Wanted: Congressional Reform
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| by Mary Wakefield Buxton |
Millions of Americans were appalled at the sleazy, wheeling- dealing trickery that went on during the health-care “discussions.” Including me. Oh, such antics did we see, thanks to national TV coverage of the ongoing spectacle. It was a real wake-up call for much needed reforms in the People’s House.
Here’s what I would suggest in the way of reforms:
- Both parties should always write legislation together, regardless of which has the majority. Both parties have good ideas and legitimate concerns and the nation benefits most of all when the two parties compromise party interests, create win-win solutions to problems, and reach consensus.
- No more writing secretive legislation behind closed doors. Put a cap on the amount of pages any legislation can command and insist that the law be written in language the average American can understand. Over 2,000 pages with only 72 hours notice in order to read what the law actually says set a new record in disgrace and was absolutely reprehensible.
- No more earmarks. The majority of voters are sick to death of the continuing political game Congress plays with the people’s money that hides appropriations in the copious pages of legislation that are earmarked to go to special interest groups.
- Set term limits. Congressmen should only serve a few terms and then return home to other livelihoods. Our Founding Fathers never envisioned Congressmen would become professional lifelong politicians. By limiting terms, Congressmen would have less time to build cozy relationships with lobbyists and thus help control possible conflict of interest and corruption.
- Stop the practice of Congress voting for its own salary increases, benefits and pension plans. We can’t do it; Congress shouldn’t do it either. Let the people decide when Congress deserves a pay increase with a referendum. After all, they work for us, don’t they? End the generous pension plans. Service to our country is its own reward.
- Limit chairmanship terms to just one term. With constant turnover of chairmanships we can prevent the “kingships” and potential conflict of interest problems of such powerful chairmen we have seen of the Barney Franks and Charlie Rangels in Congress. This policy will provide the public with a constant source of new leadership, new blood, and new talent.
- Make it illegal for any Congressman to strike a special deal for his constituency to sell his vote to pass legislation. Americans have a Constitutional right to fair and equal treatment under the law and the Nebraska, Louisiana and Florida “deals” that were struck to buy votes in order to pass health reform were downright disgusting. 8. Outlaw Congressmen from voting for any legislation that has not been properly funded. Following a budget is a rule every American family has to follow. No money? No new programs. Placing this nation in an $8 trillion debt that jeopardizes our national credit rating and currency is criminal.
- Require any and all legislation that is legislated for the people to also apply to Congressmen, the President and all federal workers. Special status or favors for government employees should be illegal.
- Whenever unemployment jumps over 8%, salaries to Congressmen should automatically cease and not be reinstated until unemployment rates drop. This will help in the “I feel your pain” department. It will also help Congress to focus on the number one issue during hard times and that is the creation of jobs—private sector jobs and not just the creation of more government jobs that put even more burden on taxpayers.
- Outlaw raising taxes in a down economy. It is all the people can do to meet their own living expenses in hard times. Congress (along with state and local governments) should do what the people do when the going gets tough—cut spending.
- Send the lobbyists home. But if they don’t or won’t leave Washington, it won’t matter. Term limits will prevent politicians from becoming too chummy with special interest groups.
- Lastly, the reconciliation trick in the Senate that allowed health legislation to pass with only 51 votes set a dangerous precedent and was an anathema to the people. Let’s not play games with our democracy. Requiring 60 votes, which the Constitution calls for to pass major legislation, is a reasonable rule. Stick to the rules.
We have heard from Congress about various outrages on Wall Street, insurance companies, and doctors. Now it’s time to look into the very same charges in Congress.
