It can be difficult for Members to meet all their committee and subcommittee obligations, often due to overlapping schedules. That means Members are missing out on important information at hearings, and critical steps in the legislative process. Some states have already demonstrated that blocked scheduling for committees - specific chunks of time set aside for what committees can meet when - can resolve a lot of this frustration.
“A well-resourced, high-capacity Congress where employees from diverse backgrounds and experiences can build long careers and expertise is a necessary condition for successful legislating in the years ahead."
“There is no shortage of good ideas for reform, and it's important that Congress grabs the bull by the horns and begins to implement them."
“In order to begin to restore the constitutional republic that the founders envisioned, Congress must invest in itself as an institution."
“The founders put Congress first, but Congress has often put itself last. The success of our system of government depends on a strong Congress. It's time to get to work."
“Congressional modernization is not a box to check; it's the ongoing, essential evolution of tools, systems and processes required to keep pace and remain effective in our increasingly complex, ever-changing world."
“Only by strengthening the rules and norms by which Congress operates will it be able to deliver the legislative solutions that Americans need and deserve."
“Our investment in Congress is a mirror of our investment in democracy itself."
“A well-resourced, high-capacity Congress where employees from diverse backgrounds and experiences can build long careers and expertise is a necessary condition for successful legislating in the years ahead."
“There is no shortage of good ideas for reform, and it's important that Congress grabs the bull by the horns and begins to implement them."
