Congress is an institution that tends to thrive on conventional wisdom. That may, in part, reflect the types of people it attracts — 'maverick' is not usually a term of affection on Capitol Hill — but the trait is also inherent in a body that has to reach broad consensus to get anything done. Ideas and data that don't contribute to a gathering consensus often fail to be absorbed or even heard. And notions that don't promote the agenda of any interest group may end up orphaned with no one to promote them.
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