What are some alternatives to the status quo system with the US Congress, and how do we get them into legislation?

2016-02-22T12:29:22-05:00

I want to see congress actually represent its citizens, not just the money that gets them into office. What are realistic solutions to the status quo?

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Feb 22 at 2016 12:33 PM

2016-02-22T12:33:27-05:00

1. One of the best ways is to have lawmakers spend more time in their home districts and learning what issue are being faced by their constituents SSG Private RallyPoint Member
An old friend of mine is a long-standing Congressman for southern Illinois. Since he was elected last century he spends as much time as he can in his home district. He also spends time with other representatives from Illinois as well as the surrounding states
2. US House Representatives not only represent their district but they are especially attuned to regional issues as well including but not limited to the federal HHS and DHS districts their district is a part of, military stationing issues which impact the nation, and in many cases international relations which impact their region.
3. Perhaps if Washington domicile facilities for Congress were downgraded significantly to resemble the accommodations of those who live northeast of teh Capital it might encourage more to spend less time in Washington and more time at home in their districts.
4. With secure internet the legislators could discuss issues and I expect there could be a way to vote remotely with secure verification that the Congressman or Senator is actually the one casting the vote. This might move us closer to the founders intent.
What are your thoughts COL Mikel J. Burroughs LTC Stephen C. Capt Christopher Mueller SMSgt Minister Gerald A. Thomas SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4" SGT Robert Hawks SGM David W. Carr LOM, DMSM MP SGT SGT Forrest Stewart SGT Randal Groover SrA Christopher Wright SN Greg Wright

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Feb 22 at 2016 12:34 PM

2016-02-22T12:34:43-05:00

Remember that Congress does NOT represent America. They represent their Districts and States.

A California Senator or Representative has NO obligation to represent the interests of someone from TX. In many cases those interests will directly oppose each other.

Instead of looking at the States as part of the Nation, instead look at them like Ambassadors from "foreign nations" who are aligning influence to accomplish their own specific goals. The more states we have, the harder it becomes to get everyone's interests to align for a specific goal.

It's not a failing of Congress, but a product of design, and the diversity of our Nation that Congress is dysfunctional.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Feb 22 at 2016 12:54 PM

2016-02-22T12:54:46-05:00

Limit Congressional sessions to two months every two years and have Senators appointed by governors with advice and consent of state legislators. Term limits for all

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2016 1:58 PM

2016-02-22T13:58:06-05:00

All we need is CJCS Dunford and Gen. Inch, US Army Provost Marshal to execute their sworn oaths to uphold the real Constitution, not the one nowadays they're passing off as it. Check out the 1825 Military Law Manual (original version) page 16!

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Feb 22 at 2016 5:09 PM

2016-02-22T17:09:01-05:00

SSG Private RallyPoint Member Limit the number of pages and items included in any congressional proposal, do not allow changes to a bill w/in ? 5 ? days of the scheduled vote.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Feb 22 at 2016 7:38 PM

2016-02-22T19:38:36-05:00

Term limits: 12 years max in either or both houses.
Go back to the original constitutional design of having states select Senators.
Limit session of Congress to 180 days per calendar year.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2016 9:05 PM

2016-02-22T21:05:29-05:00

It needs to be attainable for any person eligible. To run for a federal office these days one usually needs a ton of $ to spend (especially for president). The system is designed so any old joe can, and should, be in office.

As has been said a few times before, career politicians are a major problem, the idea way back when was for office to be in addition to one's regular job (hence the gigantic breaks they still get, no Congressman is going home for the harvest anymore). Term limits is the number one fix, number two is the amount of $ needed to run.

I view the idea of parties as the largest issue this country has as a whole. People vote based on party rather than issues at hand. Abolish political parties and let the system work. Some better rules governing the processes inside the houses should be put into place.
#1 No aligning with a particular group or party. It's either yes or no to an issue and why the people YOU REPRESENT want that answer, not "because this party doesn't back that idea".
#2 Term limits
#3 An overseer in each house to ensure rules are abided by.
#4 No adding to a proposed bill, even if it is innocent. Too many good ideas are blocked because of additions, and too many bad ideas get approved for the same reason.