Irregular Order: How Congress Really Works

Congress’s approval ratings over the past decade have been at their lowest in polling history. But when people say the legislative branch is “broken” and can’t get anything done, they are often imagining Schoolhouse Rock and a friendly bill on Capitol Hill waiting to become a law. In their forthcoming series, “Irregular Order,” ProPublica and the Washington Post demonstrate how that legislative model no longer reflects the actual, radically altered mechanics of Congress.

The series comes to life at the Library. Learn how a tiny circle of congressional leaders control important bills, why legislative policy expertise among congressional staff has declined, and who the new archetypes for today’s lawmakers are—from “The Blocker,” whose primary goal is to prevent the passing of laws, to “The Celebrity” mostly interested in serving as a media talking head. Speakers will also share real and usable advice on how constituents can effectively get their representatives to hear their concerns and take action, based on their experience from the halls of Capitol Hill.

This is part two of a two-part series. For the first installment of the series on November 13, Willis and Kane will be joined by Lindsey Cormack of the Stevens Institute of Technology at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building. Click here for more information about that event.

Free

Bronx Library Center The New York Public Library, 310 E Kingsbridge Rd

Bronx, NY 10458