A Program of the Franklin Initiative Fixing Congress
The first program established under Penn Washington's Franklin Initiative, Fixing Congress seeks to foster greater bipartisan cooperation and effectiveness within the legislative branch of U.S. government.
About
Fixing Congress seeks to drive meaningful reforms in the U.S. legislative system by creating a series of forums for ongoing debate and collaboration. Programming is anchored by an annual spring workshop, which brings together former lawmakers to discuss strategies to reduce gridlock and enhance Congress's ability to address national issues effectively.
As the series progresses, future convenings will address the systemic issues that have led to legislative gridlock and inspire a renewed commitment to collaborative problem-solving among elected officials. The program aims to contribute to a more functional and responsive Congress, reflecting the public's desire for effective governance in an increasingly polarized political landscape.
Insights and recommendations from this program will contribute to ongoing efforts to reform and revitalize the legislative process.
Launching Fixing Congress
On April 25, 2024, Penn Washington hosted the inaugural workshop of Fixing Congress. The event focused on the need for structural reforms to address extreme partisanship that has hindered effective governance.
Speakers highlighted the importance of incentivizing collaboration across party lines and increasing transparency in legislative processes. Suggestions included revising congressional rules to promote compromise and implementing measures to reduce the impact of partisan gerrymandering.
Read the latest blog posts by Penn Washington Senior Fellow Steven Pearlstein. "Fixing Congress," the first program under Penn Washington's Franklin Initiative, aims to promote bipartisan cooperation and improve the effectiveness of the U.S. legislative branch.
Upcoming Events
Future "Fixing Congress" events will build upon the momentum generated by the April 2024 workshop, focusing on translating discussions into actionable reforms. Future events will convene former and current policymakers to explore and implement strategies aimed at overcoming the challenges identified during the inaugural workshop.
