Rep. Johnson helps launch civility effort

February 17, 2005
By Scott Richardson

WASHINGTON , D.C. -- U.S. Rep. Timothy Johnson thinks lawmakers in the nation's capital are getting too hot under the collar at times.

The Urbana Republican is witnessing name-calling, finger- pointing and downright rudeness far too often, he said.

As a result, Johnson and U.S. Rep. Steve Israel, D-N.Y., launched the Center Aisle Caucus, a bipartisan effort to promote civility in the House of Representatives, during the week of Valentine's Day.

Johnson and Israel don't expect their colleagues to kiss and make up. But Johnson said they do expect them to tone down "personal attacks and shows of disrespect" and learn to disagree without being disagreeable.

"I've seen it at all levels of government, and I've seen it increase exponentially in rancor and incivility," Johnson said Wednesday during a phone interview following a news conference to announce the formation of the caucus.

"They are the sorts of things that do a disservice to Congress and a disservice to the people we serve in the districts. In many ways, the example we set here has a trickle-down effect in terms of the people's lack of confidence in government," he said.

"People in Steve's district, people in my district and all over the country have really seen an increase in incivility," Johnson said. "They believe this hurts them while hindering the legislative process."

Israel agreed.

"I'm a strong Democrat and Tim is a strong Republican," Israel said. "But we were sent to Washington to fight for our constituents first, who are undermined when the debate in this town seems more appropriate in an out-of-control elementary school auditorium than in the United States House of Representatives."

Johnson said the Center Aisle Caucus will meet regularly to develop a legislative agenda. The caucus also will take members to task if they are too vicious in their personal assaults and recognize members who go the extra mile to be civil, he said. Johnson said members on both sides of the aisle have indicated interest in the effort.

"We want to serve as personal examples of how people of differing philosophies can get along and engage in civil discourse and treat one another with respect. People expect that," Johnson said.

"This is about making Congress work better," Israel said. "I think there are members on both sides of the aisle that understand we can stand our ground on core issues without personally attacking each other or questioning each other's patriotism."

Among others joining Johnson and Israel at the news conference were former U.S. Rep. Bob Michel, R-Ill., of Peoria and former Speaker of the House Thomas Foley, D-Wash.