Dear friend,
One of the top concerns I hear from you and many more constituents is that you feel Congress doesn't work for the people anymore. After three years in Congress, I fully understand those frustrations.
That's why I introduced the Roadmap to Congressional Reform at the start of the year. While there's still a long way to go, I believe it's a necessary start to get Congress back on track. Here are the bills included in my reform package:
- Constitutional Term Limits
Members of Congress come to DC and rarely leave. We need to make sure our government is by the people, of the people, and working for the people. Most importantly, we need to ensure our government is all on the same footing - instituting term limits for ALL members of the House and Senate.
- No Budget, No Pay
If Congress can't pass a budget by April 15, as required by the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, Congress shouldn't get paid. Our most basic Constitutional responsibility is to write a budget and fund the government. We haven't completed the whole process since 1997. If we can't do that most basic job, we should not earn a paycheck until it's complete.
- No Budget, No Recess
If Congress can't pass a budget on time, we shouldn't recess either. Funding the government is an incredibly important job, if it doesn't happen on time, Congress should not be allowed to leave town until it's done.
- Stop the Revolving Door
It is a privilege to represent your community and serve them in Congress. Politicians shouldn't be motivated to serve in public office by potentially lucrative contracts as a lobbyist after they leave. When a Member of the House or Senate leaves office, they must wait at least ten years before they register as a lobbyist.
- Congressional Foreign Lobbying Ban
Similarly, politicians who represent their country and work for the betterment of America should not register as a foreign agent when they're done serving their community. This reform is a no-brainer.
- Read the Bills
All too often, Members of Congress are given hundreds - even thousands - of pages of bill text with mere minutes to read it before the vote is called. There is no possible way of knowing what's included in the bill if we don't have adequate time to read it. This bill requires text to be published for a full week for a vote so there is no excuse to not fully comprehend what you're voting on.
- Earmark Elimination
One of the most corrupt, slimy practices in the history of Congress is earmarks. They make Americans feel cut off from their elected officials and give unnecessary advantages to special interests who can afford expensive lobbying efforts. We must root out even the appearance of corruption in government - which means getting rid of earmarks for good.
- Allowing Members of Congress to Opt Out of FERS
This one is a little more niche - it deals with the pension system for public officials. Members of Congress are automatically opted into a federal pension program, which gives thousands of former legislators a pension for life. We currently spend over $35 million/year on Congressional pensions alone. Members of Congress should have the option to opt out of the pension so those tax dollars can be spent on programs that benefit all Americans.
These reforms are simple, but necessary. It's absolutely essential to root out corruption and make Congress actively serve their constituents. I'll continue to fight for these important reforms in the new year.
If you wish to receive legislative updates from my office in the new year, please subscribe to my newsletter, The Hern Roundup, here.