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Civility and Bipartisanship
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Bipartisan Retreats for Members and Their Families
Time together away from the Hill is the best opportunity Members of Congress have to build healthy working relationships across party lines, but there's little time to do so. Almost from the instant a new Member steps foot on the Hill, their time and training is controlled on a partisan basis. A retreat at the start of each Congress for new Members and their families could help change this dynamic right from the start.
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Committee on House Administration |
No legislation required. |
Encourage Bipartisan Fact-Finding Trips
Congressional Delegation (CODEL) trips have been unfairly disparaged as a frivolous waste of time and resources. In fact, not only are these trips an essential source of first-hand learning about essential domestic issues, they are also an unparalleled opportunity for bipartisan relationship-building away from the glare of media and pressures of the Hill or district.
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Committees on House Administration and Rules |
No legislation required. |
Try Oxford-Style Floor Debate Events
D.C. insiders know that very little real deliberation happens on the House floor. Visitors are always surprised to visit the chamber and see only one member with a giant poster or two speaking to cameras in a sea of empty seats. Statements pursuant to amendments (when amendments are actually permitted) or votes on legislation are a highly coordinated partisan production for maximum soundbites, not persuasion. Congress should give the people what they want: a real debate! To provide an opportunity for a civil, systematic consideration of our biggest challenges would be a chance for legislators and the public to learn something more than just a talking point - about policy and each other.
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Committee on House Administration |
No legislation required. |
Debate Workshops
Members and staff, on a bipartisan basis, could be provided with training during new member orientation in debate, processing opposing views and constructive dialogue.
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Enhance Bipartisan Staff Relationships Within Committees
Like their bosses, committee staff are divided by party and tend to work primarily in separate corners. Prioritizing bipartisan staff briefings, trainings and even retreats could help build personal bonds between staff. This, in turn, could lead to more productive committee hearings, markups and other work.
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Personal Staff Participation in CODELs
Staff from Members' personal offices have fewer opportunities to connect with staff from across the aisle. Permitting personal staff to participate in committee organized congressional delegation (CODEL) travel could enhance working relationships.
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Committee on House Administration |
Depending on detail and implementation |
Encourage Cross-District Travel
Permitting members to use their MRA for traveling to other members' districts, could create more opportunities to foster bipartisan relationship building and help members' better understand the issues facing their colleagues' constituents.
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Promote the House Rules of Decorum and Debate
A session on the House Rules of Decorum and Debate, during new member orientation and available as a continuing education course, could help improve the tone of debate and promote civility.
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Committee on House Administration |
No legislation required. |
Collaborative Committee Goal and Expectation Settings
If Committee members work together to set policy and conduct expectations (both publicly and in private) on a bipartisan basis - perhaps at a Members' retreat - Committees can be more productive and enjoy better buy-in from their members, who all had a voice in the process.
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Bipartisan Retreats for Members and Their Families 
