A Parting Critique: Buck and Lamborn Voice Discontent in Congressional Farewells

In revealing exit interviews with The New York Times, outgoing representatives Ken Buck and Doug Lamborn offered a candid glimpse into their frustrations with Congress, marking a poignant end to their terms in office. Buck, who served Colorado’s 4th Congressional District, did not mince words about the factors driving his departure from the legislative body. He pinpointed the endemic divisiveness plaguing congressional operations and lamented the high cost of living in Washington, D.C.—challenges that, in his view, necessitate a sweeping cultural overhaul within Congress to address.

Doug Lamborn, representing Colorado’s 5th Congressional District, echoed Buck’s sentiments, though he placed a stronger emphasis on the structural issues at the heart of congressional dysfunction. Lamborn’s remarks suggest a deep-seated concern for the institution’s future unless significant reforms are undertaken to remedy these foundational problems.

Their joint narrative, emerging from years of firsthand experience on Capitol Hill, underscores a shared perspective that transcends individual political ideology: a belief that Congress is veering away from its foundational principles of effective governance, bipartisanship, and public service. As they step away from their roles as lawmakers, Buck and Lamborn leave behind a call to action for their successors—a plea for introspection and change aimed at restoring the integrity and efficiency of the United States Congress.