Lawmakers are seeking answers on why the executive branch is not as careful about protecting classified information as they are required to be on Capitol Hill.
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.
Lawmakers in both parties are eager to act after former President Donald J. Trump and his allies sought to exploit a 135-year-old law to overturn the 2020 election.