Join us for an engaging discussion that moves beyond the headlines and focuses on the real-world changes that could help make Congress work better for all Americans.
On Wednesday, August 5 at 7:00 PM ET BigTentUSA will host a timely virtual conversation featuring 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). This discussion will examine the forces that have reshaped Congress over the last five decades and what they mean for the country’s future.
Together, Dr. Kornberg and Rep. Underwood will explore how campaign finance, media incentives, political polarization, institutional changes, and the growing threat of political violence have altered the way Congress operates—and why meaningful reform has become so difficult. They’ll also discuss what can be done to build a legislative branch that is more effective, accountable, and responsive to the public.
If you care about democracy and the future of Congress, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.
The first 50 people to register for this event will receive a free copy of the book, so register today!
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
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.
