YOU may be watching from Cornwall wondering what has unfolded in the political sphere in America. Being here in the Washington, DC area, I wonder myself how things got this bad.

Having worked in the U.S. Congress, I have long admired the Senate and the House of Representatives, not only for their history or the architecture of the Capitol, but for the purpose behind their creation. They were designed to serve as a coequal branch of government, to check and balance the powers of the Executive. That purpose is not abstract. It is central to the functioning of American democracy, and its effects can be felt far beyond US borders.

Even from Cornwall, it is possible to see how decisions made in Congress ripple across oceans. Policies on trade, budgets, regulatory measures, or international agreements can have tangible consequences for communities everywhere, whether in major metropolitan centres or smaller coastal towns. The work of Congress is not just domestic. It shapes economic relationships, global markets, and international trust. Observing it from afar highlights how interconnected the world has become and how essential it is that those entrusted with public authority exercise it responsibly.

Yet over time, Congress has lost the stature it once held. Short-term political calculations often overshadow deliberation, and partisanship can erode the careful oversight that is the hallmark of a strong legislative branch. For Americans and international observers alike, it is vital that Congress reassert its role, uphold the authorities granted to it in the Constitution, and show that its oversight is both principled and effective.

The importance of Congress is felt not only in principle, but in tangible outcomes. Decisions about trade, budgets, appropriations, and domestic and foreign policy have real effects on people’s livelihoods and on global stability. Oversight, hearings, and careful evaluation are not ceremonial. They are essential to ensuring that choices are fair, responsible, and considerate of broader consequences. In doing so, Congress safeguards not only domestic communities, but also international partners who rely on consistency, transparency, and accountability.

Congress’s work does not exist in isolation. The Supreme Court also plays a critical role, interpreting laws, checking overreach, and ensuring that the Executive and Legislative branches act within constitutional bounds. Together, a strong, engaged Congress and an independent judiciary provide the checks and balances that sustain governance, reinforce trust, and maintain the credibility of the US on the global stage.

When these institutions falter, the consequences are tangible. Economic uncertainty increases, confidence diminishes, and relationships abroad are strained. When they operate as designed, thoughtfully, deliberatively, and with integrity, the result is stability, accountability, and a signal to the world that decisions are made with care.

Even from Cornwall, this can be seen and appreciated. It is a reminder that the principles of oversight, balance, and civic responsibility are not confined to one nation. They are lessons for all who value accountable governance and thoughtful public service. Strength in public life begins with character, courage, and commitment. When institutions uphold those ideals, their impact resonates far beyond the halls where laws are made.