Congressional reform means so many different things to different people that it is no wonder not much seems to be changing.
In the late 1960s the case for Congressional reform had gathered strength.
The 1970s was also an era of Congressional reform.
The lopsided margin of victory - the vote was 422 to 6 - showed how powerful Congressional reform has become as an issue.
"Congressional reform is of the utmost importance," he said.
The real loss is not that the Republicans will get credit for Congressional reform instead of the Democrats.
It is certain to cast doubt on his political independence and his dedication to cleaning up Congressional reform.
He ought to find allies for Congressional reform among the new Republican majority, though that is far from certain right now.
He was an expert in the fields of transportation, water resources, economic development and Congressional reform.
The current Congressional reform fails to address these issues.