In defense of Congress

the long version

Created by the Founding Fathers as the people's branch of government, the U.S. Congress has, throughout its history, been held in low regard by the American public. Generally considered to be inefficient, obstructionist, and at times even criminal, the last few years have been especially difficult for the institution and the people elected to serve. Yet, despite recent calls for campaign finance reform and term limits, the Congress remains the greatest and most powerful national legislature in the world, empowered and expected to solve our national problems. In In Defense of Congress, Fred R. Harris takes the view that members of Congress, as individuals, and Congress itself, as an institution, deserve better credit than they are being given. Harris attempts to set the record straight by taking a careful look at the role of individual members and then at the institution as a whole. A former U.S. Senator himself, Harris also provides insightful suggestions for improving Congress in the future.