Although their political popularity varies widely with the American public, there is no question that the rapid-fire government reforms from the second Trump administration are stretching the limits of presidential power. As activities of the administration and newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) are facing mounting legal challenges, most eyes are on the courts as a constitutional check on executive overreach. But this belies one important question: Where is Congress? Congressional power has been eroding at the expense of the presidency for decades, under both Democratic and Republican presidents. Beyond its role upholding a balance of power, Congress is an intrinsically important institution to a functioning democracy; a robust and deliberative process in the House and Senate helps make compromise on bolder legislative initiatives possible.
What are the opportunities this moment might unlock to reignite momentum around congressional reform and modernization? How might Congress assert a different role today with the right understanding of process and procedure – and the sufficient permission structures to act differently? Funders joining this call will hear from congressional reform experts on the current state of play, including the broad coalition needed to get Congress to uphold its institutional duties in this moment, and the roadmap to broader reform to uphold the powers established in Article One.
DFN programs are for funders supporting organizations in the democracy space. If you’re not a funder, please email Murphy Walsh (murphy.walsh@thirdplateau.com) to discuss your participation before registering.