Issue One urges Congress to strengthen the legislative branch by supporting congressional staff and establishing a January 6 commission

Last week, Issue One participated in a webinar organized by Demand Progress to offer public witness testimony for Congressional appropriations lawmakers and staff in support of recommendations made by the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress to make the body more capable, representative, and effective. This event was organized in lieu of in-person testimony due to the ongoing pandemic.

On behalf of Issue One and Executive Director Meredith McGehee, Jamie Neikrie, Issue One’s Cohort Coordinator, presented oral testimony and joined eleven other experts to lend their expertise and call on Congress to fund these recommendations. The remarks followed written testimony that Issue One submitted earlier this year. 

The testimony focused on three requests: 

• Attracting and retaining experienced and representative staff
• Improving management training for Members, chiefs of staff, and others in leadership positions to help create healthier workplace environments on Capitol Hill
• Establishing a national commission tasked with investigating the direct causes of the January 6th assault on the U.S. Capitol, making recommendations to prevent future attacks, and strengthening the resilience of this democratic institution

These recommendations are designed to help Congress better serve the American people in the 21st century.

The full testimony can be viewed below.