“The big question everyone wants to know the answer to is how do you, quote, fix Congress?” says Representative John Sarbanes. To answer this question, @nytopinion spoke with outgoing Representative Derek Kilmer, who chaired the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress, or the “Fix Congress Committee,” made up of six Democrats and six Republicans. “We passed 202 recommendations,” he said. “And I actually think, over time, you’re going to see some positive change within the institution as a consequence of that work.” #congress #nytopinion

“I worry about the future of our democracy,” says Senator Thomas Carper, echoing fears from fellow Democrats in Congress. “I saw it pretty up close and personally on the 6th of January, how fragile it is,” adds Representative Derek Kilmer. For other members of Congress, the rise of autocratic regimes and out-of-control federal spending weigh the most heavily on them. “What worries me most is I’m not giving my grandkids the same country that my parents gave me,” says Representative Ken Buck. “We can’t sustain $34 trillion of debt.” #congress #nytopinion

“Look, the average income in my district is $55,000 a year. A congressman makes $174,000 a year,” says Representative Larry Buschon. Though outgoing members of Congress acknowledged the bad optics of voting to raise their own salaries, they also pointed out the difficulty of maintaining a dual presence in both Washington and their home district. “I’m trying to maintain two places to live, have clothes in two places, have a car in two places. It’s very difficult,” says Representative Ken Buck. “Do you want it to still be the house of the people?” asks Representative Anna Eshoo. “Or do you want it to be only wealthy people?” #congress #nytopinion