The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart Are You There, Congress? with Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick and Tom Suozzi
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May 8, 2025 
Brian Fitzpatrick, a Republican US Representative from Pennsylvania, and Tom Suozzi, a Democratic US Representative from New York, dive into the challenges of bipartisanship in Congress. They discuss the influence of lobbyists, gerrymandering, and the complexities of budget cuts affecting vital services. The duo shares insights on how the Problem Solvers Caucus seeks to bridge party divides, emphasizing their commitment to accountability and legislative reforms. With humor and candor, they explore the future of cooperation in a polarized political landscape.
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Limits of Executive Orders
- Executive orders are increasingly used to bypass legislative authority.
- Courts act as a check by striking down orders exceeding presidential power.
Problem Solvers Caucus Rules
- The Problem Solvers Caucus requires 75% overall and 50% per party agreement to endorse.
- Once endorsed, the whole caucus commits to support the legislation on the floor.
Reconciliation's Senate Role
- Reconciliation allows passing budget bills with a simple majority in the Senate.
- Most legislation outside budget requires 60 votes, forcing bipartisan support.