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Polarization in the Senate isn’t going away
The U.S. Senate has become increasingly dysfunctional in recent sessions, prompting posts like this one from Josh Huder and this one from James Wallner. This institution, historically recognized… Read More
ICYMI: Top reads on Congress
Jordain Carney, “Senate GOP poised to go ‘nuclear’ on Trump picks,” The Hill: “Senate Republicans are set to hit the gas on confirming hundreds of President Trump’s nominees by muscling… Read More
Letter in support of increased funding for the Legislative Branch in FY2020
Re: FY 2020 302(b) Allocation for the Legislative Branch Dear Chairwoman Lowey, Ranking Member Granger, and members of the committee: On behalf of the undersigned bipartisan group of civil society… Read More
You can take a congressperson outta Washington …
Last week the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress held its first hearing. One of its tasks is to recommend ways to reform congressional procedures. Congressman Derek Kilmer (D-Wash.),… Read More
New R Sheet: Post-cloture debate time for presidential nominations
Key Points: 1) Republicans can speed up the confirmation process by enforcing the Senate’s current rules and practices. 2) Strictly enforcing the provisions of Rule XXII limits the amount… Read More
GAO versus the ghost of OTA: Who will win the science and technology assessment race?
Hardly anyone would argue that Congress is well equipped to make technology policy. Very few members are techies, and let’s face it, innovation is hurtling forward at a mind-blowing pace. Read More
The national tide falls short in the U.S. Senate
On the same night that Democrats celebrated a 40-seat pickup in the U.S. House of Representatives, they failed to gain control of the U.S. Senate. Faced with the highest number… Read More
New report: Who’s on the Hill?
On Capitol Hill, any issue area expertise in committee offices largely stems from the staffers who support each committees’ operations. After all, committee work is only one component of a member’s… Read More
The ‘World’s Greatest Deliberative Body’? Yeah, right.
It’s hard to imagine the Senate being any more dysfunctional than it already is. And yet here we are. Reports indicate that Republicans, frustrated by how long it takes to confirm… Read More
ICYMI: Top reads on Congress
Kate Ackley, “‘Dead billionaires’ and a tech Peace Corps? Lawmakers float ideas to fix Congress,” Roll Call: “Hoyer and other lawmakers also called on the committee to recommend better… Read More