That Bright, Shining, Responsible Congress
by Paul Jacob, Contributing Author: The latest Gallup public approval rating for our so-called "representatives" on Capitol Hill stands at 11 percent -- two whole percentage points higher than 2013's worst-ever 9 percent measure.
But what if Congress changed? What if our representatives did something dramatic? You know, to show Americans that they get it, that they'll start representing us, that they're about doing the job and not just riding the gravy train of power, high pay, lavish pensions, special exemption from Obamacare, etc.?
No, I don't envision a majority of the 535 House and Senate members jumping into a phone booth and coming out with Super Solon capes. My fantasy actually has its roots in reality.
Neither Obama nor congressional Democrats dare stop Republicans in Congress from passing The Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2016, introduced by Rep. Rod Blum (R-Iowa). The legislation presents a straightforward incentive: do your job, balance the budget or . . . your pay will be cut.
Okay, disincentive.
Until the deficit is closed, and budget balanced, Blum's law would reduce each congressman's salary by 5 percent the first year, then 10 percent each year thereafter. Once Congress balances the budget, their full pay will be restored.
"For the sake of our children and grandchildren who will be stuck paying off our $19 trillion debt," Rep. Blum argues, "it's time we make our politicians face the reality of our fiscal crisis by hitting them where it counts: their own pocketbook."
If the Republican-controlled Congress passed The Fiscal Responsibility Act, cutting their own pay until they get our country's finances in order, the elections this November would be a rout.
Just a dream?
This is Common Sense. I'm Paul Jacob.
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Paul Jacobs is author of Common Sense which provides daily commentary about the issues impacting America and about the citizens who are doing something about them. He is also President of the Liberty Initiative Fund (LIFe) as well as Citizens in Charge Foundation. Jacobs is a contributing author on the ARRA News Service.
Tags: Paul Jacob, Common Sense, responsible Congress, Fiscal Responsibility To share or post to your site, click on "Post Link". Please mention / link to the ARRA News Service. and "Like" Facebook Page - Thanks!
But what if Congress changed? What if our representatives did something dramatic? You know, to show Americans that they get it, that they'll start representing us, that they're about doing the job and not just riding the gravy train of power, high pay, lavish pensions, special exemption from Obamacare, etc.?
No, I don't envision a majority of the 535 House and Senate members jumping into a phone booth and coming out with Super Solon capes. My fantasy actually has its roots in reality.
Neither Obama nor congressional Democrats dare stop Republicans in Congress from passing The Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2016, introduced by Rep. Rod Blum (R-Iowa). The legislation presents a straightforward incentive: do your job, balance the budget or . . . your pay will be cut.
Okay, disincentive.
Until the deficit is closed, and budget balanced, Blum's law would reduce each congressman's salary by 5 percent the first year, then 10 percent each year thereafter. Once Congress balances the budget, their full pay will be restored.
"For the sake of our children and grandchildren who will be stuck paying off our $19 trillion debt," Rep. Blum argues, "it's time we make our politicians face the reality of our fiscal crisis by hitting them where it counts: their own pocketbook."
If the Republican-controlled Congress passed The Fiscal Responsibility Act, cutting their own pay until they get our country's finances in order, the elections this November would be a rout.
Just a dream?
This is Common Sense. I'm Paul Jacob.
------------------
Paul Jacobs is author of Common Sense which provides daily commentary about the issues impacting America and about the citizens who are doing something about them. He is also President of the Liberty Initiative Fund (LIFe) as well as Citizens in Charge Foundation. Jacobs is a contributing author on the ARRA News Service.
Tags: Paul Jacob, Common Sense, responsible Congress, Fiscal Responsibility To share or post to your site, click on "Post Link". Please mention / link to the ARRA News Service. and "Like" Facebook Page - Thanks!
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