Representing America: Six Lawmakers Reflect on Unruly Congress

28 Oct at 3:16 pm

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Representing America: Six Lawmakers Reflect on Unruly Congress \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Six U.S. House lawmakers shared their experiences during a turbulent era marked by partisan conflict, significant events, and the personal risks of political office. Each described what drives them to serve amid challenges in Congress, offering insights into both the frustrations and the meaningful moments that keep them going. While they highlighted various paths for reform, they agreed that Congress reflects the nation’s divisions and that change depends on both elected officials and voters.

U.S. House Representatives Reflect on Divisive Times and Personal Motivations Quick Looks

Lawmakers describe Congress as “polarizing” and challenging, with growing frustrations over wasted time.
Amidst conflict, these six representatives—three Republicans and three Democrats—continue to seek re-election.
They shared thoughts on Congressional reforms and advice for citizens on choosing representatives.
Safety concerns and constituent support highlight both risks and rewards in political service.
Despite the challenges, all lawmakers remain committed to their roles, emphasizing the importance of incremental progress.

Deep Look

In an era of heightened political division, six U.S. House representatives from safe districts are sharing insights into their experiences, describing Congress as “polarizing,” “challenging,” and rife with “wasted time.” The Associated Press interviewed three Democrats and three Republicans, each outlining both the difficulties and personal motivations that drive them to continue representing their constituents amid historic challenges.

The six representatives’ paths into politics vary widely, from military service and activism to family heritage. Each expressed a unique take on the complex dynamics that often make Congress a “tough place to be” yet described their shared dedication to public service and the importance of incremental progress.

Republican Perspectives

Dusty Johnson represents the state-wide South Dakota district, first running in 2018. Motivated by a desire to improve the quality of Congress, he said he saw “too many jerks” in office and believed he could make a difference. Nicole Malliotakis, a second-term representative from New York City’s Brooklyn and Staten Island areas, drew inspiration from her Cuban-Greek heritage, seeing her role as a “counter view” to dominant voices in her region. Mark Amodei, a representative from northern Nevada since 2011, feels public service is a responsibility, reflecting his family’s long-standing ties to the area.

Democratic Experiences

Chrissy Houlahan, an Air Force veteran and representative from the Philadelphia suburbs, first ran in 2018. She was inspired by her personal history as the daughter of a Holocaust survivor and the mother of a queer daughter who, along with Houlahan, was moved to tears after Donald Trump’s 2016 election. Veronica Escobar of El Paso, Texas, focused on representing her community’s perspective and countering negative immigration narratives, winning her seat in 2018. Maxwell Frost, the youngest representative, came to Congress from an activist background with March for Our Lives and entered office in 2022. Initially hesitant to run, he saw his advocacy work as a natural fit for Congress.

Experiences and Challenges in Congress

Describing their time in Congress, the lawmakers highlighted the challenges of their jobs. Maxwell Frost calls Congress “chaotic,” lamenting the “wasted time” that obstructs action. For Nicole Malliotakis, congressional life has been a series of “ups and downs.” These representatives have witnessed two presidential impeachments, the January 6 Capitol attack, House Speaker battles, and COVID-19’s disruptions.

Chrissy Houlahan said, “Everything we could not expect has happened,” describing her frustrations with Congress’s frequent inability to pass meaningful legislation. “You’re not here to not do things,” she said, underscoring her purpose as a representative. Mark Amodei, on the other hand, reflected on the necessity of “knowing how to play well with others” in a divided Congress, noting that those who cannot will find it a “nasty place to be.” Veronica Escobar, who was trapped in the House gallery during the January 6 events, spoke about the risks involved in her role, though she remains “grateful” for her position.

Reforming Congress: What Needs to Change?

Reflecting on how to improve Congress, each lawmaker brought unique ideas to the table. Houlahan pointed to the “independent contractor” style of Congressional offices, each with different staff and unique approaches, as problematic, comparing it unfavorably to the organization she saw in the military, business, and education sectors. “Some of those offices, their mission is chaos; some are constructive,” she observed.

For Dusty Johnson, the issue runs deeper than Congress alone. “It’s garbage in, garbage out,” he said, noting that as long as the public elects divisive figures, Congress will struggle to function. Johnson believes that if Americans looked for leadership qualities in representatives as they do in personal relationships, Congress would better reflect those values. Maxwell Frost added that without systemic reforms, such as campaign finance reform and filibuster elimination, Congress may continue its cycle of small steps forward and frequent setbacks.

Malliotakis expressed skepticism that major changes will happen soon, saying the “far right does its thing, the far left does its thing, and the middle comes together to govern.” She anticipates continued polarization but believes moderate voices will keep Congress on track.

What Can Americans Do?

Escobar argued that Congress mirrors the political polarization seen across America, suggesting that family and community divisions now run as deep as those in Congress. She called on the public to engage in more constructive discourse, saying, “Congress has a role in fixing that, but we in our country have to do more of that, as well.” Malliotakis emphasized that voters need to hold representatives accountable, noting that citizens often re-elect officials without scrutinizing their records.

Johnson encouraged Americans to evaluate candidates as they would a spouse or boss—based on character and integrity—stressing that “Congress can’t fix Congress; the American people can fix Congress.”

Safety Concerns and Security

Serving in Congress during such polarized times has brought unique safety concerns. Malliotakis said death threats are common among members, noting the challenges of working in a polarizing environment. Escobar has reduced her in-person town halls due to concerns about gun violence, explaining that large gatherings could put her constituents at risk. Houlahan acknowledged that danger is part of the job. “It’s awful that we’re in that place,” she said, but believes leaders must discourage threats and violence against officials.

Rewards of Public Service

Despite the difficulties, each representative pointed to personal rewards. For Maxwell Frost, it’s about “getting stuff done”—even small achievements, like the establishment of the first-ever Office of Gun Violence Prevention, make a difference. For Mark Amodei, projects like creating a monument for Vietnam helicopter pilots stand out as meaningful work.

Johnson values moments when he feels his votes truly matter, such as the certification of the 2020 presidential election. Escobar, too, finds satisfaction in legislative progress, noting that “incremental steps” can still make a difference in people’s lives.

Why They Keep Returning to Congress

Amid Congress’s many challenges, these representatives continue to seek re-election because they see the work as essential. Dusty Johnson feels driven by the significance of his role, saying, “It’s work that matters.” Malliotakis says she loves the opportunity to serve her constituents, while Houlahan hopes for a future in which Congress “finds itself again.” Frost remains committed to using his “civic power” for positive change.

Does Congress Matter?

When asked if Congress still matters, Johnson stressed its importance, remarking that it is vital for citizens to take its work seriously. “Every month, we cast votes that bend the trajectory of this country,” he said. Amodei highlighted the essential role of Congress in programs like Social Security and Medicare, as well as border protection. Escobar echoed this view, emphasizing that “everything we do here impacts every single citizen.”

These representatives see Congress as central to American life, though it faces substantial challenges. As they continue to serve, they carry the hope that their contributions will steer the nation toward stability and incremental progress, even in polarized times.