The power of privacy in legislative negotiations
Academics and commentators often bemoan legislative gridlock. The public is similarly frustrated by Congress’ failure to solve problems. For instance, in a 2016 Gallup poll, just 13 percent of… Read More
There is no app for self-government
Louis Maurer, c1860. Source: Library of Congress. There is, at present, a widespread sense among Americans that something has broken politics. Most people think the problem is unchecked partisan… Read More
Want to be a Congressional Innovation Scholar?
TechCongress is growing again, and now recruiting for an expanded 2020 class of Congressional Innovation Scholars, our pipeline to Congress for graduate students in technical degree programs. The… Read More
A time to build Congress
Gallup polls show public approval of Congress remains around 20 percent. The dissatisfaction also is widespread within the Capitol. “This place sucks,” Sen. Joe Manchin, D, WV, vented… Read More
Congress rebuked but not reimagined
Source: CNN.com “If we break this contract, throw us out. We mean it.” So pronounced the bottom line of a Republican National Committee ad, which laid out the Contract… Read More
It’s time to strengthen legislative diplomacy
Rep. Marcy Kaptur (center; D-OH) with representatives of the Ukrainian and Georgian parliaments and scholars at the Open World Leadership Center at the Library of Congress. Members of Congress on… Read More
Which senators and representatives tweet the most?
Source: Quorum.us Source: Quorum.us These questions and many more are answered in Quorum’s 2019 report, “Congress on Social Media.” Copies are available here. Read More
Old delay tactics won’t work in an impeachment trial
The House Judiciary Committee released its report to accompany the two articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump approved last week by its members on a party-line… Read More
Save the Date: January 10 conference on oversight
Registration is free and easy. Click here. Read More
The Senate already has Rules for impeachment trials
If the House votes to impeach President Donald Trump next week, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., predicted that he and his colleagues would wait until after the… Read More