Reform in 2023
As the year draws to a close, The Fulcrum is starting to look ahead to what may happen next year in the world of political reform and anti-polarization efforts. We invited leaders in those movements to share their hopes and plans for 2023, and we began publishing their thoughts this week.
If that’s your standard-bearer, then what are your standards?
Pete Weichlein, CEO of the Former Members of Congress Association, kicked off the series by asking Americans to hold their representatives accountable.
Whatever litmus test we all individually applied, the 2022 election is over and a new Congress will be sworn in on Jan. 3, 2023. The voter’s job now is to hold our elected representatives accountable over the next two years as we gear up for the 2024 election cycle. The candidate you selected is your chosen standard-bearer, and your responsibility as an engaged and educated voter is measuring their performance leading up to the next election. If they are your standard-bearer, then what are your standards?
Pete offers some ideas for our readers.
Congress actually had a pretty good 2022, and next year may be even better
Bradford Fitch, CEO of the the Congressional Management Foundation, will be working with lawmakers, congressional staff and others to help Congress continue the work begun by the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress.
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It may sound mundane, but the committee’s recommendations, if fully implemented, would strengthen Congress’ ability to retain competent staff, enhance the resources to develop sound public policy, enable more efficient processes for the Congress to operate and improve Congress’ ability to listen to the American people. They will also restore some of the powers granted to Congress in Article I of the Constitution, including shifting some spending authority from the executive branch back to the legislative branch, as the country’s founders intended. Their recommendations will strengthen Congress, allow constituents to have a greater voice in government, and lead to better service to and representation of the American people.
Read more about CMF’s plans.
Your take: What will the new year bring?
We’ve had a grueling three years, not just dealing with the pandemic but also experiencing a decline in bipartisan dialogue and political reform. The next few years will continue to be hard, but we are optimistic about the future.
This week, we’d like to hear your take on what 2023 and beyond will bring. What will be your indicators?
Send your thoughts to Debilyn Molineaux by noon Thursday. Select responses will be published Friday.
Podcast: Sen. Kyrsten Sinema and six other Senate party defectors
Since 1890, 22 senators have changed parties while in office, including the latest to do so: Arizona’s Kyrsten Sinema. On "The Weekly," C-SPAN highlights six who did so immediately before Sinema.
Also in the news
Here are the elections on tap for 2023 (Politico)
Warnock says voter suppression remains an issue in Georgia even though he won, tells critic Brad Raffensperger 'we can do better' (Business Insider)
How the South Carolina primary gained primacy (The Washington Post)
Cyber Command conducted offensive operations to protect midterm elections (The Record)
Upcoming events
Inspiring Stories: In the Face of Differences - The Guibord Center - Dec. 21
Democracy Happy Hour - Fix Democracy First - Jan. 4
Restoring Faith in American Leadership - Institute for Global Leadership - Jan. 9
