Issue One joins leading groups in thanking the Modernization Committee for key reforms that are strengthening Congress

This week, Issue One joined 21 organizations and congressional experts in thanking the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress for the recent modernization reforms that have advanced through the House appropriations process. 

Since its inception, the Select Committee worked in a bipartisan manner to ensure that Congress has the resources, capabilities, and support systems necessary to serve the American people. These efforts laid the groundwork for the fiscal year 2022 Legislative Branch Appropriations bill and accompanying report, which mark a significant step forward in making Congress more effective, inclusive, efficient, and responsive. 

“Many of the key provisions included in this legislative package can be traced directly back to conversations, hearings, and recommendations generated by the Select Committee and its staff,” the letter states. These provisions include a recommendation for a bipartisan, Members-only retreat and a 100% increase in funding for the House Office of Diversity and Inclusion, which the Select Committee has supported since its creation. The recommendations and support of the Select Committee were also crucial in securing a 21% increase for the House Members’ Representational Allowances (MRA). This shift will help restore funding to pre-2010 levels and equip offices with the resources they need to effectively serve their constituents. 

The letter continues: “Taken together, this year’s appropriations legislation and report lay the groundwork for meaningful improvements and lasting change. We are heartened to see the efforts of the Select Committee, the advocacy and expertise of outside congressional experts, and the commitment of House appropriators come together to make the House of Representatives a stronger institution.” 

While the House has passed the FY2022 Legislative Branch funding bill, Issue One will work to ensure that the Senate follows the House’s lead by implementing the full scope of congressional modernization appropriations reforms. We know that the Select Committee will be right alongside us in these efforts, helping to build a stronger and more effective Congress.  

The letter was addressed to Chair Kilmer, Vice Chair Timmons, and the Members of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress. 

Read the full letter here.

The full list of signatories of this letter are as follows:

Bipartisan Policy Center 

Bipartisan Policy Center Action

College to Congress

Congressional Management Foundation

Demand Progress

Democracy Fund Voice

Former Members of Congress Association

Issue One

Lincoln Network

NALEO Educational Fund

Partnership for Public Service

Pay Our Interns 

Project On Government Oversight

Protect Democracy

​​R Street Institute

Unite America

Keenan Austin Reed, Black Women’s Congressional Alliance* 

Kevin Esterling, University of California, Riverside*

Kevin R. Kosar, American Enterprise Institute*

Lorelei Kelly, Beeck Center for Social Impact + Innovation at Georgetown*

Rick Shapiro, Strategic Assets Consulting*

* Affiliations listed for identification purposes only