News-Gazette Editorial
There's hope for civility in Congress

February 18, 2005

It's a shame that members of Congress need a special caucus to remind them to be polite and friendly to one another, but that's what it has come to. Again.

U.S. Rep. Tim Johnson, an Urbana Republican, and a House colleague, Steve Israel, a New York Democrat, have formed the Center Aisle Caucus. Their goal, they say, is to promote mutual respect in Congress and discourage personal attacks on colleagues. They may even push for changes in the House rules so that there is less rancor and anger in floor debate. Who can oppose that?

But efforts to bring about a more genteel Congress have been tried before. Most recently, Rep. Ray LaHood, a Peoria Republican, organized bipartisan retreats at the start of every session so lawmakers could get to know each other. Fewer and fewer members attended the retreats. And last year, he announced, there would be no session this winter. "The will of the membership is not there to do it next year," he said.

Like Johnson and Israel , LaHood said the level of disrespect and animosity has only worsened. And much of it originates with the House leaders. Democrat Nancy Pelosi has a sharp tongue and frequently uses it against President Bush and his allies. On the Republican side, House Speaker Dennis Hastert has been accused by Democrats of ignoring them and blocking discussion of their bills and amendments.

Based on experience, Johnson and Israel may have difficulty spreading their message of good cheer. But they should not be discouraged. It used to be that fights were regular occurrences in the state Capitol. Now lawmakers seem content to make their point with words, not fists. If Springfield can become more civil, surely Washington can.