On March 12, 2019, the newly established House Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress gaveled in for the first time, commencing their session with a Members Day hearing.
 
Thirty-five Representatives testified, raising awareness for a multitude of institutional reforms that the Select Committee should explore. The message was clear: Congressional capacity (i.e., technology, staffing, procedure, scheduling, etc.) is in dire need of improvement. 
 
For the first time in three decades, the House is dedicating resources to address these problems by establishing—and, hopefully, robustly supporting—the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress. 
 
The American Institutions Network, in partnership with LegBranch.org, commends the House of Representatives for this action and encourages the Senate to similarly dedicate resources to address capacity issues. 

Without meaningful institutional improvement, Congress will continue struggling to assert its powers as a viable check on the other branches of government. The establishment of this committee is a significant step toward fulfillment of its role as the First Branch.

For more on the House Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress:
https://www.legbranch.org/research-2/select-committee-on-the-modernization-of-congress/

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