ABSTRACT
Long before the tumultuous presidency of Donald J. Trump and the disruption of COVID-19, Congress was in retreat as a legislative force and the first branch of government. While some by-the-book processes continue, leadership-crafted spending bills (often in omnibus form) haphazardly passed on short deadlines and party-line nomination votes in the Senate were, and continue to be, common. This chapter—based on interviews, personal observations, and relevant literature—offers an insider’s perspective on how legislation emerges and passes. The author's own experiences plus interviews with committee staff from both parties in the House Armed Services, Foreign Affairs, Intelligence, and Transportation Committees, paint a slightly more positive picture of an institution that generally follows norms, addresses national issues, and practices reciprocity and respect. The chapter focuses on whether or not the small successes outlined can be applied to broader practice. It also addresses the factors that get in the way of legislation.
