Reforming Congress – Louis Fisher, Distinguished Scholar in Residence at the Constitution Project

00:15 Background
03:13 How has CRS evolved over the years?
04:48 What were the broad areas of interest that drew you in to study the research side of politics?
06:00 Sharing information between the three branches
10:28 Public vs Private Matters relating to the Executive branch
14:41 Congress should have oversight of whatever regulation the Executive branch passes
16:32 The agencies should lead but they shouldn’t think they’re independent of Congress
18:31 Bottom-up budgeting vs Top-down budgeting, what are your thoughts on the way the government handles the budget now?
21:58 The structure makes sense, but members of Congress don’t have enough time
22:48 Can you talk about the issues you see with war powers and how that has evolved over time?
26:32 Do you think that’s the fundamental problem? Congress not valuing itself and it’s responsibility?
28:49 Can you talk about the evolution of CRS while you were there and where it is now?
34:27 Do you think it would be better if the CRS could take sides?
36:59 When neutrality was introduced, careerists at CRS left
– Common Questions-
37:55 What do you think Congressional representation should mean and what does it mean to you?
39:59 What would an ideal allocation of member time?
42:14 Where do you think debate, deliberation and dialogue should happen in Congress?
45:24 What fundamental improvement do you think Congress should make within the next 50 years?
50:28 What are your plans?