During an August stop in Dunkirk, our U.S. Rep. Tom Reed knew the Problem Solvers Caucus was beginning to have an influence in Washington. Reed, at an OBSERVER editorial board meeting that day, almost prophetically said this group would make a major impact when it was about time to name the next House speaker.

Then came Wednesday’s major announcement: the Problem Solvers Caucus, through working with Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi and Rules Committee Ranking Member Jim McGovern, had made a difference.

“These rule changes represent a hopeful and substantial breakthrough to empower the people we represent, enable rank-and-file members to truly govern and make it easier for bipartisan bills to pass,” Republican co-chair of the Problem Solvers Caucus Tom Reed said. “We look forward to continuing to work across the aisle to find common ground in order to get things done for the American people.”

The caucus, made up of both Democrats and Republicans, was a point of contention for those who voted against Reed in November. But this deal, with common sense rule reforms, is a step in the right direction.

It has been a long time coming.