Problem Solvers or Problem Creators: The Problem Solvers' Caucus and Polarization in the United States House of Representatives

In 2017, No, Labels, an organization dedicated to a return to bipartisan behavior in the United States House of Representatives spurred the creation of the Problem Solvers’ Caucus. The caucus established bylaws to encourage collaboration between parties, including forcing a bipartisan voting bloc and requiring each prospective caucus member to bring a member of the opposite party to join as well. Upon its creation, the caucus had different reputations—some thought it a refreshing group with a promising future, while others were skeptical about the group’s true motives. Despite any criticisms of the way caucus members conduct themselves, it is important to recognize how imperative its proclaimed goal is: a return to a Congress that collaborates, works through differences, and creates lasting, sustainable policy for our nation. In my thesis, I first explore the history of caucuses and the formation of the Problem Solvers Caucus. Then, I look at the bipartisan measures and methods of lawmaking the caucus is employing in order to steer the House to bipartisan behaviors. I next attempt to find the caucus’s effect on its members by examining the DW-Nominate Scores and Lugar Bipartisan Scores of members of the Problem Solvers’ Caucus before and after its creation to ensure that members are truly exhibiting bipartisan voting behavior as compared to the rest of the House. Ultimately, I find that the caucus and its members truly are more moderate and bipartisan non-caucus members, but that membership in the caucus has no significant effect on the level of bipartisanship in the House overall. Finally, I discuss the implications of my findings, and what it could mean for the future of our democracy.