Washington, D.C. - U.S. Reps. Steve Israel (D-Long Island, NY) and Tim Johnson (R-Urbana, IL) announced the formation of the Center Aisle Caucus today alongside Former Speaker of the House Thomas Foley (D-WA) and former House Republican Leader Bob Michel (R-IL). The Center Aisle Caucus will be an inter-party group of House Members committed to working cooperatively to promote mutual respect and discourage personal attacks and achieving a more respectful and civil climate for conducting the nation’s business. 

"I am a strong Democrat and Tim is a strong Republican," said Israel. "But, we were sent to Washington to fight for our constituents first, who are undermined when the debate in this town seems more appropriate in an out-of-control elementary school auditorium than in the United States House of Representatives. This is about making the Congress work better. I think there are Members on both sides of the aisle that understand that we can stand our ground on core issues without personally attacking each other or questioning each other's patriotism." 

"We want this to be a bully pulpit," added Johnson. "We want to serve as personal examples of how people of differing philosophies can get along and engage in civil discourse and treat one another with respect, people expect that. People in Steve’s District, people in my District and all over the country have really seen an increase in incivility. They believe this hurts them while hindering the entire legislative process."

Also joining U.S. Reps. Israel, Johnson, Speaker Foley, and Rep. Michel were former Member David Skaggs (D-CO), and Jerome Climer, President of the Public Governance Institute.

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