The Contemporary Congress Author:Burdett A. Loomis In this work, the author argues that congress can best be understood in terms of a continuing tension between centralizing and decentralizing forces. Using a historical approach that builds on the founding of Congress and congressional actions taken since the turn of the 20th century, Loomis also provides contemporary examples and research cover... more »ing "the Contract with America", the strong leadership of The Speaker, Newt Gingrich, and proposals for reform and restructuring.« less