The 55 newly elected members of Congress, sworn into office in 2017, found themselves forging bipartisan bonds during a snowstorm that left them snowed in at a Colonial Williamsburg hotel. As reported by Raw Story on Thursday, January 18, 2024, this diverse group, including the newly minted Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA), set aside political differences and united under a shared vision for civility in government.
Shortly after this bonding experience, Johnson took the lead by drafting the “Commitment to Civility” on January 10, 2017. Initially signed by 46 members, this commitment grew to over 120, aiming to address the escalating divisiveness and loss of trust in American politics.
Inspired by their shared concerns, Johnson and then-Rep. Charlie Crist (D-FL) co-founded the Honor and Civility Caucus, a bipartisan effort dedicated to improving the tone of the nation’s politics and public discourse. Proposing legislation for a National Day of Civility on July 12, they drew inspiration from the Biblical verse Matthew 7:12, gaining support from 78 co-sponsors as part of a “Summer of Civility” campaign.
Emphasizing the need for Congress to set an example of personal integrity and mutual respect for future generations, Johnson championed unity. However, as time progressed and the political landscape shifted with then-President Trump’s divisive influence, Johnson’s commitment faced challenges.
In the present political milieu, Johnson finds himself defending “MAGA warriors” and aligning with far-right legislators like Reps. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) and Nancy Mace (R-SC). The harmony he once championed appears to have dissipated in the face of increased political polarization.
A Raw Story analysis of congressional records and communications from Johnson reveals this transformation. As House speaker, Johnson seems to have shifted his approach, accommodating the demands of far-right legislators and facing threats of a government shutdown over bipartisan budget compromises.
The Honor and Civility Caucus, initially created to foster bipartisan policy discussions, seems to have faded away. Although registered for the 115th and 116th congressional sessions, it disappeared during the 117th and 118th sessions.
Despite initial media interest and a commitment to informal meetings for building rapport, the caucus failed to provide evidence of significant accomplishments. A review of Congressional Yellow Books showed Johnson listed as a co-chair of the caucus from the Spring 2017 volume through the Summer 2022 volume. However, the House Administration’s document on Congressional Member Organizations for the 118th Congress indicates that the Honor and Civility Caucus has not been registered.
Mary Beth Burns, press secretary for the Committee on House Administration, confirmed the absence of the caucus for the 118th Congress. Despite attempts to gather information from Johnson’s office, no response was received.
In reflecting on the current state of politics, Johnson expressed concern about the impact on future generations, emphasizing the need for “grown-ups acting like grown-ups” to set a positive example. However, the apparent demise of the Honor and Civility Caucus raises questions about the sustainability of bipartisan efforts in the face of evolving political dynamics.
