Departing longtime lawmakers perceive little prospect of orderly business in a divided Congress. They’re taking with them decades of experience in the day-to-day work of keeping the government running.
The group includes moderates and senators known for crossing party lines, a few who are retiring and some who had already broken with their party to support same-sex marriage.
The perception that lawmakers are cashing in on their offices has fueled cynicism among voters. Some politicians want to take the current limits further.
Only two of the 14 Republicans who broke ranks to support taking up gun legislation are facing voters this year, showing how difficult such deals could be in the future.