U.S. Representative José E. Serrano (D-NY15) connects his work in Congress with his Bronx district.
The congressman expressed concerns about the Freedom Caucus more so than House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI). He calls Ryan a "sensible conservative" who has been able to work with the president and Democrats in Congress. But Congressman Serrano gets the impression that the Tea Party believes the United States would be better off without a central government.
Congressman Serrano agrees that we need to make government more efficient, but that requires compromise from both parties. One of the "silliest" rules in congress, he says, is that legislators don't get paid if they don't agree on a budget by a certain date. "That makes the assumption that disagreeing between the two parties means you're on vacation!" he says.
"Agreeing takes very little work. Disagreeing and trying to reach a consensus takes a lot of work."
You can connect with Congressman Serrano by emailing him (follow this link to verify your address in his district) or engaging with him on Twitter.