An airport employee who I’ve come to know through the years recently asked why I bother coming home every Friday just to return to Washington a mere 72 hours later. The answer is simple: In addition to missing my family, I find there is no better reminder of the needs of the people I serve.

Lately, I have been struck by a common theme. While many in D.C. may be indifferent to the state of today’s politics, my constituents are sick and tired of it. They want to see civility restored, to see elected officials put their differences aside, and to see results. I share the frustration of my constituents. I am in Washington to get stuff done, and above all else to effectively govern, which requires cooperation and respect. The tone of the national conversation has to change.