BI-PARTISAN HOUSE GROUP PLEDGES TO BE NICER

A group of conservative Republicans and Democrats have signed a "Civility Pledge" intended to clean up the image of the U.S. House of Representatives.

The movement is being led by the 40-member Mainstream Conservative Alliance, known as Republican Blue Dogs, and the 21-member Conservative Coalition, known as Democratic Blue Dogs. As their first bi-partisan initiative, both groups vow to bring respect and civility back to Congress by urging their House colleagues to honor the signed promise.

Rep. Bill Emerson, R-Mo., is a co-chairman of the Conservative Alliance.

"There have been some decidedly partisan differences in this Congress, and many times the heated rhetoric on the House floor serves as a wedge further splitting Democrats and Republicans," Emerson said. "In the end, it tarnishes the image of Congress with the American people so we must work now to restore their trust in the institution."

Those signing the pledge agreed to respect constituents through proper conduct and show respect for all colleagues regardless of ideology or personal feelings.

Emerson says the Capitol Hill Blue Dogs provide a significant voting bloc and will continue to work together in the future weeks on moving bipartisan legislation.