But that doesn't necessarily mean the institution will change. WASHINGTON — Three scandal-scarred members of the House of Representatives have resigned from Congress almost within a week. It’s a rare moment of accountability in a town where scandals are often waved away, waited out or officially pardoned by the president of the United States. But this does not appear to be Congress — which is as unpopular as it’s ever been — turning over a new leaf in hopes of fundamentally cleaning up its act.