As Congress approaches the end of the year, it finds itself grappling with the aftermath of the longest government shutdown in recent history, alongside a growing reputation for being one of the least productive legislative bodies of modern times. Former Representative Jim Cooper, a Democrat from Tennessee who served for 32 years, remarked, "Congress is in a coma. It has a pulse, but not many brainwaves." This sentiment reflects a widespread belief that the institution is struggling to perform its fundamental duties.
A record number of lawmakers are opting to leave Congress ahead of the midterm elections next year, either pursuing different offices or retiring from political life altogether. While some attribute this trend to the current political climate influenced by the second Trump administration, former members highlight that issues of legislative stagnation and low morale have been festering for years. Barbara Comstock, a former Virginia Republican and president of the Association of Former Members of Congress, stated, "We've done studies showing the reason a lot of people are leaving is because it's not functional, because of death threats, because they're not getting anything done."
Comstock contrasted the current atmosphere with the "good old days" of the 1990s, stating that even during contentious periods, such as the Clinton impeachment, essential legislation like welfare and tax reform was still achieved. She emphasized that today's polarization is vastly different, making it increasingly difficult for lawmakers to govern effectively.
Former members of Congress have pointed to a troubling trend: the increasing centralization of power within party leadership, which they argue compromises the functionality of committees. Dan Lipinski, a Democrat from Illinois who served from 2005 to 2021, noted, "A committee gavel means less now than it used to." He explained that the speaker's office often dictates what should and shouldn't be included in bills, leaving little room for committee members to exert their influence.
This top-down approach to governance has led to a scenario where rank-and-file members find it challenging to participate in the legislative process meaningfully. Former Michigan Congressman Fred Upton echoed this sentiment, stating, "If the committees aren't working, then members don't really have an opportunity to be legislators." The reduced time spent in Washington due to a more compact congressional calendar exacerbates these issues, limiting opportunities for consensus-building and bipartisanship.
The lifestyle challenges faced by lawmakers have also evolved, with many former members citing the strain on personal lives as a significant factor in their decisions to leave Congress. Upton remarked on the sacrifices that come with the job, saying, "If you're in a district like mine, 650 miles away from D.C., you're gone half the time." The demanding schedule often results in missed family events and personal milestones, further dissuading potential candidates from pursuing a congressional career.
Although Congress has increased reimbursement rates for living expenses, they have not adjusted salaries in line with cost-of-living increases, leaving many members feeling undervalued. Former Representative Reid Ribble criticized this stagnation, stating, "I don't know any American citizen who would think their employer is being fair to them if they had not gotten a raise since 2009."
As the political climate grows more contentious, the number of threats against lawmakers has surged. Dan Kildee, a Democrat from Michigan, observed that while threats were once rare, they have become routine. He stated, "Now, rank-and-file members have to deal with threats that are routine." This rise in threats has led to changes in how offices operate, with increased security measures becoming a standard practice for many lawmakers.
Former members of both parties have expressed concerns about the erosion of Congress's authority, particularly regarding spending power. Charlie Dent, a Republican from Pennsylvania, highlighted the troubling trend of unilateral presidential actions that bypass congressional approval, stating, "We're seeing on tariffs how the president is unilaterally able to raise taxes without a vote of Congress." This shift in power dynamics has sparked fears about Congress's ability to fulfill its constitutional responsibilities.
Despite the numerous challenges, some former lawmakers still see potential for meaningful work in Congress. Patrick McHenry, a Republican from North Carolina, remarked, "You can still make a difference. It is hard. It is definitely a beast that you can never master." Others, like Jim Cooper, emphasize the importance of having dedicated individuals in Congress who are willing to confront the difficulties of the job in pursuit of a better future for the country.
Ultimately, the consensus among former members is that while Congress faces significant obstacles, the need for capable and committed representatives remains paramount. As Cooper poignantly stated, "If you want a decent country to live in, we better have a good Congress." The future of effective governance hinges on the willingness of good people to step forward and embrace the challenges of public service.