At CommonSense American, our goal is clear: bringing common sense to American politics through a bipartisan focus. With a simple, four-step process, we ensure that every voice, regardless of political leaning, is heard and can make a tangible difference. This is our unique way of addressing significant issues and influencing the decisions that carve our nation’s path.
Members of CommonSense American are eager to share their personal experiences. Through their stories in the accompanying video, you’ll see how our bipartisan approach comes to life. It’s an open invitation to learn directly from them, highlighting the ease and significance of participation. Join us, and be part of a community championing a brighter, more sensible, and united political future!
1. IDENTIFY ISSUES
Our members identify the most meaningful issues ripe for bipartisan action.
We meet with the White House and members of Congress to develop a Top 10 list of bipartisan issues. We then pick the issues that our members rank most highly.
2. DEVELOP BRIEFS
Our staff develops a thorough policy brief on each issue.
These are policy briefs, not position papers. Our staff doesn’t draw conclusions about what the right answers are, but works hard to make the strongest case for each competing perspective.
3. WEIGH IN
Each member reviews the brief and weighs in.
Members commit to spend an hour or more each year reviewing the brief. They indicate whether they support or oppose each proposal described.
4. ENGAGE CONGRESS
Staff shares the overall results and members share their own views
Staff and members hold more than 50 congressional meetings on our overall results each year. Members are also encouraged to share their own individual views with their members of Congress. Combined, we give Congress a powerful reflection of what Americans think having had a chance to get fully informed on the issue.
Make the CommonSense Commitment
Political Affiliation of our Members
With members in all 50 states, our balanced membership reflects the nation both politically and geographically.
WHY IT WORKS
Through an organization called The Common Interest, Idaho conservatives, moderates, and liberals brought common sense to state politics.
As everyday citizens we’re not nearly as divided left and right as most elected officials. We can give needed political support to Congress’s practical problem solvers.
The Founders’ defense against runaway partisanship is a robust separation of powers. Separation of powers creates an affirmative imperative to find and champion broadly supported solutions. We can do this.
An unprecedented partisan rift between the major political parties makes our efforts to move past partisanship more important than ever.
Guiding Principles
Understand why we do what we do.
As we take the four steps together, we are guided by three principles:
1. THE COMMONSENSE PRINCIPLE2. THE LOYALTY TO CONSCIENCE PRINCIPLE3. THE GOLDEN RULE OF SELF-GOVERNMENT
What We've Done
CommonSense Americans are already three-for-three in identifying solutions wise enough to attract support across our divisions and then championing them into law.
- 2020—Our members’ voices helped persuade Congress to end surprise medical billing
- 2021—With our support, Congress made investments in the nation’s physical infrastructure
- 2022—We played our most significant role yet in helping shape and pass legislation securing peaceful transitions of power for generations to come
Play this video to hear how important our work has been from leading senators.
We know that our nation continues to face daunting challenges. At CommonSense American, we don’t just complain, we’re effective at doing something about them.
2022
ELECTIONS LEGISLATION
The Electoral Count Reform Act successfully passed Congress on December 23, 2022. Over 5,000 CommonSense Americans around the country weighed in, helping Congress build enough momentum to pass these important election reforms that are crucial to securing our democracy.
Read the Case StudyView Results
2021
INFRASTRUCTURE
Thousands of members have read the Brief on Infrastructure and weighed in. Congress listened, and the bipartisan Infrastructure bill was signed by President Biden on November 16, 2021.
Read the Case StudyView Results
2019-2020
CONGRESSIONAL REFORM
Members of CommonSense American have weighed in on Congressional Reform and are very supportive of the work being done by The Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress, especially the bipartisan recommendations.
View Results
2019
SURPRISE MEDICAL BILLING
The work that CommonSense American has done on Surprise Medical Billing is complete. Our members helped end Surprise Medical Bills for all Americans.
Read the Case StudyView Results