For four decades, California congressman Henry Waxman has taken visionary and principled positions on crucial issues and has been a driving force for change. He has compiled an unmatched record of implementing landmark laws, and because of legislation he helped champion, our air is cleaner, our food is safer, and our medical care better.

In his new book, The Waxman Report, the congressman offers readers a rare glimpse into Congress really works (and when it doesn’t): the strategies, the maneuvering, and the behind-the-scenes deals necessary to get things done. 

Herewith, some quotes from the book that sum up key insights and lessons from the career of a uniquely accomplished public servant.

On Misconceptions About Congress

“Congress is held in low regard by much of the public, which tends to view its members as officious or inept. But most of the critics I encounter lack a full appreciation for what Congress really does. The Congress confers powers on its members that, when properly deployed, can yield widespread benefits to all Americans. . . . I wrote this book to explain how Congress really works and to give an idea of the many accomplishments that are routinely overlooked, misunderstood, or drowned out by partisan attacks.”

On Running for Office

“People tend to assume that the most difficult part of a political race is facing off against others who have chosen to run. But often the key to winning is convincing potential opponents not to run in the first place.”

On the Value of Oversight Hearings

“I learned . . . that oversight hearings were a golden opportunity to bring public attention to an issue, which instantly made it a higher priority for Congress. The practical effect of a successful hearing is that the media will immediately want to know three things: How did this happen? Whose fault is it? Why isn’t it being stopped? The ensuing pressure often forces the responsible party to take action or creates an imperative for legislation.” 

On Bipartisanship (It’s Underrated)

“Though bipartisanship seemed to fall into disfavor during the Bush years, my experience has always been that it is nearly impossible to pass major legislation without support from both parties. As I’d learned . . . getting everyone involved in a bill vastly improved the chance that it would become law.”

On “Meeting in the Middle” (It’s Overrated)

“The greatest misconception about making laws is the assumption that most problems have clear solutions, and reaching compromise mainly entails splitting the difference between partisan extremes. This is rarely the case, and legislation crafted this way usually fails. ‘Meeting in the middle’ doesn’t work for the simple reason that it invariably neglects to solve whatever problem raise the issue in the first place.”

On the Importance of Alliances

“An important lesson in politics is that you never know who your allies may turn out to be. Even adversaries can sometimes be persuaded to support your cause.” 

“The key to political victory is always being open to unlikely alliances. Even someone with whom you’re at odds 98 percent of the time . . . may still become a useful partner.”

Why Lawmaking Is Like Trying to Lose Weight

“I’ve discovered that staying healthy has more in common with legislating than one might imagine: Both demand years of perseverance and effort without any assurance that the payoff will resemble anything like what you had originally envisioned. And as the chairman of the House subcommittee on health, I was more acutely aware than most of my shortcomings in this area.”

On the Qualities of an Effective Lawmaker

“Patience, a knack for finding allies (especially unlikely ones), and the ability to persevere for very long stretches are the qualities that ultimately distinguish the best legislators. . . . [S]ustained focus and interest, and an ability to seize openings as they present themselves, will eventually yield success, no matter how dark the the present circumstance.”