Strict Rules For Congress? Why Not!
I originally published this article back in February. Given the state of affairs in Washington and a recent poll that shows that 46% of us think all congressmen are corrupt, I thought it would be appropriate to revisit the ideas set forth. And I'd like your feedback, too!
Some time ago, a friend of mine and I were kicking around ideas for strict rules we (the people) should impose on the US Congress. I didn't think his ideas went far enough, but below is a list of what we came up with:
7 Simple Rules for serving in the U .S .Congress
1. Term Limits: one six-year term in the senate and three two-year terms in the house. If you’ve already served more than this, you will be out of office upon the completion of your current term. Don’t worry, you’ll make a fine living on the speaking tours and books after you leave office.
2. Congressional salaries will be cut to $90,000/year. When his/her term(s) are finished, so is their salary. No, you do not deserve a guaranteed pension. Unlike our military, you’re life is rarely at risk. Invest, like the rest of us are told we should do. This is supposed to be about service to your country, not a career choice. And 90K a year is far more than most people will ever hope to earn in a single year. You are in good company.
3. ALL congressmen WILL pay into Social Security. No exceptions. If it’s good enough for us, it’s good enough for you, right?
4. Congressional pay raises will work like this: You won’t be around long enough to need one. Sorry.
5. You want health care? Premiums will be deducted from your pay just like the rest of us. Your plans will be issued by the same private insurers who currently cover everyone else. Try it. You’ll like it.
6. Expenses will be closely monitored by the GAO. All expenses of both the house and senate will be public record and a report of all expenditures will be posted for download by anyone who wishes to see them. Caps will be put in place to prevent abuse.
7. We have a Constitution. It is a sacred document drafted upon the Christian principles of the men who carefully crafted it. Follow it. Defend it. It will NOT be overruled by ANY international law. Ever. Your decisions will be guided by this document. If it isn’t Constitutional, you have no authority to do it. (Oh, snap! Guess that means some of those pesky government agencies have to go bye-bye, huh? That’s another article all in itself baby!)
Don’t like the rules? You know where the door is. Have a nice day.
So what do you think? To much? Not enough? Would you support it? Tell us what you think in the comments section below!