The Center for Effective Lawmaking (CEL) at the University of Virginia and Vanderbilt University has named Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (D‑02) the most effective member of Pennsylvania’s delegation in the 118th Congress.

A joint partnership between UVa’s Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy and Vanderbilt University, the CEL was created to advance the generation, communication, and use of new knowledge about the effectiveness of individual lawmakers and U.S. legislative institutions.

Every two years (like elections for the U.S. House of Representatives), Alan Wiseman, Cornelius Vanderbilt Professor of Political Science in the College of Arts and Science, and University of Virginia Professor of Public Policy and Politics Craig Volden, produce a report on the effectiveness of U.S. senators and representatives from each session of Congress immediately after it ends. The reports build upon data going back to 1973. 

The researchers, who together co-direct the Center for Effective Lawmaking, have identified the most effective lawmakers of the 118th Congress in the fifth iteration of the report. They found that— whether in the minority or majority party, and regardless of ideology—legislators were able to find ways to get their initiatives passed into law despite deep political and procedural disruptions in 2023 and 2024, and despite widespread public perception of gridlock in the nation’s Capitol.  

Boyle, the top Democrat on the powerful House Budget Committee, plays a key role in shaping the nation’s economic priorities, leveraging that position to protect critical programs and deliver real investments for Pennsylvania families.

“My top priority in Congress has always been getting real results for the people I represent, regardless of party,” said Boyle. “I’m proud of this recognition from the Center for Effective Lawmaking and I’ll keep working every day to deliver for the people of Pennsylvania.”

The Center’s rankings for the 118th Congress are based on a comprehensive, data-driven analysis of legislative activity, including bill sponsorship, progress through committee, and bills signed into law. Boyle earned the top effectiveness score among Pennsylvania Democrats in the House – reflecting his leadership, productivity, and commitment to delivering results.

Two other Democrats placed in the top three in the Commonwealth and top third among all Congressional Democrats in The Center’s listing, including Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-06) and Rep. Summer Lee (D-12).

Rep. Scott Perry (R-10) is ranked as the most effective Republican congressional member in the Commonwealth with Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-01) also among the top third of GOP members in Congress.

PA Delegation Ranking – 118th Congress

Democrats

1. Brendan Boyle
2. Chrissy Houlahan
3. Summer Lee
4. Matt Cartwright
5. Susan Wild
6. Madeleine Dean
7. Chris Deluzio
8. Mary Gay Scanlon
9. Dwight Evans

Republicans

1. Scott Perry
2. Brian Fitzpatrick
3. John Joyce
4. Lloyd Smucker
5. Glenn Thompson
6. Dan Meuser
7. Mike Kelly
8. Guy Reschenthaler