OK, so the House wants to reform itself? Here’s what it should really do.
Early this month, on the opening day of the 116th Congress, something unusual happened: The House of Representatives took a step to reform itself. Legislators approved a package… Read More
Resources: The Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress
LegBranch.org was built to provide visitors with a “one-stop shop” for the latest research, analysis, and commentary on Congress and reform. As the hub for the congressional reform movement,… Read More
Congress finally stands up for itself
Last week, for once, the political world focused on Congress. We heard about Nancy Pelosi’s return as speaker; the large, diverse freshman class in the House of Representatives; and… Read More
Congressional reform without the ideology
Congress needs therapy. Everyone seems to think that the institution isn’t doing its job, but too often what is described as the “problem” doesn’t clearly identify what might be the… Read More
House Democrats revealed their rules package. Here are the biggies.
Late Tuesday night, House Democrats unveiled a wide-ranging set of proposed rules changes. As expected, the changes concentrate on member ethics and corruption, but also touch on issues of… Read More
“Why We Left Congress”: Excerpts of Our Conversation with Rep. Dennis Ross (R-FL)
Four-term Congressman Dennis Ross (R-FL) was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives during the 2010 midterm elections. Ross first represented Florida’s 12th Congressional District. He has represented Florida’s 15th… Read More
“Why We Left Congress”: Excerpts of Our Conversation with Rep. Charlie Dent (R-PA)
Congressman Charlie Dent (R-PA) represented Pennsylvania’s 15th Congressional District from January 2005 until he resigned in May 2018. During his tenure, Dent held a number of leadership positions. For two… Read More
“Why We Left Congress”: Excerpts of Our Conversation with Rep. Ryan Costello (R-PA)
Two-term Congressman Ryan Costello (R-PA) has represented Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District since January 2015. He currently serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee and is one of 12 House… Read More
Better late than never: Congress reforms process for handling sexual harassment complaints
Finally! Nearly fourteen months after a cascade of #MeToo revelations led to fresh scrutiny of Congress’s opaque and antiquated process for handling sexual harassment complaints, significant reforms to the… Read More
Will Congress score headlines or legislative wins in next session?
The 116th Congress may be doomed before it even begins. Less than one month before the new session gavels in for the first time, members of both the House and… Read More