Wading through this moment of political uncertainty and transition presents us with an opportunity to reflect on three issues that seem to be at the forefront of American politics: The threat of a single man and his bombastic rhetoric attempting to override the American system, the recognition that Congress is in need of a democratic revitalization, and the fact that hate serves only to undermine democracy.

It has been 42 years since the current ground-rules emerged, and my gut tells me that we may be on the cusp of yet another major change in how the House is ruled. Any new order will certainly emerge only after the November elections. What it will be is a mystery.

You probably think I'm nuts. Just after the Senate has killed two bills that would have modestly restricted gun rights, am I seriously proposing that we tamper with the wording of the Second Amendment?

Amid cries of #NoBillNoBreak there were angry cries and hushed silences from the members of Congress -- and from the gallery. One by one, members stepped forward in the well with testimony -- part eulogy part religious revival. Several recited letters, scripture and songs.

Congress is finally answering the call to address the alarming infectious disease threat of the Zika Virus. However, the level of funding included in their recent votes is not close to enough. The effect will be particularly disastrous for local governments across the country.

It's been said that hope was forged of two powerful ingredients: anger at how things are, and the courage to change them. We will not be driven backwards to live in isolation from one another and in fear of violence.

Democratic frustration with the Republican's inability to keep our country safe is not a political talking point -- it is about real policy that affects real people. The number one job of our country's most representative elected body is to legislate in order to keep the American people safe. And in this regard, on both domestic and foreign policy, House Republicans have failed miserably.

When it comes to reducing gun violence in America, our leaders are playing a deadly game of small ball. And everyday Americans are losing badly.

Soon we will be recruiting our next class of fellows to continue this program to make sure veterans' voices are heard on Capitol Hill. One thing the last nine months has shown us is that we need more, not fewer, veterans on the Hill.

Several years ago after the Newtown massacre, when Adam Lanza took his rage out on a classroom defenseless students and teachers, I wrote a piece castigating a number of Democratic Senators who dug their heads into the sand and refused to close basic background check loopholes.

Every member of the Democratic caucus and every Republican of integrity should be sitting (in) with Congressman Lewis demanding action on gun control ...

As I write this, a protest is occurring on the floor of the House of Representatives. Democrats, led by John Lewis, Jim Clyburn, Nancy Pelosi (and many others), are staging a "sit-in" to protest Republicans' refusal to even hold a vote on any gun control legislation.

Today's protest in the House of Representatives just might mark the beginning of the end of the gun industry's grip on American life and liberty.

As we continue to process the shootings in Orlando, and now as 60 members of the House of Representatives stage a sit-in to push for gun legislation, ...

Despite an unemployment rate that has sunk below 5 percent, many Americans are justifiably concerned about their prospects - and those of their childr...

In all of biomedicine, spanning clinical care, medical research, and public health practice, we subscribe to the "precautionary principle." Basically,...