Female Lawmakers Are More Efficient than Their Male Colleagues, Says Science

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Women might be a minority in Congress (they make up 18.5 percent of Congress, as a matter of fact), but those 99 female members mean business—and that's not opinion, but science. A new study conducted by professors at the University of Virginia and Vanderbilt University shows that women on Capitol Hill have been more effective at moving bills than their male counterparts, and the men in Congress actually tend to impede the lawmaking process (or at least, more so than women). Women in the minority party were particularly notable for their efficiency.

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The study leaders graded each lawmaker by measuring his or her effectiveness, taking into account seniority, and while the two "most efficient" members of each party happened to be male, they found that, overall, women tended to get more done. Why? Interestingly, it's about tactic: Research showed that while men tend to take a more obstructionist strategy—that is, focusing on blocking dissenting legislature—Congresswomen are more likely to reach across party lines in the interest of reaching their goals, according to Craig Volden of UVA. (Ah, the high road.)

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Additionally, the best lawmakers (male and female) have agendas that hold personal meaning, which makes a lot of sense. But either way, consider this further proof—aside from the fact that 51 percent of the United States population (read: women) is grossly misrepresented in our government—that we need more women in Congress.

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