Everyone agrees that it is good for members of Congress to get out in the world.

The Republican House leadership was maneuvering to prevent members of Congress from having to go on the record about much-needed reforms the public supports.

One of the first members of Congress I met when I was first elected in 2008 was Barney Frank.

Congress has proven beyond any doubt that it is not up to the task of policing the conduct of its own members. That's why we need strong, independent enforcement of the ethics rules by an outside commission.

When you're elected to Congress, you take a vow to uphold the Constitution and its system of checks and balances. That vow doesn't say, 'Unless it's politically uncomfortable.'

In Maine, we are fortunate to have a Clean Elections system that allows legislators to turn down corporate special interest money. At the national level, Congress should follow Maine's example by empowering the voices of small donors.