Bipartisan Leadership
Bipartisan Policy Center
Combining the best ideas from both parties to create policy solutions that help all Americans.
Since 2007, BPC has been on the frontlines building trust across the political spectrum, advancing significant bipartisan legislation on health care, infrastructure, education, democracy, and the economy.
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The Democracy Challenge
In a closely divided nation where control of government shifts between parties, American democracy faces significant barriers to progress:
Without bipartisanship, democracy suffers. In a polarized political environment, legislative gridlock prevents solutions to pressing challenges like infrastructure decay, health care costs, climate change, and economic inequality. When partisan disputes dominate, Americans lose faith in democratic institutions.
BPC was founded on the principle that bipartisanship is not about abandoning your party or politics—it is about finding ways to marry policy ideas and political principles from both sides to produce something greater than the sum of its parts.
How We Create Change
The Bipartisan Policy Center operates as a mission-focused organization that helps policymakers work across party lines to craft bipartisan solutions.
Our distinctive three-part approach:
🤝 Build Connections
Connect lawmakers across the entire political spectrum through programs like the American Congressional Exchange
📊 Deliver Data and Context
Conduct substantive policy research and provide fact-based analysis on critical issues
⚖️ Negotiate Details
Create space for bipartisan collaboration and help craft the policy language that becomes law
📣 Amplify Action
Partner with BPC Action to surge support and drive legislative momentum at key moments
What makes BPC different:
- Proven track record: Over 15 years building trust and relationships that lead to actual legislation
- Intellectual rigor: Credibility based on evidence-based research and policy expertise
- Neutral convener: Ability to bring traditionally antagonistic stakeholders to the table
- Dual structure: 501(c)(3) for research paired with BPC Action 501(c)(4) for advocacy
- Bipartisan leadership: Board includes former elected officials from both parties
American Congressional Exchange (ACE) Program
ACE pairs members of Congress from different parties to visit each other's districts. By experiencing diverse communities firsthand, members build trust, discover shared interests, and break down partisan barriers. BPC focuses on pairing members whose districts differ in location, culture, and politics to foster genuine understanding.
Our Policy Programs
Economy and Small Business
Promoting competition, opportunity, and sustainable growth for American enterprise and entrepreneurs
Learn More →Health Care
Addressing rising costs, Medicare and Medicaid sustainability, and aging population needs
Explore Solutions →Infrastructure and Climate
Modernizing infrastructure, improving permitting, and building climate resilience
Learn More →Democracy
Ensuring transparent processes, trustworthy institutions, and civic-minded bipartisan leaders
Get Involved →Education and Workforce
Higher education financing, workforce training, and aligning education with labor market needs
Learn More →Housing
Advancing policies for broad access to affordable, safe, and decent housing for all families
Explore Housing →Early Childhood
Closing the child care gap and creating systems that work for working families
Learn More →Immigration
Border security, interior enforcement, and economic benefits of comprehensive reform
Learn More →Additional focus areas include:
- Election Security and Reform: Strengthening voting processes and reducing wait times at polls
- Structural Democracy: Addressing redistricting, gerrymandering, and representation
- Digital Democracy: Data privacy, digital rights, and online civic engagement
- Campus Free Expression: Fostering safe environments for robust intellectual exchange
- Presidential Leadership: Supporting effective executive branch governance
Major Legislative Achievements
BPC has played instrumental roles in landmark bipartisan legislation:
🔬 CHIPS and Science Act (2022)
BPC was instrumental in moving this competitiveness package across the finish line, boosting American manufacturing, national security, and clean energy innovation
🏗️ Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (2021)
Worked hand-in-hand with Congress to pass $1 trillion+ in investments for infrastructure and national clean energy transition
💰 SECURE 2.0 Act (2022)
BPC recommendations formed the basis for provisions expanding retirement and emergency savings plans, supporting small business owners
💊 21st Century Cures Act (2016)
Legislation reflecting BPC report "Advancing Medical Innovation for a Healthier America" creating groundbreaking medical innovations
🏛️ Debt Ceiling Analysis (2011)
BPC analysis of impending debt ceiling crisis lauded by House Republican Leadership and Obama Administration as driving congressional action
😷 COVID Relief Legislation (2020-2021)
Intimately involved in shaping relief packages supporting health care, child care, paid leave, higher education, and housing
Domenici-Rivlin Debt Reduction Task Force (2010)
Released a bipartisan plan to solve the nation's fiscal crisis. The plan, along with the Simpson-Bowles Commission proposal, is still referenced as the roadmap for addressing national debt.
About the Organization
📅 Founded
2007 (roots trace to 2002 National Commission on Energy Policy)
📍 Headquarters
Washington, D.C.
⚖️ Legal Status
501(c)(3) nonprofit think tank (EIN: 73-1628382)
🤝 Partner Organization
BPC Action (501(c)(4) advocacy)
Founders - Former Senate Majority Leaders:
- Howard Baker (R-TN) — Senate Majority Leader 1981-1985
- Tom Daschle (D-SD) — Senate Majority Leader 2001-2003
- Bob Dole (R-KS) — Senate Majority Leader 1985-1987, 1995-1996
- George Mitchell (D-ME) — Senate Majority Leader 1989-1995
Current Leadership:
- Margaret Spellings — CEO (announced June 2023, former U.S. Secretary of Education 2005-2009)
- Jason Grumet — Founder and President
- Board of Directors — Includes former elected and appointed officials from both parties
How BPC Works:
- Research and Analysis: Conduct rigorous, evidence-based policy research on critical issues
- Educational Briefings: Host convenings enabling thoughtful exploration among decision-makers
- Task Forces and Commissions: Bring together experts from both parties to develop consensus recommendations
- Legislative Engagement: Work directly with members of Congress to shape policy language
- Advocacy Through BPC Action: Partner organization amplifies capacity to drive legislative action
- Public Events: Host countless events monthly to advance bipartisan dialogue
Funding and Independence:
- Funded by mix of foundations, corporations, individual donors, and government grants
- Maintains transparency about funding sources
- Strives for independence and nonpartisanship in policy recommendations
- Ideas and programming generated by BPC staff, consistent with mission and body of work
