Washington Kenkyu Group: Discussion with Hon. Barbara Comstock and Mr. Peter Weichlein

Date: Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Speakers:
Hon. Barbara J. Comstock, President, U.S. Association of Former Members of Congress (FMC); Former U.S. Representative (R-VA-10)
Mr. Peter M. Weichlein, Esq., CEO, FMC

Sasakawa USA hosted a session of the Washington Kenkyu Group featuring the Hon. Barbara Comstock, President of the U.S. Association of Former Members of Congress (FMC), and Mr. Peter Weichlein, CEO of FMC. The discussion examined the current political environment in Washington, the outlook for the 2026 midterm elections, and the implications of domestic political dynamics for economic policy and international partners, including Japan.

Mr. Weichlein opened the discussion by outlining the political landscape heading into the 2026 midterm elections. He described a challenging environment for the governing party, noting that public approval ratings for both the administration and Congress remain low and that many voters believe the country is moving in the wrong direction. With Republicans holding only a narrow majority in the House of Representatives, control of the chamber is expected to depend on a relatively small number of competitive districts. The Senate map also presents significant challenges, particularly for Democrats seeking to regain the majority while defending several closely contested seats.

The speakers also pointed to a notable wave of congressional retirements that could reshape the composition of the next Congress. Mr. Weichlein observed that a number of experienced lawmakers have already announced plans to leave office, raising concerns about the potential loss of institutional knowledge and legislative experience. At the same time, he noted that new members entering Congress often face steep learning curves in navigating the legislative process and building bipartisan relationships, which may further complicate policymaking in an already polarized environment.

Economic issues were another key theme of the discussion. Hon. Comstock emphasized that inflation, housing costs, and energy prices remain central concerns for many American voters. She noted that trade tensions and tariff policies have contributed to uncertainty for businesses, particularly in sectors such as manufacturing and agriculture. Rising input costs and market volatility have created additional challenges for companies and investors, while policy unpredictability has at times slowed investment decisions. According to the speakers, these economic concerns are likely to play a major role in shaping voter attitudes in the upcoming elections.

A substantial portion of the event was devoted to an interactive Q&A session with participants. The discussion explored how shifts in congressional control could affect legislative priorities, oversight activities, and the broader functioning of the federal government. The speakers noted that a divided government—an outcome many analysts view as possible after the midterms—could lead to increased congressional investigations and greater legislative gridlock, particularly on contentious policy issues. Participants also raised questions about the evolving role of political polarization in Congress and how it has affected the ability of lawmakers to cooperate across party lines. In response, Hon. Comstock reflected on her own experience in Congress and emphasized the importance of maintaining personal relationships and informal dialogue among members as a foundation for bipartisan cooperation.

The Q&A session also addressed the implications of U.S. domestic politics for international partners. Participants asked how political dynamics in Washington might affect trade policy, economic cooperation, and broader alliances. Hon. Comstock underscored the continued importance of foreign investment and international partnerships for local economies across the United States and encouraged sustained engagement between foreign stakeholders and U.S. policymakers. The discussion concluded with reflections on the value of exchanges and dialogue programs that connect U.S. lawmakers with international partners, such as the Congressional Study Group on Japan, which the speakers described as an important mechanism for strengthening mutual understanding and long-term cooperation.

Photo (left to right): Mr. Peter Weichlein, Hon. Barbara Comstock, and Dr. Satohiro Akimoto