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Why Ethics Should Matter to Congress
Polling shows that Americans care a great deal about the honesty of their representatives in Congress. Yet Congress allowed its ethics system to break down, and is only now starting to rebuild it.
Talk of America's Decline Is Overstated
In foreign policy, understanding how the long-term trajectory of world events and politics relates to present-day decisions is essential. Former Congressman Lee Hamilton discusses the major global trends impacting the next several decades.
Why Holding the Majority Matters
Many Americans don't realize that on Capitol Hill, your party's status as the majority or minority can affect everything from the rooms you meet in to whether you can offer an amendment to a bill. Former Congressman Lee Hamilton explains what underlies the intense partisanship in Congress.
Effective Oversight Requires An Effective Press
With Congress and the White House in the hands of the same party, this is a distressing time to see massive cutbacks at news organizations. Former Congressman Lee Hamilton explains that this is because "Effective Oversight Requires An Effective Press."
You Might Not Miss Conference Committees, But You Should
Conference committees on Capitol Hill are vanishing, to the detriment of our democracy. Former Congressman Lee Hamilton explains that, "You Might Not Miss Conference Committees, But You Should"
Russia and Georgia
The debate over who started the war between Georgia and Russia continues, but there is no doubt that Russia finished it. Former Congressman Lee Hamilton discusses the consequences of the peace.
A Choice for North Korea
How should the U.S. respond to North Korea's recent provocations? Former Congressman Lee Hamilton addresses the tense situation on the Korean Peninsula.
Is Congress Up to the Task Before It?
The dramatic and far-reaching proposals that President Obama is sending to Capitol Hill call on Congress to set aside its less attractive habits of the last decade. Former Congressman Lee Hamilton wonders, "Is Congress Up to the Task Before It?"
Congress, Too, Can Set the Agenda
It is time for Congress to start learning to re-assert itself as a policy-making branch of government. Former congressman Lee Hamilton suggests that with a new president due to take office soon, "Congress, Too, Can Set the Agenda."
In Wartime, Congress Must Step Up to Check President
The decision to go to war is the most serious decision a government can make, says former Congressman Lee Hamilton. Its gravity demands cooperation between the executive and legislative branches.