In a previous PolicyMic article, I highlighted individual senators and representatives that were working in a bipartisan manner to fix our nation’s problems. I’ve also written twice about No Labels, a non-partisan group working with Congress to break the gridlock. I am pleased now to highlight three groups of legislators of both parties that have decided working together is the only way we will resolve the critical issues facing this country.
This is a new group founded by Representatives Scott Rigell (R-Va.), Reid Ribble (R,Wisc.), Kurt Schrader (D-Ore.), and Jim Cooper (D-Tenn.). As stated on the caucus’ website, “The mission of the caucus is simple: we will identify, agree upon, and move forward legislation and rule changes that will fix this institution to such a degree that we are able to fully meet our deep obligation to our fellow Americans -- and to our children and grandchildren. And we will be bold in our efforts to truly make a difference.”
This caucus has been around for a while. Created in 2006 by Representatives Tim Johnson (R-Ill.) and Steve Israel (D-N.Y.), the caucus is committed to promoting civility and dialogue in Congress. In addition to discussing issues, the caucus holds informal social gatherings to foster friendship that welcomes discussion while accepting differences.
The best known of the three is the Gang of Six. These six Senators, Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Kent Conrad (D-N.D.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Tom Coburn (R-Okla.), Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.), and Mark Crapo (R-Idaho), continue to work on resolving the federal deficit.
