The Challenge:
An Antiquated System

"The Union and Congress must share the same fate. They must rise or fall together."

~James A. Garfield

Solutions:
Technology, Transparency, Reform

"As consumers, we use new data and technology every day to improve our lives. Congress should be no different."

~Rep. Derek Kilmer and fmr. Rep. Tom Graves


Why Modernize Congress?

Throughout its history, Congress has formally examined its operations and made improvements to better fulfill its function as the First Branch.

However, in recent decades, as frustration with the institution has risen and public favor continues to fall, Congress has done little to assess its inefficiencies in service and operation — until now.

On January 9, 2019, the 116th House of Representatives signaled its commitment to pursue real change with the creation of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress. Tasked "to investigate, study, make findings, hold public hearings, and develop recommendations on moderinizing Congress," the bipartisan Select Committee unanimously approved 97 recommendations, laying the groundwork for implementation and impactful change.

With strong momentum, the legacy of the Select Committee is being carried forward as Members, staff, and outside groups partner together to continue the work it began.


  • “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."

    Molly E. Reynolds
    Brookings Institution

    “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."

    Jonathan M. Bydlak
    R Street Institute

    “In order to begin to restore the constitutional republic that the founders envisioned, Congress must invest in itself as an institution."

    Kevin R. Kosar
    American Enterprise Institute
  • “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."

    Soren Dayton
    Protecting Democracy

    “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."

    Marci Harris
    POPVOX

    “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."

    Meredith McGehee
    Issue One
  • “Our investment in Congress is a mirror of our investment in democracy itself."

    Daniel Schuman
    Demand Progress

    “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."

    Molly E. Reynolds
    Brookings Institution

    “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."

    Jonathan M. Bydlak
    R Street Institute