I recently attended an inspiring event at the Portman Center for Policy Solutions at the University of Cincinnati with U.S. Senators Rob Portman and Joe Manchin, where they discussed the state of bipartisanship in the federal government and how Americans can help build a more productive political system.

Both lawmakers, known for their bipartisan support on issues such as criminal justice, admitted that the mechanics of bipartisanship look a lot different today than decades ago. Intraparty bickering has been a mainstay of American politics since our country began, but today, there is an air of heightened skepticism, if not outright disdain, for opposing political views. 

The Senators agreed that the days of Congress working across the aisle to build broad, cross-party coalitions, have been overshadowed in recent years by smaller factions where lawmakers stick with those who already share their views. This political shift has contributed to an increasingly unproductive Congress. Manchin also pointed out that only approximately 113 bills have passed in the 2024 session compared to the typical 500. Both men agreed that this is a disheartening result of politics defaulting to dysfunction instead of solutions.

Sen. Manchin, a Democrat who declared himself an Independent in 2024, is retiring from office this year, and Sen. Portman is a Republican from Ohio. Both men discussed ways the Senate can help break this cycle of partisan rhetoric and politics.

The lawmakers suggested creating a bipartisan commission to set guiding principles on complex issues that should bring both political parties to the table, like fiscal policy and the national debt. By establishing common ground on these topics, such commissions could help create a framework that encourages cooperation.

Protecting the filibuster is another important safeguard both Manchin and Portman support. Manchin told the audience it’s a vital tool to protect democratic debate and prevent any one side from having unchecked power by giving minority voices a safe place to present their views.  Both Senators pointed out that any attempts to eliminate the filibuster in the Senate will undoubtedly lead to a drop in bipartisanship and facilitate whiplash, partisan legislating.

George Washington’s warning about political parties taking power away from the people holds true now more than ever. This sentiment feels especially relevant as Americans grow increasingly frustrated with the two-party system. According to the latest data, only 33% of Americans are registered as Democrats, 32% as Republicans, and a staggering 45% identify as independents or something else, reflecting Americans’ exhaustion with partisan gridlock.

Both Senators discussed their hope for policy solutions that benefit all Americans, not just one party or the other. Both men have a long history of supporting bipartisan criminal justice legislation such as the First Step Act , a landmark, bipartisan law which implements improvements to the Federal Bureau of Prisons and reduces recidivism. Manchin and Portman have also co-sponsored criminal justice legislation including The EQUAL Act, the Fix NICS Act, the Amy and Vicky Child Pornography Victim Restitution Improvement Act of 2015, and the Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act.

Manchin also pointed to initiatives such as AmericansTogether.com, a group founded by his daughter and working to improve the primary system with better representation and accountability. The lawmakers also applauded the fellowship program named in Portman’s honor at the University of Cincinnati which helps students learn the balanced art of dealmaking, something central to Portman’s legislative career.

This event left me hopeful that if Americans can refocus on shared values and move beyond party lines, we can achieve meaningful progress that truly reflects the “American Party” that unites us all.