Former U.S. lawmakers have articulated concerns regarding the functionality and effectiveness of the House of Representatives, particularly as the institution concludes the year following a prolonged government shutdown and a period some characterize as having low legislative productivity.
Perceptions of Congressional Stagnation
Former Representative Jim Cooper (D-Tennessee), who served for 32 years, described Congress as an institution exhibiting minimal legislative activity. A notable number of lawmakers are opting not to seek re-election, instead pursuing other offices or retiring from political life. Former members indicated that legislative stagnation and low morale within the institution have developed over an extended period.
Barbara Comstock, President of the Association of Former Members of Congress, cited functionality issues, safety concerns including death threats, and perceived lack of legislative achievement as reasons for members departing. Comstock observed an increase in polarization compared to earlier periods, noting that legislative achievements occurred even during times of political conflict.
Former Representative Cheri Bustos (D-Illinois) stated that achieving legislative objectives is increasingly challenging. Similarly, former Representative Reid Ribble (R-Wisconsin, 2011-2017) expressed dissatisfaction with what he considered primarily messaging bills unlikely to advance in the Senate.
Centralization of Power
Former members described a trend of increasing power centralization within party leadership, which they assert has reduced the influence of committees. Former Representative Dan Lipinski (D-Illinois, 2005-2021) indicated that the Speaker's office frequently directs committee chairs on bill content, potentially limiting opportunities for individual members to act as legislators. Former Representative Fred Upton (R-Michigan, 1987-2023) stated that the House legislative process often operates as a top-down structure, contrasting with a subcommittee-to-full committee progression he suggested fostered more bipartisanship.
Former Representative Patrick McHenry (R-North Carolina, 2005-2025), who served in House GOP leadership, acknowledged a 'brokenness of the legislative process' that he indicated has increased over the past five decades. McHenry noted that Senate rules, which require 60 votes for most policy measures, often mean the majority party relies on the budget reconciliation process to advance its agenda when also holding the White House.
Congressional Calendar and Culture
The current congressional calendar, typically allocating 3.5 workdays per week for the House, has been cited as limiting time for consensus-building. Lipinski quoted a current member as stating they anticipate spending more days traveling between home and Washington than actually present in Washington.
In 1995, then-Speaker Newt Gingrich introduced a shortened congressional work week to provide members with more time in their districts and for fundraising. Former Representative Jim McDermott (D-Washington, 1989-2017) suggested that this altered schedule reduced opportunities for informal interactions and community building among members, which he stated previously facilitated compromise.
Former Representative Dan Kildee (D-Michigan, 2013-2025) observed that bipartisanship and cooperation significantly decreased during his tenure. Several members indicated that partisan rhetoric is increasingly associated with increased media coverage and fundraising, potentially incentivizing such behavior. Former Representative Anna Eshoo (D-California, 1993-2025) described feeling compelled to explicitly state to a Republican colleague that she did not view them as an 'enemy', reflecting the increased partisan environment.
Member Well-being and Compensation
Upton identified family separation as a significant challenge, noting frequent travel and missed family events for members from distant districts. Historically, some members utilized their offices for sleeping quarters to mitigate the cost of maintaining two residences. Congress has since increased expense reimbursements, but member salaries ($174,000) have not been adjusted for cost of living since 2009, unlike other federal employees.
Ribble stated that the lack of salary adjustment since 2009 could be perceived as unfair compensation. Former Representative Charlie Dent (R-Pennsylvania, 2005-2018) suggested that stagnant congressional salaries may deter some qualified individuals from seeking office, particularly those without substantial personal wealth.
Increased Threats and Security Concerns
Members reported a substantial increase in threats directed at lawmakers in recent years. Kildee noted that while threats historically occurred, they have become more frequent and routine for rank-and-file members during his time in Congress. Bustos described a shift in office security protocols during her tenure, from an initial preference for accessibility to later implementing security measures like panic buttons due to increased threats.
The U.S. Capitol Police reported an estimated 14,000 threat assessment cases processed by year-end.
Erosion of Congressional Power
Cooper stated that Congress, intended by the Constitution to be a primary branch of government, has become less functional, thereby reducing its institutional role. Dent expressed concern regarding the perceived erosion of Congress' 'power of the purse' and noted instances where the president has unilaterally implemented tariffs, which he described as unilateral tax increases without congressional vote.
Examples cited include the Trump administration defunding agencies such as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and utilizing pocket rescissions to cancel appropriated funding. Lipinski stated that the transfer of power from Congress to the executive branch has intensified over the last 25 years, reaching what he considers an unprecedented level of congressional deference. Lipinski recounted an instance where a whip team member offered a presidential call to influence a wavering vote, suggesting such tactics represent an undue deference to the president.
Dent described the current political climate as more dangerous and fractured than in his past experience.
Outlook and Recommendations
Former Representative Annie Kuster (D-New Hampshire, 2013-2025) characterized the current period for members of Congress as contentious and challenging, expressing a belief in future improvements requiring dedicated individuals. Comstock suggested aspiring political candidates consider state offices, noting the recent gubernatorial victories of former House members Abigail Spanberger and Mikie Sherrill.
McHenry maintained that opportunities for making a difference in Congress persist, acknowledging the challenges inherent in the institution. Cooper asserted the importance of a functional Congress for national well-being and remarked on the financial disparity between congressional salaries and private sector earnings, even for entry-level legal professionals.