Something happens to the brains of those who get into Congress, especially the Senate. Although I suspect to want to get there, let alone actually get there, you need some sort of mental quirk. It might be required, but it certainly helps.
I don’t know that anyone in Congress ever changes their mind based on input from those they are supposed to represent. They have their minds made up and spend their time trying to change the minds of the electorate.
Vichy Republicans