reset how politicians can raise money.

Porter has pushed for greater transparency in other legislation, hoping to prevent all members from investing in individual stocks. Currently, members can own stock in companies that may be affected by legislation on which they vote.

The Congress at Work Act is another attempt at transparency and would require a thorough list of all activities, like who the members have met with and what votes they took part in on their various committee assignments. 

“There are many reasons why Congress has a dismal 17% approval rating from the American public and a lack of transparency is just one of them,” said Dylan Hedtler-Gaudette, government affairs manager at the Project on Government Oversight, in the same news release. “Constituents want to know what their members of Congress are doing to represent them and who they are advocating for. Rep. Porter clearly takes this notion seriously and requiring members of Congress to publicly post essential information on their website, such as what votes they have taken, what committee hearings they have participated in, and which stakeholders they are meeting with, is an excellent step toward bringing about a more effective and responsive legislative branch. The congresswoman should be commended for her leadership in this effort.”