U.S. Rep. Steve Stivers (R-OH) has co-created the bipartisan Congressional Civility and Respect Caucus with U.S. Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-OH) to renew the tradition of congressional courtesy and extend it beyond the floor of the House to promote respectful debate and discussion of thorny policy issues in members’ home-state districts.
“Joyce and I don’t always agree on how to solve the issues facing our nation, but we find common ground where we can. More importantly, when we do disagree, we don’t vilify one another,” Stivers said on Jan. 31.
“I am proud to call her both a colleague and a friend, and I believe that we have an excellent model of bipartisanship, civility and respect that Congress and the rest of the country could learn from,” Stivers added. “This is about more than just a caucus, this about creating a movement to show you can disagree without being disagreeable in government.”
The lawmakers have served together since the 113th Congress of 2013-2014, addressing issues related to homelessness, veterans and financial literacy, among others, according to Stivers’ office. Stivers and Beatty have served neighboring Central Ohio districts during their congressional tenures, are members of the House Financial Services Committee, and co-chair the Financial Literacy Caucus.
“Although Congressman Stivers and I hold entirely different political beliefs, we respect one another and are committed to finding opportunities to work together,” said Rep. Beatty. “Unfortunately, our bipartisan relationship in Congress is the exception rather the norm.”
Reps. Stivers and Beatty plan to bring a grassroots approach to the caucus mission by visiting Ohio schools and civic groups where they said they will encourage respectful policy and political discussion.
Original Republican members of the new Congressional Civility and Respect Caucus include U.S. Reps. Dave Joyce of Ohio, Fred Upton of Michigan, Tom MacArthur of New Jersey, Erik Paulsen of Minnesota, and Steve Knight of California.
Rep. MacArthur explained how his cooperation with district neighbor U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross (D-NJ), also an original caucus member, exemplifies congressional teamwork “on many critical issues facing South Jersey.” The lawmakers have worked together on issues such as ensuring quality health care for military veterans, fighting the addiction crisis, and supporting members in the New Jersey Building and Construction Trades Council.
“While we certainly don’t agree on everything, we have always treated each other with respect, and it’s great for South Jersey that Donald and I will be joining the Civility and Respect Caucus together,” said MacArthur.
Rep. Upton, whose Michigan colleague U.S. Democratic Rep. Debbie Dingell also joined as an original caucus member, said that despite some partisan politics, “we should always make a point to keep open the lines of communication.”
“No one party has a monopoly on good ideas,” Rep. Paulsen pointed out. “I believe this caucus will help foster an environment to cooperate, work together and find common ground on solutions that help Minnesota and our country.”
Rep. Knight agreed that controversial issues of the day force people to divide Republicans and Democrats into their separate factions.
“While we may disagree on policy ideas, it’s important to remember that we are all working for the common goal of ensuring America remains prosperous and free,” Knight said. “Civil discourse is the bedrock of our democracy, and I look forward to working with my fellow caucus members from both sides of the aisle to deliver solutions to the American people.”