Congress can’t solve America’s biggest challenges if it’s stuck—and this conversation explored why, and what it will take to move forward.
On August 5, Dr. Maya Kornberg, Senior Research Fellow at The Brennan Center for Justice and author of STUCK: How Money, Media, and Violence Prevent Change in Congress, and Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14), examined the forces that keep Congress from delivering results, including relentless fundraising demands, the growing threat of political violence, media incentives, and outdated institutional structures. Despite these barriers, both speakers emphasized that meaningful reform is possible through stronger ethics rules, campaign finance reform, better-resourced congressional staff, and a renewed commitment to making government work for the people it serves. They also challenged Americans to embrace a forward-looking vision of democracy that reflects the nation’s growing diversity rather than clinging to the past.
The discussion closed with a clear reminder that protecting democracy requires more than voting—it demands sustained civic engagement. With Election Day approaching, attendees were encouraged to take action every day by organizing, advocating, and helping build a government that truly represents the American people.
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS:
Maya L. Kornberg, Ph.D., is a senior research fellow and manager at NYU Law’s Brennan Center for Justice. She is the author of the book “Stuck: How Money, Media, and Violence Prevent Change in Congress” (Johns Hopkins University Press) and “Inside Congressional Committees: Function and Dysfunction in Lawmaking” (Columbia University Press). Her work has appeared in The Washington Post, NPR, BBC, The New York Times, Newsweek, The Hill, Slate, and other outlets.
Congresswoman Lauren Underwood represents Illinois’ 14th Congressional District and is the first woman, first person of color, and first millennial to serve her community in Congress. A registered nurse, she is the co-founder and co-chair of the Black Maternal Health Caucus, leading efforts to improve maternal health outcomes and eliminate disparities. She also serves as Co-Chair of the House Democratic Policy and Communications Committee and on the House Appropriations Committee. Before Congress, Rep. Underwood served as a Senior Advisor at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, where she helped implement the Affordable Care Act and strengthen the nation’s public health preparedness.
