"Fixing Congress" Aims to Improve Voters' Control of Congress

Authors Mike Johnson and Jerry Clime say their new book "Fixing Congress: Restoring Power to the People " has a simple goal: Improving Americans' control over Congress. They say fixing Congress means voters must be informed, study, and demand changes, such as:

• Understanding proposed reforms about how Congress functions, how representatives are elected, how Members participate in the legislative process and communicate with their constituents, and how you can gain better access to that process to ensure that your views are heard, and your concerns met;
• Recognize the outside influences on Congress, especially constitutionally protected news media and lobbyists “petitioning the government.” The book at our electoral process, the impact of money in political campaigns, how congressional districts are redesigned every ten years, and,
• The internal operations of Congress—the many rules and procedures that govern legislation—and how they impact your interests.

Why This Book

So exactly how unhappy are people with Congress?

Few Americans—13 percent in a 2023 Gallup survey—approved of how Congress does its job. Another report by statista, February 2024, put approval at 12 percent. That looks like consistent data. Few of us would last in a job with a performance evaluation like that.

"Fixing Congress" is a behind-the-scenes look at how Congress really functions and why it doesn’t. It was written by two guys who each spent more than 40 years in Congress. They’ve been there and participated.

For citizens who want to participate in the process of self-government and regain more control over it, "Fixing Congress" is a powerful resource.

The book begins with a closer look at the power and function of individual members of Congress and their staff. It examines the structure, procedures, and culture. With that groundwork, "Fixing Congress" gives voters a greater understanding of Congress and the tools they need to make it better. To put the modern Congress in perspective, "Fixing Congress" looks at its history, the Founders’ intent, and the historical currents that have driven the country to its state as a legislatively gridlocked government and suffocating polarization.

With the context set, the book delves into the special interest clout of lobbyists, political action committees, and the digital communications. It digs into campaign financing, campaign abuses, partisan congressional district maps, ideological and partisan extremism, and the overwhelming influence of the major media. In other words, "Fixing Congress" explores the forces that make the average voter feel like a tiny cog in the gigantic wheel of government.

Numerous solutions that citizens can advocate are found in "Fixing Congress," which will strengthen your communities, equip your state legislators to restore democracy, and motivate your members of Congress.

Chapter 14 proposes reforms, strategies, and tactics to restore Congress to its intended purpose as a representative body – the policymaker of federal government. These proposals include redefining the distinctions between the Senate and House, reducing the size of congressional districts (now 762,000 residents to each single elected member of Congress), limiting outside campaign funding, and demanding the media report objectively and with balance.

Johnson and Climer spent most of their professional lives in and around the U.S. Capitol. With the experience of more than 40 years each, they know how the place works (and doesn’t), what the influences are on legislating, where systemic weakness has developed, and most importantly, what needs to be done inside and outside to restore the US Congress to the ideals of the nation’s Founders.

https://fixingcongress.com/fix...