Building A Congress That Works: A Conversation with Modernization Leaders

Four years ago, the House of Representatives embarked on a once-in-a generation process of reforming what one member called “a 19th-century institution often using 20th-century technology to respond to 21st-century problems.” Gathering insights from members, staff, academia, public and private sector experts, and most importantly, constituents, the House Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress set out to radically improve the legislative branch.

The results? Nearly 200 bipartisan recommendations to make Congress more effective, efficient, and transparent on behalf of the American people. More than just recommendations, many have been fully implemented and more are on their way to completion.

Featured Participants

Derek Kilmer
Chair, House Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; U.S. Representative (D-WA-06)

William Timmons
Vice Chair, House Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; U.S. Representative (R-SC-04)

Michael Thorning
Director of Structural Democracy, BPC